SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

These financial statements and the accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and conform to Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. See Note 4, Acquisitions and Pro Forma Results, for details of new subsidiaries included in the consolidation.

On July 1, 2015, the Company completed the distribution of 100% of the outstanding common shares of SeaSpine Holdings Corporation ("SeaSpine") to Integra shareholders who received one share of SeaSpine common stock for every three shares of Integra common stock held as of the close of business on the record date, June 19, 2015. The Company has classified the results of operations, cash flows, and related assets and liabilities of SeaSpine as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the Company's Form 10-K. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the Notes to the consolidated financial statements relates to the Company's continuing operations. Refer to Note 3, Discontinued Operations, for additional information regarding the distribution.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Significant estimates affecting amounts reported or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements include allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and sales returns and allowances, net realizable value of inventories, valuation of intangible assets and in-process research and development ("IPR&D"), amortization periods for acquired intangible assets, discount rates and estimated projected cash flows used to value and test impairments of long-lived assets and goodwill, estimates of projected cash flows, depreciation and amortization periods for long-lived assets, computation of taxes, valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets, the valuation of stock-based compensation, valuation of pension assets and liabilities, valuation of derivative instruments, valuation of the equity component of convertible debt instruments, and valuation of debt instruments and loss contingencies. These estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the current circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

OUT OF PERIOD ADJUSTMENTS

In the fourth quarter of 2013, income tax benefit was increased by $1.0 million for the cumulative effect of immaterial errors related to the Company's reserve for uncertain tax positions that related to prior periods. Of the $1.0 million increase, $0.9 million was to correct an error that was recorded in the deferred tax accounts in 2011, and the remainder of the error had an insignificant impact across 2012 and 2013. Based upon the Company's evaluation of relevant factors related to this matter, it concluded that the uncorrected adjustments in the previously issued consolidated financial statements for any of the periods affected are immaterial and that the impact of recording the cumulative correction in the fourth quarter of 2013 is not material to its earnings for the full year ending December 31, 2013.

RECLASSIFICATIONS

Certain amounts from the prior years' financial statements have been reclassified in order to conform to the current year's presentation.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The Company considers all short-term, highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

RESTRICTED CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Restricted cash and cash equivalents represents cash that is not available for use in our operations. The Company had restricted cash and cash equivalents of $4.1 million as of December 31, 2015. There was no restricted cash as of December 31, 2014.

TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCES FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company grants credit to customers in the normal course of business, but generally does not require collateral or any other security to support its receivables.

The Company evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where a specific customer is unable to meet its financial obligations to the Company, a provision to the allowances for doubtful accounts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount that is reasonably expected to be collected. For all other customers, a provision to the allowances for doubtful accounts is recorded based on factors including the length of time the receivables are past due, the current business environment and the Company's historical experience. Provisions to the allowances for doubtful accounts are recorded to selling, general and administrative expenses. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered.

INVENTORIES

Inventories, consisting of purchased materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost, the value determined by the first-in, first-out method, or market. Inventories consisted of the following:



	December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Finished goods	$	125,869	$	120,477
Work in process	47,962		38,938
Raw materials	37,598		29,718
Total inventories, net	$	211,429	$	189,133

At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates inventories for excess quantities, obsolescence or shelf life expiration. This evaluation includes analysis of historical sales levels by product, projections of future demand, the risk of technological or competitive obsolescence for products, general market conditions, a review of the shelf life expiration dates for products, as well as the feasibility of reworking or using excess or obsolete products or components in the production or assembly of other products that are not obsolete or for which there are not excess quantities in inventory. To the extent that management determines there are excess or obsolete inventory or quantities with a shelf life that is too near its expiration for the Company to reasonably expect that it can sell those products prior to their expiration, the Company adjusts the carrying value to estimated net realizable value.

