Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 01, 2017

Merger and Related Transactions: On January 15, 2014, CEC Entertainment, Inc. entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Queso Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), and Q Merger Sub Inc., a Kansas corporation (“Merger Sub”). Parent and Merger Sub were controlled by Apollo Global Management, LLC (“Apollo”) and its subsidiaries. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on January 16, 2014, Merger Sub commenced a tender offer to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock (the “Tender Offer”). Following the successful completion of the Tender Offer, on February 14, 2014, Merger Sub merged with and into CEC Entertainment, Inc., with CEC Entertainment, Inc. surviving the merger (the “Merger”) and becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. We refer to the Merger and the Tender Offer together as the “Acquisition.” As a result of the Merger, the shares of CEC Entertainment, Inc. common stock ceased to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange after close of market on February 14, 2014.

The Merger was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting and the Successor financial statements (as defined below) reflect a new basis of accounting that is based on the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the effective time of the Merger. A valuation of the assets and liabilities acquired was prepared by a third party and is based on actual tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities that existed as of the effective time of the Merger. See further discussion of the acquisition in Note 2. “Acquisition of CEC Entertainment, Inc.”

The Acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting, whereby the purchase price was allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair market values on the Merger date. Fair value measurements have been applied based on assumptions that market participants would use in the pricing of the asset or liability.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation: The Parent’s cost of acquiring CEC Entertainment has been pushed down to establish a new accounting basis for the Company. Accordingly, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are presented for two periods, Predecessor and Successor, which relate to the accounting periods preceding and succeeding the completion of the Merger. The Predecessor and Successor periods have been separated by a vertical line on the face of the Consolidated Financial Statements to highlight the fact that the financial information for such periods has been prepared under two different historical cost bases of accounting. For the purpose of presentation and disclosure, all references to the “Predecessor” relate to CEC Entertainment Inc. and its subsidiaries for periods prior to the Merger. All references to the “Successor” relate to CEC Entertainment Inc. and its subsidiaries, after giving effect to the Merger, for periods subsequent to the Merger. References to “CEC Entertainment,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” relate to the Predecessor for periods prior to the Merger and to the Successor for periods subsequent to the Merger.

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Our Consolidated Financial Statements include variable interest entities (“VIE”) of which we are the primary beneficiary. Judgments are made in assessing whether we are the primary beneficiary, including determination of the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. We eliminate the intercompany portion of transactions with VIE’s from our financial results.

In August 2014, the Company assigned a portion of its rights in the purchase and sale agreement executed by us in relation to the sale leaseback transaction, as further discussed in Note 13. “Sale Leaseback Transaction,” to a newly formed special purpose entity, a VIE, created by a Qualified Intermediary to facilitate a like-kind exchange pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 1031. The assignment resulted in $12.1 million of the sales proceeds from the transaction being received by the VIE. We included the VIE in our Consolidated Financial Statements for the 317 day period ended December 28, 2014. In February 2015, we acquired the VIE, along with its capital improvements and remaining cash balance. The assets, liabilities and operating results of the acquired VIE are not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company also has a controlling financial interest in International Association of CEC Entertainment, Inc. (the “Association”), a VIE. The Association primarily administers the collection and disbursement of funds (the “Association Funds”) used for advertising, entertainment and media programs that benefit both us and our Chuck E. Cheese’s franchisees. We and our franchisees are required to contribute a percentage of gross sales to these funds and could be required to make additional contributions to fund any deficits that may be incurred by the Association. We include the Association in our Consolidated Financial Statements, as we concluded that we are the primary beneficiary of its variable interests because we (a) have the power to direct the majority of its significant operating activities; (b) provide it unsecured lines of credit; and (c) own the majority of the venues that benefit from the Association’s advertising, entertainment and media expenditures. The assets, liabilities and operating results of the Association are not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year: We operate on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday nearest to December 31. Each quarterly period has 13 weeks, except for a 53 week year when the fourth quarter has 14 weeks. Fiscal 2015 consisted of 53 weeks, whereas Fiscal 2016 and combined Successor and Predecessor 2014 periods each consisted of 52 weeks.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

Use of Estimates and Assumptions: The preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events: We recognize the effects of events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued (“subsequent events”) if there is evidence that conditions related to the subsequent event existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the impact of such events on management’s estimates and assumptions used in preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements. Other significant subsequent events that are not recognized in our Consolidated Financial Statements, if any, are disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of demand deposits with banks and short-term cash investments with remaining maturities of three months or less from the purchase date.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk: We have exposure to credit risk to the extent that our cash and cash equivalents exceed amounts covered by the United States and Canada deposit insurance limits, as we currently maintain a significant amount of our cash and cash equivalents balances with two major financial institutions. The individual balances, at times, may exceed the insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts. In management’s opinion, the capitalization and operating history of the financial institutions are such that the likelihood of a material loss is considered remote.

