Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Astec Industries, Inc. and its domestic and foreign subsidiaries (the “Company”). The Company’s significant wholly-owned and consolidated subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 are as follows:

Astec Australia Pty Ltd	Astec do Brasil Fabricacao de Equipamentos Ltda. (78% owned)
Astec, Inc.	Astec Insurance Company
Astec Mobile Machinery GmbH	Astec Mobile Screens, Inc.
Breaker Technology, Inc.	Breaker Technology Ltd.
Carlson Paving Products, Inc.	CEI Enterprises, Inc.
GEFCO, Inc.	Heatec, Inc.
Johnson Crushers International, Inc.	Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc.
Osborn Engineered Products SA (Pty) Ltd	Peterson Pacific Corp.
(96% owned)	Roadtec, Inc.
Telestack Limited	Telsmith, Inc.

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation - Subsidiaries located in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Northern Ireland, and South Africa operate primarily using local functional currencies. Accordingly, assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, and revenues and costs are translated using average exchange rates for the period. The resulting adjustments are presented as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, net are included in cost of sales and amounted to losses of $1,377, $1,971 and $522 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - For cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, other receivables, revolving debt and accounts payable, the carrying amount approximates the fair value because of the short-term nature of those instruments. Trading equity investments are valued at their estimated fair value based on their quoted market prices and debt securities are valued based upon a mix of observable market prices and model driven prices derived from a matrix of observable market prices for assets with similar characteristics obtained from a nationally recognized third party pricing service.

Financial assets and liabilities are categorized as of the end of each reporting period based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. The inputs used to measure the fair value are identified in the following hierarchy:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Inputs reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Consideration is given to the risk inherent in the valuation technique and the risk inherent in the inputs to the model.

All financial assets and liabilities held by the Company at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are classified as Level 1 or Level 2, as summarized in Note 3, Fair Value Measurements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents - All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash and cash equivalents.

Investments

Investments - Investments consist primarily of investment-grade marketable securities. Trading securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses included in net income. Realized gains and losses are accounted for on the specific identification method. Purchases and sales are recorded on a trade date basis. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of acquisition and reevaluates such determination at each balance sheet date.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk - The Company sells products to a wide variety of customers. Accounts receivable are carried at their outstanding principal amounts, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company extends credit to its customers based on an evaluation of the customers’ financial condition generally without requiring collateral, although the Company normally requires advance payments or letters of credit on large equipment orders. Credit risk is driven by conditions within the economy and the industry and is principally dependent on each customer’s financial condition. To minimize credit risk, the Company monitors credit levels and financial conditions of customers on a continuing basis. After considering historical trends for uncollectible accounts, current economic conditions and specific customer recent payment history and financial stability, the Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts at a level which management believes is sufficient to cover probable credit losses. Amounts are deemed past due when they exceed the payment terms agreed to by the customer in the sales contract. Past due amounts are charged off when reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted and the amounts are deemed uncollectible by management. As of December 31, 2015, concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to the wide variety of customers.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - The following table represents a rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

	Year Ended December 31
	2015			2014			2013
Allowance balance, beginning of year	$	2,248		$	1,708		$	2,143
Provision		18			1,011			629
Write offs		(357	)		(465	)		(1,042	)
Other		(72	)		(6	)		(22	)
Allowance balance, end of year	$	1,837		$	2,248		$	1,708

Inventories

Inventories - The Company’s inventory is comprised of raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods and used equipment.

Raw material inventory is comprised of purchased steel and other purchased items for use in the manufacturing process or held for sale for the after-market parts business. The category also includes the manufacturing cost of completed equipment sub-assemblies produced for either integration into equipment manufactured at a later date or for sale in the Company’s after-market parts business.

Work-in-process inventory consists of the value of materials, labor and overhead incurred to date in the manufacturing of incomplete equipment or incomplete equipment sub-assemblies being produced.

Finished goods inventory consists of completed equipment manufactured for sale to customers.

Used equipment inventory consists of equipment accepted in trade or purchased on the open market. The category also includes equipment rented to prospective customers on a short-term or month-to-month basis. Used equipment is valued at the lower of acquired or trade-in cost or market determined on each separate unit. Each unit of rental equipment is valued at its original manufacturing cost and is reduced by an appropriate reserve each month during the period of time the equipment is rented.

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market, which requires the Company to make specific estimates, assumptions and judgments in determining the amount, if any, of reductions in the valuation of inventories to their net realizable values. The net realizable values of the Company’s products are impacted by a number of factors, including changes in the price of steel, competitive sales pricing, quantities of inventories on hand, the age of the individual inventory items, market acceptance of the Company’s products, the Company’s normal gross margins, actions by our competitors, the condition of our used and rental inventory and general economic factors. Once an inventory item’s value has been deemed to be less than cost, a net realizable value allowance is calculated and a new “cost basis” for that item is effectively established. This new cost is retained for that item until such time as the item is disposed of or the Company determines that an additional write-down is necessary. Additional write-downs may be required in the future based upon changes in assumptions due to general economic downturns in the markets in which the Company operates, changes in competitor pricing, new product design or other technological advances introduced by the Company or its competitors and other factors unique to individual inventory items.