The Company capitalizes inventory costs associated with certain products prior to regulatory approval, based on management's judgment of probable economic benefit. The Company could be required to expense previously capitalized costs related to pre-approval inventory upon a change in such judgment, due to, among other potential factors, a denial or delay of approval by necessary regulatory bodies or a decision by management to discontinue the related development program. No such amounts were capitalized at December 31, 2015 or 2014.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment charges. The Company provides for depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the lease term or the useful life. The cost of major additions and improvements is capitalized, while maintenance and repair costs that do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets are charged to operations as incurred. The cost of computer software developed or obtained for internal use is accounted for in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification 350-40, Internal-Use Software.

Property, plant and equipment balances and corresponding lives were as follows:



	December 31,
	2015			2014			Useful Lives
	(In thousands)
Land	$	2,189		$	3,308
Buildings and building improvements	17,611			16,271			5-40 years
Leasehold improvements	75,575			41,154			1-20 years
Machinery and production equipment	103,083			86,010			3-20 years
Surgical instrument kits	15,916			10,758			4-5 years
Information systems and hardware	93,742			90,672			1-7 years
Furniture, fixtures, and office equipment	15,010			14,861			1-15 years
Construction-in-progress	50,571			78,055
Total	373,697			341,089
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(168,516		)	(147,463		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	205,181		$	193,626

Depreciation expense associated with property, plant and equipment was $27.0 million, $23.7 million, and $19.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company leases certain computer equipment under capital lease agreements. The gross carrying value of such leases amounted to $2.0 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The accumulated depreciation of such leases amounted to $1.3 million and $0.7 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and the cost is included as a component of furniture, fixtures, office equipment and information systems and hardware.

CAPITALIZED INTEREST

The interest cost on capital projects, including facilities build-out and internal use software, is capitalized and included in the cost of the project. Capitalization commences with the first expenditure for the project and continues until the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. When no debt is incurred specifically for a project, interest is capitalized on project expenditures using the weighted average cost of the Company's outstanding borrowings. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, the Company capitalized $1.7 million and $2.6 million and of interest expense into property, plant and equipment.

ACQUISITIONS

Results of operations of acquired companies are included in the Company’s results of operations as of the respective acquisition dates. The purchase price of each acquisition is allocated to the net assets acquired based on estimates of their fair values at the date of the acquisition. Any purchase price in excess of these net assets is recorded as goodwill. The allocation of purchase price in certain cases may be subject to revision based on the final determination of fair values during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date.

Contingent consideration is recognized at the estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of contingent payments are recognized in earnings. Contingent payments related to acquisitions consist of development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, in addition to sales-based payments, and are valued using discounted cash flow techniques. The fair value of development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments reflects management’s expectations of probability of payment, and increases or decreases as the probability of payment or expectation of timing of payments changes. The fair value of sales-based payments is based upon probability-weighted future revenue estimates and increases or decreases as revenue estimates or expectation of timing of payments changes.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The excess of the cost over the fair value of net assets of acquired businesses is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is not subject to amortization, but is reviewed for impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. The Company's assessment of the recoverability of goodwill is based upon a comparison of the carrying value of goodwill with its estimated fair value. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually as of July 31 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable.

In the first quarter of 2015 the Company revised its reportable segments in connection with the realignment of its portfolio. Specifically, the Company integrated the five existing business divisions into three global divisions, no longer focusing on international as a separate reportable segment but managing each business globally. The change in reportable segments resulted in the Company's requirement to reallocate existing goodwill to the new reportable segments based on the relative fair value of the Company's four underlying reporting units: Specialty Surgical Solutions Instruments, Specialty Surgical Solutions Neurosurgery, Spine, and Orthopedics and Tissue Technologies. Refer to Note 13 - Segment and Geographic Information for more information on the change in reportable segments. With the reportable segments now being managed at a global level, goodwill previously assigned to the EMEA, LAPAC, and Private Label reporting units was reallocated to the new reporting units. The Company estimated the fair value of the four reporting units using a discounted cash flow model, which incorporates significant estimates and assumptions made by management which, by their nature, are characterized by uncertainty. Inputs used to fair value the Company's reporting units are considered inputs of the fair value hierarchy. For Level 3 measurements, significant increases or decreases in long-term growth rates or discount rates in isolation or in combination could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement. The key assumptions impacting the valuation included the following:


•	The reporting unit's financial projections, which are based on management's assessment of regional and macroeconomic variables, industry trends and market opportunities, and the Company's strategic objectives and future growth plans.

