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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Discussion | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Discussion | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Peabody Energy Corporation and its affiliates. The Company, or Peabody, are used interchangeably to refer to Peabody Energy Corporation, to Peabody Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries, or to such subsidiaries, as appropriate to the context. Interests in subsidiaries controlled by the Company are consolidated with any outside stockholder interests reflected as noncontrolling interests, except when the Company has an undivided interest in an unincorporated joint venture. In those cases, the Company includes its proportionate share in the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the jointly controlled entities within each applicable line item of the consolidated financial statements. All intercompany transactions, profits and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. As discussed below in "Newly Adopted Accounting Standards," prior year amounts of deferred financing costs have been reclassified to conform with the new standard. Pursuant to the authorization provided at a special meeting of the Company's stockholders held on September 16, 2015, the Company completed a 1-for-15 reverse stock split of the shares of the Company’s common stock on September 30, 2015 (the Reverse Stock Split). As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, every 15 shares of issued and outstanding common stock were combined into one issued and outstanding share of Common Stock, without any change in the par value per share. No fractional shares were issued as a result of the Reverse Stock Split and any fractional shares that would otherwise have resulted from the Reverse Stock Split were paid in cash. The Reverse Stock Split reduced the number of shares of common stock outstanding from approximately 278 million shares to approximately 19 million shares. The number of authorized shares of common stock was also decreased from 800 million shares to 53.3 million shares. The Company's common stock began trading on a reverse stock split-adjusted basis on October 1, 2015. All share and per share data included in this report has been retroactively restated to reflect the Reverse Stock Split. Since the par value of the common stock remained at $0.01 per share, the value for "Common stock" recorded to the Company's consolidated balance sheets has been retroactively reduced to reflect the par value of restated outstanding shares, with a corresponding increase to "Additional paid-in capital." The Company has classified items within discontinued operations in the audited consolidated financial statements for disposals (by sale or otherwise) that have occurred prior to January 1, 2015 when the operations and cash flows of a disposed component of the Company were eliminated from the ongoing operations of the Company as a result of the disposal and the Company no longer had any significant continuing involvement in the operation of that component. Description of Business The Company is engaged in the mining of thermal coal for sale primarily to electric utilities and metallurgical coal for sale to industrial customers. The Company’s mining operations are located in the United States (U.S.) and Australia, including an equity-affiliate mining operation in Australia. The Company also markets and brokers coal from other coal producers, both as principal and agent, and trades coal and freight-related contracts through trading and business offices in Australia, China, Germany, the United Kingdom and the U.S. (listed alphabetically). The Company’s other energy-related commercial activities include managing its coal reserve and real estate holdings and supporting the development of clean coal technologies. Filing Under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code On April 13, 2016 (the Petition Date), Peabody and a majority of its wholly owned domestic subsidiaries as well as one international subsidiary in Gibraltar (the Filing Subsidiaries, and together with Peabody, the Debtors) filed voluntary petitions for reorganization (the petitions collectively, the Bankruptcy Petitions) under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the U.S. Code (the Bankruptcy Code) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri (the Bankruptcy Court). The Company’s Australian operations and other international subsidiaries are not included in the filings. The Debtors' Chapter 11 cases (collectively, the Chapter 11 Cases) are being jointly administered under the caption In re Peabody Energy Corporation, et al., Case No. 16-42529 (Bankr. E.D. Mo.). The Debtors continue to operate their business as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and orders of the Bankruptcy Court. In general, as debtors-in-possession, the Debtors are authorized under Chapter 11 to continue to operate as an ongoing business, but may not engage in transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the prior approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The filings of the Bankruptcy Petitions constituted an event of default under the Company’s prepretition credit agreement as well as the indentures governing certain of the Company’s debt instruments, as further described in Note 14. "Current and Long-term Debt" to the consolidated financial statements, and all unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest due thereunder became immediately due and payable. Any efforts to enforce such payment obligations are automatically stayed as a result of the Bankruptcy Petitions and the creditors' rights of enforcement are subject to the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. Additionally, on the Petition Date, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) determined that Peabody’s common stock was no longer suitable for listing pursuant to NYSE regulations, and trading in the Company’s common stock was suspended. The Company's common stock began trading on the OTC Pink Sheets marketplace under the symbol BTUUQ on April 14, 2016. Following the Petition Date, the NYSE formally de-listed the Company's common stock. In August 2016, the Company outlined a business plan intended to form the basis for its plan of reorganization, as further described below. As a result of its reorganization, the Company expects to emerge from its Chapter 11 Cases with the competitive cost structure necessary to improve its financial position and provide long-term stability for its stakeholders in the face of potentially volatile supply and demand conditions. Important aspects of the Company’s emergence business strategy include (i) a continued focus on safe, cost-disciplined mining operations and reclamation activities, (ii) maximization of the most profitable elements of its asset base and potential divesture of non-strategic assets, (iii) investment return-driven capital discipline, and (iv) a reduction of overall debt and fixed charges. Filing of Plan of Reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court. In order to successfully emerge from the Chapter 11 Cases, the Debtors must propose and obtain confirmation from the Bankruptcy Court of a plan of reorganization that satisfies the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors retain the exclusive right to file a plan of reorganization until May 1, 2017, and have the exclusive right until June 30, 2017 to obtain the necessary acceptances to a plan. These periods may be extended by the Bankruptcy Court for cause. If the Debtors’ exclusivity period were to lapse, any party in interest may file a plan of reorganization for any of the Debtors. On January 27, 2017, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court their Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Debtors and Debtors in Possession (as further modified, the Plan) and a related Second Amended Disclosure Statement with Respect to Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Debtors and Debtors in Possession (Disclosure Statement). The Plan provides for, among other