SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization

Caleres, Inc., originally founded as Brown Shoe Company in 1878 and incorporated in 1913, is a global footwear retailer and wholesaler. In May 2015, the shareholders of Brown Shoe Company, Inc. approved a rebranding initiative that changed the name of the company to Caleres, Inc. (the "Company"). The Company’s shares are traded under the “CAL” symbol on the New York Stock Exchange.

The Company provides a broad offering of licensed, branded and private-label casual, dress and athletic footwear products to women, men and children. Footwear is sold at a variety of price points through multiple distribution channels both domestically and internationally. The Company currently operates 1,262 retail shoe stores in the United States, Canada, Guam and Italy, primarily under the Famous Footwear, Naturalizer and Allen Edmonds names. In addition, through its Brand Portfolio segment, the Company designs, sources and markets footwear to retail stores domestically and internationally, including national chains, online retailers, department stores, mass merchandisers, independent retailers and catalogs. In 2017, approximately 69% of the Company’s net sales were at retail, compared to 67% in 2016 and 66% in 2015. Refer to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the Company’s business segments.

The Company’s business is seasonal in nature due to consumer spending patterns with higher back-to-school and holiday season sales. Traditionally, the third fiscal quarter accounts for a substantial portion of the Company’s earnings for the year.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, after the elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests in the Company’s consolidated financial statements result from the accounting for noncontrolling interests in partially-owned consolidated subsidiaries or affiliates. The Company consolidates B&H Footwear Company Limited (“B&H Footwear”), a joint venture, into its consolidated financial statements. Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests represent the share of net earnings that are attributable to the B&H Footwear equity. Transactions between the Company and B&H Footwear have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. As further discussed in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2016, the Company communicated its intention to dissolve the joint venture upon the expiration of the joint venture agreement in August 2017. The parties are in the process of dissolving their joint venture arrangements.

Accounting Period

The Company’s fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week period ending the Saturday nearest to January 31. Fiscal year 2017, which included 53 weeks, ended on February 3, 2018. Fiscal years 2016 and 2015, both of which included 52 weeks, ended on January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016, respectively.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Receivables

The Company evaluates the collectibility of selected accounts receivable on a case-by-case basis and makes adjustments to the bad debt reserve for expected losses. The Company considers factors such as ability to pay, bankruptcy, credit ratings and payment history. For all other accounts, the Company estimates reserves for bad debts based on experience and past due status of the accounts. If circumstances related to customers change, estimates of recoverability are further adjusted. The Company recognized a provision for doubtful accounts of $1.3 million in 2017, $1.4 million in 2016 and $0.5 million in 2015.

Customer allowances represent reserves against our wholesale customers’ accounts receivable for margin assistance, product returns, customer deductions and co-op advertising allowances. The Company estimates the reserves needed for margin assistance by reviewing inventory levels on the retail floors, sell-through rates, historical dilution, current gross margin levels and other performance indicators of our major retail customers. Product returns and customer deductions are estimated using historical experience and anticipated future trends. Co-op advertising allowances are estimated based on customer agreements. The Company recognized a provision for customer allowances of $51.1 million in 2017, $45.2 million in 2016 and $47.4 million in 2015.

Customer discounts represent reserves against our accounts receivable for discounts that our wholesale customers may take based on meeting certain order, payment or return guidelines. The Company estimates the reserves needed for customer discounts based upon customer net sales and respective agreement terms. The Company recognized a provision for customer discounts of $4.8 million in 2017, $3.6 million in 2016 and $2.6 million in 2015.

Inventories

All inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value with approximately 85% of consolidated inventories using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs and are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation. If the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method had been used, consolidated inventories would have been $4.0 million and $4.3 million higher at February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively. Refer to Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

The costs of inventory, inbound freight and duties, markdowns, shrinkage and royalty expense are classified in cost of goods sold. Costs of warehousing and distribution are classified in selling and administrative expenses and are expensed as incurred. Such warehousing and distribution costs totaled $89.7 million, $77.7 million and $70.4 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Costs of overseas sourcing offices and other inventory procurement costs are reflected in selling and administrative expenses and are expensed as incurred. Such sourcing and procurement costs totaled $23.1 million, $21.5 million and $23.9 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company applies judgment in valuing inventories by assessing the net realizable value of inventories based on current selling prices. At the Famous Footwear segment and certain Brand Portfolio retail operations, markdowns are recognized when it becomes evident that inventory items will be sold at retail prices less than cost, plus the cost to sell the product. This policy causes the gross profit rates at Famous Footwear and, to a lesser extent, Brand Portfolio to be lower than the initial markup during periods when permanent price reductions are taken to clear product. Within the Brand Portfolio segment, markdown reserves generally reduce the carrying values of inventories to a level where, upon sale of the product, the Company will realize its normal gross profit rate. The Company believes these policies reflect the difference in operating models between the Famous Footwear and Brand Portfolio segments. Famous Footwear periodically runs promotional events to drive sales to clear seasonal inventories. The Brand Portfolio segment relies on permanent price reductions to clear slower-moving inventory.

