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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business—FARO Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “FARO,” the “Company,” “us,” “we” or “our”) design, develop, manufacture, market and support software driven, three-dimensional (“3D”) measurement and imaging solutions. This technology permits high-precision 3D measurement, imaging and comparison of parts and complex structures within production and quality assurance processes. Our devices are used for inspection of components and assemblies, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, documenting large volume or structures in 3D, surveying and construction as well as for investigation and reconstruction of accident sites or crime scenes. We sell the majority of our products through a direct sales force across a broad number of customers in a range of manufacturing, industrial, architecture, surveying, building information modeling, construction, public safety forensics, cultural heritage, dental and other applications. Our FaroArm®, FARO ScanArm®, FARO Laser TrackerTM, FARO Cobalt Array Imager, FARO Laser Projector, and their companion CAM2®, BuildIT, and BuildIT Projector software solutions, provide for Computer-Aided Design (“CAD”) based inspection, factory-level statistical process control, high-density surveying and laser-guided assembly and production. Together, these products integrate the measurement, quality inspection, and reverse engineering functions with CAD and 3D software to improve productivity, enhance product quality, and decrease rework and scrap in the manufacturing process, mainly supporting applications in our 3D Manufacturing (formerly known as “Factory Metrology” and “3D Factory”) vertical. Our FARO Focus, FARO ScanPlan and FARO Scanner Freestyle3D X laser scanners, and their companion FARO SCENE, BuildIT, FARO As-BuiltTM, and FARO Zone public safety forensics software offerings, are utilized for a wide variety of 3D modeling, documentation and high-density surveying applications in our Construction Building Information Modeling (“Construction BIM,” formerly known as “Construction BIM-CIM”) and Public Safety Forensics verticals. Our FARO ScanArm®, FARO Cobalt Array Imager, FARO Scanner Freestyle3D X laser scanners and their companion SCENE software, and other 3D structured light scanning solutions specific to the dental industry, also enable a fully digital workflow used to capture real world geometry for the purpose of empowering design, enabling innovation, and speeding up the design cycle, supporting our 3D Design (formerly known as “Product Design”) vertical. Our line of galvanometer-based scan heads and laser scan controllers are used in a variety of laser applications and are integrated into larger components and systems, supporting our Photonics vertical.
Reporting Segments—In 2016, we evaluated our reporting segment structure based on our new management organization and the changes implemented in connection with our initiatives to reorganize our business around certain vertical markets. We report our segment information in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280, Segment Reporting (“FASB ASC Topic 280”). We evaluate business performance based upon several metrics, using revenue growth and segment profit as the primary financial measures. During 2018, the following changes were made to our verticals and reporting segments:
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In the first quarter of 2018, we combined our historical Factory Metrology and 3D Machine Vision verticals under a single reporting segment, 3D Factory, which replaced our Factory Metrology reporting segment, due to the linkage between the two historical verticals related to the type or class of customers served, the nature of the products and services provided, and the nature of the production processes. The 3D Machine Vision vertical was previously reported in our Other reporting segment.
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In the first quarter of 2018, we renamed our Construction BIM-CIM vertical and reporting segment “Construction BIM.”
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In the first quarter of 2018, we renamed our Other reporting segment “Emerging Verticals.”
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In the third quarter of 2018, we merged the historical Factory Metrology and 3D Machine Vision verticals into one vertical named “3D Factory” for greater consistency with our realigned reporting segments.
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In the third quarter of 2018, we segregated the operations of our acquisitions of Laser Control Systems Limited (“Laser Control Systems”) and Lanmark Controls, Inc. (“Lanmark”), along with the operations resulting from our acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Instrument Associates, LLC d/b/a Nutfield Technology (“Nutfield”), into a vertical that we named “Photonics.” The creation of this vertical enables us to better focus on our product range directed at laser steering. These operations were historically reported in the 3D Factory reporting segment in the first six months of 2018 and the historical Factory Metrology reporting segment in 2017 and are now included in the Emerging Verticals (formerly known as “Other”) reporting segment. Due to this change, we performed a qualitative goodwill impairment analysis in the third quarter of 2018, and management concluded there was no goodwill impairment at the time of this vertical reporting change.
