Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Forestar Group Inc., all subsidiaries, ventures and other entities in which we have a controlling interest. We account for our investment in other entities in which we have significant influence over operations and financial policies using the equity method (we recognize our share of the entities’ income or loss and any preferential returns and treat distributions as a reduction of our investment). We eliminate all material intercompany accounts and transactions. Noncontrolling interests in consolidated pass-through entities are recognized before income taxes.

We prepare our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, which require us to make estimates and assumptions about future events. Actual results can, and probably will, differ from those we currently estimate. Examples of significant estimates include those related to allocating costs to real estate, measuring long-lived assets for impairment, oil and gas revenue accruals, capital expenditure and lease operating expense accruals associated with our oil and gas production activities, oil and gas reserves and depletion of our oil and gas properties.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and other short-term instruments with original maturities of three months or less. At year-end 2015 and 2014, restricted cash was $200,000 and $217,000 and is included in other assets.

Cash Flows

Expenditures for the acquisition and development of single-family and multifamily real estate that we intend to develop for sale are classified as operating activities. Expenditures for the acquisition and development of properties to be held and operated, investment in oil and gas properties and equipment, and business acquisitions are classified as investing activities. Our accrued capital expenditures for unproved leasehold acquisitions and drilling and completion costs at year-end 2015 and 2014 were $7,033,000 and $19,405,000 and are included in other accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets. These oil and gas property additions will be reflected as cash used for investing activities in the period the accrued payables are settled.

Capitalized Software

We capitalize purchased software costs as well as the direct internal and external costs associated with software we develop for our own use. We amortize these capitalized costs using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives generally ranging from three to five years. The carrying value of capitalized software was $237,000 at year-end 2015 and $1,188,000 at year-end 2014 and is included in other assets. The amortization of these capitalized costs was $996,000 in 2015, $1,067,000 in 2014 and $1,593,000 in 2013 and is included in general and administrative and operating expenses.

Environmental and Asset Retirement Obligations

We recognize environmental remediation liabilities on an undiscounted basis when environmental assessments or remediation are probable and we can reasonably estimate the cost. We adjust these liabilities as further information is obtained or circumstances change. Our asset retirement obligations are related to the abandonment and site restoration requirements that result from the acquisition, construction and development of our oil and gas properties. We record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred and a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Accretion expense related to the asset retirement obligation and depletion expense related to capitalized asset retirement cost is included in cost of oil and gas producing activities on our consolidated statements of income (loss).

The following summarizes the changes in asset retirement obligations:



	Year-End
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	1,807		$	1,483
Additions	65			314
Property dispositions	(119		)	(230		)
Change in estimate	—			118
Liabilities settled	(139		)	—
Accretion expense	144			122
	$	1,758		$	1,807

Fair Value Measurements

Financial instruments for which we did not elect the fair value option include cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivables, other assets, long-term debt, accounts payable and other liabilities. With the exception of long-term notes receivable and debt, the carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature or variable interest rates.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We record goodwill when the purchase price of a business acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. We do not amortize goodwill or other indefinite lived intangible assets. Instead, we measure these assets for impairment based on the estimated fair values at least annually or more frequently if impairment indicators exist. We perform the annual impairment measurement in the fourth quarter of each year. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

In 2015, we performed our annual goodwill impairment evaluation and concluded that goodwill was not impaired as the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value.

Income Taxes

We provide deferred income taxes using current tax rates for temporary differences between the financial accounting carrying value of assets and liabilities and their tax accounting carrying values. We recognize and value income tax exposures for the various taxing jurisdictions where we operate based on laws, elections, commonly accepted tax positions, and management estimates. We include tax penalties and interest in income tax expense. We provide a valuation allowance for any deferred tax asset that is not likely to be recoverable in future periods.

When we believe a tax position is supportable but the outcome uncertain, we include the item in our tax return but do not recognize the related benefit in our provision for taxes. Instead, we record a reserve for unrecognized tax benefits, which represents our expectation of the most likely outcome considering the technical merits and specific facts of the position. Changes to liabilities are only made when an event occurs that changes the most likely outcome, such as settlement with the relevant tax authority, expiration of statutes of limitations, changes in tax law, or recent court rulings.