things, (1) classification and treatment of various claims and equity interests, (2) a reduction of the Company’s debt upon emergence, and (3) the recapitalization of the Company through a rights offering and private placement for equity securities of the Company. The Bankruptcy Court approved the Disclosure Statement by order entered on January 27, 2017. The reorganization contemplated by the Plan will reduce the Debtors' debt burden by over $6.6 billion, but does not compromise existing coal mining reclamation obligations. The Plan will provide creditors with recoveries, funded in large part by a $1.95 billion first lien exit facility, a $750 million rights offering available to holders of second lien and general unsecured claims, and a $750 million private placement offering of new mandatory convertible preferred stock of the Company. Under the Plan, current holders of the Company’s equity interests will not receive any distributions, and their equity interests will be canceled once the Plan becomes effective. The Company and various creditor constituencies entered into an agreement which serves as the cornerstone of the Plan (the Global Settlement). The Global Settlement is premised upon a consensual resolution of a number of complex issues that have been the subject of extensive and vigorous negotiations post-petition among the Debtors and holders of certain second lien notes. Under the Global Settlement, certain lenders will backstop the first lien exit facility by agreeing to take up to $1.5 billion in take-back paper in the event the Debtors are unable to raise the exit facility, subject to certain restrictions as set forth in the Plan. Similarly, holders of certain second lien notes have agreed that, at the Company's sole discretion, in partial satisfaction of their claims, they may receive $450 million in cash, $450 million of first lien debt on the same terms as the exit facility or $450 million of new second lien notes at terms and conditions set forth in the Plan. A third group of lenders and other parties have agreed to backstop the $750 million rights offering and invest through the $750 million private placement offering in order to ensure that the Company raises the $1.5 billion equity investment that will be necessary to consummate the Plan. On January 11, 2017, the Debtors obtained an exit facility commitment letter (Exit Facility Commitment Letter) from a consortium of lenders (Lenders), pursuant to which, in connection with the consummation of the Plan, the Lenders have agreed to provide a senior secured term loan facility (Term Loan Facility) in an aggregate amount of (a) $1.5 billion, less (b) the aggregate principal amount of privately placed debt securities (Notes) of the Company, or special purpose escrow issuer, issued on or prior to the closing date of the Term Loan Facility (Closing Date), plus (c) any amount of additional senior secured term loans funded on the Closing Date at the sole discretion of the Term Loan Facility's arranging Lenders and the Company. The commitments of the Lenders to provide the Term Loan Facility are subject to the occurrence or waiver of all conditions precedent to the effectiveness of the Plan, other than the closing and funding of the Term Loan Facility (and the Notes issued in lieu thereof, if any). The Lenders’ commitments to provide and arrange the Term Loan Facility will terminate on a dollar-for-dollar basis to the extent of the issuance of the Notes. On February 8, 2017, the Company announced the pricing of a $950.0 million senior secured term loan. The term loan will mature in 2022 and bears interest at a fluctuating rate of LIBOR plus 4.50% per annum, with a 1.00% LIBOR floor. The closing of the term loan is expected to occur in early April 2017, concurrently with the anticipated effective date of the Plan and subject to customary closing conditions and final documentation. The proceeds from the term loan will be used to fund a portion of the distributions to creditors provided for under the Plan. Also on February 8, 2017, the Company announced that a special purpose wholly owned subsidiary of the Company priced an offering of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.000% senior secured notes due 2022 and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% senior secured notes due 2025, each exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The offering of the notes closed on February 15, 2017 at which time the net proceeds of the offering were funded into an escrow account pending the Plan Effective Date. The notes are being offered by a special purpose wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. If certain conditions are satisfied on or before August 1, 2017, the net proceeds from the offering will be released from escrow to fund a portion of the distributions to creditors provided for under the Plan, and the Company will become the obligor under the notes. Pursuant to the Plan, the Company will use reasonable best efforts to cause the Company's common stock (Reorganized PEC Common Stock) and Preferred Equity (as defined below) to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange as soon as practicable after the Plan Effective Date. The Plan also provides for a long-term incentive plan (the LTIP) for directors, management and other employees of the Company, including reservation of an amount of Reorganized PEC Common Stock for the LTIP. In addition, in accordance with the Plan, a nine member Board of Directors of the Company was established (the Reorganized PEC Board). The Reorganized PEC Board is comprised of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and eight independent directors. On January 26, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court approved the amended Disclosure Statement, and authorized the Debtors to begin soliciting votes from creditors to approve the Plan. Subsequently, the Debtors solicited votes on the Plan. On March 15, 2017, the Debtors filed a revised version of the Plan. On March 16, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court held a hearing to determine whether the Plan should be confirmed. On March 17, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Plan. Although the Bankruptcy Court has confirmed the Plan, the Debtors have not yet consummated all of the transactions that are contemplated by the Plan. Rather, the Debtors intend to consummate these transactions in the near future, on or before the Plan Effective Date. As set forth in Section V.B of the Plan, there are certain conditions precedent to the occurrence of the Plan Effective Date, which must be satisfied or waived in accordance with the Plan in order for the Plan to become effective and the Debtors to emerge from the Chapter 11 Cases. The Debtors anticipate that each of these conditions will be either satisfied or waived by early April 2017, which is the target for the Debtors' emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases. On the Plan Effective Date, the Debtors will, generally, no longer be governed by the Bankruptcy Court's oversight. Under the provisions set forth in Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Plan even though the Plan was not accepted by all impaired classes of claims and equity interests. The classes of claims or equity interests that will not receive or retain any property under the Plan on account of such claims or interests were deemed to have voted to reject the Plan. The precise requirements and evidentiary showing for confirming a plan notwithstanding its rejection by one or more impaired classes of claims or equity interests depends upon a number of factors, including the status and seniority of the claims or equity interests in the rejecting class (e.g., secured claims or unsecured claims, subordinated or senior claims, preferred or common stock). Generally, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Plan and allowed it to be “crammed down” on owners of the Company's common stock, even though the shareowners will receive no recovery under the Plan, because the Debtors demonstrated that (1) no class junior to the common stock is receiving or retaining property under the Plan and (2) no class