Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which require management to make estimates and assumptions regarding measurements including the fair value of trading assets and liabilities, goodwill and intangibles, compensation accruals, capitalized software, income tax, and other matters that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated on both a basic and diluted basis. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is calculated by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing the net income available for common stockholders by the diluted weighted average shares outstanding for that period. Diluted EPS includes the determinants of the basic EPS and, in addition, reflects the dilutive effect of shares of common stock estimated to be distributed in the future under the Company’s share based compensation plans.

The Company grants restricted stock units (“RSUs”), which entitle recipients to receive nonforfeitable dividends during the vesting period on a basis equivalent to the dividends paid to holders of common stock. As a result, the unvested RSUs meet the definition of a participating security requiring the application of the two-class method. Under the two-class method, earnings available to common shareholders, including both distributed and undistributed earnings, are allocated to each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participating rights in undistributed earnings, which may cause diluted EPS to be more dilutive than the calculation using the treasury stock method.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include money market accounts, which are payable on demand, and short-term investments with an original maturity of less than 90 days.

The Company maintains cash in bank deposit accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company manages this risk by selecting financial institutions deemed highly creditworthy to minimize the risk.

Securities Borrowed and Securities Loaned

The Company conducts securities borrowing and lending activities with external counterparties. In connection with these transactions, the Company receives or posts collateral, which comprises by cash and/or securities. In accordance with substantially all of its stock borrow agreements, the Company is permitted to sell or repledge the securities received. Securities borrowed or loaned are recorded based on the amount of cash collateral advanced or received. The initial cash collateral advanced or received generally approximates or is greater than 102% of the fair value of the underlying securities borrowed or loaned. The Company monitors the fair value of securities borrowed and loaned, and delivers or obtains additional collateral as appropriate. Receivables and payables with the same counterparty are not offset in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Interest received or paid by the Company for these transactions is recorded gross on an accrual basis under interest and dividends income or interest and dividends expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

In a repurchase agreement, securities sold under agreements to repurchase are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at contract value, plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. It is the Company's policy that its custodian takes possession of the underlying collateral securities with a fair value approximately equal to the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest. For reverse repurchase agreements, the Company typically requires delivery of collateral with a fair value approximately equal to the carrying value of the relevant assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition. To ensure that the fair value of the underlying collateral remains sufficient, the collateral is valued daily with additional collateral obtained or excess collateral returned, as permitted under contractual provisions. The Company does not net securities purchased under agreements to resell transactions with securities sold under agreements to repurchase transactions entered into with the same counterparty.

The Company has also entered into bilateral and tri-party term and overnight repurchase and other collateralized financing agreements which bear interest at negotiated rates. The Company receives cash and makes delivery of financial instruments to a custodian who monitors the market value of these instruments on a daily basis. The market value of the instruments delivered must be equal to or in excess of the principal amount loaned under the repurchase agreements plus the agreed upon margin requirement. The custodian may request additional collateral, if appropriate. Interest received or paid by the Company for these transactions is recorded gross on an accrual basis under interest and dividends income or interest and dividends expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Receivables from/Payables to Broker-dealers and Clearing Organizations

Amounts receivable from broker-dealers and clearing organizations may be restricted to the extent that they serve as deposits for securities sold, not yet purchased. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, receivables from and payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations primarily represented amounts due for unsettled trades, open equity in futures transactions, securities failed to deliver or failed to receive, deposits with clearing organizations or exchanges and balances due from or due to prime brokers in relation to the Company’s trading. The Company presents its balances, including outstanding principal balances on all credit facilities, on a net by counterparty basis within receivables from and payable to broker-dealers and clearing organizations when the criteria for offsetting are met.

In the normal course of business, a significant portion of the Company’s securities transactions, money balances, and security positions are transacted with several third-party brokers. The Company is subject to credit risk to the extent any broker with whom it conducts business is unable to fulfill contractual obligations on its behalf. The Company monitors the financial condition of such brokers and to minimize the risk of any losses from these counterparties.