•

The projected terminal value for the reporting unit, which represents the present value of projected cash flows beyond the last period in the discounted cash flow analysis. The terminal value reflects the Company's assumptions related to long-term growth rates and profitability, which are based on several factors, including local and macroeconomic variables, market opportunities, and future growth plans.

•

The discount rate used to measure the present value of the projected future cash flows is set using a weighted-average cost of capital method that considers market and industry data as well as the Company's specific risk factors that are likely to be considered by a market participant. The weighted-average cost of capital is the Company's estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required by equity and debt holders of a business enterprise.

Given the excess of the Specialty Surgical Solutions Instruments, Specialty Surgical Solutions Neurosurgery, and Orthopedics and Tissue Technologies estimated fair values over their carrying values after the reallocation of goodwill, no impairment was recognized. The goodwill assigned to the Spine reporting unit was impaired during the first quarter of 2015 and the impairment charge has been presented in the Company's discontinued operations.

In addition to the goodwill impairment testing performed in conjunction with the change in reportable segments, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test as of July 31, 2015. In reviewing goodwill for impairment, the Company has the option - for any or all of its reporting units that carry goodwill - to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (i.e. greater than 50%) that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company elects to perform a qualitative assessment and determines that an impairment is more likely than not, the Company is then required to perform the two-step quantitative impairment test, otherwise no further analysis is required. The Company also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to step one of the two-step quantitative impairment test. The ultimate outcome of the goodwill impairment review for a reporting unit should be the same whether the Company chooses to perform the qualitative assessment or proceeds directly to the two-step quantitative impairment test.

On July 1, 2015, the Company completed the separation of its spine business, which also represented a reporting unit. See Note 3 - Discontinued Operations for additional information. Following the separation, the Company has three remaining underlying reporting units. The Company elected to perform a two-step quantitative analysis for its three reporting units as of July 31, 2015. To derive the fair value of the reporting units, the Company utilized a discounted cash flow model and inputs and assumptions that were similar to its discounted cash flow model performed in the reallocation of goodwill. The Company determined, after performing the Step-1 fair value analysis, that the reporting units' fair value was in excess of their carrying value; therefore, it was not necessary to proceed to Step-2 of the goodwill impairment test for Specialty Surgical Solutions Instruments, Specialty Surgical Solutions Neurosurgery, and Orthopedics and Tissue Technologies.

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in 2015 and 2014 were as follows:



	Specialty Surgical Solutions			Orthopedics and Tissue Technologies			Total
	(In thousands)
Goodwill at December 31, 2014	$	281,829		$	81,650		$	363,479
MicroFrance working capital and purchase price adjustments	(1,069		)	—			(1,069		)
Metasurg working capital and purchase price adjustment	—			263			263
TEI acquisition	—			147,878			147,878
Tekmed acquisition	9,665			—			9,665
Foreign currency translation	(5,449		)	(2,378		)	(7,827		)
Balance, December 31, 2015	$	284,976		$	227,413		$	512,389

When the Company acquires a business, the assets acquired, including IPR&D, and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date. The Company's policy defines IPR&D as the fair value of those projects for which the related products have not received regulatory approval and have no alternative future use. Determining the fair value of intangible assets, including IPR&D, acquired as part of a business combination requires the Company to make significant estimates. These estimates include the amount and timing of projected future cash flows, the discount rate used to discount those cash flows to present value, the assessment of the asset’s life cycle, and the consideration of legal, technical, regulatory, economic, and competitive risks. The fair value assigned to other intangible assets, including IPR&D, is determined by estimating the future cash flows of each project or technology and discounting the net cash flows back to their present values. The discount rate used is determined at the time of measurement in accordance with accepted valuation methodologies.