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In the third quarter of 2018, we renamed our Product Design vertical “3D Design.”
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In the fourth quarter of 2018, we renamed our 3D Factory vertical and reporting segment “3D Manufacturing.”
There were no changes in our total consolidated financial condition or results of operations previously reported as a result of the changes in our verticals and reporting segments. The amounts related to our reporting segment information for the year ended December 31, 2017 have been restated throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect the above changes in our reporting segments. The amounts related to our reporting segment information for the year ended December 31, 2016 were restated but were not impacted by the above changes in our reporting segments. Each of our reporting segments continue to employ consistent accounting policies. As a result of our assessments of our reporting segments, we now report our activities in the following three reporting segments:
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The 3D Manufacturing reporting segment contains solely our 3D Manufacturing vertical, which provides both standardized and customized solutions for 3D measurement and inspection in an industrial or manufacturing environment. Applications include alignment, part inspection, dimensional analysis, first article inspection, incoming and in-process inspection, machine calibration, non-contact inspection, robot calibration, tool building and set-up, and assembly guidance.
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The Construction BIM reporting segment contains solely our Construction BIM vertical and provides solutions for as-built data capturing and 3D visualization in building information modeling applications, allowing our customers in our architecture, engineering and construction markets to quickly and accurately extract two-dimensional (“2D”) and 3D measurement points. Applications include as-built documentation, construction monitoring, surveying, asset and facility management, and heritage preservation.
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The Emerging Verticals reporting segment includes our 3D Design, Public Safety Forensics and Photonics verticals. Our 3D Design vertical provides advanced 3D solutions to capture and edit 3D shapes of products, people, and/or environments for design purposes in product development, computer graphics, and dental and medical applications. Our Public Safety Forensics vertical provides solutions to public safety officials and professionals to capture environmental or situational scenes in 2D and 3D for crime, crash and fire scene investigations and environmental safety evaluations. Our Photonics vertical develops and markets galvanometer-based laser measurement products and solutions.

All operating segments that do not meet the criteria to be reporting segments are aggregated in the Emerging Verticals reporting segment and have been combined based on the aggregation criteria and quantitative thresholds in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 280. Our reporting segments have been determined in accordance with our internal management structure, which is based on operating activities. Each segment is responsible for its own product management, sales, strategy and profitability.
See Note 18, “Segment Reporting” for further information.
Principles of Consolidation—Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FARO Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at period-end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during each reporting period for results of operations. Adjustments resulting from financial statement translations are reflected as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income (loss).
Variable Interest Entity—We do not invest in any investees over which we exert significant influence or have effective control. As such, our investee is currently accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Our equity in the net income (loss) from our equity method investment is recorded as income (loss) with a corresponding increase (decrease) in the investment. Distributions received from the equity investee reduce the investment. Distributions from the equity investee representing our share of the equity investee's earnings are treated as cash proceeds from operations, while distributions in excess of the equity investee's earnings are considered a return of capital and treated as cash proceeds from investing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
Revenue Recognition, Product Warranty and Extended Warranty Contracts—Revenue is recognized as performance obligations within a contract are satisfied in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for satisfaction of those performance obligations, or standalone selling price. Our contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, we allocate revenues to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We make this allocation estimate utilizing data from the sale of our applicable products and services to customers separately in similar circumstances, with the exception of software licenses. With respect to software licenses, we use the residual method for allocating the contract price to performance obligations relating to software licenses. Revenue related to our measurement and imaging equipment and related software is generally recognized upon shipment from our facilities or when delivered to the customer location, as determined by the agreed upon shipping terms, at which time we are entitled to payment and title and control has passed to the customer. Fees billed to customers associated with the distribution of products are classified as revenue. We warrant our products against defects in design, materials and workmanship for one year. A provision for estimated future costs relating to warranty expense is recorded when products are shipped. We separately sell extended warranties. Extended warranty revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the warranty. Costs relating to extended warranties are recognized as incurred. Revenue from sales of software only is recognized when no further significant production, modification or customization of the software is required and when the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer. These software arrangements generally include short-term maintenance that is considered post-contract support (“PCS”), which is considered to be a separate performance obligation. We generally establish standalone sales price for this PCS component based on our maintenance renewal rate. Maintenance renewals, when sold, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the maintenance agreement. Revenues resulting from sales of comprehensive support, training and technology consulting services are recognized as such services are performed and are deferred when billed in advance of the performance of services. Payment for products and services is collected within a short period of time following transfer of control or commencement of delivery of services, as applicable. Revenues are presented net of sales-related taxes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents—We consider cash on hand and amounts on deposit with financial institutions with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash and cash equivalents. We have deposits with foreign banks totaling $77.5 million and $98.8 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Accounts Receivable and Related Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—Credit is extended to customers based on an evaluation of a customer’s financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 to 90 days and are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. We make judgments as to the collectability of accounts receivable based on historical trends and future expectations. Management estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts, which adjusts gross trade accounts receivable to their net realizable value. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an analysis of all receivables for possible impairment issues and historical write-off percentages. We write off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. We do not generally charge interest on past due receivables.