The most significant component of the Company’s inventory is steel. A significant decline in the market price of steel could result in a decline in the market value of the equipment or parts we sell. During periods of significant declining steel prices, the Company reviews the valuation of its inventories to determine if reductions are needed in the recorded value of inventory on hand to its net realizable value.

The Company reviews the individual items included in its finished goods, used equipment and rental equipment inventory on a model-by-model or unit-by-unit basis to determine if any item’s net realizable value is below its carrying value. This analysis is expanded to include items in work-in-process and raw material inventory if factors indicate those items may also be impacted. In performing this review, judgments are made and, in addition to the factors discussed above, additional consideration is given to the age of the specific items of used or rental inventory, prior sales offers or lack thereof, the physical condition of the specific items and general market conditions for the specific items. Additionally, an analysis of raw material inventory is performed to calculate reserves needed for obsolete inventory based upon quantities of items on hand, the age of those items and their recent and expected future usage or sale.

When the Company determines that the value of inventory has become impaired through damage, deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price levels, excessive levels of inventory or other causes, the Company reduces the carrying value to estimated market value based on estimates, assumptions and judgments made from the information available at that time. Abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling cost and wasted materials are recognized as current period charges.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment - Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: airplanes (20 years), buildings (40 years) and equipment (3 to 10 years). Both accelerated and straight-line methods are used for tax compliance purposes. Routine repair and maintenance costs and planned major maintenance are expensed when incurred.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - The Company classifies intangible assets as either intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization or goodwill.

The Company tests intangible assets with definite lives for impairment if conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Such conditions may include an economic downturn in a geographic market or a change in the assessment of future operations. An impairment charge is recorded when the carrying value of the definite lived intangible asset is not recoverable by the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the asset.

The Company determines the useful lives of identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors considered when determining useful lives include the contractual terms of agreements, the history of the asset, the Company’s long-term strategy for the use of the asset, any laws or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset, and other economic factors, including competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives are amortized over their useful lives, ranging from 3 to 15 years.

Goodwill is not amortized. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The tests utilize a two-step method at the reporting unit level. The Company’s reporting units are typically defined as either subsidiaries or a combination of subsidiaries.

The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with the unit’s fair value. In this first step, the Company estimates the fair values of each of its reporting units that have goodwill using the income approach.

The income approach uses a reporting unit’s projection of estimated future operating results and cash flows which are then discounted using a weighted average cost of capital determined based on current market conditions for the individual reporting unit. The projection uses management’s best estimates of cash flows over the projection period based on estimates of annual and terminal growth rates in sales and costs, changes in operating margins, selling, general and administrative expenses, working capital requirements and capital expenditures.

The fair value of reporting units that do not have goodwill are estimated using either the income or market approaches, depending on which approach is to be the most appropriate for each reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting units that serve operating units in supporting roles, such as the captive insurance company and the corporate reporting unit are estimated using the cost approach. The sum of the fair values of all reporting units is compared to the fair value of the consolidated Company, calculated using the market approach, which is inferred from the market capitalization of the Company at the date of the valuation, to confirm that the Company’s estimation of the fair value of its reporting units is reasonable.

If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an indication of possible goodwill impairment, the second step of the impairment test must be performed to determine the amount, if any, of goodwill impairment. In this second step, the total implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is estimated by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all its assets, including any unrecognized intangible assets and liabilities other than goodwill. The difference between the total fair value of the reporting unit and the fair value of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill is the implied fair value of its goodwill. The amount of any impairment loss is equal to the excess, if any, of the book value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of its goodwill.

Determining the “step one” fair values of the Company’s reporting units involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates and assumptions, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Impairment of Long-lived Assets - In the event that facts and circumstances indicate the carrying amounts of long-lived assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability is performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are compared to the carrying amount for each asset (or group of assets) to determine if a write-down is required. If this review indicates that the assets will not be recoverable, the carrying values of the impaired assets are reduced to their estimated fair value. Fair value is estimated using discounted cash flows, prices for similar assets or other valuation techniques.

Self-Insurance Reserves

Self-Insurance Reserves - The Company retains the risk for a portion of its workers’ compensation claims and general liability claims by way of a captive insurance company, Astec Insurance Company (“Astec Insurance” or “the captive”). Astec Insurance is incorporated under the laws of the state of Vermont. The objectives of Astec Insurance are to improve control over and reduce the cost of claims; to improve focus on risk reduction with the development of a program structure which rewards proactive loss control; and to ensure management participation in the defense and settlement process for claims.