IPR&D acquired in a business combination is capitalized as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. Development costs incurred after the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Upon receipt of regulatory approval, the indefinite-lived intangible asset is then accounted for as a finite-lived intangible asset and amortized on a straight-line basis or accelerated basis, as appropriate, over its estimated useful life. If the R&D project is subsequently abandoned, the indefinite-lived intangible asset is charged to expense. IPR&D acquired outside of a business combination is expensed immediately.

Due to the uncertainty associated with R&D projects, there is risk that actual results will differ materially from the original cash flow projections and that the R&D project will result in a successful commercial product. The risks associated with achieving commercialization include, but are not limited to, delay or failure to obtain regulatory approvals to conduct clinical trials, delay or failure to obtain required market clearances, delays or issues with patent issuance, or validity and litigation.

Other intangible assets include patents, trademarks, purchased technology, and supplier and customer relationships. Identifiable intangible assets are initially recorded at fair market value at the time of acquisition generally using an income or cost approach. The Company capitalizes costs incurred to renew or extend the term of recognized intangible assets and amortizes those costs over their expected useful lives.

The components of the Company's identifiable intangible assets were as follows:



	Weighted Average Life	December 31, 2015
	Weighted Average Life	Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Completed technology	17 years	$	480,684	$	(67,978	)	$	412,706
Customer relationships	12 years	153,246		(68,811		)	84,435
Trademarks/brand names ⁽²⁾	30 years	90,837		(16,374		)	74,463
Supplier relationships	27 years	34,721		(12,236		)	22,485
All other⁽¹⁾	5 years	10,958		(1,307		)	9,651
		$	770,446	$	(166,706	)	$	603,740



	Weighted Average Life	December 31, 2014
	Weighted Average Life	Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Completed technology	18 years	$	314,664	$	(46,339	)	$	268,325
Customer relationships	13 years	105,201		(63,689		)	41,512
Trademarks/brand names ⁽²⁾	34 years	44,220		(15,455		)	28,765
Trademarks/brand names ⁽²⁾	Indefinite	48,484		—			48,484
Supplier relationships	27 years	34,721		(10,809		)	23,912
All other⁽¹⁾	4 years	2,910		(1,340		)	1,570
		$	550,200	$	(137,632	)	$	412,568


(1)	At December 31, 2015 and 2014, all other included IPR&D of $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively, which was indefinite-lived.


(2)	In August 2015, the Company reevaluated the Miltex, CUSA, Luxtec, and Omni-Tract trade names and determined that they are no longer indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company assigned remaining useful lives ranging from 20 to 30 years, consistent with other trademarks/brand names, and began amortization.

The Company performs its assessment of the recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets annually during the second quarter, or more frequently as impairment indicators arise, and it is based upon a comparison of the carrying value of such assets to their estimated fair values. The Company performed its most recent annual assessment during the second quarter of 2015, which resulted in no impairments.

During 2015, the Company recorded impairment charges of $0.4 million in research and development expense related to IPR&D projects that have been discontinued in its Orthopedics and Tissue Technologies segment.

During 2014, the Company recorded impairment charges of $0.2 million in research and development expense related to IPR&D projects primarily acquired in connection with the Metasurg acquisition. In connection with this acquisition, we acquired IPR&D related to a product that will be discontinued. Therefore, a full-impairment of acquired IPR&D was recorded in the Company's selling, general, and administrative expenses. We also recorded an impairment charge of $0.6 million in cost of sales related to acquired technology product rights in conjunction with the Covidien acquisition. Subsequent to the acquisition date, a regulatory event occurred that was not known, or knowable, at the time of acquisition which resulted in the impairment.