of claims or interests senior to the common stock is being paid more than in full. Notices to Creditors; Effect of Automatic Stay. Shortly after the Petition Date, the Debtors began notifying all known current or potential creditors of the Chapter 11 filing. Pursuant to Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, the filing of the Bankruptcy Petitions automatically stayed most actions against the Debtors, including actions to collect indebtedness incurred prior to the Petition Date or to exercise control over the Debtors’ property. Subject to certain exceptions under the Bankruptcy Code, the filing of the Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases also automatically stayed the continuation of most legal proceedings, including certain of the third party litigation matters described in Note 26. "Commitments and Contingencies" and Note 27. "Matters Related to the Bankruptcy of Patriot Coal Corporation" of this report or the filing of other actions against or on behalf of the Debtors or their property to recover on, collect or secure a claim arising prior to the Petition Date or to exercise control over property of the Debtors’ bankruptcy estates, unless and until the Bankruptcy Court modifies or lifts the automatic stay as to any such claim. Notwithstanding the general application of the automatic stay described above, governmental authorities may determine to continue actions brought under their police and regulatory powers. The automatic stay remains in place pending the occurrence of the Plan Effective Date. After the Plan Effective Date, subject to certain limited exceptions, holders of claims against the Debtors and interests in the Debtors will be bound by the discharge, release and exculpation provisions set forth in Sections V.E.2, V.E.4 and V.E.5 of the Plan and will be enjoined from taking any action against the reorganized Debtors pursuant to the injunction provisions set forth in Section V.E.3 of the Plan and paragraphs 16 through 31 of the order confirming the Plan. Appointment of Creditors' Committee. As required by the Bankruptcy Code, the United States Trustee for the Eastern District of Missouri appointed an official committee of unsecured creditors (the Creditors' Committee) on April 29, 2016. On January 4, 2017, the United States Trustee for the Eastern District of Missouri filed a document with the Bankruptcy Court indicating that additional members had been added to the Creditors' Committee. The Creditors' Committee represents all unsecured creditors of the Debtors and has a right to be heard on all matters that come before the Bankruptcy Court. The Creditors' Committee has been generally supportive of the Debtors’ positions on various matters. After negotiations between the Creditors' Committee and the Debtors, the Debtors agreed to include the following provisions in the Plan in exchange for the Creditors' Committee's support for the Plan: (a) holders of Class 5B Claims (as defined in the Plan) will have the option to elect to receive, in lieu of receiving other distributions on such claims, their pro rata share of $75 million in cash (with recoveries capped at 50%) and (b) the cash distributable to Class 5A Claims (as defined in the Plan) will be set at $5 million. In exchange for these, and certain other, provisions, the Creditors' Committee agreed to support the Plan. Rejection of Executory Contracts. Under Section 365 and other relevant sections of the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors may assume, assume and assign, or reject certain executory contracts and unexpired leases, including leases of real property and mining equipment, subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court and certain other conditions. In general, rejection of an executory contract or unexpired lease is treated as a prepetition breach of the executory contract or unexpired lease in question and, subject to certain exceptions, relieves the Debtors of performing their future obligations under such executory contract or unexpired lease but entitles the contract counterparty or lessor to a prepetition general unsecured claim for damages caused by such deemed breach. Counterparties to such rejected contracts or leases can file claims against the Debtors for such damages. Generally, the assumption of an executory contract or unexpired lease requires the Debtors to cure existing defaults under such executory contract or unexpired lease. Under the terms of the Plan, the Debtors will reject all of their executory contracts and unexpired leases unless the Debtors expressly provide for the assumption of any such executory contract or unexpired lease, or any such executory contract or unexpired lease is otherwise assumed pursuant to the terms of the Plan. With limited exceptions, the assumptions and rejections of the executory contracts and unexpired leases pursuant to the Plan will occur as of the Plan Effective Date. Liabilities subject to compromise and resolution in the Chapter 11 proceedings will likely arise in the future as a result of damage claims created by the Debtors’ rejection of various executory contracts and unexpired leases. Such claims may be material (see “Magnitude of Potential Claims” below). Impact of the Chapter 11 Cases on Certain Leases. The Company leases equipment and facilities under various noncancelable lease agreements. Certain lease agreements were subject to the restrictive covenants of the 2013 Credit Facility and include cross-acceleration provisions, under which the lessor could require certain remedies including, but not limited to, immediate recovery of the present value of any remaining lease payments. In relation to the Company's non-debtor subsidiaries, the Company is in various stages of negotiating stand-still arrangements with some lessors confirming the lessor will not exercise those rights. The Company does not currently believe it is probable the lessors will exercise those rights for the non-debtor subsidiaries. The lessors' rights related to the Debtor subsidiaries were automatically stayed as a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $189 million of remaining commitments under these non-debtor lease arrangements. Adequate Protection. The Debtors were required to make adequate protection payments subsequent to the Petition Date to certain secured lenders and other parties in accordance with Section 502(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code in order to continue using the assets comprising collateral under the Debtors’ first lien debt and because of the priming liens granted to the DIP Lenders, as defined in Note 14. "Current and Long-term Debt". Such payments are included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Magnitude of Potential Claims. The Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court schedules and statements of financial affairs setting forth, among other things, the assets and liabilities of the Debtors, subject to the assumptions filed in connection therewith. The schedules were not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are subject to amendment or modification. Bankruptcy Rule 3003(c)(3) requires the Bankruptcy Court to set the time within which proofs of claim must be filed in a Chapter 11 case. The Bankruptcy Court established August 19, 2016 (the Bar Date) as the last date and time for each person or entity to file a proof of claim against the Debtors. The Bankruptcy Court also established October 11, 2016, as the last date for governmental units to file a proof of claim against the Debtors. Subject to certain exceptions, the Bar Date applies to all claims against the Debtors that arose prior to the Petition Date. As of March 20, 2017, nearly 7,000 claims had been filed with the Bankruptcy Court against the Debtors, and new and amended claims are expected to be filed in the future, including claims amended to assign values to claims originally filed with no designated value. Management has identified, and expects to continue to identify, many claims that it believes should be disallowed by the Bankruptcy Court because they are duplicative, have been later amended or superseded, are without merit, are