Financial Instruments Owned Including Those Pledged as Collateral and Financial Instruments Sold, Not Yet Purchased

Financial instruments owned and Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased relate to market making and trading activities, and include listed and other equity securities, listed equity options and fixed income securities.

The Company records financial instruments owned, including those pledged as collateral, and financial instruments sold, not yet purchased at fair value. Gains and losses arising from financial instrument transactions are recorded net on a trade-date basis in trading income, net, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or would be paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. The recognition of “block discounts” for large holdings of unrestricted financial instruments where quoted prices are readily and regularly available in an active market is prohibited. The Company categorizes its financial instruments into a three level hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy level assigned to each financial instrument is based on the assessment of the transparency and reliability of the inputs used in the valuation of such financial instruments at the measurement date based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).

Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories based on inputs:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2 — Quoted prices in markets that are not active and financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; or

Level 3 — Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

Transfers in or out of levels are recognized based on the beginning fair value of the period in which they occurred.

Fair Value Option

The fair value option election allows entities to make an irrevocable election of fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain eligible financial assets and liabilities. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are recorded in other, net in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The decision to elect the fair value option is determined on an instrument by instrument basis must be applied to an entire instrument and is irrevocable once elected.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments are used for trading purposes, including economic hedges of trading instruments, which are carried at fair value include futures, forward contracts, and options. Gains or losses on these derivative instruments are recognized currently within trading income, net in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Fair values for exchange-traded derivatives, principally futures, are based on quoted market prices. Fair values for over-the-counter derivative instruments, principally forward contracts, are based on the values of the underlying financial instruments within the contract. The underlying instruments are currencies, which are actively traded. The Company presents its derivatives balances on a net-by-counterparty basis when the criteria for offsetting are met.

Property, Equipment and Occupancy

Property and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation, except for the assets acquired in connection with the acquisitions of MTH and KCG which were recorded at fair value on the respective date of acquisitions. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of the underlying assets. Routine maintenance, repairs and replacement costs are expensed as incurred and improvements that appreciably extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized. When property and equipment are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in income. Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated over three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the life of the improvement or the term of the lease.

The Company recognizes rent expense under operating leases with fixed rent escalations, lease incentives and free rent periods on a straight-line basis over the lease term beginning on the date the Company takes possession of or controls the use of the space, including during free rent periods.

Lease Loss Accrual

The Company’s policy is to identify excess real estate capacity and where applicable, accrue for related future costs, net of projected sub-lease income upon the date the Company ceases to use the excess real estate, which is recorded under operating and administrative in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Such accrual is adjusted to the extent the actual terms of sub-leased property differ from the previous assumptions used in the calculation of the accrual.

Capitalized Software

The Company capitalizes costs of materials, consultants, and payroll and payroll related costs for employees incurred in developing internal-use software. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are charged to expense.

Management’s judgment is required in determining the point at which various projects enter the stages at which costs may be capitalized, in assessing the ongoing value of the capitalized costs, and in determining the estimated useful lives over which the costs are amortized.

Capitalized software development costs and related accumulated amortization are included in property, equipment and capitalized software in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition and are amortized over a period of 1.5 to 2.5 years, which represents the estimated useful lives of the underlying software.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the underlying net tangible and intangible assets of the Company’s acquisitions. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below the operating segment.

The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis on July 1 and on an interim basis when certain events or circumstances exist. In the impairment test as of July 1, 2017, the primary valuation method used to estimate the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit was the market capitalization approach based on the market price of its Class A common stock, which the Company’s management believes to be an appropriate indicator of its fair value. Following the Acquisition, our impairment testing is performed for each reporting unit.

Intangible Assets

The Company amortizes finite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Finite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually or when impairment indicators are present, and if impaired, they are written down to fair value.

