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Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Significant Accounting Policies The Company’s significant accounting policies are summarized as follows: Accounting Changes. On December 31, 2016, the Company retrospectively adopted the FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740). This update requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as non-current. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-17, the balance sheet at December 31, 2015 was adjusted to reflect the reclassification of $14,381 from other current assets to long-term deferred tax assets and $263 from accruals and other liabilities to long-term deferred tax liabilities. On January 1, 2016, the Company retrospectively adopted the FASB ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest. This update requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. As a result of the adoption of this update, the balance sheet at December 31, 2015 was adjusted to reflect the reclassification of $12,625 from other assets to long-term debt. Additionally, the Company prospectively adopted the FASB ASU 2016-09, Stock Compensation (Topic 718). As a result of the adoption, there was no material impact. Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MDC Partners Inc. and its domestic and international controlled subsidiaries that are not considered variable interest entities, and variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company changed the presentation of book overdrafts on its statement of cash flows to classify the associated cash flows as operating activities. Book overdrafts were previously presented within financing activities. This resulted in cash outflows of $6,636 and $1,410, and inflows of $37,835, being reclassified from financing activities to operating activities for the for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. There was no impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), or balance sheets. Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities including goodwill, intangible assets, contingent deferred acquisition consideration, valuation allowances for receivables, deferred tax assets and the amounts of revenue and expenses reported during the period. These estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Fair Value. The Company applies the fair value measurement guidance of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, for financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value and for non-financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets. The measurement of fair value requires the use of techniques based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect market assumptions. The inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
• | Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
• | Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations where inputs are observable or where significant value drivers are observable.
• | Level 3 - Instruments where significant value drivers are unobservable to third parties.
When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of its financial instruments and classifies such items in Level 1. In some cases, quoted market prices are used for similar instruments in active markets and the Company classifies such items in Level 2. Concentration of Credit Risk. The Company provides marketing communications services to clients who operate in most industry sectors. Credit is granted to qualified clients in the ordinary course of business. Due to the diversified nature of the Company’s client base, the Company does not believe that it is exposed to a concentration of credit risk. No client accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. No clients accounted for 10% of the Company's revenue in each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents are primarily comprised of investments in overnight interest-bearing deposits, commercial paper and money market instruments and other short-term investments with original maturity dates of three months or less at the time of purchase. The Company has a concentration of credit risk in that there are cash deposits in excess of federally insured amounts. Cash in Trust. A subsidiary of the Company holds restricted cash in trust accounts related to funds received on behalf of clients. Such amounts are held in escrow under depositary service agreements and distributed at the direction of the clients. The funds are presented as a corresponding liability on the balance sheet. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Trade receivables are stated at invoiced amounts less allowances for doubtful accounts. The allowances represent estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults usually due to customers’ potential insolvency. The allowances include amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical experience and existing economic conditions. Expenditures Billable to Clients. Expenditures billable to clients consist principally of outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients when providing advertising, marketing and corporate communications services that have not yet been invoiced to clients. Such amounts are invoiced to clients at various times over the course of the production process. Fixed Assets. Fixed assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Computers, furniture and fixtures are depreciated on a straight-line basis over periods of three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful life of the asset. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Impairment of Long-lived Assets. In accordance with the FASB ASC, a long-lived asset or asset group is tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When such events occur, the Company compares the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of such asset or asset group. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is typically calculated using discounted expected future cash flows where observable fair values are not readily determinable. The discount rate applied to these cash flows is based on the Company’s weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”), risk adjusted where appropriate. Equity Method Investments. The equity method is used to account for investments in entities in which the Company has an ownership interest of less than 50% and has significant influence, or joint control by contractual arrangement, (i) over the operating and financial policies of the affiliate or (ii) has an ownership interest greater than 50%; however, the substantive participating rights of the noncontrolling interest shareholders preclude the Company from exercising unilateral control over the operating and financial policies of the affiliate. The Company’s investments accounted for using the equity method include a 30% undivided interest in a real estate joint venture and various interests in investment funds. The Company’s management periodically evaluates these investments to determine if there has been a decline in value that is other than temporary. These investments are included in investments in non-consolidated affiliates. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company sold its ownership in two of these equity method investments for $4,023 and recognized a gain of $623 in Other income. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold its ownership in one of these equity method investments for $2,094 and recognized a gain of $1,086 in Other income. Cost Method Investments. From time to time, the Company makes non-material cost based investments in start-up advertising technology companies and innovative consumer product companies where the Company does not exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The total net cost basis of these investments, which is included in Other Assets on the balance sheet, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $10,132 and $11,763, respectively. These investments are periodically evaluated to determine whether a significant event or change in circumstances has occurred that may impact the fair value of each investment other than temporary declines below book value. A variety of factors are considered when determining if a decline is other than temporary, including, among others, the financial condition and prospects of the investee, as well as the Company’s investment intent. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company sold its ownership in three of these cost method investments for an aggregate purchase price of $4,074 and recognized a gain of $1,309 in Other income. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold its ownership in six of these cost method investments for an aggregate purchase price of $11,364 and recognized a gain of $5,440 in Other income. In addition, the Company’s partner agencies may receive noncontrolling equity interests from start-up companies in lieu of fees. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company liquidated two such equity interest positions in exchange for an aggregate purchase price equal to $8,248. The purchasers of these equity investments were current investors in such entities and two executive officers of our subsidiary partner agencies. Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangibles. In accordance with the FASB ASC topic, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets (trademarks) acquired as a result of a business combination which are not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually as of October 1st of each year, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. For goodwill, impairment is assessed at the reporting unit level. For the annual impairment testing the Company has the option of assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value or performing the two-step goodwill impairment test. Qualitative factors considered in the assessment include industry and market considerations, the competitive environment, overall financial performance, changing cost factors such as labor costs, and other factors specific to each reporting unit such as change in management or key personnel. If the Company elects to perform the qualitative assessment and concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is more than its carrying amount, then goodwill is not considered impaired and the two-step goodwill impairment test is not necessary. For reporting units for which the qualitative assessment concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount and for reporting units for which the qualitative assessment is not performed, the Company will perform the first step of the goodwill impairment test, which compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, goodwill is not considered impaired and additional analysis is not required. However, if the carrying amount of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then the second step of the goodwill impairment test must be performed to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The Company’s goodwill impairment test uses the income approach to estimate a reporting unit’s fair value. The income approach is based on a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method, which requires the exercise of significant judgment, including judgment about the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, assumed terminal value and appropriate discount rates. The DCF estimates incorporate expected cash flows that represent a spectrum of the amount and timing of possible cash flows of each reporting unit from a market participant perspective. The expected cash flows are developed as part of the Company’s routine long-range planning process using projections of revenue and expenses and related cash flows based on assumed long-term growth rates and demand trends and appropriate discount rates based on a reporting unit’s WACC as determined by considering the observable WACC of comparable companies and factors specific to the reporting unit (for example, size). The terminal value is estimated using a constant growth method which requires an assumption about the expected long-term growth rate. The estimates are based on historical data and experience, industry projections, economic conditions, and the Company’s expectations. The assumptions used for the long-term growth rate and WACC in the annual goodwill impairment tests are as follows:
| October 1,
| 2016 |  | 2015
Long-term growth rate | 3% |  | 3%
WACC | 10.39% - 13.45% |  | 8.92% - 11.95%
The Company’s reporting units vary in size with respect to revenue and operating profits. These differences drive variations in fair value of the reporting units. In addition, these differences as well as differences in book value, including goodwill, cause variations in the amount by which fair value exceeds the carrying amount of the reporting units. The reporting unit goodwill balances vary by reporting unit primarily because it relates specifically to the Partner Firm’s goodwill which was determined at the date of acquisition. Under the second step of the goodwill impairment test, the Company utilizes both a market approach and income approach to estimate the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. For the market approach, the Company utilizes both the guideline public company method and the precedent transaction method. For the income approach, the Company utilizes a DCF method. The Company weights the market and income approaches to arrive at an implied fair value of goodwill. If the Company determines that the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss equal to the difference is recorded. For the 2015 annual goodwill impairment testing, the Company had 13 reporting units. All of the reporting units were subject to the two-step test. As the fair value of all reporting units were in excess of their respective carrying amounts, there was no impairment of goodwill. The range of the excess of the fair value over the carrying amount was from 7% to over 100%. The Company performed a sensitivity analysis which included a 1% increase to the WACC. Based on the results of that analysis, one reporting unit, which was comprised of the marketing experiential businesses, was at risk of failing. The Company noted no significant events or conditions during the first and second quarter of 2016 that would have affected the conclusions from the annual assessment. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company changed its operating segments, as a result of the management structure change as discussed in Note 14, which resulted in a corresponding change to the Company’s reporting units. Each Partner Firm now represents an operating segment as well as a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing. As a result of the changes in the reporting units, the Company performed further analysis to assess whether the results of the 2015 testing would have been different had it been performed at the Partner Firm level. This change in operating segments, coupled with a decline in operating performance required the Company to perform interim goodwill testing on one of its experiential reporting units. Additionally, a triggering event occurred during the third quarter of 2016 that required the Company to perform interim goodwill testing on one non-material reporting unit. These two reporting units failed the first step of the goodwill impairment testing, and the second step of the goodwill impairment testing resulted in a partial impairment of goodwill of $27,893 and $1,738 relating to the experiential reporting unit and non-material reporting unit, respectively. See Note 8 for further information. For the 2016 annual goodwill impairment test, the Company had 31 reporting units, all of which were subject to the two-step test. For the 2016 annual goodwill impairment test, the carrying amount of one of the Company’s strategic communications reporting unit exceeded its fair value and the second step of the goodwill impairment test was performed, resulting in a partial impairment of goodwill of $18,893. The fair value for all other reporting units were in excess of their respective carrying amounts and as a result there was no additional impairment of goodwill. The range of the excess of the fair value over the carrying amount was from 5% to over 100%. The Company performed a sensitivity analysis which included a 1% increase to the WACC. Based on the results of that analysis, the non-material reporting unit for which a partial impairment of goodwill was recorded during the third quarter of 2016 would be at risk of failing; however, there were no events or circumstances that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of such reporting unit below its respective carrying value between the interim and annual goodwill impairment testing performed. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in the calculations are reasonable. However, if there was an adverse change in the facts and circumstances, then an impairment charge may be necessary in the future. The Company will monitor its reporting units to determine if there is an indicator of potential impairment. Should the fair value of any of the Company’s reporting units fall below its carrying amount because of reduced operating performance, market declines, changes in the discount rate, or other conditions, charges for impairment may be necessary. Subsequent to the annual impairment test at October 1, 2016, there were no events or circumstances that triggered the need for an interim impairment test. See Note 8 for further information. Definite Lived Intangible Assets. In accordance with the FASB ASC, acquired intangibles are subject to amortization over their useful lives. The method of amortization selected reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the specific intangible asset is consumed or otherwise used up. If that pattern cannot be reliably determined, a straight-line amortization method is used over the estimated useful life. Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for potential impairment at least annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. See also Note 8. Business Combinations. Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method and accordingly, the assets acquired (including identified intangible assets), the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired business are recorded at their acquisition date fair values. The Company’s acquisition model typically provides for an initial payment at closing and for future additional contingent purchase price obligations. Contingent purchase price obligations are recorded as deferred acquisition consideration on the balance sheet at the acquisition date fair value and are remeasured at each reporting period. Changes in such estimated values are recorded in the results of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, $7,972, $36,344 and $16,467, respectively, related to changes in estimated value was recorded as operating expenses. For further information, see Note 4 and Note 13. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, $2,640, $2,912 and $6,133, respectively, of acquisition related costs were charged to operations. For each acquisition, the Company undertakes a detailed review to identify other intangible assets and a valuation is performed for all such identified assets. The Company uses several market participant measurements to determine estimated value. This approach includes consideration of similar and recent transactions, as well as utilizing discounted expected cash flow methodologies. Like most service businesses, a substantial portion of the intangible asset value that the Company acquires is the specialized know-how of the workforce, which is treated as part of goodwill and is not required to be valued separately. The majority of the value of the identifiable intangible assets acquired is derived from customer relationships, including the related customer contracts, as well as trade names. In executing the Company’s overall acquisition strategy, one of the primary drivers in identifying and executing a specific transaction is the existence of, or the ability to, expand the existing client relationships. The expected benefits of the Company’s acquisitions are typically shared across multiple agencies and regions. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests. Many of the Company’s acquisitions include contractual arrangements where the noncontrolling shareholders have an option to purchase, or may require the Company to purchase, such noncontrolling shareholders’ incremental ownership interests under certain circumstances and the Company has similar call options under the same contractual terms. The amount of consideration under these contractual arrangements is not a fixed amount, but rather is dependent upon various valuation formulas as described in Note 16. In the event that an incremental purchase may be required of the Company, the amounts are recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interests in mezzanine equity on the balance sheet at their acquisition date fair value and adjusted for changes to their estimated redemption value through additional paid-in capital (but not less than their initial redemption value), except for foreign currency translation adjustments. These adjustments will not impact the calculation of earnings (loss) per share if the redemption values are less than the estimated fair values. For the three years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, there was no impact on the Company's earnings (loss) per share calculation. The following table presents changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests:
| Years Ended December 31,
| 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Beginning Balance as of January 1, | $ | 69,471 |  |  | $ | 194,951 |  |  | $ | 148,534 |
Redemptions | (1,708 | ) |  | (155,042 | ) |  | (4,820 | )
Granted (1) | 2,274 |  |  | 7,703 |  |  | 13,327 |
Changes in redemption value | (9,604 | ) |  | 22,809 |  |  | 38,850 |
Currency translation adjustments | (253 | ) |  | (950 | ) |  | (940 | )
Ending Balance as of December 31, | $ | 60,180 |  |  | $ | 69,471 |  |  | $ | 194,951 |
(1) | Grants in 2015 consisted of transfers from noncontrolling interests related to step-up transactions and new acquisitions.
Subsidiary and Equity Investment Stock Transactions. Transactions involving the purchase, sale or issuance of stock of a subsidiary where control is maintained are recorded as a reduction in the redeemable noncontrolling interests or noncontrolling interests, as applicable. Any difference between the purchase price and noncontrolling interest is recorded to additional paid-in capital. In circumstances where the purchase of shares of an equity investment results in obtaining control, the existing carrying value of the investment is remeasured to the acquisition date fair value and any gain or loss is recognized in results of operations. Variable Interest Entity. Effective March 28, 2012, the Company invested in Doner Partners LLC (“Doner”). The Company acquired a 30% voting interest and convertible preferred interests that allow the Company to increase ordinary voting ownership to 70% at the Company’s option. The Company has determined that (i) this entity is a variable interest entity and (ii) the Company is the primary beneficiary because it receives a disproportionate share of profits and losses as compared to its ownership percentage. As such, Doner is consolidated for all periods subsequent to the date of investment. Doner is a full service integrated creative agency that is included as part of the Company’s portfolio in the Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment. The Company’s Credit Agreement (see Note 11) is guaranteed and secured by all of Doner’s assets. Total assets and total liabilities of Doner included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016 and 2015, were $102,456 and $57,622, and $122,558 and $86,047, respectively. Guarantees. Guarantees issued or modified by the Company to third parties after January 1, 2003 are generally recognized, at the inception or modification of the guarantee, as a liability for the obligations it has undertaken in issuing the guarantee, including its ongoing obligation to stand ready to perform over the term of the guarantee in the event that the specified triggering events or conditions occur. The initial measurement of that liability is the fair value of the guarantee. The recognition of the liability is required even if it is not probable that payments will be required under the guarantee. The Company’s liability associated with guarantees is not