During 2013, the Company recorded impairment charges of $0.4 million in research and development expense related to IPR&D projects that have been discontinued in its Orthopedics and Tissue Technologies segment.

Amortization expense (including amounts reported in cost of product revenues, but excluding any possible future amortization associated with acquired IPR&D) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $32.2 million, $22.7 million and $11.2 million, respectively. Annual amortization expense is expected to approximate $42.2 million in 2016, $41.5 million in 2017, $40.7 million in 2018, $40.6 million in 2019 and $40.5 million in 2020. Amortization of product technology based intangible assets totaled $22.3 million, $15.9 million and $4.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is presented by the Company within cost of goods sold.

LONG-LIVED ASSETS

Long-lived assets held and used by the Company, including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For purposes of evaluating the recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used, a recoverability test is performed using projected undiscounted net cash flows applicable to the long-lived assets. If an impairment exists, the amount of such impairment is calculated based on the estimated fair value of the asset. Impairments to long-lived assets to be disposed of are recorded based upon the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the applicable assets.

INTEGRA FOUNDATION

The Company may periodically make contributions to the Integra Foundation, Inc. The Integra Foundation was incorporated in 2002 exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes and qualifies under IRC 501(c)(3) as an exempt private foundation. Under its charter, the Integra Foundation engages in activities that promote health, the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and the development of medical science through grants, contributions and other appropriate means. The Integra Foundation is a separate legal entity and is not a subsidiary of the Company; therefore, its results are not included in these consolidated financial statements. The Company contributed $0.9 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million to the Integra Foundation during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These contributions were recorded in selling, general, and administrative expense.

DERIVATIVES

The Company develops, manufactures, and sells medical devices globally, and its earnings and cash flows are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. The Company addresses these risks through a risk management program that includes the use of derivative financial instruments, and operates the program pursuant to documented corporate risk management policies. All derivative financial instruments are recognized in the financial statements at fair value in accordance with the authoritative guidance. Under the guidance, for those instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, the hedging instrument must be designated as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, based on the exposure being hedged. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. The Company's derivative instruments do not subject its earnings or cash flows to material risk, and gains and losses on these derivatives generally offset losses and gains on the item being hedged. The Company has not entered into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and from time to time, the Company may enter into derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments in order to protect itself from currency volatility due to intercompany balances.

All derivative instruments are recognized at their fair values as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company determines the fair value of its derivative instruments, using the framework prescribed by the authoritative guidance, by considering the estimated amount the Company would receive to sell or transfer these instruments at the reporting date and by taking into account: expected forward interest rates, currency exchange rates, the creditworthiness of the counterparty for assets, and its creditworthiness for liabilities. In certain instances, the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model to measure fair value. Generally, the Company uses inputs that include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, other observable inputs for the asset or liability and inputs derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation or other means. The Company has classified all of its derivative assets and liabilities within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of its derivative instruments. The Company classifies derivatives that meet the definition of hedges in the same category as the item being hedged for cash flow presentation purposes.

FOREIGN CURRENCY

All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries which have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated at the rate of exchange at year-end, while elements of the income statement are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the year. The net effect of these translation adjustments is shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These currency translation adjustments are not currently adjusted for income taxes as they relate to permanent investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are reported in other income (expense), net.

INCOME TAXES

Income taxes are accounted for by using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted.

The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. Reserves are established for positions that don't meet this recognition threshold. The reserve is measured as the largest amount of benefit determined on a cumulative probability basis that the Company believes is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement of the position. These reserves are classified as long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets of the Company. The Company also records interest and penalties accrued in relation to uncertain tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

While the Company believes it has identified all reasonably identifiable exposures and the reserve it has established for identifiable exposures is appropriate under the circumstances, it is possible that additional exposures exist and that exposures may be settled at amounts different than the amounts reserved. It is also possible that changes in facts and circumstances could cause the Company to either materially increase or reduce the carrying amount of its tax reserve.