overstated or for other reasons. The Bankruptcy Court has disallowed certain claims and has not yet ruled on other objections to claims. Management expects to continue to file objections in the future. Because the process of analyzing and objecting to claims will be ongoing, the number of disallowed claims may increase significantly in the future. Through the claims resolution process, differences in amounts scheduled by the Debtors and claims filed by creditors will be investigated and resolved, including through the filing of objections with the Bankruptcy Court where appropriate. In light of the substantial number and amount of claims filed, the claims resolution process may take considerable time to complete, and management expects that it will continue after emergence from Chapter 11. Accordingly, the ultimate number and amount of allowed claims is not presently known, nor is the exact recovery with respect to allowed claims presently known. Costs of Reorganization. The Company has incurred and will continue to incur significant costs associated with reorganization. The amount of these costs, which are being expensed as incurred, are expected to significantly affect the Company’s results of operations. For additional information, see Note 2. “Reorganization Items, Net". Effect of Filing on Creditors and Equity Holders. Under the priority structure established by the Bankruptcy Code, unless creditors agree otherwise, prepetition claims and post-petition claims must be satisfied in full before equity holders are entitled to receive any distribution or retain any property under a plan of reorganization. Under the Plan, current holders of Peabody common stock will not retain or receive any property, and the common stock, and other Peabody equity interests, will be canceled upon the Plan Effective Date. As discussed above (see “Filing of Plan of Reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court”), because the Plan satisfied the requirements of Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Plan was confirmed notwithstanding its rejection by the holders of Peabody common stock and notwithstanding the fact that such holders do not receive or retain any property on account of their equity interests under the plan. Newly Adopted Accounting Standards Going Concern. In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued disclosure guidance that requires management to evaluate, at each annual and interim reporting period, whether substantial doubt exists about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and, if applicable, to provide related disclosures. As outlined by that guidance, substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern exists when relevant conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, indicate that it is probable that an entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or are available to be issued). The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016 (the year ending December 31, 2016 for the Company) and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently operating its business as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court, has incurred net losses for the years ended 2016, 2015 and 2014, and had an accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue for one year from the date these financial statements are issued. However, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Plan on March 17, 2017 and the Company's current projections, based on the confirmed Plan, indicate that it is probable the Company will have sufficient liquidity to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date of this report. The confirmed Plan provides for the elimination of the Company's existing debt outstanding at December 31, 2016, which is discussed in Note 14. "Current and Long-term Debt." The Company's projections include the debt issued and planned equity issuance as part of its restructuring which are discussed above in “Filing of Plan of Reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court." Given the Plan confirmation on March 17, 2017, management believes it is probable the Plan will become effective and consummated in early April 2017, and emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases will occur at that time. There are certain substantial conditions precedent for the confirmed Plan to become effective and legally binding. Management believes it is probable these conditions precedent to the Plan effective date will be satisfied or waived by the Company’s targeted emergence date in early April 2017. Based on the confirmation of the Plan and the Company's financial projections, management believes it is probable the conditions that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern have been alleviated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern and contemplate the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business, the likelihood of which has been increased by the Bankruptcy Court’s confirmation of the Company’s Plan and the Company's ability to obtain exit financing, but is contingent on the Company’s ability to successfully consummate the Plan and maintain sufficient liquidity, among other factors. As a result of the Bankruptcy Petitions, the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities are subject to uncertainty. If the Plan were not to become effective and the Company continued to operate as debtors-in-possession under Chapter 11, the Company may sell or otherwise dispose of or liquidate assets or settle liabilities, subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court or as otherwise permitted in the ordinary course of business for amounts other than those reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Further, the Plan is expected to materially change the amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities reported in the consolidated financial statements. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities or any other adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern or as a consequence of the Bankruptcy Petitions. Deferred Financing Costs. On April 7, 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance that requires deferred financing costs to be presented as a direct reduction from the related debt liability in the financial statements rather than as a separately recognized asset. Under the new guidance, amortization of such costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. In August 2015, an update was issued that clarified that debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements may continue to be reported as an asset. The new guidance became effective retrospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 (January 1, 2016 for the Company). There was no material impact to the Company's results of operations or cash flows in connection with the adoption of the guidance. The impact to the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 was as follows:
|  | Before Application of Accounting Guidance |  | Adjustment |  | After Application of Accounting Guidance
|  | (Dollars in millions)
Other current assets |  | $ | 503.1 |  |  | $ | (55.5 | ) |  | $ | 447.6 |
Investments and other assets |  | 382.6 |  |  | (18.9 | ) |  | 363.7 |
Total assets |  | 11,021.3 |  |  | (74.4 | ) |  | 10,946.9 |
Current portion of long-term debt |  | 5,930.4 |  |  | (55.5 | ) |  | 5,874.9 |
Long-term debt, less current portion |  | 385.2 |  |  | (18.9 | ) |  | 366.3 |
Total liabilities |  | 10,102.8 |  |  | (74.4 | ) |  | 10,028.4 |
