Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

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

Reclassifications. In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows, which clarifies how cash receipts and cash payments in certain transactions are presented and classified on the statement of cash flows. The new pronouncement states that any cash payments made soon after the acquisition date of a business to settle a contingent consideration liability are classified as cash outflows for investing activities. Cash payments which are not made soon after the acquisition date of a business to settle a contingent consideration liability are separated and classified as cash outflows for financing activities up to the amount of the contingent consideration liability recognized at the acquisition date and as cash outflows from operating activities for any excess. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2018 on a retrospective basis. As a result, $2,542 of an acquisition-related contingent consideration payment of $5,183, which was in excess of the liability initially recognized at the acquisition date, has been classified as a cash outflow within net cash provided by operating activities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Use of Estimates

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

Fair Value. The Company applies the fair value measurement guidance of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“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

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 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. No client accounted for 10% of the Company’s revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2018 or the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

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

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.

Fixed Assets

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. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recognized an impairment of $2,317 related to a long-lived asset.

Equity Method Investments

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 that were accounted for using the equity method include 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.

Cost Method Investments

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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, was $9,462 and $9,527, respectively. In addition, the Company’s partner agencies may receive noncontrolling equity interests from start-up companies in lieu of fees.

Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangibles

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 three months ended March 31, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017, goodwill was $832,510 and $835,935, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and the three months ended March 31, 2017, the changes in the carrying amounts during the periods were due to net foreign exchange translation adjustments.

Business Combinations

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 further information see Notes 5 and 10 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, $2,586 and $11,431 of expense related to changes in such estimated values and was recorded in results of operations. The Company expenses acquisition related costs as incurred. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, $376 and $234, 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. 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 Interest

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 13 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. 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 months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, there was no related impact on the Company’s loss per share calculation.

Subsidiary and Equity Investment Stock Transactions

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

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. Effective April 1, 2017, the Company acquired an additional 15% voting and convertible preferred interest that allowed the Company to increase ordinary voting ownership to 85% at the Company’s option. The Company now has a 65% voting interest. 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 segment. The Company’s Credit Agreement (see Note 7) is guaranteed and secured by all of Doner’s assets.

Total assets and total liabilities of Doner included in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2018 were $96,659 and $50,997, respectively, and at December 31, 2017 were $105,191 and $59,783, respectively.

Guarantees

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 13 for further information.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). ASC 606 was applied using the modified retrospective method, with the cumulative effect of the initial adoption being recognized as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2018. As a result, comparative prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”). See Note 14 for additional details surrounding the Company’s adoption of ASC 606. The Company’s policy surrounding revenue under ASC 605 is described in Note 2 of Item 8 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The policies described herein refer to those in effect as of January 1, 2018.

The Company’s revenue recognition policies are established in accordance with the Revenue Recognition topics of ASC 606, and accordingly, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our clients, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

The primary source of the Company’s revenue is from agency arrangements in the form of fees for services performed, commissions, and from performance incentives or bonuses, depending on the terms of the client contract. In all circumstances, revenue is only recognized when collection is reasonably assured. Certain of the Company’s contractual arrangements have more than one performance obligation. For such arrangements, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative stand-alone selling price. Stand-alone selling prices are determined based on the prices charged to clients or using expected cost plus margin.

Revenue is recognized net of sales and other taxes due to be collected and remitted to governmental authorities. The Company’s contracts typically provide for termination by either party within 30 to 90 days. Although payment terms vary by client, they are typically within 30 to 60 days. In addition, the Company generally have the right to payment for all services provided through the end of the contract or termination date.

Although certain of our performance obligations are recognized at a point in time, we typically satisfy our performance obligations over time, as services are performed. Point in time recognition primarily relates to certain commission-based contracts, which are recognized upon the placement of advertisements in various media when the Company has no further performance obligation. Fees for services are typically recognized using input methods that correspond with efforts incurred to date in relation to total estimated efforts to complete the contract.

Within each contract, we identify whether the Company is principal or agent at the performance obligation level. In arrangements where the Company has substantive control over the service before transferring it to the client, and is primarily responsible for integrating the services into the final deliverables, we act as principal. In these arrangements, revenue is recorded at the gross amount billed. Accordingly, for these contracts the Company has included reimbursed expenses in revenue. In other arrangements where a third-party supplier, rather than the Company is primarily responsible for the integration of services into the final deliverables for our client, then we generally act as agent and record revenue equal to the net amount retained, when the fee or commission is earned. We have determined that we primarily act as agent for production and media buying services.