The Company continues to indefinitely reinvest substantially all of its foreign earnings. Our current analysis indicates that we have sufficient U.S. liquidity, including borrowing capacity, to fund foreseeable U.S. cash needs without requiring the repatriation of foreign cash. As of December 31, 2015, taxes have not been provided on approximately $261.3 million of accumulated foreign unremitted earnings on certain non-US subsidiaries that are expected to remain invested indefinitely. The unrecognized deferred tax liability associated with these temporary differences was estimated to be $37.9 million. One time or unusual items that may impact our ability or intent to keep our foreign earnings and cash indefinitely reinvested include significant U.S. acquisitions, loans from a foreign subsidiary, changes in tax laws.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Total revenues, net, include product sales, product royalties and other revenues, such as fees received under research, licensing, distribution arrangements, research grants, and technology-related royalties.

Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred; title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is a fixed or determinable sales price, and collectability of that sales price is reasonably assured. For product sales, the Company's stated terms are primarily FOB shipping point and with most customers, title and risk of loss pass to the customer at that time. With certain United States customers, the Company retains risk of loss until the customers receive the product, and in those situations, the Company recognizes revenue upon receipt by the customer. A portion of the Company's product revenue is generated from consigned inventory maintained at hospitals and distributors, and also from inventory physically held by field sales representatives. For these types of products sales, the Company retains title until receiving appropriate notification that the product has been used or implanted, at which time revenue is recognized.

Each revenue transaction is evidenced by either a contract with the customer or a valid purchase order and an invoice which includes all relevant terms of sale. There are generally no significant customer acceptance or other conditions that prevent the Company from recognizing revenue in accordance with its delivery terms. In certain cases, where the Company has performance obligations that are significant to the functionality of the product, the Company recognizes revenue upon fulfillment of its obligation.

Sales invoices issued to customers contain the Company's price for each product or service. The Company performs a review of each specific customer's credit worthiness and ability to pay prior to accepting them as a customer. Further, the Company performs periodic reviews of its customers' status prospectively.

The Company records a provision for estimated returns and allowances on revenues in the same period as the related revenues are recorded. These estimates are based on historical sales returns and discounts and other known factors. The provisions are recorded as a reduction to revenues.

The Company's return policy, as set forth in its product catalogs and sales invoices, requires the Company to review and authorize the return of product in advance. Upon authorization, a credit will be issued for goods returned within a set amount of days from shipment, which is generally ninety days.

Product royalties are estimated and recognized in the same period that the royalty-based products are sold by the Company's strategic partners. The Company estimates and recognizes royalty revenue based upon communication with licensees, historical information and expected sales trends. Differences between actual revenues and estimated royalty revenues are adjusted in the period in which they become known, which is typically the following quarter. Historically, such adjustments have not been significant.

Other operating revenues may include fees received under research, licensing, and distribution arrangements, technology-related royalties and research grants. Non-refundable fees received under research, licensing and distribution arrangements or for the licensing of technology are recognized as revenue when received if the Company has no continuing obligations to the other party. For those arrangements where the Company has continuing performance obligations, revenue is recognized using the lesser of the amount of non-refundable cash received or the result achieved using the proportional performance method of accounting based upon the estimated cost to complete these obligations. Research grant revenue is recognized when the related expenses are incurred.