Inventories—Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the first-in first-out (“FIFO”) method. Shipping and handling costs are classified as a component of cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. Sales demonstration inventory is comprised of measuring and imaging devices utilized by sales representatives to present our products to customers. Management expects sales demonstration inventory to be held by our sales representatives for up to three years, at which time it is refurbished and transferred to finished goods as used equipment, stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Management expects these refurbished units to remain in finished goods inventory and be sold within 12 months at prices that produce reduced gross margins. Sales demonstration inventory remains classified as inventory, as it is available for sale and any required refurbishment prior to sale is minimal.
Service inventory is typically used to provide a temporary replacement product to a customer covered by a premium warranty when the customer’s unit requires service or repair and as training equipment. Service inventory is available for sale; however, management does not expect service inventory to be sold within 12 months and, as such, classifies this inventory as a long-term asset. Service inventory that we utilize for training or repairs which we deem as no longer available for sale is transferred to fixed assets at the lower of cost or net realizable value and depreciated over its remaining useful life, typically three years. See Note 6, “Inventories” for further information regarding inventories.
Reserve for Excess and Obsolete Inventory—Since the value of inventory that will ultimately be realized cannot be known with exact certainty, we rely upon both past sales history and future sales forecasts to provide a basis for the determination of the reserve. Inventory is considered potentially obsolete if we have withdrawn those products from the market or had no sales of the product for the past 12 months and have no sales forecasted for the next 12 months. Inventory is considered potentially excess if the quantity on hand exceeds 12 months of expected remaining usage. The resulting potentially obsolete and excess parts are then reviewed to determine if a substitute usage or a future need exists. Items without an identified current or future usage are reserved in an amount equal to 100% of the FIFO cost of such inventory. Our products are subject to changes in technologies that may make certain of our products or their components obsolete or less competitive, which may increase our historical provisions to the reserve.
Property and Equipment—Property and equipment purchases exceeding a thousand dollars are capitalized and recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed beginning on the date that the asset is placed into service using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets as follows:
Machinery, equipment and software
2 to 5 years
Furniture and fixtures
3 to 10 years

Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the life of the asset or the remaining term of the lease.
Depreciation expense was $12.9 million, $12.3 million and $10.9 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Accelerated methods of depreciation are used for income tax purposes in contrast to book purposes, and as a result, appropriate provisions are made for the related deferred income taxes.
Business Combinations—We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair value of these assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. When determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management makes significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Critical estimates in valuing intangible assets include, but are not limited to, expected future cash flows, which includes consideration of future growth rates and margins, customer attrition rates, future changes in technology and brand awareness, loyalty and position, and discount rates. Critical estimates are also made in valuing earn-outs, which represent arrangements to pay former owners based on the satisfaction of performance criteria. Fair value estimates are based on the assumptions management believes a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability. Amounts recorded in a business combination may change during the measurement period, which is a period not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, as additional information about conditions existing at the acquisition date becomes available.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Goodwill represents the excess cost of a business acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. We do not amortize goodwill; however, we perform an annual review each year, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist, to determine if the carrying value of the recorded goodwill or indefinite lived intangible assets is impaired. We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1, or when an indicator of impairment exists. If an asset is impaired, the difference between the carrying value of the asset reflected in the financial statements and its current fair value is recognized as an expense in the period in which the impairment occurs. See Note 7, “Goodwill” and Note 8, “Intangible Assets” for further information regarding goodwill and intangible assets, respectively.