A small portion of the Company’s contractual arrangements with clients include performance incentive provisions, which allow the Company to earn additional revenues as a result of its performance relative to both quantitative and qualitative goals. Incentive compensation is primarily estimated using the most likely amount method and is included in revenue up to the amount that is not expected to result in a reversal of a significant amount of cumulative revenue recognized. We recognize revenue related to performance incentives as we satisfy the performance obligation to which the performance incentives are related.

Cost of Services Sold

Cost of Services Sold. Cost of services sold primarily consists of staff costs and does not include depreciation charges for fixed assets.

Interest Expense

Interest Expense. Interest expense primarily consists of the cost of borrowing on the Company’s currently outstanding 6.50% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (the “6.50% Notes”) and the Company’s $325,000 senior secured revolving credit agreement due 2021 (the “Credit Agreement“). The Company uses the effective interest method to amortize the deferred financing costs on the 6.50% Notes. The Company uses the straight-line method to amortize the deferred financing costs on the Credit Agreement. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, interest expense included $11 and $29, respectively, relating to present value adjustments for fixed deferred acquisition consideration payments.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. The Company’s U.S. operating units are generally structured as limited liability companies, which are treated as either partnerships or flow-throughs for tax purposes. The Company is only taxed on its share of the profits, while noncontrolling holders are responsible for taxes on their share of the profits. Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as the tax effect of carryforwards. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets when management believes it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Realization of our deferred income tax assets is evaluated by management on a quarterly basis and is based upon all available positive and negative evidence. The Company currently has a valuation allowance in various jurisdictions where management believes it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.

Share-based Compensation

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 recognizes 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 award’s 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.

It is the Company’s policy for issuing shares upon the exercise and/or vesting 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 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.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company issued 74,950 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units (collectively, “RSUs”) to its employees and directors. The RSUs have an aggregate grant date fair value of $681 and generally vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant. In addition, during the first quarter of 2018, the Company issued RSUs of which 413,181 awarded shares were outstanding as of March 31, 2018. However, the vesting of these awards is contingent upon the Company meeting a cumulative three year financial performance target and continued employment through the March 1, 2021 vesting date. These RSU awards do not yet have an established grant date fair value because the financial performance target is not yet established. Once the Company defines the financial performance target, and assuming the achievement of such performance targets is expected, the grant date is established and the Company will record the compensation expense over the vesting period. Additionally, there were 930,600 RSUs and 503,321 RSUs outstanding as of March 31, 2018 which were granted during the first quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, which are contingent upon the Company meeting cumulative three-year financial performance targets and continued employment through March 1, 2020 and March 1, 2019, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the performance targets for the awards granted in 2016 were established, resulting in a grant date of January 18, 2018. These awards have an aggregate grant date fair value of $4,514. The performance targets for the awards granted in 2017 have yet to be established, and therefore a grant date has not occurred as of March 31, 2018.

Income (Loss) per Common Share

Income (Loss) per Common Share. Basic income (loss) per common 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’ deficit on the balance sheet, are also included if there is no circumstance under which those shares would not be issued. Diluted income (loss) per common share is based on the above, in addition, if dilutive, it also includes common share equivalents, which include outstanding options, stock appreciation rights, and unvested restricted stock units. In periods of net loss, all potentially issuable common shares are excluded from diluted net loss per common share because they are anti-dilutive.

During the first quarter of 2017, the Company issued and sold 95,000 newly authorized Series 4 Convertible Preference Shares (the “Preference Shares”) in a private placement. The two-class method is applied to calculate basic net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners, Inc. per common share in periods in which shares of convertible preference shares were outstanding, as shares of convertible preference shares are participating securities due to their dividend rights. See Notes 8 and 9 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further information. The two-class method is an earnings allocation method under which earnings per share is calculated for common stock considering a participating security’s rights to undistributed earnings as if all such earnings had been distributed during the period. Either the two-class method or the if-converted method is applied to calculate diluted net income per common share, depending on which method results in more dilution. The Company’s participating securities are not included in the computation of net loss per common share in periods of net loss because the convertible preference shareholders have no contractual obligation to participate in losses.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation. The Company’s financial statements were prepared in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 830, Foreign Currency Matters. 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 and its 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 the Company and its 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 loss.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Adopted In The Period

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). ASC 606 was applied using the modified retrospective method, with the cumulative effect of the initial adoption being recognized as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2018. As a result, comparative prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”).