SHIPPING AND HANDLING FEES AND COSTS

Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in revenues. The related shipping and freight charges incurred by the Company are included in cost of goods sold. Distribution and handling costs of $13.7 million, $13.2 million and $12.8 million were recorded in selling, general and administrative expense during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

PRODUCT WARRANTIES

Certain of the Company's medical devices, including monitoring systems and neurosurgical systems, are reusable and are designed to operate over long periods of time. These products are sold with warranties which may extend for up to two years from date of purchase. The Company accrues estimated product warranty costs at the time of sale based on historical experience. Any additional amounts are recorded when such costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Accrued warranty expense of $0.8 million and $0.3 million is recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Research and development costs, including salaries, depreciation, consultant and other external fees, and facility costs directly attributable to research and development activities, are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

EMPLOYEE TERMINATION BENEFITS AND OTHER EXIT-RELATED COSTS

The Company does not have a written severance plan, and it does not offer similar termination benefits to affected employees in all restructuring initiatives. Accordingly, in situations where minimum statutory termination benefits must be paid to the affected employees, the Company records employee severance costs associated with these restructuring activities in accordance with the authoritative guidance for non-retirement post-employment benefits. Charges associated with these activities are recorded when the payment of benefits is probable and can be reasonably estimated. In all other situations where the Company pays out termination benefits, including supplemental benefits paid in excess of statutory minimum amounts and benefits offered to affected employees based on management's discretion, the Company records these termination costs in accordance with the authoritative guidance for ASC Topic 712 Compensation-Nonretirement Benefits and ASC Topic 420 One-time Employee Termination Benefits.

The timing of the recognition of charges for employee severance costs other than minimum statutory benefits depends on whether the affected employees are required to render service beyond their legal notification period in order to receive the benefits. If affected employees are required to render service beyond their legal notification period, charges are recognized ratably over the future service period. Otherwise, charges are recognized when management has approved a specific plan and employee communication requirements have been met.

For leased facilities and equipment that have been abandoned, the Company records estimated lease losses based on the fair value of the lease liability, as measured by the present value of future lease payments subsequent to abandonment, less the present value of any estimated sublease income on the cease-use date. For owned facilities and equipment that will be disposed of, the Company records impairment losses based on fair value less costs to sell. The Company also reviews the remaining useful life of long-lived assets following a decision to exit a facility and may accelerate depreciation or amortization of these assets, as appropriate.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company applies the authoritative guidance for stock-based compensation. This guidance requires companies to recognize the expense related to the fair value of their stock-based compensation awards. Stock-based compensation expense for stock option awards granted after January 1, 2006 was based on the fair value on the grant date using the binomial distribution model. The Company recognized compensation expense for stock option awards, restricted stock awards, performance stock awards and contract stock awards on a ratable basis over the requisite service period of the award. The long form method was used in the determination of the windfall tax benefit in accordance with the guidance.

PENSION BENEFITS

A defined benefit pension plan covers former employees in Germany. Various factors are considered in determining the pension liability, including the number of employees expected to be paid their salary levels and years of service, the expected return on plan assets, the discount rate used to determine the benefit obligations, the timing of benefit payments and other actuarial assumptions. If the actual results and events for the pension plans differ from current assumptions, the benefit obligation may be over or under valued.

Retirement benefit plan assumptions are reassessed on an annual basis or more frequently if changes in circumstances indicate a re-evaluation of assumptions are required. The key benefit plan assumptions are the discount rate and expected rate of return on plan assets. The discount rate is based on average rates on bonds that matched the expected cash outflows of the benefit plans. The expected rate of return is based on historical and expected returns on the various categories of plan assets.

In September 2015, the Company completed the buy-out of its defined benefit pension plan in the U.K. which covered certain employees and retirees. All plan assets of the defined benefit pension plan were transferred to an independent financial services firm and the Company made cash contributions of approximately $1.8 million for the year-ended December 31, 2015. The Company recorded expenses totaling approximately $5.6 million in selling, general and administrative costs in conjunction with the buy-out of the plan. The buy-out of the U.K. pension plan eliminated future obligations of the Company under this plan.

Pension contributions to the remaining German plan are expected to be consistent over the next few years since the plan is frozen. Contributions made to both the UK and Germany plan during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $2.2 million, $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, which are held at major financial institutions, investment-grade marketable debt securities and trade receivables.