Owned Mineral Interests

When we lease our mineral interests to third-party exploration and production entities, we retain a royalty interest and may take an additional participation in production, including a working interest. Mineral interests and working interests related to our owned mineral interests are included in oil and gas properties and equipment on our balance sheet, net of accumulated depletion.

Oil and Gas Properties

We use the successful efforts method of accounting for our oil and gas producing activities. Costs to acquire mineral interests leased, costs to drill and complete development of oil and gas wells and related asset retirement costs are capitalized. Costs to drill exploratory wells are capitalized pending determination of whether the wells have proved reserves and if determined incapable of producing commercial quantities of oil and gas these costs are expensed as dry hole costs. At year-end 2014, we had $8,575,000 in capitalized exploratory well costs pending determination of proved reserves, of which $8,454,000 was charged to expense in 2015 with the remaining capitalized based on determination of proved reserves. At year-end 2015, we have no capitalized exploratory well costs pending determination of proved reserves. Exploration costs include dry hole costs, geological and geophysical costs, expired unproved leasehold costs and seismic studies, and are expensed as incurred. Production costs incurred to maintain wells and related equipment are charged to expense as incurred.

Depreciation and depletion of producing oil and gas properties is calculated using the units-of-production method. Proved developed reserves are used to compute unit rates for unamortized tangible and intangible drilling and completion costs. Proved reserves are used to compute unit rates for unamortized acquisition of proved leasehold costs. Unit-of-production amortization rates are revised whenever there is an indication of the need for revision but at least once a year and those revisions are accounted for prospectively as changes in accounting estimates.

Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties

We evaluate our oil and gas properties, including facilities and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. We estimate the expected undiscounted future cash flows of our oil and gas properties and compare such undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying amount of the oil and gas properties to determine if the carrying amount is recoverable. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, we will adjust the carrying amount of the oil and gas properties to fair value. The factors used to determine fair value are subject to our judgment and expertise and include, but are not limited to, recent sales prices of comparable properties, the present value of future cash flows, net of estimated operating and development costs using estimates of proved reserves, future commodity pricing, future production estimates, anticipated capital expenditures, and various discount rates commensurate with the risk and current market conditions associated with realizing the expected cash flows projected. Because of the uncertainty inherent in these factors, we cannot predict when or if future impairment charges for proved properties will be recorded.

The assessment of unproved leasehold properties to determine any possible impairment requires significant judgment. We assess our unproved leasehold properties periodically for impairment on a property-by-property basis based on remaining lease terms, drilling results or future plans to develop acreage. Impairment expense for proved and unproved oil and gas properties are included in costs of oil and gas producing activities.

Operating Leases

We occupy office space in various locations under operating leases. The lease agreements may contain rent escalation clauses, construction allowances and/or contingent rent provisions. We expense operating leases ratably over the shorter of the useful life or the lease term. For scheduled rent escalation clauses, we recognize the base rent expense on a straight-line basis and record the difference between the recognized rent expense and the amounts payable under the lease as deferred lease credits included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred lease credits are amortized over the lease term. For construction allowances, we record leasehold improvement assets included in property and equipment in the consolidated balance sheets amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. The related deferred lease credits are amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the lease term.

Property and Equipment

We carry property and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize the cost of significant additions and improvements, and we expense the cost of repairs and maintenance. We capitalize interest costs incurred on major construction projects. We depreciate these assets using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:



	Estimated	Year-End
	Useful Lives	2015			2014
		(In thousands)
Buildings and building improvements	10 to 40 years	$	4,044		$	4,461
Property and equipment	2 to 10 years	12,230			14,084
		16,274			18,545
Less: accumulated depreciation		(5,542		)	(6,918		)
		$	10,732		$	11,627

Depreciation expense of property and equipment was $1,067,000 in 2015, $903,000 in 2014 and $1,028,000 in 2013.