Each period, and for any of our reporting units, we can elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. If we believe, as a result of our qualitative assessment, that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit containing goodwill is less than its carrying amount, then the first and second steps of the quantitative goodwill impairment test are unnecessary. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment option, or if the qualitative assessment was performed and resulted in the Company being unable to conclude that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit containing goodwill is greater than its carrying amount, we will perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. We perform the first step of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit using a discounted cash flow method and market approach method, and then comparing the respective fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we perform the second step of the quantitative goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. Management has concluded there was no goodwill impairment for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.
Other intangible assets principally include patents, existing product technology and customer relationships that arose in connection with our acquisitions. Other intangible assets are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition and are amortized over their estimated useful lives of 3 to 20 years. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Product technology and patents are recorded at cost. Amortization expense is computed using the straight-line method over the lives of the product technology and patents of 7 to 20 years.
The remaining weighted-average amortization period for all our intangible assets is eight years.
Long-Lived Assets—Long-lived assets, other than goodwill, are evaluated for impairment when events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be fully recoverable, comparing projected undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying value of the asset group. Management has concluded that there were no indicators of impairment of these assets during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Research and Development—Research and development costs incurred in the discovery of new knowledge and the resulting translation of this new knowledge into plans and designs for new products prior to the attainment of the related products’ technological feasibility are recorded as expenses in the period incurred. To date, the time incurred between the attainment of the related products' technological feasibility and general release to customers has been short.
Reserve for Warranties—We establish at the time of sale a liability for the one-year warranty included with the initial purchase price of our products, based upon an estimate of the repair expenses likely to be incurred for the warranty period. The warranty period is measured in installation-months for each major product group. The warranty reserve is included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The warranty expense is estimated by applying the actual total repair expenses for each product group in the prior period and determining a rate of repair expense per installation-month. This repair rate is multiplied by the number of installation-months of warranty for each product group to determine the provision for warranty expenses for the period. We evaluate our exposure to warranty costs at the end of each period using the estimated expense per installation-month for each major product group, the number of units remaining under warranty, and the remaining number of months each unit will be under warranty. We have a history of new product introductions and enhancements to existing products, which may result in unforeseen issues that increase our warranty costs. While such expenses have historically been within expectations, we cannot guarantee this will continue in the future.

Income Taxes—We review our deferred tax assets on a regular basis to evaluate their recoverability based upon expected future reversals of deferred tax assets and liabilities, projections of future taxable income, and tax planning strategies that we might employ to utilize such assets, including net operating loss carryforwards. Based on the positive and negative evidence for recoverability, we establish a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets of a taxing jurisdiction in which we operate unless it is “more likely than not” that we will recover such assets through the above means. Our evaluation of the need for the valuation allowance is significantly influenced by our ability to maintain profitability and our ability to predict and achieve future projections of taxable income.

We recognize tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. For those positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. In the ordinary course of business, we are examined by various federal, state, and foreign tax authorities. We regularly assess the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. See Note 12, “Income Taxes” for further information regarding income taxes.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share (“EPS”)—Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by also considering the impact of potential common stock on both net income and the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Our potential common stock consists of employee stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance-based awards. Our potential common stock is excluded from the basic earnings per share calculation and is included in the diluted earnings per share calculation when doing so would not be anti-dilutive. Performance-based awards are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share only to the extent that the underlying performance conditions (and any applicable market condition) (i) are satisfied as of the end of the reporting period or (ii) would be considered satisfied if the end of the reporting period were the end of the related contingency period and the result would be dilutive under the treasury stock method. When we report a loss for the period presented, the diluted loss per share calculation does not include our potential common stock, as the inclusion of these shares in the calculation would have an anti-dilutive effect. A reconciliation of the number of common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS is presented in Note 15, “Earnings (Loss) Per Share.”
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—We have two stock-based employee and director compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 14, “Stock Compensation Plans.”
