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(Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 26, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates. In preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make certain assumptions and estimates that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the disclosure of contingencies. In making these assumptions and estimates, management may from time to time seek advice and consider information provided by actuaries and other experts in a particular area. Actual amounts could differ materially from these estimates.
Consolidation Policy
Consolidation Policy. Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial statements of Denny’s Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Denny’s, Inc., DFO, LLC, Denny’s Realty, LLC and East Main Insurance Company. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year. Our fiscal year ends on the last Wednesday in December. As a result, a fifty-third week is added to a fiscal year every five or six years.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Our policy is to invest cash in excess of operating requirements in short-term highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, which we consider to be cash equivalents.
Receivables
Receivables. Receivables, which are recorded at net realizable value, primarily consist of trade accounts receivables and financing receivables from franchisees, vendor receivables and credit card receivables. Trade accounts receivables from franchisees consist of royalties, advertising and rent. Financing receivables from franchisees primarily consist of notes from franchisees related to the roll-out of equipment. We accrue interest on notes receivable based on the contractual terms. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on pre-defined criteria and management’s judgment of existing receivables. Receivables that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible, and for which collection efforts have been exhausted, are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Inventories
Inventories. Inventories consist of food and beverages and are valued primarily at the lower of cost and net realizable value.
Property and Depreciation
Property and Depreciation. Owned property is stated at cost. Property under capital leases is stated at the lesser of its fair value or the net present value of the related minimum lease payments at the lease inception. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. We depreciate owned property over its estimated useful life using the straight-line method. We amortize property held under capital leases (at capitalized value) over the lesser of its estimated useful life or the initial lease term. In certain situations, one or more option periods may be used in determining the depreciable life of certain leasehold improvements under operating lease agreements, if we deem that an economic penalty will be incurred and exercise of such option periods is reasonably assured. In either circumstance, our policy requires lease term consistency when calculating the depreciation period, in classifying the lease and in computing rent expense. Building assets are assigned estimated useful lives that range from five to 30 years. Equipment assets are assigned lives that range from two to ten years. Leasehold improvements are generally assigned lives between five and 15 years limited by the expected lease term.
Goodwill
Goodwill. Amounts recorded as goodwill primarily represent excess reorganization value recognized as a result of our 1998 bankruptcy. We also record goodwill in connection with the acquisition of restaurants from franchisees. Likewise, upon the sale of restaurant operations to franchisees, goodwill is decremented. We test goodwill for impairment at each fiscal year end and more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may exist. Such indicators include, but are not limited to, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows, a significant adverse decline in our stock price, significantly adverse legal developments and a significant change in the business climate.
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets. Intangible assets consist primarily of trade names and reacquired franchise rights. Trade names are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not amortized. Reacquired franchise rights are amortized using the straight-line basis over the term of the related franchise agreement. Reacquired franchise rights resulting from acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and are estimated by management based on the fair value of the assets received.

We test trade name assets for impairment at each fiscal year end, and more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may exist. We assess impairment of reacquired franchise rights whenever changes or events indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Costs incurred to renew or extend the term of recognized intangible assets are recorded in general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Marketable Securities
Marketable Securities. Marketable securities include debt and equity mutual funds that are considered trading securities and are included at fair value as a component of investments and other noncurrent assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Marketable securities included in other noncurrent assets represent the plan assets of our nonqualified deferred compensation plan (the “plan assets”). The plan assets are held in a rabbi trust. Each plan participant’s account is comprised of their contribution, our matching contribution (made prior to 2016) and each participant’s share of earnings or losses in the plan. We have recorded offsetting deferred compensation liabilities as a component of other noncurrent liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The realized and unrealized holding gains and losses related to marketable securities are recorded in other income (expense) with an offsetting amount recorded in general and administrative expenses related to deferred compensation plan liabilities.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred Financing Costs. Costs related to the issuance of debt are deferred and amortized as a component of interest expense using the effective interest method over the terms of the respective debt issuances.
Self-insurance Liabilities
Self-insurance Liabilities. We record liabilities for insurance claims during periods in which we have been insured under large deductible programs or have been self-insured for our medical claims and workers’ compensation, general, product and automobile insurance liabilities. The liabilities for prior and current estimated incurred losses are discounted to their present value based on expected loss payment patterns determined by independent actuaries using our actual historical payments. These estimates include assumptions regarding claims frequency and severity as well as changes in our business environment, medical costs and the regulatory environment that could impact our overall self-insurance costs.