Inventories

Inventories: Inventories of food, beverages, merchandise, paper products and other supplies needed for our food service and entertainment operations are stated at the lower of cost on a first-in, first-out basis or market.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are charged to operations using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives, which are as follows:



Buildings	40 years
Game and ride equipment	4 to 12 years
Non-technical play equipment	15 to 20 years
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment	4 to 20 years

Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the related assets. We use a consistent lease period (generally, the initial non-cancelable lease term plus renewal option periods provided for in the lease that can be reasonably assured of being exercised) when estimating the depreciable lives of leasehold improvements, in determining classification of our leases as either operating or capital and in recognizing straight-line rent expense. Interest costs incurred during the construction period are capitalized and depreciated based on the estimated useful life of the underlying asset.

We review our property and equipment for indicators of impairment on an ongoing basis at the lowest level of cash flows available, which is on a venue-by-venue basis, to assess if the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Potential indicators of impairment may include a significant change in the business climate in a particular market area (for example, due to economic downturn or natural disaster), historical negative cash flows or plans to dispose of or sell the property and equipment before the end of its previously estimated useful life. If an event or change in circumstances occurs, we estimate the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the property and equipment and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the asset carrying amount (an indication that the carrying amount may not be recoverable), we may be required to recognize an impairment loss. We estimate the fair value of a venue’s property and equipment by discounting the expected future cash flows of the venue over its remaining lease term using a weighted average cost of capital commensurate with the risk. Any impairment loss recognized equals the amount by which the asset carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. In the event an asset is impaired, its carrying value is adjusted to the estimated fair value, and any subsequent increases in fair value are not recorded. Additionally, if it is determined that the estimated remaining useful life of the asset should be decreased, any periodic depreciation and amortization expense is adjusted based on the new carrying value of the asset unless the asset is written down to salvage value, at which time depreciation or amortization ceases.

Capitalized Store Development Costs

Capitalized Venue Development Costs: We capitalize our internal department costs that are directly attributable to venue development projects, such as the design and construction of a new venue and the remodeling and expansion of our existing venues. Capitalized internal department costs include certain compensation, benefits and office costs related to our design, construction, facilities and legal departments. We also capitalize interest costs in conjunction with the construction of new venues. Venue development costs are initially accumulated in our construction in progress account until a project is completed. At the time of completion, the costs accumulated to date are then reclassified to property and equipment and depreciated according to our depreciation policies.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: The excess of the purchase price over fair value of net identifiable assets and liabilities of an acquired business (“goodwill”), trademarks, trade names and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but rather tested for impairment, at least annually. We assess the recoverability of the carrying amount of our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets either qualitatively or quantitatively annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable.

When assessing the recoverability of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, we may first assess qualitative factors. If an initial qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not the carrying amount exceeds fair value, a quantitative analysis may be required. We may also elect to skip the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative analysis.

Recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill is measured at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment, or a business unit one level below that operating segment, for which discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management. The Company has determined that the operations of Chuck E. Cheese’s and Peter Piper Pizza represent two separate reporting units for purposes of measuring the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill. In performing a quantitative analysis, we measure the recoverability of goodwill using: (i) a discounted cash flow model incorporating discount rates commensurate with the risks involved, which is classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement, and (ii) a market approach based upon public trading and recent transaction valuation multiples for similar companies. The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount rates, growth rates, tax rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment.

If the calculated fair value is less than the current carrying amount, impairment of the reporting unit may exist. When the recoverability test indicates potential impairment, we calculate an implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to how goodwill is calculated in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded to write down the carrying amount.

In performing a quantitative analysis, recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset over its fair value. Any excess of the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset over its fair value is recognized as an impairment loss.