Markdowns are recorded to reflect expected adjustments to sales prices. In determining markdowns, management considers current and recently recorded sales prices, the length of time the product is held in inventory and quantities of various product styles contained in inventory, among other factors. The ultimate amount realized from the sale of certain products could differ from management estimates. The Company performs physical inventory counts or cycle counts on all merchandise inventory on hand throughout the year and adjusts the recorded balance to reflect the results. The Company records estimated shrinkage between physical inventory counts based on historical results.

Computer Software Costs

The Company capitalizes certain costs in other assets, including internal payroll costs incurred in connection with the development or acquisition of software for internal use. Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets include $22.3 million and $30.0 million of computer software costs as of February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively, which are net of accumulated amortization of $123.0 million and $111.7 million as of the end of the respective periods.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the remaining lease terms, where applicable, using the straight-line method.

Interest Expense

Capitalized Interest

Interest costs for major asset additions are capitalized during the construction or development period and amortized over the lives of the related assets. The Company capitalized interest of $1.4 million and $0.3 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to its expansion and modernization project at its Lebanon, Tennessee distribution center, with no corresponding interest capitalized in 2017.

Interest Expense

Interest expense includes interest for borrowings under both the Company’s short-term and long-term debt, net of amounts capitalized. Interest expense includes fees paid under the short-term revolving credit agreement for the unused portion of its line of credit. Interest expense also includes the amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and debt discount as well as the accretion of certain discounted noncurrent liabilities.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests. The Company adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (ASC Topic 350) Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which permits, but does not require, a company to qualitatively assess indicators of a reporting unit’s fair value when it is unlikely that a reporting unit is impaired. If, after completing the qualitative assessment, a company believes it is likely that a reporting unit is impaired, a discounted cash flow analysis is prepared to estimate fair value. A fair value-based test is applied at the reporting unit level, which is generally at or one level below the operating segment level. The test compares the fair value of the Company’s reporting units to the carrying value of those reporting units. This test requires significant assumptions, estimates and judgments by management, and is subject to inherent uncertainties and subjectivity. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using an estimate of future cash flows of the reporting unit and a risk-adjusted discount rate to compute a net present value of future cash flows. Projected net sales, gross profit, selling and administrative expense, capital expenditures and working capital requirements are based on the Company's internal projections. Discount rates reflect market-based estimates of the risks associated with the projected cash flows of the reporting units directly resulting from the use of its assets in its operations. Assumptions that market participants may use are also considered. The estimate of the fair values of the Company's reporting units is based on the best information available to the Company's management as of the date of the assessment. As further discussed below, during the third quarter of 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill. Goodwill impairment is recorded if the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill.

As a result of the acquisition of Allen Edmonds in 2016, the Company performed a quantitative assessment for the goodwill impairment test as of the first day of the fourth quarter of 2017. Based on the results of the most recent goodwill impairment quantitative assessment, the Company determined that the fair values of the reporting units exceeded the carrying values.

The Company performs impairment tests on its indefinite-lived intangible assets as of the first day of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year unless events indicate an interim test is required. The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment reviews performed as of the first day of the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter resulted in no impairment charges. Definite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, are amortized over their useful lives and are reviewed for impairment if and when impairment indicators are present.

Investment in Nonconsolidated Affiliate

The Company has an investment in a nonconsolidated affiliate that is accounted for using the cost method. The investment's carrying value of $7.0 million was included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. During 2016, the Company determined that the investment had an other-than-temporary decline in its fair value that exceeded its carrying value and recorded an impairment charge of $7.0 million, which is presented in restructuring and other special charges, net in the consolidated statements of earnings in 2016.