Income Taxes
Income Taxes. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. All deferred taxes are reported as noncurrent in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. A valuation allowance reduces our net deferred tax asset to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We make certain estimates and judgments in the calculation of our provision for incomes taxes, in the resulting tax liabilities, and in the recoverability of deferred tax assets.

We record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in an income tax return. We recognize any interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Assessment of uncertain tax positions requires judgments relating to the amounts, timing and likelihood of resolution.
Leases and Subleases
Leases and Subleases. Our policy requires the use of a consistent lease term for calculating the depreciation period for related buildings and leasehold improvements, classifying the lease and computing periodic rent expense where the lease terms include escalations in rent over the lease term. The lease term commences on the date we gain access to and control over the leased property. We account for rent escalations in leases on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. Any rent holidays after lease commencement are recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, which includes the rent holiday period. Leasehold improvements that have been funded by lessors have historically been insignificant. Any leasehold improvements we make that are funded by lessor incentives or allowances under operating leases are recorded as leasehold improvement assets and amortized over the expected lease term. Such incentives are also recorded as deferred rent and amortized as reductions to lease expense over the expected lease term. We record contingent rent expense based on estimated sales for respective restaurants over the contingency period. Contingent rental income is recognized when earned.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses are deemed to approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value of notes receivable approximates the carrying value after consideration of recorded allowances and related risk-based interest rates. The liabilities under our credit facility are carried at historical cost, which approximates fair value. The fair value of our long-term debt is determined based on market prices or, if market prices are not available, the present value of the underlying cash flows discounted at market rates.
Employee Benefit Plans
Employee Benefit Plans. Each year we measure and recognize the funded status of our defined benefit plans in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31. That date represents the month-end that is closest to our fiscal year-end. The funded status is adjusted for any contributions or significant events (such as a plan amendment, settlement, or curtailment that calls for a remeasurement) that occurs between our fiscal year-end and December 31.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments. We use derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to interest rate risk. We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. All derivatives are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value based upon quoted market prices. Changes in the fair values of derivatives are recorded in earnings or other comprehensive income (OCI), based on whether the instrument is designated as a hedge transaction. Gains or losses on derivative instruments reported in OCI are classified to earnings in the period the hedged item affects earnings. If the underlying hedge transaction ceases to exist, any associated amounts reported in OCI are reclassified to earnings at that time. Any ineffectiveness is recognized in earnings in the current period. By entering into derivative instruments, we are exposed to counterparty credit risk. When the fair value of a derivative instrument is in an asset position, the counterparty has a liability to us, which creates credit risk for us. We manage our exposure to this risk by selecting counterparties with investment grade credit ratings and regularly monitoring our market position with each counterparty.
Contingencies and Litigation
Contingencies and Litigation. We are subject to legal proceedings involving ordinary and routine claims incidental to our business, as well as legal proceedings that are nonroutine and include compensatory or punitive damage claims. Our ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to such matters cannot be estimated with certainty and requires the use of estimates in recording liabilities for potential litigation settlements. When the reasonable estimate is a range, the recorded loss will be the best estimate within the range. We record legal settlement costs as other operating expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income as those costs are incurred.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income includes net income and OCI items that are excluded from net income under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. OCI items include additional minimum pension liability adjustments and the effective unrealized portion of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges. 
Segment
Segment. Denny’s operates in only one segment. All significant revenues and pre-tax earnings relate to retail sales of food and beverages to the general public through either company or franchised restaurants.
Revenues
Revenues. 
Effective December 28, 2017, the first day of fiscal 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 606. See the “Newly Adopted Accounting Standards” section of this Note 2 for further information on our adoption and Note 3 for further information about our transition to Topic 606 and the newly required disclosures.