We test indefinite-lived intangible assets utilizing the relief from royalty method to determine the estimated fair value for each indefinite-lived intangible asset, which is classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement. The relief from royalty method estimates our theoretical royalty savings from ownership of the intangible asset. Key assumptions used in this model include discount rates, royalty rates, growth rates, tax rates, sales projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, royalty rates, growth rates and sales projections are the assumptions most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. Discount rates used are similar to the rates estimated by the weighted average cost of capital considering any differences in company-specific risk factors.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Estimated weighted average useful lives are 25 years for franchise agreements and 10 years for favorable lease agreements. An impairment loss would be indicated when estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the use of the asset are less than its carrying amount. An impairment loss would be measured as the difference between the fair value (based on discounted future cash flows) and the carrying amount of the asset.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures: Fair value is defined as the price that we would expect to receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. In determining fair value, GAAP establishes a three-level hierarchy used in measuring fair value, as follows:



Level 1 –	inputs are quoted prices available for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 –	inputs are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 –	inputs are unobservable and reflect our own assumptions.

We may also adjust the carrying amount of certain nonfinancial assets to fair value on a non-recurring basis when they are impaired. The fair values of our long-lived assets held and used are determined using Level 3 inputs based on the estimated discounted future cash flows of the respective venue over its expected remaining useful life or lease term. Due to uncertainties in the estimates and assumptions used, actual results could differ from the estimated fair values. See Note 6. “Property and Equipment” for our impairment of long-lived assets disclosures and Note 11. “Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for our fair value disclosures.

Self Insurance Accruals

Self-Insurance Accruals: We are self-insured up to certain limits for certain losses related to workers’ compensation, general liability, property and our Company sponsored employee health insurance programs. We estimate the accrued liabilities for all risk retained by the Company at the end of each reporting period. This estimate is primarily based on historical claims experience and loss reserves, calculated with the assistance of an independent third-party actuary. To limit our exposure to losses, we purchase stop-loss or high-deductible insurance coverage through third-party insurers for certain losses related to workers’ compensation, property and employee health insurance programs. Our deductibles generally range from $0.2 million to $0.5 million per occurrence. For claims that exceed the deductible amount, we record a gross liability and a corresponding receivable representing expected recoveries pursuant to the stop-loss coverage, since we are not legally relieved of our obligation to the claimant.

Contingent Loss Accruals

Contingent Loss Accruals: When a contingency involving uncertainty as to a possible loss occurs, an estimate of the loss may be accrued as a charge to income and a reserve established on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We perform regular assessments of our contingent losses and develop estimates of the degree of probability for and range of possible settlement. We accrue liabilities for losses we deem probable and for which we can reasonably estimate an amount of settlement. We do not record liabilities for losses we believe are only reasonably possible to result in an adverse outcome, but provide disclosure of the reasonably possible range of loss to the extent it is estimable. Reserve balances may be increased or decreased in the future to reflect further developments. However, there can be no assurance that there will not be a loss different from the amounts accrued. Any such loss, if realized, could have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations in the period during which the underlying matters are resolved.

Foreign Currency Translations

Foreign Currency Translation: Our Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in United States (“U.S.”) dollars. The assets and liabilities of our Canadian subsidiary are translated to U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates, while revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. Adjustments that result from translating amounts are reported as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on our Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity and in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash is reported in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as a separate component of the change in cash and cash equivalents during the period.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation: We expense the fair value of stock-based compensation awards granted to our employees and directors in our Consolidated Financial Statements on a straight-line basis over the period that services are required to be provided in exchange for the award (“requisite service period”), which typically is the period over which the award vests. Stock-based compensation is recognized only for awards that vest, and our periodic accrual of compensation cost is based on the estimated number of awards expected to vest. We measure the fair value of compensation cost related to stock options based on third party valuations.

Stock-based compensation expense is recorded in “General and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, which is the same financial statement caption where the associated salary expense of employees with stock-based compensation awards is recorded. The gross benefits of tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized from the vesting of stock options are tax effected and classified as cash inflows from financing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Revenue Recognition – Company Store Activities

Revenue Recognition – Company Venue Activities: Food, beverage and merchandise revenues are recognized when sold. Game revenues are recognized as game-play tokens and game play credits on game cards are used by guests. We accrue unearned revenue as a liability for the estimated amount of unused tickets, tokens and game play credits that may be redeemed or used in the future. We allocate the revenue recognized from the sale of value-priced combination packages, which generally are comprised of food, beverage and game credits (and in some instances, merchandise), between “Food and beverage sales” and “Entertainment and merchandise sales” based upon the price charged for each component when it is sold separately, or in limited circumstances our best estimate of selling price if a component is not sold on a stand-alone basis, which we believe approximates each component’s fair value.

Sales taxes collected from guests are excluded from revenues. The obligation is included in accrued liabilities until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities.