The Company's products are sold on an uncollateralized basis and on credit terms based upon a credit risk assessment of each customer. A portion of the Company's trade receivables to customers outside the United States includes sales to foreign distributors, who then sell to government owned or supported healthcare systems.

None of the Company's customers accounted for 10% or more of the consolidated net sales during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

RECENTLY ISSUED AND ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In April 2014, the FASB issued amendments to guidance for reporting discontinued operations and disposals of components of an entity. The amended guidance requires that a disposal representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s financial results or a business activity classified as held for sale should be reported as discontinued operations. The amendments also expand the disclosure requirements for discontinued operations and add new disclosures for individually significant dispositions that do not qualify as discontinued operations. The amendments are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014 . The new guidance is effective for Integra prospectively for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur after January 1, 2015. The spin-off of the spine business by the Company on July 1, 2015 met the definition of a discontinued operation under the new guidance and, as a result, the Company reflected the provisions of the new guidance in its third quarter 2015 results.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised 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. To achieve that core principle, an entity should: 1) identify the contract(s) with a customer, 2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, 3) determine the transaction price, 4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and 5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In July 2015, the FASB deferred for one year the effective date of the new revenue standard, but early adoption will be permitted as of January 1, 2017. The new standard will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this standard on its financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued Update No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (Topic 718). The amendments require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period, and early adoption is permitted. The implementation of the amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In August 2014, the FASB issued Update No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The amendment requires management to evaluate, for each annual and interim reporting period, whether there are conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. If substantial doubt is raised, additional disclosures around management’s plan to alleviate these doubts are required. This update will become effective for all annual periods and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The implementation of the amended guidance is not expected to have an impact on current disclosures in the financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued Update No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amendment requires that all costs incurred to issue debt be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt. The new standard is limited to the presentation of debt issuance costs and does not affect the recognition or measurement of debt issuance costs. This update will become effective for all annual periods and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The implementation of the amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations and will result in a reclassification of the debt issuance costs from other long-term assets to long-term debt when adopted.

In July 2015, the FASB issued Update No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The amendment requires an entity to measure inventory that is within the scope of this amendment at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Existing impairment models will continue to be used for inventories that are accounted for using the last-in first-out (“LIFO”) method. The ASU requires prospective adoption for inventory measurements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years for public business entities. Early adoption is permitted. The implementation of the amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In August 2015, the FASB issued Update No. 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest. The amendment requires entities to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The guidance in ASU No. 2015-03 does not address presentation or subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. Given the absence of authoritative guidance within ASU No. 2015-03 for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, the SEC staff would not object to an entity's deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. This update will become effective for all annual periods and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The implementation of the amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In September 2015, the FASB issued Update No. 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. The amendment requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This update also requires an entity to present separately in the income statement or disclose in the notes, the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. This update will become effective for all annual periods and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The new standard must be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date. Early application is permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The implementation of the amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations or disclosures in the financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued Update No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740). Under current accounting guidance an entity is required to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and non-current amounts in a classified statement of financial position. The amendment requires that an entity present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. This update will become effective for all annual periods and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this guidance effective December 31, 2015 on a prospective basis. As a result, the Company has not retrospectively adjusted the balance sheet classification and presentation for the deferred tax assets and liabilities for years prior to 2015.

There are no other recently issued accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

In addition to the payment of accreted interest associated with the settlement of the 2016 Convertible Notes, cash paid for interest during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $12.7 million (net of $1.7 million that was capitalized into construction in progress), $10.9 million (net of $2.6 million that was capitalized into construction in progress) and $9.5 million (net of $3.2 million that was capitalized into construction in progress), respectively.

Cash paid for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $21.3 million, $6.8 million and $3.7 million, respectively.

Property and equipment purchases included in liabilities at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $4.7 million, $3.3 million and $8.1 million, respectively.