Company Restaurant Revenue. Company restaurant revenue is recognized at the point in time when food and beverage products are sold at company restaurants. We present company restaurant sales net of sales-related taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental taxing authorities. The adoption of Topic 606 did not impact the recognition of company restaurant sales.

Franchise Revenue. Franchise and license revenues consist primarily of royalties, advertising revenue, initial and other fees and occupancy revenue.

Under franchise agreements we provide franchisees with a license of our brand’s symbolic intellectual property, administration of advertising programs (including local co-operatives), and other ongoing support functions. These services are highly interrelated so we do not consider them to be individually distinct performance obligations, and therefore account for them under Topic 606 as a single performance obligation. Revenue from franchise agreements is recognized evenly over the term of the agreement with the exception of sales-based royalties.

Royalty and advertising revenues represent sales-based royalties that are recognized in the period in which the sales occur. Sales-based royalties are variable consideration related to our performance obligation to our franchisees to maintain the intellectual property being licensed. Under our franchise agreements, franchisee advertising contributions must be spent on marketing and related activities. The adoption of Topic 606 did not impact the recognition of royalties. Upon adoption of Topic 606, advertising revenues and expenditures are recorded on a gross basis within the Consolidated Statements of Income. Under the previous guidance of Topic 605, we recorded franchise advertising expense net of contributions from franchisees to our advertising programs, including local co-operatives. While this change materially impacts the gross amount of reported franchise and license revenue and costs of franchise and license revenue, the impact is generally an offsetting increase to both revenue and expense with little, if any, impact on operating income and net income.

Initial and other fees consist of initial, successor and assignment franchise fees (“initial franchise fees”). Initial franchise fees are billed and received upon the signing of the franchise agreement. Under Topic 606, recognition of these fees is deferred until the commencement date of the agreement and occurs over time based on the term of the underlying franchise agreement. In the event a franchise agreement is terminated, any remaining deferred fees are recognized in the period of termination. Under the previous guidance, initial franchise fees were recognized upon the opening of a franchise restaurant.

Initial and other fees also includes revenue that are distinct from the franchise agreement and are separate performance obligations. Training and other franchise services fees are billed and recognized at a point in time as services are rendered. Similar to advertising revenue, upon adoption of Topic 606, other franchise services fees are recorded on a gross basis within the Consolidated Statements of Income, whereas, under previous guidance, they were netted against the related expenses.

Occupancy revenue results from leasing or subleasing restaurants to franchisees and is recognized over the term of the lease agreement.

With the exception of initial and other franchise fees, revenues are typically billed and collected on a weekly basis. For 2018, 2017 and 2016, our ten largest franchisees accounted for 30%, 31% and 29% of our franchise revenues, respectively.