Self-Insurance Reserves

The Company is self-insured and/or retains high deductibles for a significant portion of its workers’ compensation, health, disability, cyber risk, general liability, automobile and property programs, among others. Liabilities associated with the risks that are retained by the Company are estimated by considering historical claims experience, trends of the Company and the industry and other actuarial assumptions. The estimated accruals for these liabilities could be affected if development of costs on claims differ from these assumptions and historical trends. Based on available information as of February 3, 2018, the Company believes it has provided adequate reserves for its self-insurance exposure. As of February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, self-insurance reserves were $11.0 million and $10.4 million, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

Retail sales, recognized at the point of sale, are recorded net of returns and exclude sales tax. Wholesale sales are recorded, net of returns, allowances and discounts, generally when the merchandise has been shipped and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer. Revenue for products sold that are shipped directly to an individual consumer is recognized upon delivery to the consumer. Reserves for projected merchandise returns, discounts and allowances are determined based on historical experience and current expectations. Revenue is recognized on license fees related to Company-owned brand-names, where the Company is the licensor, when the related sales of the licensee are made. As further discussed below, the Company will adopt ASC 606, Revenue with Contracts from Customers, in the first quarter of 2018, which will change how revenue is recognized for certain aspects of the Company's business.

Gift Cards

The Company sells gift cards to its consumers in its retail stores, through its Internet sites and at other retailers. The Company’s gift cards do not have expiration dates or inactivity fees. The Company recognizes revenue from gift cards when (i) the gift card is redeemed by the consumer or (ii) the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the consumer is remote (“gift card breakage”) and the Company determines that it does not have a legal obligation to remit the value of unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdictions. The Company determines its gift card breakage rate based upon historical redemption patterns. The Company recognizes gift card breakage during the 24-month period following the sale of the gift card, according to the Company’s historical redemption pattern. Gift card breakage income is included in net sales in the consolidated statements of earnings and the liability established upon the sale of a gift card is included in other accrued expenses within the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognized $1.7 million of gift card breakage in 2017 and $0.7 million in 2016 and 2015.

Loyalty Program

The Company maintains a loyalty program (“Rewards”) at Famous Footwear, through which consumers earn points toward savings certificates for qualifying purchases. Upon reaching specified point values, consumers are issued a savings certificate that may be redeemed for purchases at Famous Footwear. Savings certificates earned must be redeemed within stated expiration dates. In addition to the savings certificates, the Company also offers exclusive member discounts. The value of points and rewards earned by Famous Footwear’s Rewards program members are recorded as a reduction of net sales and a liability is established within other accrued expenses at the time the points are earned based on historical conversion and redemption rates. Approximately 75% of net sales in the Famous Footwear segment were made to its Rewards members in both 2017 and 2016, compared to 74% in 2015. As of February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, the Company had a Rewards program liability of $8.1 million and $7.6 million, respectively, which is included in other accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets. As further discussed below, the adoption of ASC 606 in the first quarter of 2018 will have a material impact on the Rewards program liability.

Store Closing and Impairment Charges

The costs of closing stores, including lease termination costs, property and equipment write-offs and severance, as applicable, are recorded when the store is closed or when a binding agreement is reached with the landlord to close the store.

The Company regularly analyzes the results of all of its stores and assesses the viability of underperforming stores to determine whether events or circumstances exist that indicate the stores should be closed or whether the carrying amount of their long-lived assets may not be recoverable. After allowing for an appropriate start-up period, unusual nonrecurring events or favorable trends, property and equipment at stores indicated as impaired are written down to fair value as calculated using a discounted cash flow method. The Company recorded asset impairment charges, primarily related to underperforming retail stores, of $3.8 million in 2017, $1.6 million in 2016 and $2.8 million in 2015.

Advertising and Marketing Expense

Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred, except for the costs of direct response advertising that relate primarily to the production and distribution of the Company's catalogs and coupon mailers. Direct response advertising costs are capitalized and amortized over the expected future revenue stream, which is generally one to three months from the date the materials are mailed. External production costs of advertising are expensed when the advertising first appears in the media or in the store.

In addition, the Company participates in co-op advertising programs with certain of its wholesale customers. For those co-op advertising programs where the Company has validated the fair value of the advertising received, co-op advertising costs are reflected as advertising expense within selling and administrative expenses. Otherwise, co-op advertising costs are reflected as a reduction of net sales.