Our entertainment revenue includes sales from customer purchases of game play credits on PlayPass game cards which allow our customers to play the games in our venues. We recognize a liability for the estimated amount of unused game play credits, which we believe our customers will redeem or utilize in the future based on credits remaining on PlayPass cards and utilization patterns. Our total estimate of unearned revenue for unused PlayPass credits as of January 1, 2017 and January 3, 2016 was $5.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and is included in “Unearned revenues” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We sell gift cards to our customers in our venues and through certain third-party distributors, which do not expire and do not incur a service fee on unused balances. Gift card sales are recorded as deferred revenue when sold and are recognized as revenue when: (a) the gift card is redeemed by the guest or (b) the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the guest is remote (“gift card breakage”) and we determine that we do not have a legal obligation to remit the value of the unredeemed gift card under applicable state unclaimed property escheat statutes. Gift card breakage is determined based upon historical redemption patterns of our gift cards.

Revenue Recognition – Franchise Fees and Royalties

Revenue Recognition – Franchise Fees and Royalties: Revenues from franchise activities include area development and initial franchise fees received from franchisees to establish new venues, and once a venue is opened, a franchisee is charged monthly royalties based on a percentage of franchised venues’ sales. These fees are collectively referred to as “Franchise fees and royalties” in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Area development and initial franchise fees are recorded as unearned franchise revenue when received and recognized as revenue when we have fulfilled all significant obligations to the franchisee, which is generally when the franchised venues associated with the fees open. Continuing royalties and other miscellaneous sales and fees are recognized in the period earned.

Cost of Food, Beverage, Entertainment and Merchandise

Cost of Food, Beverage, Entertainment and Merchandise: Cost of food and beverage includes all direct costs of food and beverage sold to our guests and related paper and birthday supplies used in our food service operations, less “vendor rebates” described below. Cost of entertainment and merchandise includes the direct cost of prizes provided and merchandise sold to our customers, as well as the cost of tickets dispensed to customers and redeemed for prize items. These amounts exclude any allocation of other operating costs including labor and related costs for venue personnel and depreciation and amortization expense, which are disclosed separately.

Vendor Rebates

Vendor Rebates: We receive rebate payments from certain third-party vendors. Pursuant to the terms of volume purchasing and promotional agreements entered into with the vendors, rebates are primarily provided based on the quantity of the vendors’ products we purchase over the term of the agreement. We record these allowances in the period they are earned as a reduction in the cost of the vendors’ products, and when the related inventory is sold, the allowances are recognized in “Cost of food and beverage” in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Rent Expense

Rent Expense: We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the construction period and lease renewal option periods provided for in the lease that can be reasonably assured at the inception of the lease. The lease term commences on the date when we take possession and have the right to control use of the leased premises. The difference between actual rent payments and rent expense in any period is recorded as “Deferred rent liability” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Construction allowances received from the landlord as a lease incentive intended to reimburse us for the cost of leasehold improvements (“Landlord contributions”) are accrued as deferred landlord contributions. Landlord contributions are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a reduction to rent expense.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs: Production costs for commercials and coupons are expensed in the period in which the commercials are initially aired and the coupons are distributed. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

We and our franchisees are required to contribute a percentage of gross sales to administer all the national advertising programs that benefit both us and our franchisees. Because the contributed funds are required to be segregated and used for specified purposes, we do not reflect franchisee contributions as revenue, but rather record franchisee contributions as an offset to reported advertising expenses. Our advertising contributions for Chuck E. Cheese’s franchise venues are paid to the Association and are eliminated in consolidation. Advertising contributions from our franchisees were $2.2 million in Fiscal 2016, $2.1 million in Fiscal 2015, $2.0 million for the 317 day period ended December 28, 2014, and $0.4 million for the 47 day period ended February 14, 2014.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes: We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. A valuation allowance is applied against net deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred income taxes are not provided on undistributed income from our Canadian subsidiary, as these earnings are considered to be permanently invested.

We maintain tax reserves for federal, state and foreign income taxes when we believe a position may not be fully sustained upon review by taxing authorities. Although we believe that our tax positions are fully supported by the applicable tax laws and regulations, there are matters for which the ultimate outcome is uncertain. We recognize the benefit from an uncertain tax position in our Consolidated Financial Statements when the position is more-likely-than-not (a greater than 50 percent chance of being sustained). The amount recognized is measured using a probability weighted approach and is the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement or ultimate resolution with the taxing authority. We routinely assess the adequacy of the estimated liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which may be affected by changing interpretations of laws, rulings by tax authorities and administrative policies, certain changes and/or developments with respect to audits and expirations of the statute of limitations. In our Consolidated Statements of Earnings, we include interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits in “Interest expense” and include penalties in “General and administrative expenses.” On our Consolidated Balance Sheets, we include current interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in “Accrued interest,” current penalties in “Accrued expenses” and noncurrent accrued interest and penalties in “Other noncurrent liabilities.”