We measure and record compensation expense using the applicable accounting guidance for share-based payments related to stock options, restricted stock, and performance-based awards granted to our directors and employees. The fair value of stock options, including performance awards, without a market condition is estimated, at the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock awards and stock options with a market condition is estimated, at the date of grant, using the Monte Carlo Simulation model. The Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo Simulation valuation models incorporate assumptions as to stock price volatility, the expected life of options or awards, a risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. In valuing our stock options, significant judgment is required in determining the expected volatility of our common stock and the expected life that individuals will hold their stock options prior to exercising. Expected volatility for stock options is based on the historical and implied volatility of our own common stock while the volatility for our restricted stock units with a market condition is based on the historical volatility of our own stock and the stock of companies within our defined peer group. The expected life of stock options is derived from the historical actual term of option grants and an estimate of future exercises during the remaining contractual period of the option. While volatility and estimated life are assumptions that do not bear the risk of change subsequent to the grant date of stock options, these assumptions may be difficult to measure as they represent future expectations based on historical experience. Further, our expected volatility and expected life may change in the future, which could substantially change the grant-date fair value of future awards of stock options and, ultimately, the expense we record. The fair value of restricted stock, including performance awards, without a market condition is estimated using the current market price of our common stock on the date of grant.
We expense stock-based compensation for stock options, restricted stock awards, and performance awards over the requisite service period. For awards with only a service condition, we expense stock-based compensation using the straight-line method over the requisite service period for the entire award. For awards with both performance and service conditions, we expense the stock-based compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award, taking into account the probability that we will satisfy the performance conditions. Furthermore, we expense awards with a market condition over the three-year vesting period regardless of the value that the award recipients ultimately receive. All tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments are reported as operating activities in the statement of cash flows in the deferred income tax benefit line item. We elect to account for forfeitures related to the service condition-based awards as they occur.
Concentration of Credit Risk—Financial instruments that expose us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of short-term investments and operating demand deposit accounts. Our policy is to place our operating demand deposit accounts with high credit quality financial institutions, the balances of which at times may exceed federally insured limits. We continually monitor our banking relationships and believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risk on our operating demand deposit accounts.
Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Impact of Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”) in order to clarify the definition of a business and provide additional guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. FASB ASC Topic 805 recognized three elements of a business: inputs, processes, and outputs. While an integrated set of assets and activities (collectively referred to as a “set”) that is a business usually has outputs, outputs are not required to be present. Additionally, all the inputs and processes that a seller used in operating a set were not required if market participants could acquire the set and continue to produce outputs. ASU 2017-01 provides a screen to determine when a set is not a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. If the screen is not met, the new guidance (1) requires that to be considered a business, a set must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output and (2) removes the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements. The new guidance provides a framework to assist entities in evaluating whether both an input and a substantive process are present. This framework includes two sets of criteria to consider that depend on whether a set has outputs. Although outputs are not required for a set to be a business, outputs generally are a key element of a business. ASU 2017-01 provides more stringent criteria for sets without outputs and more narrowly defines the term output. ASU 2017-01 became effective for us on January 1, 2018 and was applied prospectively. Our adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
    
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory (“ASU 2016-16”), which removes the prohibition in FASB ASC Topic 740 against the immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. This ASU requires the tax effects of intercompany transactions, other than sales of inventory, to be recognized when the transfer occurs, instead of deferred until the transferred asset is sold to a third party or otherwise recovered through use of the asset. The new guidance must be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. ASU 2016-16 became effective for us on January 1, 2018 and was applied on a modified retrospective basis. Our adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”), which clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 became effective for us on January 1, 2018 and was applied on a modified retrospective basis. Our adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), amending its accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. Under this ASU and subsequently issued amendments, revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additional disclosures are required to provide the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. We adopted ASU 2014-09 effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method of adoption. The following is a summary of impacts by significant revenue stream:
• Measurement equipment and related software: Under the prior accounting guidance, FASB ASC Topic 605, which is applicable to reporting periods before January 1, 2018, sales of measurement and imaging equipment and related software sales were generally recognized upon shipment, as we considered the earnings process complete as of the shipping date. The related software sold with our measurement and imaging equipment functions together with such equipment to deliver the tangible product’s essential functionality. Further, customers frequently purchase extended warranties with the purchase of measurement equipment and related software. Under the new adopted guidance, FASB ASC Topic 606, which is applicable to reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, we allocate the contract price to performance obligations based on our best estimate of the standalone selling price. We make this allocation estimate utilizing data from the sale of our applicable products and services to customers separately in similar circumstances, with the exception of software licenses. With respect to software licenses, we use the residual method for allocating the contract price to performance obligations relating to software licenses. Revenue related to our measurement and imaging equipment and related software is generally recognized upon shipment from our facilities or when delivered to the customer location, as determined by the agreed upon shipping terms, at which time we are entitled to payment and title and control has passed to the customer. Our adoption of the new guidance did not result in material changes to our accounting for revenue related to our measurement and imaging equipment and related software.