For general liability claims, the captive is liable for the first $1,000 per occurrence and $3,000 per year in the aggregate. The Company carries general liability, excess liability and umbrella policies for claims in excess of amounts covered by the captive.

For workers’ compensation claims, the captive is liable for the first $350 per occurrence and $1,000 per year in the aggregate. The Company utilizes a large national insurance company as third party administrator for workers’ compensation claims and carries insurance coverage for claims liabilities in excess of amounts covered by the captive.

The financial statements of the captive are consolidated into the financial statements of the Company. The short-term and long-term reserves for claims and potential claims related to general liability and workers’ compensation under the captive are included in accrued loss reserves or other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets depending on the expected timing of future payments. The undiscounted reserves are actuarially determined to cover the ultimate cost of each claim based on the Company’s evaluation of the type and severity of individual claims and historical information, primarily its own claims experience, along with assumptions about future events. Changes in assumptions, as well as changes in actual experience, could cause these estimates to change in the future. However, the Company does not believe it is reasonably likely that the reserve level will materially change in the foreseeable future.

The Company is self-insured for health and prescription claims under its Group Health Insurance Plan at all but one of the Company’s domestic manufacturing subsidiaries. The Company carries reinsurance coverage to limit its exposure for individual health claims above certain limits. Third parties administer health claims and prescription medication claims. The Company maintains a reserve for the self-insured health plan which is included in accrued loss reserves on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. This reserve includes both unpaid claims and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported, based on historical claims and payment experience. Historically the reserves have been sufficient to provide for claims payments. Changes in actual claims experience or payment patterns could cause the reserve to change, but the Company does not believe it is reasonably likely that the reserve level will materially change in the near future.

The remaining U.S. subsidiary is covered under a fully insured group health plan. Employees of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are insured under separate health plans. No reserves are necessary for these fully insured health plans.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition - Revenue is generally recognized on sales at the point in time when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, the product has been delivered or services have been rendered and there is a reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds. The Company generally obtains purchase authorizations from its customers for a specified amount of products at a specified price with specified delivery terms. A significant portion of the Company’s equipment sales represents equipment produced in the Company’s plants under short-term contracts for a specific customer project or equipment designed to meet a customer’s specific requirements. Most of the equipment sold by the Company is based on standard configurations, some of which are modified to meet customer needs or specifications. The Company provides customers with technical design and performance specifications and performs pre-shipment testing to ensure the equipment performs according to design specifications, regardless of whether the Company provides installation services in addition to selling the equipment.

Certain contracts include terms and conditions pursuant to which the Company recognizes revenues upon completion of equipment production, which is subsequently stored at the Company’s plant at the customer’s request. Revenue is recorded on such contracts upon the customer’s assumption of title and risk of ownership and when collectability is reasonably assured. In addition, there must be a fixed schedule of delivery of the goods consistent with the customer’s business practices, the Company must not have retained any specific performance obligations such that the earnings process is not complete and the goods must have been segregated from the Company’s inventory prior to revenue recognition.

The Company has certain sales accounted for as multiple-element arrangements, whereby revenue attributable to the sale of a product is recognized when the product is shipped, and the revenue attributable to services provided with respect to the product (such as installation services) is recognized when the service is performed. Consideration is allocated to deliverables using the relative selling price method using vendor specific objective evidence, if it exists. Otherwise, the Company uses third-party evidence of selling price or the Company’s best estimate of the selling price for the deliverables. The Company evaluates sales with multiple deliverable elements (such as an agreement to deliver equipment and related installation services) to determine whether revenue related to individual elements should be recognized separately, or as a combined unit. In addition to the previously mentioned general revenue recognition criteria, the Company only recognizes revenue on individual delivered elements when there is objective and reliable evidence that the delivered element has a determinable value to the customer on a standalone basis and there is no right of return.

The Company presents in the statements of income any taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on revenue-producing transactions between the Company and its customers, such as sales, use, value-added and some excise taxes, on a net (excluded from revenue) basis.

Advertising Expense

Advertising Expense - The cost of advertising is expensed as incurred. The Company incurred $4,231, $3,657, and $3,770 in advertising costs during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes - Income taxes are based on pre-tax financial accounting income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. The Company periodically assesses the need to establish valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets to the extent the Company no longer believes it is more likely than not that the tax assets will be fully utilized.

The Company evaluates a tax position to determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination, based upon the technical merits of the position. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is subject to a measurement assessment to determine the amount of benefit to recognize and the appropriate reserve to establish, if any. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, no benefit is recognized. The Company is periodically audited by U.S. federal and state as well as foreign tax authorities. While it is often difficult to predict final outcome or timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, the Company believes its reserve for uncertain tax positions is adequate to reduce the uncertain positions to the greatest amount of benefit that is more likely than not realizable.