Gift cards. We sell gift cards which have no stated expiration dates in our company restaurants, franchised restaurants and at certain third party retailers. We recognize revenue when a gift card is redeemed in one of our company restaurants. We maintain a gift card liability for cards sold in our company restaurants and for cards sold by third parties. Upon adoption of Topic 606, gift card breakage is recognized proportionally as redemptions occur. Our gift card breakage primarily relates to cards sold by third parties and is recorded as advertising revenue (included as a component of franchise and license revenue). Under previous guidance, we recorded gift card breakage when the likelihood of redemption was remote. Breakage was recorded as a benefit to our advertising fund or reduction to other operating expenses, depending on where the gift cards were sold.
Advertising Costs
Advertising Costs. We expense production costs for radio and television advertising in the year in which the commercials are initially aired.
Restructuring and Exit Costs
Restructuring and Exit Costs. Restructuring and exit costs consist primarily of the costs of future obligations related to closed restaurants, severance and other restructuring charges for terminated employees, and are included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
Discounted liabilities for future lease costs and the fair value of related subleases of closed restaurants are recorded when the restaurants are closed. All other costs related to closed restaurants are expensed as incurred. In assessing the discounted liabilities for future costs of obligations related to closed restaurants, we make assumptions regarding amounts of future assumed subleases. If these assumptions or their related estimates change in the future, we may be required to record additional exit costs or reduce exit costs previously recorded. Exit costs recorded for each of the periods presented include the effect of such changes in estimates.
Disposal or Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Disposal or Impairment of Long-lived Assets. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment at the restaurant level on a quarterly basis, when assets are identified as held for sale or whenever changes or events indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. For assets identified as held for sale, we use the market approach and consider proceeds from similar asset sales. We assess impairment of restaurant-level assets based on the operating cash flows of the restaurant, expected proceeds from the sale of assets and our plans for restaurant closings. Generally, all restaurants with negative cash flows from operations for the most recent twelve months at each quarter end are included in our assessment. For underperforming assets, we use the income approach to determine both the recoverability and estimated fair value of the assets. To estimate future cash flows, we make certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, such as revenue growth, operating margins, risk-adjusted discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. If the long-lived assets of a restaurant are not recoverable based upon estimated future, undiscounted cash flows, we write the assets down to their fair value. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record additional impairment charges. These charges are included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Assets held for sale consist of real estate properties and/or restaurant operations that we expect to sell within the next year. The assets are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. We cease recording depreciation on assets that are classified as held for sale. If the determination is made that we no longer expect to sell an asset within the next year, the asset is reclassified out of held for sale.
Discontinued Operations
Discontinued Operations. We evaluate restaurant closures and assets reclassified to assets held for sale for potential disclosure as discontinued operations. Only disposals resulting in a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results are reported as discontinued operations. There were no such disposals, nor any disposals of individually significant components. The gains and losses related to restaurant closures and assets reclassified to assets held for sale are included as a component of operating (gain), losses and other charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Gains and Losses on Sales of Restaurants Operations to Franchisees, Real Estate and Other Assets
Gains and Losses on Sales of Restaurants Operations to Franchisees, Real Estate and Other Assets. Generally, gains and losses on sales of restaurant operations to franchisees (which may include real estate), real estate properties and other assets are recognized when the sales are consummated and certain other gain recognition criteria are met. Total gains and losses are included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Share-based Compensation
Share-based Compensation. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period. Share-based compensation expense is included as a component of general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Starting in fiscal 2017, in accordance with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, we elected to account for forfeitures as they occur. Previously, we estimated potential forfeitures of share-based awards and adjusted the forfeiture rate over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differed from such estimates. The cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings from previously estimated forfeitures resulted in a $0.4 million increase to opening deficit in fiscal 2017, a $0.2 million increase in deferred tax assets and a $0.6 million increase to additional paid-in capital. Also in accordance with ASU 2016-09, starting in 2017, excess tax benefits recognized related to share-based compensation are included as a component of provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Income and are classified as operating activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings from previously unrecognized excess tax benefits resulted in a $9.0 million increase in deferred tax assets and a decrease to opening deficit in fiscal 2017.

Generally, compensation expense related to restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units and board deferred stock units is based on the number of shares and units expected to vest, the period over which they are expected to vest and the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the grant. For restricted stock units and performance shares that contain a market condition, compensation expense is based on the Monte Carlo valuation method, which utilizes multiple input variables to determine the probability of the Company achieving the market condition and the fair value of the award. The key assumptions used include expected volatility and risk-free interest rates over the term of the award. The amount of certain cash-settled awards is determined based on the date of payment. Therefore, compensation expense related to these cash-settled awards is adjusted to fair value at each balance sheet date. Compensation expense for options is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.

Subsequent to the vesting period, earned stock-settled restricted stock units and performance shares (both of which are equity classified) are paid to the holder in shares of our common stock, and the cash-settled restricted stock units and performance units (both of which are liability classified) are paid to the holder in cash, provided the holder was still employed with Denny’s or an affiliate as of the vesting date.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding during the period.
Newly Adopted Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards to be Adopted
Newly Adopted Accounting Standards

Effective December 28, 2017, the first day of fiscal 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 606. The new guidance clarifies the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities and requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled. We elected to apply the modified retrospective method of adoption to those contracts which were not completed as of December 28, 2017. In doing so, we applied the practical expedient to aggregate all contract modifications that occurred before December 28, 2017 in determining the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, the transaction price and the allocation of the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations. Results for reporting periods beginning after December 28, 2017 are presented under Topic 606. Prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting under Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition.” Our transition to Topic 606 represents a change in accounting principle. See Note 3 for further information about our transition to Topic 606 and the newly required disclosures.