significant. (See Note 16.) Revenue Recognition. The Company’s revenue recognition policies are established in accordance with the Revenue Recognition topics of the FASB ASC, and accordingly, revenue is recognized when all of the following criteria are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) the selling price is fixed or determinable; (iii) services have been performed or upon delivery of the products when ownership and risk of loss has transferred to the client; and (iv) collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. The Company follows the Multiple-Element Arrangement topic of the FASB ASC, which addresses certain aspects of the accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which it will perform multiple revenue-generating activities and how to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting. The Company follows the Principal Agent Consideration topic of the FASB ASC which addresses (i) whether revenue should be recorded at the gross amount billed because it has earned revenue from the sale of goods or services, or recorded at the net amount retained because it has earned a fee or commission, and (ii) that reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred should be characterized in the income statement as revenue. Accordingly, the Company has included such reimbursed expenses in revenue. The Company earns revenue from agency arrangements in the form of retainer fees or commissions; from short-term project arrangements in the form of fixed fees or per diem fees for services; and from incentives or bonuses. Non-refundable retainer fees are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the specific customer arrangement. Commission revenue is earned and recognized upon the placement of advertisements in various media when the Company has no further performance obligations. Fixed fees for services are recognized upon completion of the earnings process and acceptance by the client. Per diem fees are recognized upon the performance of the Company’s services. In addition, for a limited number of certain service transactions, which require delivery of a number of service acts, the Company uses the proportional performance model, which generally results in revenue being recognized based on the straight-line method. Fees billed to clients in excess of fees recognized as revenue are classified as Advanced Billings on the Company’s balance sheet. A small portion of the Company’s contractual arrangements with customers includes performance incentive provisions, which allow the Company to earn additional revenue as a result of its performance relative to both quantitative and qualitative goals. The Company recognizes the incentive portion of revenue under these arrangements when specific quantitative goals are assured, or when the Company’s clients determine performance against qualitative goals has been achieved. In all circumstances, revenue is only recognized when collection is reasonably assured. The Company records revenue net of sales and other taxes due to be collected and remitted to governmental authorities. Cost of Services Sold. Cost of services sold do not include depreciation charges for fixed assets. Interest Expense. Interest expense primarily consists of the cost of borrowing on the Company’s previously outstanding 6.75% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “6.75% Notes”); the Company’s 6.50% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (the “6.50% Notes”); and the Company’s $325 million senior secured revolving credit agreement due 2021 (the “Credit Agreement”). The Company uses the effective interest method to amortize the deferred financing costs as well as the original issue premium on the previously outstanding 6.75% Notes. The Company also uses the straight-line method to amortize the deferred financing costs on the Credit Agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, interest expense included $255, $2,543, and $2,186, respectively, relating to present value adjustments for fixed deferred acquisition consideration payments. Deferred Taxes. The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary difference between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Deferred tax benefits result principally from certain tax carryover benefits and from recording certain expenses in the financial statements that are not currently deductible for tax purposes and from differences between the tax and book basis of assets and liabilities recorded in connection with acquisitions. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax liabilities result principally from deductions recorded for tax purposes in excess of that recorded in the financial statements or income for financial statement purposes in excess of the amount for tax purposes. The effect of changes in tax rates is recognized in the period the rate change is enacted. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company identified and recorded out-of-period adjustments related to the misapplication of ASC 740 and ASC 850-740 accounting policies as they applied to the calculation of deferred tax liabilities. The Company has revised prior period information presented on this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A as follows: (i) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, income tax expense has been reduced by $2,108, $1,903, and $2,646, respectively, (ii) basic and diluted net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 increased by $0.04 per share, $0.04 per share, and $0.06 per share, respectively, (iii) deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 have been increased by $6,916 and $9,016, respectively, and (iv) accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2013 has been increased by $13,568. The correction had no impact on the Company’s cash flows. Stock-Based Compensation. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at fair value at the date of grant and is expensed over the service period, in this case the award’s vesting period. The Company recognized forfeitures as they occur. When awards are exercised, share capital is credited by the sum of the consideration paid together with the related portion previously credited to additional paid-in capital when compensation costs were charged against income or acquisition consideration. The Company uses its historical volatility derived over the expected term of the award to determine the volatility factor used in determining the fair value of the award. Stock-based awards that are settled in cash, or may be settled in cash at the option of employees, are recorded as liabilities. The measurement of the liability and compensation cost for these awards is based on the fair value of the award, and is recorded in operating income over the service period, in this case the awards vesting period. Changes in the Company’s payment obligation prior to the settlement date of a stock-based award are recorded as compensation cost in operating income in the period of the change. The final payment amount for such awards is established on the date of the exercise of the award by the employee. Stock-based awards that are settled in cash or equity at the option of the Company are recorded at fair value on the date of grant and recorded as additional paid-in capital. The fair value measurement of the compensation cost for these awards is based on using the Black-Scholes option pricing-model and is recorded in operating income over the service period, in this case the award's vesting period. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Company issued no stock options or similar awards. It is the Company’s policy for issuing shares upon the exercise of an equity incentive award to verify the amount of shares to be issued, as well as the amount of proceeds to be collected (if any) and to deliver new shares to the exercising party. The Company has adopted the straight-line attribution method for determining the compensation cost to be recorded during each accounting period. The Company commences recording compensation expense related to awards that are based on performance conditions under the straight-line attribution method when it is probable that such performance conditions will be met. The fair value at the grant date for performance based awards granted in 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $140, $1,741, and $3,026, respectively. The Company treats benefits paid by shareholders or equity members to employees as a stock-based compensation charge with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in capital. From time to time, certain acquisitions and step-up transactions include an element of compensation related payments. The Company accounts for those payments as stock-based compensation. Pension Costs. Several of the Company’s U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries offer employees access to certain defined contribution pension programs. Under the defined contribution plans, these subsidiaries, in some cases, make annual contributions to participants’ accounts which are subject to vesting. The Company’s contribution expense pursuant to these plans was $10,026, $6,731 and $7,503 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The Company also has a defined benefit plan. See Note 18. Income (Loss) per Common Share. Basic income (loss) per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. “Share capital to be issued” as reflected in the Shareholders’ Equity on the balance sheet are also included if there is no circumstance under which those shares would not be issued. Diluted income (loss) per share is based on the above, in addition, if dilutive, common share equivalents, which include outstanding options, stock appreciation rights, and unvested restricted stock units. Foreign Currency Translation. The Company’s financial statements were prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Foreign Currency Translation topic of the FASB ASC. The functional currency of the Company is the Canadian dollar and it has decided to use U.S. dollars as its reporting currency for consolidated reporting purposes. Generally, the Company’s subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency. Accordingly, the currency impacts of the translation of the balance sheets of the Company’s non-U.S. dollar based subsidiaries to U.S. dollar statements are included as cumulative translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income. Translation of intercompany debt, which is not intended to be repaid, is included in cumulative translation adjustments. Cumulative translation adjustments are not included in net earnings unless they are actually realized through a sale or upon complete, or substantially complete, liquidation of the Company’s net investment in the foreign operation. Translation of current intercompany balances are included in net earnings. The balance sheets of non-U.S. dollar based subsidiaries are translated at the period end rate. The income statements of non-U.S. dollar based subsidiaries are translated at average exchange rates for the period. Gains and losses arising from the Company’s foreign currency transactions are reflected in net earnings. Unrealized gains or losses arising on the translation of certain intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature (that is settlement is not planned or anticipated in the future) are included as cumulative translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income. Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company follows the Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities topic of the FASB ASC, which establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and debt instruments) be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The accounting for the change in fair value of the derivative depends on whether the instrument qualifies for and has been designated as a hedging relationship and on the type of hedging relationship. There are three types of hedging relationships: (i) a cash flow hedge, (ii) a fair value hedge, and (iii) a hedge of foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. The designation is based upon the exposure being hedged. Derivatives that are not hedges, or become ineffective hedges, must be adjusted to fair value through earnings.

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