Exchange Memberships and Stock

Exchange memberships are recorded at cost or, if any other than temporary impairment in value has occurred, at a value that reflects management’s estimate of fair value. Exchange memberships acquired in connection with the Acquisition were recorded at their fair value on the date of acquisition. Exchange stock includes shares that entitle the Company to certain trading privileges. The Company’s exchange memberships and stock are included in intangibles in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Trading Income, net

Trading income is comprised of changes in the fair value of trading assets and liabilities (i.e., unrealized gains and losses) and realized gains and losses on trading assets and liabilities. Trading gains and losses on financial instruments owned and financial instruments sold, not yet purchased are recorded on the trade date and reported on a net basis in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Commissions, net and Technology Services

Commissions, net, which primarily comprise commissions and commission equivalents earned on institutional client orders, are recorded on a trade date basis. Under a commission management program, the Company allows institutional clients to allocate a portion of their gross commissions to pay for research and other services provided by third parties. As the Company acts as an agent in these transactions, it records such expenses on a net basis within Commissions and technology services in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Technology services revenues consist of technology licensing fees and agency commission fees. Technology licensing fees are earned from third parties for licensing of the Company’s proprietary risk management and trading infrastructure technology and the provision of associated management and hosting services. These fees include both upfront and annual recurring fees. Revenue from technology services is recognized once persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is probable. Revenue is recognized ratably over the contractual service period.

Interest and Dividends Income/Interest and Dividends Expense

Interest income and interest expense are accrued in accordance with contractual rates. Interest income consists of interest earned on collateralized financing arrangements and on cash held by brokers. Interest expense includes interest expense from collateralized transactions, margin and related lines of credit. Dividends on financial instruments owned including those pledged as collateral and financial instruments sold, not yet purchased are recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest is recognized on an accrual basis.

Brokerage, Exchange and Clearance Fees, Net

Brokerage, exchange and clearance fees, net, comprise the costs of executing and clearing trades and are recorded on a trade date basis. Rebates consist of volume discounts, credits or payments received from exchanges or other market places related to the placement and/or removal of liquidity from the order flow in the marketplace. Rebates are recorded on an accrual basis and included net within brokerage, exchange and clearance fees in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Payments for Order Flow

Payments for order flow represent payments to broker-dealer clients, in the normal course of business, for directing their order flow in U.S. equities to the Company. Payments for order flow are recorded on a trade-date basis in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Income Taxes

Subsequent to consummation of the Reorganization Transactions and the IPO, the Company is subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on its taxable income. The Company's subsidiaries are subject to income taxes in the respective jurisdictions (including foreign jurisdictions) in which they operate. Prior to the consummation of the Reorganization Transactions and the IPO, no provision for United States federal, state and local income tax was required, as Virtu Financial is a limited liability company and is treated as a pass-through entity for United States federal, state, and local income tax purposes.

The provision for income tax is comprised of current tax and deferred tax. Current tax represents the tax on current year tax returns, using tax rates enacted at the balance sheet date. The deferred tax assets are recognized in full and then reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be recognized.

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of the appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit for each such position that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. Many factors are considered when evaluating and estimating the tax positions and tax benefits. Such estimates involve interpretations of regulations, rulings, case law, etc. and are inherently complex. The Company’s estimates may require periodic adjustments and may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes as resolution of income tax treatments in individual jurisdictions typically would not be known for several years after completion of any fiscal year.

The 2017 Tax Act significantly changes how the U.S. taxes corporations. The 2017 Tax Act requires significant judgments to be made in interpretation of its provisions and significant estimates in calculations, and the preparation and analysis of information not previously relevant or regularly produced. The U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, and other standard-setting bodies could interpret or issue guidance on how provisions of the 2017 Tax Act will be applied or otherwise administered that is different from our interpretation. As we complete our analysis of the 2017 Tax Act, collect and prepare necessary data, and interpret any additional guidance, we may make adjustments to provisional amounts that we have recorded that may materially impact our provision for income taxes in the period in which the adjustments are made.

Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Foreign Currency Translation

Comprehensive Income and Foreign Currency Translation

Comprehensive income consists of two components: net income and other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The Company’s OCI is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments. Assets and liabilities of operations having non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated at period-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated at weighted average exchange rates for the period. Gains and losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements, net of related tax effects, are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

The Company's foreign subsidiaries generally use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. The Company also has subsidiaries that utilize a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, primarily comprising its Irish subsidiaries, which utilizes the Euro as the functional currency.

The Company may seek to reduce the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on its net investment in certain non-U.S. operations through the use of foreign currency forward contracts. For foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedges, the Company assesses its risk management objectives and strategy, including identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item and the risk exposure and how effectiveness is to be assessed prospectively and retrospectively. The effectiveness of the hedge is assessed based on the overall changes in the fair value of the forward contracts. For qualifying net investment hedges, any gains or losses, to the extent effective, are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated statements of financial condition and Cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax, on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The ineffective portion, if any, is recorded in Investment income and other, net on the consolidated statements of operations.

Share-Based Compensation

The fair value of awards issued for compensation prior to the Reorganization Transactions and the IPO was determined by management, with the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm, using a projected annual forfeiture rate, where applicable, on the date of grant.

Share-based awards issued for compensation in connection with or subsequent to the Reorganization Transaction and the IPO pursuant to the VFI 2015 Management Incentive Plan (as amended, the “2015 Amended and Restated Management Incentive Plan”) were in the form of stock options, Class A common stock and RSUs. The fair value of the stock option grants is determined through the application of the Black-Scholes-Merton model. The fair value of the Class A common stock and RSUs are determined based on the volume weighted average price for the three days preceding the grant, and with respect to the RSUs, a projected annual forfeiture rate. The fair value of share-based awards granted to employees is expensed based on the vesting conditions and are recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting period. The Company records as treasury stock shares repurchased from its employees for the purpose of settling tax liabilities incurred upon the issuance of Class A common stock, the vesting of RSUs or the exercise of stock options.

Variable Interest Entity

Variable Interest Entities

A variable interest entity (“VIE”) is an entity that lacks one or more of the following characteristics (i) the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance its activities independently and (ii) the equity holders have the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact its economic performance, the obligation to absorb the losses of the entity and the right to receive the residual returns of the entity.

The Company will be considered to have a controlling financial interest and will consolidate a VIE if it has both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

In October 2016, the Company invested in a joint venture (“JV”) with nine other parties. One of the parties was KCG. Upon the Merger, KCG was required to relinquish their ownership in the JV. As of December 31, 2017, each of the remaining parties owns approximately 11% of the voting shares and 11% of the equity of this JV, which is building microwave communication networks in the U.S. and Asia, and which is considered to be a VIE. The Company and all of its JV partners each pay monthly fees for the funding of the construction of the microwave communication networks. When completed, this JV may sell excess bandwidth that is not utilized by its joint venture members to third parties.

As a result of the Acquisition, the Company owns 50% of the voting shares and 50% of the equity of a JV which maintains microwave communication networks in the U.S. and Europe, and which is considered to be a VIE. The Company and its JV partner each pay monthly fees for the use of the microwave communication networks in connection with their respective trading activities, and the JV may sell excess bandwidth that is not utilized by the JV members to third parties.

In each of the JVs, the Company does not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; therefore it does not have a controlling financial interest in the JV and does not consolidate the JVs. The Company records its interest in each JV under the equity method of accounting and records its investment in the JVs within Other assets and its amounts payable for communication services provided by the JV within Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company records its pro-rata share of each JVs earnings or losses within Other, net and fees related to the use of communication services provided by the JVs within Communications and data processing on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

The Company’s exposure to the obligations of these VIEs is generally limited to its interests in each respective JV, which is the carrying value of the equity investment in each JV.