Product Warranty Reserve

Product Warranty Reserve - The Company accrues for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. Warranty obligations by product line or model are evaluated based on historical warranty claims experience. For equipment, the Company’s standard product warranty terms generally include post-sales support and repairs of products at no additional charge for periods ranging from three months to two years or up to a specified number of hours of operation. For parts from component suppliers, the Company relies on the original manufacturer’s warranty that accompanies those parts. Generally, Company fabricated parts are not covered by specific warranty terms. Although failure of fabricated parts due to material or workmanship is rare, if it occurs, the Company’s policy is to replace fabricated parts at no additional charge.

The Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our component suppliers. Estimated warranty obligations are based upon warranty terms, product failure rates, repair costs and current period machine shipments. If actual product failure rates, repair costs, service delivery costs or post-sales support costs differ from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability may be required.

Pension and Retirement Plans

Pension and Retirement Plans - The determination of obligations and expenses under the Company’s pension plan is dependent on the Company’s selection of certain assumptions used by independent actuaries in calculating such amounts. Those assumptions are described in Note 12, Pension and Retirement Plans and include among others, the discount rate, expected return on plan assets and the expected mortality rates. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, actual results that differ from assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect the recognized expense in such periods. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in the assumptions used may materially affect the pension obligations and future expenses.

The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of its pension plan as an asset or liability. Actuarial gains and losses, amortization of prior service cost (credit) and amortization of transition obligations are recognized through other comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. The Company measures the funded status of its pension plan as of the date of the Company’s fiscal year-end.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based Compensation – The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for equity awards in the financial statements based on the grant date calculated fair value of the awards. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (the vesting period).

The Company is in the final stages of implementing a similar RSU plan using available shares under the existing, shareholder approved, 2011 Incentive Plan, for performance during 2016 through 2018.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share - Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and diluted earnings per share includes potential dilutive effects of restricted stock units and shares held in the Company’s supplemental executive retirement plan.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the number of shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Year Ended December 31
	2015		2014		2013
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share		22,934		22,819		22,749
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options and restricted stock units		123		176		218
Supplemental executive retirement plan		63		110		114
Denominator for diluted earnings per share		23,120		23,105		23,081

Antidilutive options were not included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the years presented. The number of antidilutive options in the three years ended December 31, 2015 was not material.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

Derivatives and Hedging Activities - The Company recognizes all derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets at their fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges are adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair value of assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through income or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in income. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in income. From time to time the Company’s foreign subsidiaries enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to mitigate exposure to fluctuation in currency exchange rates. See Note 13, Derivative Financial Instruments, regarding foreign exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Cost

Shipping and Handling Fees and Cost - The Company records revenues earned for shipping and handling as revenue, while the cost of shipping and handling is classified as cost of goods sold.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations - The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method. Accordingly, intangible assets are recorded apart from goodwill if they arise from contractual or legal rights or if they are separable from goodwill. Related third party acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and contingent consideration is booked at its fair value as part of the purchase price.

Subsequent Events Review

Subsequent Events Review - Management has evaluated events occurring between December 31, 2015 and the date these financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for proper recording or disclosure therein.

Immaterial Correction of Error - During 2015, the Company determined that certain income tax accounts were not properly stated.  The error totaled $3,200 and arose prior to 2012.

The accompanying financial statements have been adjusted to reflect a $3,200 reduction of retained earnings as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and a $3,200 reduction in prepaid expenses as of December 31, 2014.  The error had no impact on the Company’s results of operations or net cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Immaterial Correction of Errors

Immaterial Correction of Error - During 2015, the Company determined that certain income tax accounts were not properly stated.  The error totaled $3,200 and arose prior to 2012.

The accompanying financial statements have been adjusted to reflect a $3,200 reduction of retained earnings as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and a $3,200 reduction in prepaid expenses as of December 31, 2014.  The error had no impact on the Company’s results of operations or net cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements –

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (‘FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", which supersedes existing revenue guidance under U.S. GAAP. The standard's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The implementation of this new standard will require companies to use more judgment and to make more estimates than under current guidance. The standard, as amended, is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company plans to adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2018. The Company has not yet determined what impact, if any, the adoption of this new standard will have on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory", which changes the measurement basis for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value and also eliminates the requirement for companies to consider replacement cost or net realizable value less an approximate normal profit margin when determining the recorded value of inventory. The standard is effective for public companies in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and the Company expects to adopt the standard effective January 1, 2017. The Company has not yet determined what impact, if any, the adoption of this new standard will have on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”, which requires all companies to classify deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. Also, companies will no longer allocate valuation allowances between current and noncurrent deferred tax assets because those allowances also will be classified as noncurrent.  The standard is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company’s prospective adoption of this standard for the year ended December 31, 2015 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position.