The following represents changes to the Company’s policies resulting from the adoption of ASC 606:

Under the guidance in effect through December 31, 2017, performance incentives were recognized in revenue when specific quantitative goals were achieved, or when the Company’s performance against qualitative goals was determined by the client. Under ASC 606, the Company now estimates the amount of the incentive that will be earned at the inception of the contract and recognizes such incentive over the term of the contract. This results in an acceleration of revenue recognition for certain contract incentives compared to ASC 605.

ii.

Under the guidance in effect through December 31, 2017, non-refundable retainer fees were generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the specific customer arrangement. Under ASC 606, an input method is typically used to measure progress and recognize revenue for these types of arrangements. This resulted in both the deferral and acceleration of revenue recognition in certain instances.

iii.

In certain client arrangements, the Company records revenue as a principal and includes within revenue certain third-party-pass-through and out-of-pocket costs, which are billed to clients in connection with the services provided. In other arrangements, the Company acts as an agent and records revenue equal to the net amount retained. The adoption of ASC 606 resulted in certain arrangements previously being accounted for as principal, now being accounted for as agent.

As a result of these changes, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to increase opening accumulated deficit at January 1, 2018 by $1,170.

The following table summarizes the impact of adoption of ASC 606 on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations during the quarter ended March 31, 2018:



	Three months ended March 31, 2018
	As Reported			Adjustments		Adjusted to Exclude Adoption of ASC 606
Revenue - Services	$	326,968		$	21,276	$	348,244
Costs of services sold	$	243,030		$	15,197	$	258,227
Operating profit (loss)	$	(14,633	)	$	6,079	$	(8,554	)
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners, Inc. common shareholders	$	(31,443	)	$	4,436	$	(27,007	)
Loss per common share - basic and diluted	$	(0.56	)	$	0.08	$	(0.48	)

The impact on the balance sheets and shareholders’ deficit as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was immaterial. There was no effect on other comprehensive income (loss) and the statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

In May 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting, which provides guidance concerning which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in ASC 718. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Amendments in this ASU are applied prospectively to any award modified on or after the adoption date. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018. The impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position and results of operations was not material.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits, which requires the presentation of the service cost component of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefits costs in the same line item in the statement of operations as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefits costs are required to be presented as non-operating expenses in the statement of operations. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018. The impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position and results of operations was not material.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows. This new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice regarding the classification of certain transactions in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective January 1, 2018 and requires a retrospective transition method. Prior to the Company’s adoption on January 1, 2018, all cash outflows for contingent consideration were classified as a financing activity. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company is now required to classify any cash payments made soon after the acquisition date of a business to settle a contingent consideration liability as cash outflows for investing activities. Cash payments which are not made soon after the acquisition date of a business to settle a contingent consideration liability are separated and classified as cash outflows for financing activities up to the amount of the contingent consideration liability recognized at the acquisition date and as cash outflows from operating activities for any excess. As a result, $2,542 of an acquisition-related contingent consideration payment of $5,183, which was in excess of the liability initially recognized at the acquisition date, has been classified as a cash outflow within net cash provided by operating activities in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017. There was no impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position and results of operations.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities, which will require equity investments, except equity method investments, to be measured at fair value and any changes in fair value will be recognized in results of operations. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Additionally, this guidance provides for the recognition of the cumulative effect of retrospective application of the new standard in the period of initial application. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018. The impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position and results of operations was not material.

Not Yet Adopted

In January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”). The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The guidance indicates that either accounting for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or treating any taxes on GILTI inclusions as period cost are both acceptable methods subject to an accounting policy election. The Company continues to assess the impact of GILTI provisions on its financial statements and whether it will be subject to U.S. GILTI inclusion in future years. As such, the Company has not made a policy election on whether to record tax effects of GILTI when paid as a period expense or to record deferred tax assets and liabilities on basis differences that are expected to affect the amount of GILTI inclusion.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which amends the ASC and creates Topic 842, Leases. Topic 842 will require lessees to recognize right-to-use assets and lease liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases under previous U.S. GAAP on the balance sheet. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. While not yet in a position to assess the full impact of the application of the new standard, the Company expects that the impact of recording the lease liabilities and the corresponding right-to-use assets will have a significant impact on its total assets and liabilities with a minimal impact on equity.