Total advertising and marketing expense was $83.6 million, $78.8 million and $78.4 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These costs were offset by co-op advertising allowances recovered by the Company’s retail business of $4.8 million, $4.1 million and $6.5 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Total co-op advertising costs reflected as a reduction of net sales were $10.0 million in 2017, $8.4 million in 2016 and $9.7 million in 2015. Total advertising costs attributable to future periods that are deferred and recognized as a component of prepaid expenses and other current assets were $4.0 million and $2.3 million at February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of its assets and liabilities. The Company establishes valuation allowances if it believes that it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company does not recognize a tax benefit unless it concludes that it is more-likely-than-not that the benefit will be sustained on audit by the taxing authority based solely on the technical merits of the associated tax position. If the recognition threshold is met, the Company recognizes a tax benefit measured at the largest amount of the tax benefit that, in its judgment, is greater than 50% likely to be realized. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax positions within the income tax provision on the consolidated statements of earnings.

As further discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, on December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law, making significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a quasi-territorial tax system and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings.

Operating Leases

The Company leases its store premises and certain office locations, distribution centers and equipment under operating leases. Approximately one-half of the leases entered into by the Company include options that allow the Company to extend the lease term beyond the initial commitment period, subject to terms agreed to at lease inception. Some leases also include early termination options that can be exercised under specific conditions.

Contingent Rentals

Many of the leases covering retail stores require contingent rentals in addition to the minimum monthly rental charge based on retail sales volume. The Company records expense for contingent rentals during the period in which the retail sales volume exceeds the respective targets.

Construction Allowances Received From Landlords

At the time its retail facilities are initially leased, the Company often receives consideration from landlords to be applied against the cost of leasehold improvements necessary to open the store. The Company treats these construction allowances as a lease incentive. The allowances are recorded as a deferred rent obligation and amortized to income over the lease term as a reduction of rent expense. The allowances are reflected as a component of other accrued expenses and deferred rent on the consolidated balance sheets.

Straight-Line Rents and Rent Holidays

The Company records rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term for all of its leased facilities. For leases that have predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rentals, the Company recognizes the related rental expense on a straight-line basis and records the difference between the recognized rental expense and amounts payable under the lease as deferred rent. At the time its retail facilities are leased, the Company is frequently not charged rent for a specified period of time, typically 30 to 60 days, while the store is being prepared for opening. This rent-free period is referred to as a rent holiday. The Company recognizes rent expense over the lease term, including any rent holiday, within selling and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of earnings.

Pre-opening Costs

Pre-opening costs associated with opening retail stores, including payroll, supplies and facility costs, are expensed as incurred.

Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Caleres, Inc. Shareholders

The Company uses the two-class method to calculate basic and diluted earnings per common share attributable to Caleres, Inc. shareholders. Unvested restricted stock awards are considered participating units because they entitle holders to non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents during the vesting term. Under the two-class method, basic earnings per common share attributable to Caleres, Inc. shareholders is computed by dividing the net earnings attributable to Caleres, Inc. after allocation of earnings to participating securities by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Caleres, Inc. shareholders is computed by dividing the net earnings attributable to Caleres, Inc. after allocation of earnings to participating securities by the weighted-average number of common shares and potential dilutive securities outstanding during the year. Potential dilutive securities consist of outstanding stock options and contingently issuable shares for the Company's performance share awards. Refer to Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to the calculation of earnings per common share attributable to Caleres, Inc. shareholders.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes the effect of foreign currency translation adjustments, pension and other postretirement benefits adjustments and unrealized gains or losses from derivatives used for hedging activities.

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

For certain of the Company’s international subsidiaries, the local currency is the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars at the period-end exchange rate or historical rates as appropriate. Consolidated statements of earnings amounts are translated at average exchange rates for the period. The cumulative translation adjustments resulting from changes in exchange rates are included in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in total Caleres, Inc. shareholders’ equity. Transaction gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Adjustments

The Company determines the expense and obligations for retirement and other benefit plans using assumptions related to discount rates, expected long-term rates of return on invested plan assets, expected salary increases and certain employee-related factors. The Company determines the fair value of plan assets and benefit obligations as of the January 31 measurement date. The unrecognized portion of the gain or loss on plan assets is included in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in total Caleres, Inc. shareholders’ equity and is recognized into the plans’ expense over time. Refer to additional information related to pension and other postretirement benefits in Note 5 and Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company recognizes all derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and measures those instruments at fair value. The Company evaluates its exposure to volatility in foreign currency rates and may enter into derivative transactions. These derivative financial instruments are viewed as risk management tools and are not used for trading or speculative purposes. Refer to additional information related to derivative financial instruments in Note 13, Note 14 and Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.