Real Estate

We carry real estate at the lower of cost or fair value less cost to sell. We capitalize interest costs once development begins, and we continue to capitalize throughout the development period. We also capitalize infrastructure, improvements, amenities, and other development costs incurred during the development period. We determine the cost of real estate sold using the relative sales value method. When we sell real estate from projects that are not finished, we include in the cost of real estate sold estimates of future development costs through completion, allocated based on relative sales values. These estimates of future development costs are reevaluated at least annually, with any adjustments being allocated prospectively to the remaining units available for sale. We receive cash deposits from home builders for purchases of vacant developed lots from community development projects. These earnest money deposits are released to the home builders as lots are developed and sold.

Income producing properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.

We have agreements with utility or improvement districts, principally in Texas, whereby we agree to convey to the district's water, sewer and other infrastructure-related assets we have constructed in connection with projects within their jurisdiction. The reimbursement for these assets ranges from 70 to 90 percent of allowable cost as defined by the district. The transfer is consummated and we receive payment when the districts have a sufficient tax base to support funding of their bonds. The cost we incur in constructing these assets is included in capitalized development costs, and upon collection, we remove the assets from capitalized development costs. We provide an allowance to reflect our past experiences related to claimed allowable development costs.

Impairment of Real Estate Long-Lived Assets

We review real estate long-lived assets held for use for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment exists if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable from the undiscounted cash flows expected from its use and eventual disposition. We determine the amount of the impairment loss by comparing the carrying value of the long-lived asset to its estimated fair value. In the absence of quoted market prices, we determine estimated fair value generally based on the present value of future probability weighted cash flows expected from the sale of the long-lived asset. Non-cash impairment charges related to our owned and consolidated real estate assets are included in cost of real estate sales and other.

Revenue

Real Estate

We recognize revenue from sales of real estate when a sale is consummated, the buyer’s initial investment is adequate, any receivables are probable of collection, the usual risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, and we do not have significant continuing involvement with the real estate sold. If we determine that the earnings process is not complete, we defer recognition of any gain until earned. We recognize revenue from hotel room sales and other guest services when rooms are occupied and other guest services have been rendered. We recognize rental revenues from our multifamily properties when earned in accordance with the terms of the respective leases on a straight-line basis for the period of occupancy.

We recognize construction revenues on multifamily projects that we develop as a general contractor. Construction revenues are recognized as costs are incurred plus fixed fee earned. We are reimbursed for costs paid to subcontractors plus we may earn a development and construction management fee on multifamily projects we develop, both of which are included in commercial and income producing properties revenue. On multifamily projects where our fee is based on a fixed fee plus guaranteed maximum price contract, any cost overruns incurred during construction, as compared to the original budget, will reduce the net fee generated on these projects. Any excess cost overruns estimated over the net fee generated are recognized in the period in which they become evident. At year-end 2015, we are not a general contractor on any of the multifamily projects currently under construction and we do not anticipate to be a general contractor on any new multifamily projects.

We exclude from revenue amounts we collect from utility or improvement districts related to the conveyance of water, sewer and other infrastructure related assets. We also exclude from revenue amounts we collect for timber sold on land being developed. These proceeds reduce capitalized development costs. We exclude from revenue amounts we collect from customers that represent sales tax or other taxes that are based on the sale. These amounts are included in other accrued expenses until paid.

Oil and Gas

We recognize revenue as oil and gas is produced and sold. There are a significant amount of oil and gas properties which we do not operate and, therefore, revenue is typically recorded in the month of production based on an estimate of our share of volumes produced and prices realized. We obtain the most current available production data from the operators and price indices for each well to estimate the accrual of revenue. Obtaining production data on a timely basis for some wells is not feasible; therefore we utilize past production receipts and estimated sales price information to estimate accrual of working interest revenue on all other non-operated wells each month. Revisions to such estimates are recorded as actual results become known. We review accounts receivable periodically and reduce the carrying amount by a valuation allowance that reflects our best estimate of the amount that may not be collectible.

A majority of our sales are made under contractual arrangements with terms that are considered to be usual and customary in the oil and gas industry. The contracts are for periods of up to five years with prices determined upon a percentage of pre-determined and published monthly index price. The terms of these contracts have not had an effect on how we recognize revenue.