Income Taxes. In November 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance that requires entities to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance as noncurrent on the balance sheet. Under the new guidance, each jurisdiction will now only have one net noncurrent deferred tax asset or liability. The new guidance does not change the existing requirement that only permits offsetting within a jurisdiction. The new guidance will be effective prospectively or retrospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected early adoption of this guidance effective December 31, 2016 on a prospective basis. There was no material impact to the Company's results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or financial statement presentation in connection with the adoption of the guidance. Compensation - Stock Compensation. In March 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance which identifies areas for simplification involving several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, an option to recognize gross stock compensation expense with actual forfeitures recognized as they occur, as well as certain classifications on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance will be effective prospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected early adoption of this guidance effective December 31, 2016. There was no material impact to the Company's results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or financial statement presentation in connection with the adoption of the guidance. Accounting Standards Not Yet Implemented Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The new standard provides a single principles-based, five-step model to be applied to all contracts with customers, which steps are to (1) identify the contract(s) with the 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 each performance obligation is satisfied. More specifically, revenue will be recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration expected in exchange for those goods or services. The standard also requires entities to disclose sufficient qualitative and quantitative information to enable financial statement users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Under the originally issued standard, the new guidance would have been effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (January 1, 2017 for the Company). On July 9, 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year (January 1, 2018 for the Company) with early adoption permitted, but not before the original effective date. The standard allows for either a full retrospective adoption or a modified retrospective adoption. While the Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its financial statement presentation, its preliminary assessment is that it will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Inventory. In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance which requires entities to measure most inventory “at the lower of cost and net realizable value“, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market (market in this context is defined as one of three different measures, one of which is net realizable value). The guidance does not apply to inventories that are measured by using either the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. The new guidance will be effective prospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (January 1, 2017 for the Company), and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. While the Company is finalizing its evaluation of the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have, it does not expect a material impact to its results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and financial statement presentation. Lease Accounting. In February 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance that will require a lessee to recognize in its balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current U.S. GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. Additional qualitative disclosures along with specific quantitative disclosures will also be required. The new guidance will take effect for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019 for the Company), with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the Company will be required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and financial statement presentation. Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. In June 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The pronouncement replaces the incurred loss methodology to record credit losses with a methodology that reflects the expected credit losses for financial assets not accounted for at fair value with gains and losses recognized through net income. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020 for the Company) and interim periods therein,with early adoption permitted for fiscal years, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and financial statement presentation. Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. In August 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance to amend the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows to reduce diversity in practice. The new guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (January 1, 2018 for the Company) and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this update should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented, unless deemed impracticable, in which case, prospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and its impact on classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the Company's statements of cash flows. Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance which will reduce diversity in the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance will be effective retrospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (January 1, 2018 for the Company) and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and its impact, if any, on the Company's statements of cash flows. Sales The Company’s revenue from coal sales is realized and earned when risk of loss passes to the customer. Under the typical terms of the Company’s coal supply agreements, title and risk of loss transfer to the customer at the mine or port, where coal is loaded to the transportation source(s) that serves each of the Company’s mines. The Company incurs certain “add-on” taxes and fees on coal sales. Reported coal sales include taxes and fees charged by various federal and state governmental bodies and the freight charged on destination customer contracts. Other Revenues "Other revenues" include net revenues from coal trading activities as discussed in Note 9. "Coal Trading," as well as coal sales revenues that were derived from the Company’s mining operations and sold through the Company’s coal trading business. Also included are revenues from customer contract-related payments, royalties related to coal lease agreements, sales agency commissions, farm income, property and facility rentals and generation development activities. Royalty income generally results from the lease or sublease of mineral rights to third parties, with payments based upon a percentage of the selling price or an amount per ton of coal produced. Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale The Company classifies items within discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements when the operations and cash flows of a particular component of the Company have been (or will be) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the Company as a result of a disposal (by sale or otherwise) and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results. Refer to Note 5. "Discontinued Operations" for additional details related to discontinued operations. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Inventories Coal is reported as inventory at the point in time the coal is extracted from the mine. Raw coal represents coal stockpiles that may be sold in current condition or may be further processed prior to shipment to a customer. Saleable coal represents coal stockpiles which require no further processing prior to shipment to a customer. Coal inventory is valued at the lower of average cost or market. Coal inventory costs include labor, supplies, equipment (including depreciation thereto) and operating overhead and other related costs incurred at or on behalf of the mining location. Market represents the estimated net realizable value of the inventory, which considers the projected future sales price of the particular coal product, less applicable selling costs, and, in the case of raw coal, estimated remaining processing costs. The valuation of coal inventory is subject to several additional estimates, including those related to ground and aerial surveys used to measure quantities and processing recovery rates. Materials and supplies inventory is valued at the lower of average cost or market, less a reserve for obsolete or surplus items. This reserve incorporates several factors, such as anticipated usage, inventory turnover and inventory levels. Investments in Marketable Securities The Company’s short-term investments in marketable securities, which are included in "Other current assets" in the consolidated balance sheets, are defined as those investments with original maturities upon purchase of greater than three months and up to one year. Long-term investments, which are included in "Investments and other assets" in the consolidated balance sheets, are defined as those investments with original maturities upon purchase of greater than one year. The Company classifies its investments in debt securities as either held-to-maturity or available-for-sale at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation periodically. Such investments are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Investments in debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity and investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, generally reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the consolidated balance sheets. Realized gains and losses, determined on a specific identification method, are included in “Interest income” in the consolidated statements of operations. At each reporting date, the Company performs separate evaluations of its marketable securities to determine if any unrealized losses present are other-than-temporary. Such evaluations involve the consideration of several factors, including, but not limited to, the length of time the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the securities and whether the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities until recovery. No impairment losses were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Refer to Note 4. "Asset Impairment" for details regarding other-than-temporary impairment losses of $4.7 million recognized during the year ended December 31, 2014 related to the Company's marketable equity securities holdings. Property, Plant, Equipment and Mine Development Property, plant, equipment and mine development are recorded at cost. Interest costs applicable to major asset additions are capitalized during the construction period. Capitalized interest in 2016, 2015 and 2014 was immaterial. Expenditures which extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment assets are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating costs as incurred. Costs incurred to develop coal mines or to expand the capacity of operating mines are capitalized. Costs incurred to maintain current production capacity at a mine are charged to operating costs as incurred. Costs to acquire computer hardware and the development and/or purchase of software for internal use are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful lives. Coal reserves are recorded at cost, or at fair value in the case of nonmonetary exchanges, of reserves or business acquisitions. Depletion of coal reserves and amortization of advance royalties is computed using the units-of-production method utilizing only proven and probable reserves (as adjusted for recoverability factors) in the depletion base. Mine development costs are principally amortized over the estimated lives of the mines using the straight-line method. Depreciation of plant and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the asset's estimated useful life or the life of the mine. The estimated useful lives by category of assets are as follows:
|  |  | Years
Building and improvements |  |  | 3 to 34
Machinery and equipment |  |  | 3 to 34
Leasehold improvements |  |  | Shorter of Useful Life or Remaining Life of Lease
Equity and Cost Method Investments The Company accounts for its investments in less than majority owned corporate joint ventures under either the equity or cost method. The Company applies the equity method to investments in joint ventures when it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the joint venture. Investments accounted for under the equity method are initially recorded at cost and any difference between the cost of the Company’s investment and the underlying equity in the net assets of the joint venture at the investment date is amortized over the lives of the related assets that gave rise to the difference. The Company’s pro-rata share of the operating results of joint ventures and basis difference amortization is reported in the consolidated statements of operations in “(Gain) loss from equity affiliates.” Similarly, the Company's pro-rata share of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment of its equity method investments whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar is reported in the consolidated balance sheet as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss," with periodic changes thereto reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The Company monitors its equity and cost method investments for indicators that a decrease in investment value has occurred that is other than temporary. Examples of such indicators include a sustained history of operating losses and adverse changes in earnings and cash flow outlook. In the absence of quoted market prices for an investment, discounted cash flow projections are used to assess fair value, the underlying assumptions to which are generally considered unobservable Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy. If the fair value of an investment is determined to be below its carrying value and that loss in fair value is deemed other than temporary, an impairment loss is recognized. Refer to Note 4. "Asset Impairment" and Note 7. "Investments" for details regarding other-than-temporary impairment losses of $276.5 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2015 related to certain of the Company's equity and cost method investments. No such impairment losses were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2016 or 2014. Asset Retirement Obligations The Company’s asset retirement obligation (ARO) liabilities primarily consist of spending estimates for surface land reclamation and support facilities at both surface and underground mines in accordance with applicable reclamation laws and regulations in the U.S. and Australia as defined by each mining permit. The Company estimates its ARO liabilities for final reclamation and mine closure based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at the credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. The Company records an ARO asset associated with the discounted liability for final reclamation and mine closure. The obligation and corresponding asset are recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. The ARO asset is amortized on the units-of-production method over its expected life and the ARO liability is accreted to the projected spending date. As changes in estimates occur (such as mine plan revisions, changes in estimated costs or changes in timing of the performance of reclamation activities), the revisions to the obligation and asset are recognized at the appropriate credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. The Company also recognizes an obligation for contemporaneous reclamation liabilities incurred as a result of surface mining. Contemporaneous reclamation consists primarily of grading, topsoil replacement and re-vegetation of backfilled pit areas. Contingent Liabilities From time to time, the Company is subject to legal and environmental matters related to its continuing and discontinued operations and certain historical, non-coal producing operations. In connection with such matters, the Company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of reserves required for these matters is made after considerable analysis of each individual issue. The Company accrues for legal and environmental matters within "Operating costs and expenses" when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company provides disclosure surrounding loss contingencies when it believes that it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss may be incurred or an exposure to loss in excess of amounts already accrued may exist. Adjustments to contingent liabilities are made when additional information becomes available that affects the amount of estimated loss, which information may include changes in facts and circumstances, changes in interpretations of law in the relevant courts, the results of new or updated environmental remediation cost studies and the ongoing consideration of trends in environmental remediation costs. Accrued contingent liabilities exclude claims against third parties and are not discounted. The current portion of these accruals is included in “Accounts payables and accrued expenses” and the long-term portion is included in “Other noncurrent liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets. In general, legal fees related to environmental remediation and litigation are charged to expense. The Company includes the interest component of any litigation-related penalties within "Interest expense" in the consolidated statements of operations. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for using a balance sheet approach. The Company accounts for deferred income taxes by applying statutory tax rates in effect at the reporting date of the balance sheet to differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established if it is “more likely than not” that the related tax benefits will not be realized. Significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified including history of tax attribute expiration and cumulative income or loss. In determining the appropriate valuation allowance, the Company considers the projected realization of tax benefits based on expected levels of future taxable income, available tax planning strategies, reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and taxable income in carryback years. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions only if it is “more likely than not” the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. To the extent the Company’s assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate will be recorded in the period in which the determination is made. Tax-related interest and penalties are classified as a component of income tax expense. Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits The Company accounts for postretirement benefits other than pensions by accruing the costs of benefits to be provided over the employees’ period of active service. These costs are determined on an actuarial basis. The Company’s consolidated balance sheets reflect the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations of its postretirement benefit plans. The Company accounts for changes in its postretirement benefit obligations as a settlement when an irrevocable action has been effected that relieves the Company of its actuarially-determined liability to individual plan participants and removes substantial risk surrounding the nature, amount and timing of the obligation’s funding and the assets used to effect the settlement. See Note 17. "Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits" for information related to postretirement benefits. Pension Plans The Company sponsors non-contributory defined benefit pension plans accounted for by accruing the cost to provide the benefits over the employees’ period of active service. These costs are determined on an actuarial basis. The Company’s consolidated balance sheets reflect the funded status of the defined benefit pension plans. See Note 18. "Pension and Savings Plans" for information related to pension plans. Restructuring Activities From time to time, the Company initiates restructuring activities in connection with its repositioning efforts to appropriately align its cost structure or optimize its coal production relative to prevailing market conditions. Costs associated with restructuring actions can include early mine closures, voluntary and involuntary workforce reductions, office closures and other related activities. Costs associated with restructuring activities are recognized in the period incurred. Included as a component of "Restructuring and pension settlement charges" in the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were aggregate restructuring charges of $15.5 million, $23.5 million and $26.0 million, respectively, primarily associated with voluntary and involuntary workforce reductions. The majority of the cash expenditures associated with the charges recognized in 2016 were paid in 2016. Derivatives The Company recognizes at fair value all contracts meeting the definition of a derivative as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, with the exception of certain coal trading contracts for which the Company has elected to apply a normal purchases and normal sales exception. With respect to derivatives used in hedging activities, the Company assesses, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether such derivatives are highly effective at offsetting the changes in the anticipated exposure of the hedged item. The effective portion of the change in the fair value of derivatives designated as a cash flow hedge is recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” until the hedged transaction impacts reported earnings, at which time any gain or loss is reclassified to earnings. To the extent that periodic changes in the fair value of derivatives deemed highly effective exceeds such changes in the hedged item, the ineffective portion of the periodic non-cash changes are recorded in earnings in the period of the change. If the hedge ceases to qualify for hedge accounting, the Company prospectively recognizes changes in the fair value of the instrument in earnings in the period of the change. The potential for hedge ineffectiveness is present in the design of certain of the Company’s cash flow hedge relationships and is discussed in detail in Note 8. "Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements" and Note 9. "Coal Trading." Gains or losses from derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges are recognized immediately in earnings, along with the offsetting gain or loss related to the underlying hedged item. The Company’s asset and liability derivative positions are offset on a counterparty-by-counterparty basis if the contractual agreement provides for the net settlement of contracts with the counterparty in the event of default or termination of any one contract. Non-derivative contracts and derivative contracts for which the Company has elected to apply the normal purchases and normal sales exception are accounted for on an accrual basis. Business Combinations The Company accounts for business combinations using the purchase method of accounting. The purchase method requires the Company to determine the fair value of all acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets and all assumed liabilities. The total cost of acquisitions is allocated to the underlying identifiable net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management's judgment and the utilization of independent valuation experts, and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates and asset lives, among other items. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company evaluates its long-lived assets held and used in operations for impairment as events and changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets might not be recoverable. Factors that would indicate potential impairment to be present include, but are not limited to, a sustained history of operating or cash flow losses, an unfavorable change in earnings and cash flow outlook, prolonged adverse industry or economic trends and a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset is being used or in its physical condition. The Company generally does not view short-term declines in thermal and metallurgical coal prices as a triggering event for conducting impairment tests because of historic price volatility. However, the Company generally does view a sustained trend of depressed coal pricing (for example, over periods exceeding one year) as an indicator of potential impairment. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets. For its active mining operations, the Company generally groups such assets at the mine level, or the mining complex level for mines that share infrastructure, with the exception of impairment evaluations triggered by mine closures. In those cases involving mine closures, the related assets are evaluated at the individual asset level for remaining economic life based on transferability to ongoing operating sites and for use in reclamation-related activities, or for expected salvage. For its development and exploration properties and portfolio of surface land and coal reserve holdings, the Company considers several factors to determine whether to evaluate those assets individually or on a grouped basis for purposes of impairment testing. Such factors include geographic proximity to one another, the expectation of shared infrastructure upon development based on future mining plans and whether it would be most advantageous to bundle such assets in the event of sale to a third party. When indicators of impairment are present, the Company evaluates its long-lived assets for recoverability by comparing the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by those assets under various assumptions to their carrying amounts. If such undiscounted cash flows indicate that the carrying value of the asset group is not recoverable, impairment losses are measured by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset group to its carrying amount. As quoted market prices are unavailable for the Company's individual mining operations, fair value is determined through the use of an expected present value technique based on the income approach, except for non-strategic coal reserves, surface lands and undeveloped coal properties excluded from the Company's long-range mine planning. In those cases, a market approach is utilized based on the most comparable market multiples available. The estimated future cash flows and underlying assumptions used to assess recoverability and, if necessary, measure the fair value of the Company's long-lived mining assets are derived from those developed in connection with the Company's planning and budgeting process. The Company believes its assumptions to be consistent with those a market participant would use for valuation purposes. The most critical assumptions underlying the Company's projections and fair value estimates include those surrounding future tons sold, coal prices for unpriced coal, production costs (including costs for labor, commodity supplies and contractors), transportation costs, foreign currency exchange rates and a risk-adjusted, after-tax cost of capital (all of which generally constitute unobservable Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy), in addition to market multiples for non-strategic coal reserves, surface lands and undeveloped coal properties excluded from the Company's long-range mine planning (which generally constitute Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy). Refer to Note 4. "Asset Impairment" for details regarding impairment charges related to long-lived assets of $247.9 million, $1,001.3 million and $149.7 million recognized during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Fair Value For assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements, the Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Foreign Currency Functional currency is determined by the primary economic environment in which an entity operates, which for the Company's foreign operations is generally the U.S. dollar because sales prices in international coal markets and the Company's sources of financing those operations is denominated in that currency. Accordingly, substantially all of the Company’s consolidated foreign subsidiaries utilize the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. Monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at year-end exchange rates while non-monetary items are remeasured at historical rates. Income and expense accounts are remeasured at the average rates in effect during the year, except for those expenses related to balance sheet amounts that are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Gains and losses from foreign currency remeasurement related to tax balances are included as a component of "Income tax (benefit) provision," while all other remeasurement gains and losses are included in "Operating costs and expenses." The total impact of foreign currency remeasurement on the consolidated statements of operations was a net loss of $7.4 million, $6.4 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company owns a 50% equity interest Middlemount Coal Pty Ltd. (Middlemount), which owns the Middlemount Mine in Queensland, Australia. Middlemount utilizes the Australian dollar as its functional currency. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of that equity investee are translated to U.S. dollars at the year-end exchange rate and income and expense accounts are translated at the average rate in effect during the year. The Company's pro-rata share of the translation gains and losses of the equity investee are recorded as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss." Australian dollar denominated stockholder loans to the Middlemount Mine, which are long term in nature, are considered part of the Company's net investment in that operation. Accordingly, foreign currency gains or losses on those loans are recorded as a component of foreign currency translation adjustment. The Company recorded foreign currency translation losses of $1.8 million, $34.9 million and $41.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Share-Based Compensation The Company accounts for share-based compensation at the grant date fair value of awards and recognizes the related expense over the service period of the awards. See Note 20. "Share-Based Compensation" for information related to share-based compensation. Exploration and Drilling Costs Exploration expenditures are charged to operating costs as incurred, including costs related to drilling and study costs incurred to convert or upgrade mineral resources to reserves. Advance Stripping Costs Pre-production. At existing surface operations, additional pits may be added to increase production capacity in order to meet customer requirements. These expansions may require significant capital to purchase additional equipment, expand the workforce, build or improve existing haul roads and create the initial pre-production box cut to remove overburden (that is, advance stripping costs) for new pits at existing operations. If these pits operate in a separate and distinct area of the mine, the costs associated with initially uncovering coal (that is, advance stripping costs incurred for the initial box cuts) for production are capitalized and amortized over the life of the developed pit consistent with coal industry practices. Post-production. Advance stripping costs related to post-production are expensed as incurred. Where new pits are routinely developed as part of a contiguous mining sequence, the Company expenses such costs as incurred. The development of a contiguous pit typically reflects the planned progression of an existing pit, thus maintaining production levels from the same mining area utilizing the same employee group and equipment. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In doing so, estimates and assumptions are made that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions deemed reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The Company's actual results may differ materially from these estimates. Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, accounting for sales and cost recognition, postretirement benefit plans, environmental receivables and liabilities, asset retirement obligations, evaluation of long-lived assets for impairment, income taxes including deferred tax assets, fair value measurements and contingencies.

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