Litigation Contingencies

The Company is the defendant in several claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes any of these ordinary- course-of-business proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations. The Company accrues its best estimate of the cost of resolution of these claims. Legal defense costs of such claims are recognized in the period in which the costs are incurred. Refer to Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for a further description of commitments and contingencies.

Environmental Matters

The Company is involved in environmental remediation and ongoing compliance activities at several sites. The Company is remediating, under the oversight of Colorado authorities, the groundwater and indoor air at its owned facility and residential neighborhoods adjacent to and near the property, which have been affected by solvents previously used at the facility. In addition, various federal and state authorities have identified the Company as a potentially responsible party for remediation at certain other sites. The Company's prior operations included numerous manufacturing and other facilities for which the Company may have responsibility under various environmental laws to address conditions that may be identified in the future. Refer to Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for a further description of specific properties.

Environmental expenditures relating to an existing condition caused by past operations and that do not contribute to current or future revenue generation are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated and are evaluated independently of any future claims recovery. Generally, the timing of these accruals coincides with completion of a feasibility study or our commitment to a formal plan of action, and our estimates of cost are subject to change as new information becomes available. Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are discounted to their present value in those situations requiring only continuing maintenance and monitoring based upon a schedule of fixed payments.

Business Combination Accounting

The Company allocates the purchase price of an acquired entity to the assets and liabilities acquired based upon their estimated fair values at the business combination date. The Company also identifies and estimates the fair values of intangible assets that should be recognized as assets apart from goodwill. A single estimate of fair value results from a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and relies heavily on estimates and assumptions. The Company typically engages third-party valuation specialists to assist in the estimation of fair values for intangible assets other than goodwill, inventory and fixed assets. The carrying values of acquired receivables and trade accounts payable have historically approximated their fair values at the business combination date. With respect to other acquired assets and liabilities, the Company uses all available information to make the best estimates of their fair values at the business combination date.

The Company’s purchase price allocation methodology contains uncertainties because it requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities. Management estimates the fair value of assets and liabilities based upon quoted market prices, the carrying value of the acquired assets and widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows. Unanticipated events or circumstances may occur which could affect the accuracy of the Company’s estimates, including assumptions regarding industry economic factors and business strategies.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company has share-based incentive compensation plans under which certain officers, employees and members of the Board of Directors are participants and may be granted restricted stock, stock performance awards and stock options. Additionally, share-based grants may be made to non-employee members of the Board of Directors in the form of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) payable in cash or the Company's common stock at no cost to the non-employee member of the Board of Directors. The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, and ASC 505, Equity, which require all share-based payments to employees and members of the Board of Directors, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized as expense in the consolidated financial statements based on their fair values. The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula that requires assumptions for expected volatility, expected dividends, the risk-free interest rate and the expected term of the option. Stock options generally vest over four years, with 25% vesting annually and expense is recognized on a straight-line basis separately for each vesting portion of the stock option award. Expense for restricted stock is based on the fair value of the restricted stock on the date of grant and is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over a four-year vesting period. Expense for stock performance awards is recognized based upon the fair value of the awards on the date of grant and the anticipated number of shares or units to be awarded on a straight-line basis over the respective term of the award, or individual vesting portion of an award. Expense for the initial grant of RSUs is recognized ratably over the one-year vesting period based upon the fair value of the RSUs, and for cash-equivalent RSUs, is remeasured at the end of each period. If any of the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model or the anticipated number of shares to be awarded change significantly, share-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period. Refer to additional information related to share-based compensation in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

Impact of Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330), which requires entities to measure inventory at "the lower of cost and net realizable value", simplifying the current guidance under which entities must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted the ASU in the first quarter of 2017, which did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718), which simplifies accounting for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees, including income taxes, forfeitures and statutory income tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted the ASU during the first quarter of 2017, which had the following impact to the consolidated financial statements:


•	The Company recognized excess tax benefits during 2017 of $1.3 million related to share-based plans, which are required to be recognized in the statements of earnings on a prospective basis. Prior to the adoption of the ASU, the excess tax benefit related to share-based plans was recorded in additional paid-in-capital.


•	The Company elected to adopt the provision of the ASU to account for forfeitures as they occur. This election was applied on a modified retrospective basis, resulting in a net increase to Caleres, Inc. shareholders' equity of $0.4 million.