The following table presents the Company’s nonconsolidated VIE at December 31, 2017:


						Maximum
	Carrying Amount					Exposure to
(in thousands)	Asset		Liability			loss		VIE's assets
Equity investment	$	18,799	$	—	$	18,799	$	41,936

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue - In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. ASU 2015-14 defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year for public companies. ASU 2015-14 applies to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. In December 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-20 Technical Correction and Improvement (Topic 606): Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which amends the guidance in ASU 2014-09. The effective date and transition requirements for the ASU are the same as ASU 2014-09. The Company adopted the new revenue standard on January 1, 2018 by applying the modified retrospective method, which did not result in a transition adjustment. The new standard does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments that are accounted for under other GAAP, and as a result, did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, most closely associated with financial instrument, including Trading income, net, and Interest and dividends income. The new revenue standard primarily impacts the revenue recognition and accounting policy related to technology services. The Company’s technology services contracts include certain variable considerations which will be estimated and included in the transaction price only to the extent that it is probable when a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will occur in the future period. The new revenue standard requires enhanced disclosures, which the Company will include in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements beginning with the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Financial Assets and Liabilities — In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The ASU intends to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments to provide users of financial statements with more decision-useful information and addresses certain aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The new ASU affects all entities that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities and is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-01 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements, as it does not currently classify any equity securities as available for sale, and it does not apply the fair value option to its own debt issuances.

Leases — In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Under the new ASU, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. The liability will be equal to the present value of the future lease payments. The asset, referred to as a “right-of-use asset” will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as for initial direct costs. For income statement purposes, leases will be classified as either operating or finance. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense (similar to current operating leases) while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to current capital leases). Classification will be based on criteria that are largely similar to those applied in current lease accounting, but without explicit bright lines. New quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, will be required to provide greater information regarding the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing contracts. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. . The Company anticipates adopting this ASU on January 1, 2019. The Company is not anticipating recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities for leases with a term of twelve months or less. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has not yet identified any significant changes in the timing of operating leases recognition when considering this ASU, but the Company’s implementation efforts are ongoing and such assessments may change prior to the January 1, 2019, anticipated implementation date. Upon adoption of this ASU, the Company expects to report increased assets and liabilities on its consolidated statement of financial condition as a result of recognizing right-of-use assets and lease liabilities related to certain equipment under noncancelable operating lease agreements, which currently are not reflected in its consolidated statement of financial condition.

Statement of Cash Flows – In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The ASU intended to reduce diversity in practice how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows by mandating classification of certain activities. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company has adopted this ASU, and it does not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes – In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 749): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. The ASU requires the reporting entity to recognize the tax expense from the sale of an asset in the seller’s tax jurisdiction when the transfer occurs, even though the pre-tax effects of the transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Any deferred tax asset that arises in the buyer’s jurisdiction would also be recognized at the time of the transfer. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of adoption of ASU 2016-16 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Restricted cash – In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flow (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, which is intended to reduce diversity in the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalent in the statements. The statement requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included as components of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company elected to early adopt this ASU effective June 30, 2017.

Accounting Changes – In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-03, Accounting Changes and Error Correction (Topic 250) and Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), which amends SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings (SEC update). The SEC staff view is that a registrant should evaluate the impact of new accounting standards that have not yet been adopted to determine the appropriate financial disclosures on the potential material effects, especially on new standards on revenue recognition, leases, and financial instruments – credit losses. If a registrant cannot reasonably estimate the impact that adoption of the ASUs, the registrant should consider additional qualitative financial statement disclosures to assist the reader in assessing the significance of the impact. Additional qualitative disclosures should include a description of the effect of the accounting policies expected to be applied compared to current accounting policies. Furthermore, the registrant should describe the status of its process to implement the new standards and the significant implementation matters yet to be addressed. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017, and appropriate disclosures have been included in this Note for each recently issued accounting standard.

Goodwill - In January, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, this ASU eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. (In computing the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) following the procedure that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Instead, under this ASU, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This ASU also eliminated the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. This ASU is effective for public entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the its consolidated financial statements.

Business Combinations - In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, to amend the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The impact of this ASU will depend on the nature of the Company’s activities after adoption.