Effective December 28, 2017, we adopted ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The new guidance requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset, and eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Effective December 28, 2017, we adopted ASU 2017-07, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” The new guidance requires an entity to report the service cost component in the same line on the income statement as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. If a separate line item is not used, the line item used in the income statement must be disclosed. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Effective December 28, 2017, we early adopted ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” The new guidance allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) and requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. Due to the immateriality of the stranded tax effects resulting from the implementation of the Tax Act, we have elected not to reclassify these amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. Therefore the adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Effective December 28, 2017, we early adopted ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.” The new update better aligns an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships, simplifies the hedge accounting requirements, and improves the disclosures of hedging arrangements. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance has been applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Effective September 26, 2018, we early adopted ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement,” which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our disclosures.

Effective September 26, 2018, we early adopted ASU 2018-14, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans,” which modifies the disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans. The adoption of this guidance had an immaterial impact on our annual disclosures.

Effective September 26, 2018, we early adopted ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force),” which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The guidance was adopted on a prospective basis and did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Additional new accounting guidance became effective for us as of December 28, 2017 that we reviewed and concluded was either not applicable to our operations or had no material effect on the our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Accounting Standards to be Adopted

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which provides guidance for accounting for leases and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The new guidance established a right-of-use model (“ROU”) that requires lessees to recognize a ROU asset and a lease liability for all leases with terms greater than 12 months. Lessees will classify leases as financing or operating, which affects the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. The guidance requires lessors to classify leases as sales-type, direct financing or operating. The FASB has subsequently amended this guidance by issuing additional ASUs to provide a land easement practical expedient, clarification and further guidance around areas identified as potential implementation issues and to allow an alternative transition method.
The new guidance requires either a modified retrospective transition approach with initial application at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements or an effective date approach with initial application at the adoption date and recognition of a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. All of the standards are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (our fiscal 2019) with early adoption permitted. We will adopt the guidance as of December 27, 2018 (the first day of fiscal 2019) using the effective date method. Consequently, financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under the new guidance will not be provided for dates and periods before our adoption date.
The new guidance provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. We expect to elect the “package of practical expedients,” which permits us to not reassess prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. In addition, we do not expect to elect the use of the hindsight practical expedient, which would allow us to reassess lease terms and impairment of the ROU assets, or the land easement practical expedient. In preparation for adoption, we have completed the implementation of a new lease management system. We expect to use the portfolio approach in applying the discount rate.
As a lessee, the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheet resulting from the recognition of operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities primarily relating to real estate leases. Although the new guidance is also expected to impact the measurement and presentation of certain expenses and cash flows related to leasing arrangements, we do not believe there will be a material impact to our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income or Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We do not expect the recognition of the additional lessee operating lease liabilities will impact any credit facility debt covenants as these liabilities are not considered to be debt. As a lessor, we currently do not expect the new guidance to have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, as we believe substantially all of our existing leases will continue to be classified as operating leases. We also expect to add significant new disclosures about our leasing activities, both as lessee and lessor.
On adoption, as a lessee, we currently expect to recognize operating lease liabilities, ranging from $100 million to $105 million and ROU assets ranging from $91 million to $96 million based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments under current leasing standards for existing operating leases primarily relating to real estate leases.
The new guidance also provides practical expedients and accounting elections for our ongoing accounting. We expect to elect the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify, and therefore will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for these leases. We also expect to elect both the lessee and lessor practical expedients in regards to all leases, and therefore will not separate nonlease components, such as common area maintenance, from lease components in these leases. We expect to use the portfolio approach in applying the discount rate to our real estate leases.
We continue to evaluate certain aspects of the new guidance, including those still being revised by the FASB.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The new guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform financial statement users of credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (our fiscal 2020) with early adoption permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (our fiscal 2019). We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

We reviewed all other newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they are either not applicable to our business or are not expected to have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements as a result of future adoption.