We recognize revenue from mineral bonus payments received as a result of leasing our owned mineral interests to others when we have received an executed agreement with the exploration company transferring the rights to any oil or gas it may find and requiring drilling be done within a specified period, the payment has been collected, and we have no obligation to refund the payment. We recognize revenue from delay rentals received if drilling has not started within the specified period and when the payment has been collected. We recognize revenue from mineral royalties when the minerals have been delivered to the buyer, the value is determinable, and we are reasonably sure of collection.

Other Natural Resources

We recognize revenue from timber sales upon passage of title, which occurs at delivery; when the price is fixed and determinable; and we are reasonably sure of collection. We recognize revenue from recreational leases on the straight-line basis over the lease term.

Share-Based Compensation

We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model for stock options, Monte Carlo simulation pricing model for market-leveraged stock units and for stock options with market conditions, grant date fair value for equity-settled awards and period-end fair value for cash-settled awards. We expense share-based awards ratably over the vesting period or earlier based on retirement eligibility.

Timber

We carry timber at cost less the cost of timber cut. We expense the cost of timber cut based on the relationship of the timber carrying value to the estimated volume of recoverable timber multiplied by the amount of timber cut. We include the cost of timber cut in cost of other natural resources in the income statement. We determine the estimated volume of recoverable timber using statistical information and other data related to growth rates and yields gathered from physical observations, models and other information gathering techniques. Changes in yields are generally due to adjustments in growth rates and similar matters and are accounted for prospectively as changes in estimates. We capitalize reforestation costs incurred in developing viable seedling plantations (up to two years from planting), such as site preparation, seedlings, planting, fertilization, insect and wildlife control, and herbicide application. We expense all other costs, such as property taxes and costs of forest management personnel, as incurred. Once the seedling plantation is viable, we expense all costs to maintain the viable plantations, such as fertilization, herbicide application, insect and wildlife control, and thinning, as incurred.

We own directly or through ventures about 89,000 acres of non-core timberland and undeveloped land, primarily in Georgia. The non-cash cost of timber cut and sold is $250,000 in 2015, $371,000 in 2014 and $609,000 in 2013 and is included in depreciation, depletion and amortization in our statement of cash flows.

New and Pending Accounting Pronouncements

Pending Accounting Pronouncements

Pending Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. The updated standard becomes effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In July 2015, the FASB decided to defer the effective date of the new standard by one year. This deferral results in the updated standard being effective after December 15, 2017. We have not yet selected a transition method and we are currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on our earnings, financial position and disclosures.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20), which eliminates the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP. The updated standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on our financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (Topic 810), requiring entities to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. The revised consolidation model: (1) modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities, (2) eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, (3) affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, and (4) provides a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in certain legal entities. The updated standard is effective for financial statements issued for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The updated standard may be applied retrospectively or using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on our financial statements and related disclosures.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. To simplify presentation of debt issuance costs, the amendments in this update require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting (SEC Update), which allows an entity to defer and present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The updated standards are effective for financial statements issued for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The updated standards are not expected to materially impact our financial position or disclosures.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (Subtopic 350-40), in order to provide clarification on whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a software license is included, the customer should account for the license consistent with its accounting of other software licenses. If a software license is not included, the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract. The update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect the updated standard will have on our financial position and disclosures.

In June 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-10, Technical Corrections and Updates. The amendments in this update cover a wide range of topics in the codification and are generally categorized as follows: Amendments Related to Differences between Original Guidance and the Codification; Guidance Clarification and Reference Corrections; Simplification; and, Minor Improvements. The amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to impact our financial position or results of operations.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes - Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Subtopic 740). The ASU requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We do not currently present a classified consolidated balance sheet and therefore this pronouncement will have no impact on our financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets but recognize expenses on their income statements in a manner that is similar to today's accounting. This guidance also eliminates today's real estate-specific provisions for all entities. For lessors, the guidance modifies the classification criteria and the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. This guidance is effective in 2019, and interim periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted. The new leases standard requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. We are currently evaluating the effect the updated standard will have on our financial position and disclosures.