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance:

Accounting Guidance Adopted:

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This amendment requires that deferred tax assets (DTAs) and deferred tax liabilities (DTLs) be presented as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Earlier adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We early adopted this amendment for the January 3, 2016 financial statements.

Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted:

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This new standard introduces a new lease model that requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and the disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. While this new standard retains most of the principles of the existing lessor model under U.S. GAAP, it aligns many of those principles with ASC 606: Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new guidance will be effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (i.e., calendar periods beginning on January 1, 2019). Early adoption will be permitted for all entities. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements, but we expect this will have a material effect on our balance sheet since the Company has a significant amount of operating and capital lease arrangements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-04, Liabilities—Extinguishments of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20). This amendment provides a narrow scope exception to Liabilities—Extinguishment of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20) that requires breakage for those liabilities to be accounted for in accordance with the breakage guidance in Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606). There is currently no guidance in GAAP, or pending guidance, regarding the derecognition of prepaid stored-value product liabilities within the scope of the amendments in this update. Under the new guidance, if an entity expects to be entitled to a breakage amount for a liability resulting from the sale of a prepaid stored-value product, the entity shall derecognize the amount related to the expected breakage in proportion to the pattern of rights expected to be exercised by the product holder only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the recognized breakage amount will not subsequently occur. If an entity does not expect to be entitled to a breakage amount for a prepaid stored-value product, the entity shall derecognize the amount related to the breakage when the likelihood of the product holder exercising its remaining rights becomes remote. This change to an entity's estimated breakage amount shall be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate. The amendments in this update are effective for the Company for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We do not expect the adoption of this amendment to have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) . This amendment will require that (i) all excess tax benefits and deficiencies (including tax benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards) be recognized as income tax expense or benefit on the income statement, (ii) the tax effects of exercised or vested awards be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur, and (iii) an entity recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period or not. On the statement of cash flows excess tax benefits should be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. This amendment allows an entity to make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest (current GAAP) or account for forfeitures when they occur. The threshold for an award to qualify for equity classification permits withholding up to the maximum statutory tax rate in applicable jurisdictions, and the cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows. Nonpublic entities can make an accounting policy election to apply a practical expedient to estimate the expected term for all awards with performance or service conditions that meet certain conditions. For the Company, the amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. We do not expect the adoption of this amendment to have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing. This amendment updates the revenue guidance on identifying performance obligations and accounting for licenses of intellectual property, changing the FASB's previous proposals on right-of-use licenses and contractual restrictions. For an entity that licenses intellectual property, the amount or timing of revenue recognition and the timing and pattern of revenue recognition for intellectual property licenses, including the application of the sale- and usage-based royalties exception, may be significantly different from current practice. Additionally, an entity will need to evaluate which contractual restrictions are attributes of a license and which give rise to separate performance obligations. This amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and for interim periods therein. Early application is permitted, but only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods therein. We do not believe this amendment will materially impact our recognition of revenue from company-operated venue sales or our recognition of continuing royalty revenues from franchisees, which are based on a percentage of franchise sales. We are continuing to evaluate the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our business, including the recognition of revenue from the licensing of the Chuck E. Cheese's brand name to cheese products, the recognition of transactions such as franchise area development fees, and initial fees from franchisees, as well as the accounting for our national advertising funds under the Association Funds.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This amendment changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The amendments in this update are effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities may early adopt the amendments in this update as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not expect the adoption of this amendment to have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230). This amendment reduces diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. Current GAAP either is unclear or does not include specific guidance on eight cash flow classification issues addressed in this amendment, including (i) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; (ii) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; (iii) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle; and (iv) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination. This amendment is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We do not expect the adoption of this amendment to have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. This amendment requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents will therefore be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We do not expect the adoption of this amendment to have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Sale Leaseback Transaction

For accounting purposes, these sale-leaseback transactions are accounted for under the financing method, rather than as completed sales. Under the financing method, we (i) include the sales proceeds received in other long-term liabilities until our continuing involvement with the properties is terminated, (ii) report the associated property as owned assets, (iii) continue to depreciate the assets over their remaining useful lives, and (iv) record the rental payments as interest expense and a reduction of the sale leaseback obligation. When and if our continuing involvement with a property terminates and the sale of that property is recognized for accounting purposes, we expect to record a gain equal to the excess of the proceeds received over the remaining net book value of the property.