•

The ASU requires cash flows from excess tax benefits related to share-based payments to be reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company elected to adopt this provision on a prospective basis and as a result, the excess tax benefits related to share-based plans for 2016 and 2015 are presented as financing activities, while the benefit for 2017 is presented as an operating activity.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill. Under the ASU, goodwill impairment will be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill. The ASU is effective prospectively for annual and interim impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the ASU during the third quarter of 2017, which had no impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which contains amendments that allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the ASU during the fourth quarter of 2017, which resulted in the reclassification of $5.7 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings. The reclassification was comprised of a $5.9 million unrealized gain on pension and other postretirement benefits and a $0.2 million unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments.

Impact of Prospective Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and subsequently issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date. Several ASUs to clarify the implementation guidance in ASU 2014-09 have also been issued. Topic 606 provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized, based upon the core principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The ASUs are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will adopt the ASUs during the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective method.

The area most significantly impacted by the ASUs will be the value assigned to loyalty points issued under the Company's loyalty program for the Famous Footwear segment. The new standards will require a deferral of revenue associated with loyalty points using a relative stand-alone selling price method rather than the incremental cost approach the Company uses under the current standard. The standards allow entities to elect various practical expedients. The Company will elect the practical expedient to disregard the effect of the time value of money in a significant financing component when its payment terms are less than one year. The Company will also elect the practical expedient to exclude sales and similar taxes collected from consumers from the measurement of the transaction price for its retail sales. Although adoption of the ASUs will result in a significant initial adjustment to deferred revenue related to loyalty points and require certain changes in presentation to the Company's consolidated balance sheets, it is not anticipated to significantly impact the Company's consolidated statements of earnings on an ongoing basis. The cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption of the ASUs in the first quarter of 2018 is expected to decrease the opening balance of retained earnings by approximately $5 million. While we are substantially complete with quantifying the impact of adopting the ASUs, the Company's assessment will be finalized during the first quarter of 2018.

The Company has also identified and implemented changes to its accounting policies and practices and accounting systems. In addition, specific controls over the evaluation of the impact of adoption of the ASUs have been designed and implemented, including, but not limited to, the calculation of the cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings and disclosure requirements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 using a modified retrospective approach, with early adoption permitted. The Company's implementation team is developing and executing the plan to adopt the ASU. The Company's accounting systems to comply with the requirements of the new standard have been upgraded and the Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the standard on its leases and processes. The Company anticipates electing the package of practical expedients permitted within the ASU. Due to the large number of retail operating leases to which the Company is a party, the Company anticipates that the impact to its consolidated balance sheets upon adoption in the first quarter of 2019 will be material. The Company is still assessing the impact to the consolidated statements of earnings. As the impact of the ASU is non-cash in nature, the impact to the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows is not expected to be material. Adoption of the ASU is not expected to trigger non-compliance with any covenant or other restrictions under the provisions of any of the Company’s debt obligations. The Company is monitoring the proposed ASU, Targeted Improvements, Leases (ASC 842) that, if finalized as proposed, would provide an optional transition method that would allow the Company to only apply ASC 842 in the year of adoption and apply the legacy guidance in ASC 840, Leases, including its disclosure requirements, in the comparative periods.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which requires the recognition of the income tax effects of intercompany sales and intra-entity transfers of assets, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The ASU will be adopted during the first quarter of 2018 using a modified retrospective approach. The adoption will require the Company to reclassify to retained earnings the tax impacts of intra-entity transfers of intangible assets that occurred prior to adoption. As a result, the Company will record a $5.4 million reduction to an income tax asset and a $5.1 million increase to deferred tax liabilities, with a corresponding reduction in retained earnings of $10.5 million.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The ASU amends ASC 715, Compensation — Retirement Benefits, to require employers that present a measure of operating income in their statements of earnings to include only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in operating expenses (together with other employee compensation costs). The other components of net benefit cost, including amortization of prior service cost/credit, and settlement and curtailment effects, are to be included in non-operating expenses. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Upon adoption of the ASU during the first quarter of 2018, the Company will separately present the components of net periodic benefit cost or income, excluding the service cost component, in non-operating expenses on a retrospective basis. Net periodic benefit income, excluding the service cost component, was $12.3 million, $15.0 million and $19.0 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which amends the hedge accounting model in ASC 815 to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements and simplifies the application of hedge accounting in certain situations. The ASU eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt the ASU in the first quarter of 2018, which is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.