• Extended warranties: Under the prior accounting guidance, FASB ASC Topic 605, which is applicable to reporting periods before January 1, 2018, extended warranty sales were recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the warranty. Extended warranty sales include contract periods that extend between one month and three years. The unearned service revenues reported in current and noncurrent liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets appropriately reflect the remaining performance obligations related to these contracts. Our adoption of the new guidance, FASB ASC Topic 606, which is applicable to reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, did not result in material changes to our accounting for revenue related to extended warranties.
• Software: Under the prior accounting guidance, FASB ASC Topic 605, which is applicable to reporting periods before January 1, 2018, software-only sales were recognized when no further significant production, modification or customization of the software was required and when the following criteria were met: persuasive evidence of a sales agreement existed, delivery had occurred, and the sales price was fixed or determinable and deemed collectible. These software arrangements generally include short-term maintenance that is considered post-contract support. Maintenance renewals, when sold, were recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the maintenance agreement. Our adoption of the new guidance, FASB ASC Topic 606, which is applicable to reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, did not result in material changes to our accounting for revenue related to software-only sales and maintenance renewals.
The unearned service revenue liabilities reported on our consolidated balance sheets reflect the contract liabilities to satisfy the remaining performance obligations for extended warranties and software maintenance. The current portion of unearned service revenues on our consolidated balance sheets is what we expect to recognize to revenue within twelve months after the applicable balance sheet date relating to extended warranty and software maintenance contract liabilities. The Unearned service revenues - less current portion on our consolidated balance sheets is what we expect to recognize to revenue extending beyond twelve months after the applicable balance sheet date relating to extended warranty and software maintenance contract liabilities. Customer deposits on our consolidated balance sheets represent customer prepayments on contracts for performance obligations that we must satisfy in the future to recognize the related contract revenue. These amounts are generally related to performance obligations which are delivered in less than 12 months. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recognized $25.0 million of service revenue that was deferred on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.
Under the prior accounting guidance, FASB ASC Topic 605, which is applicable to reporting periods before January 1, 2018, we recognized sales commission expense as incurred. Under the new guidance, FASB ASC Topic 606, which is applicable to reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, we must capitalize the commission expense and amortize such costs ratably over the term of the contract. In accordance with the practical expedient and modified retrospective method of adoption, we recorded a net increase to opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 of $1.8 million and recognized an associated $2.4 million deferred cost asset due to the cumulative impact of adopting the new guidance. As of December 31, 2018, the deferred cost asset related to deferred commissions was approximately $2.7 million. For classification purposes, $1.8 million and $0.9 million are comprised within the Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other long-term assets, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
We have elected the practical expedient to account for shipping and handling as activities to fulfill the promise to transfer the good. As such, shipping and handling fees billed to customers in a sales transaction are recorded in Product Sales and shipping and handling costs incurred are recorded in Cost of Sales. Additionally, we have elected the practical expedient to exclude from Sales any value added, sales and other taxes that we collect concurrently with revenue-producing activities. These accounting policy elections are consistent with the manner in which we have historically recorded shipping and handling fees and taxes.
The nature of certain of our contracts gives rise to variable consideration, which may be constrained, primarily related to an allowance for sales returns. In accordance with the adoption of the new guidance, we are required to estimate the contract asset related to sales returns and record a corresponding adjustment to Cost of Sales. Historically, our allowance for sales returns has not been material and was approximately $0.1 million as of December 31, 2018. As such, our adoption of the new guidance did not result in material changes to our accounting for variable consideration related to sales returns, and the corresponding contract asset related to such returns. See Note 3 “Revenues” for further information.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangible - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”), which is intended to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the current guidance, performance of Step 2 requires us to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill by following procedures that would be required to determine the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Under the new guidance, we will perform our goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value up to the amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The new guidance also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it fails the qualitative assessment. As a result, all reporting units will be subject to the same impairment assessment. We will still have the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU 2017-04 becomes effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests after January 1, 2017. The amendments in this ASU will be applied on a prospective basis. Disclosure of the nature and reason for the change in accounting principle is required upon transition. This disclosure is required in the first annual period and in the interim period within the first annual period when we initially adopt the amendments in this ASU. We plan to adopt this guidance for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. We do not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which is intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements to enable users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU 2018-11, Lease Topic 842: Targeted Improvements, was issued by the FASB in July 2018 and allows for a cumulative-effect adjustment transition method of adoption. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years. We plan to adopt ASU 2016-02 in the first quarter of 2019 with a cumulative-effect adjustment made on January 1, 2019. We are in the process of calculating the impact of adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements, and are currently finalizing the implementation of a lease management software to assist in this task. We believe the most significant changes will be related to the recognition of new right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on our balance sheet for operating leases where we function as a lessee. We estimate the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will be between a $14 million to $17 million increase in right-of use assets and lease liabilities. We plan to elect certain practical expedients available under the transition provisions to (i) allow aggregation of non-lease components with the related lease components when evaluating accounting treatment, (ii) apply the modified retrospective adoption method, utilizing the simplified transition option, which allows entities to continue to apply the legacy guidance in FASB ASC Topic 840, including its disclosure requirements, in the comparative periods presented in the year of adoption, and (iii) use hindsight in determining the lease term (that is, when considering lessee options to extend or terminate the lease and to purchase the underlying asset) and in assessing impairment of the entity’s right-of-use assets. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 will also require any initial direct costs, which are incremental costs that would not have been incurred had the lease not been obtained, to be included in the right-of-use assets. We do not expect the recognition of these costs upon adoption to have a material impact on the right-of-use assets or on our consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications—Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform to the current period presentation:
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Certain reclassifications were made between reporting segments for segment profit during the year ended December 31, 2016 in Note 18, “Segment Reporting” as a result of changes to our methodology for allocating manufacturing variances to our segments. These reclassifications only impacted our segment reporting footnote disclosure.
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In the first quarter of 2018, we combined our historical Factory Metrology and 3D Machine Vision verticals under a single reporting segment, 3D Factory, which replaced our Factory Metrology reporting segment, due to the linkage between the two historical verticals related to the type or class of customers served, the nature of the products and services provided, and the nature of the production processes. The 3D Machine Vision vertical was previously reported in our Other reporting segment.
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In the first quarter of 2018, we renamed our Construction BIM-CIM vertical and reporting segment “Construction BIM.”
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In the first quarter of 2018, we renamed our Other reporting segment “Emerging Verticals.”
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In the third quarter of 2018, we merged the historical Factory Metrology and 3D Machine Vision verticals into one vertical named “3D Factory” for greater consistency with our realigned reporting segments.
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In the third quarter of 2018, we segregated the operations of our acquisitions of Laser Control Systems and Lanmark, along with the operations resulting from our acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Nutfield, into a vertical that we named “Photonics.” The creation of this vertical enables us to better focus on our product range directed at laser steering. These operations were historically reported in the 3D Factory reporting segment in the first six months of 2018 and the historical Factory Metrology reporting segment in 2017 and are now included in the Emerging Verticals (formerly known as “Other”) reporting segment. Due to this change, we performed a qualitative goodwill impairment analysis in the third quarter of 2018, and management concluded there was no goodwill impairment at the time of this vertical reporting change.
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In the third quarter of 2018, we renamed our Product Design vertical “3D Design.”
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In the fourth quarter of 2018, we renamed our 3D Factory vertical and reporting segment “3D Manufacturing.”

The amounts related to our reporting segment information for the year ended December 31, 2017 have been restated throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect the above changes in our reporting segments. The amounts related to our reporting segment information for the year ended December 31, 2016 were restated but were not impacted by the above changes in our reporting segments. Each of our reporting segments continue to employ consistent accounting policies.