Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations.

Foreign Currency Translation

The U.S. Dollar is the reporting currency for all periods presented. The financial information for entities outside the United States is measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the period. The resulting translation adjustment is reflected as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders' equity on the consolidated balance sheets. The translation adjustment for intercompany foreign currency loans that are of a long-term-investment nature is also reflected as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Currency transaction gains and losses are recorded as other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations.

Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition are considered cash equivalents.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments are limited to cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, pension plan assets, accounts payable and our inventory line of credit. Fair value of these financial instruments was not materially different from their carrying values at September 30, 2017, and 2016.

Impairment Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including intangible assets subject to amortization, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Management assesses the recoverability of the long-lived assets (other than goodwill) by comparing the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets against their respective carrying amounts. The amount of impairment, if any, is calculated based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets that are not subject to amortization are also required to be tested annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. We did not have intangible assets with indefinite lives at any time during the two years ended September 30, 2017. Intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, generally three to ten years, and are carried at net book value. The remaining useful lives of intangible assets are evaluated on an annual basis. Intangible assets subject to amortization are also tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the fair value of an intangible asset subject to amortization is determined to be less than its carrying value, then an impairment charge is recorded to write down that asset to its fair value.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method. The recoverability of inventories is based upon the types and levels of inventories held, forecasted demand, pricing, competition and changes in technology. We write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Property, Equipment and Improvements

The components of property, equipment and improvements are stated at cost. The Company provides for depreciation by use of the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets (three to seven years). Leasehold improvements are amortized by use of the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Property, equipment and improvements are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the fair value of property, equipment and improvements is determined to be less than their carrying value, then an impairment charge is recorded to write down that asset to its fair value.

Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable are stated at amounts that have been billed to customers less an allowance for doubtful accounts. Allowances for doubtful accounts are recorded for the estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The estimates for the allowance for doubtful accounts are based on the length of time the receivables are past due, current business environment and our historical experience. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Accounts receivable are charged off against the reserve when management has determined they are uncollectible.

Pension and Retirement Plans

The funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized on the consolidated balance sheet. Gains and losses, prior service costs and credits and any remaining transition amounts that have not yet been recognized through pension expense will be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic pension/postretirement benefits expense. Additionally, plan assets and obligations are measured as of our fiscal year-end balance sheet date (September 30).

We have defined benefit and defined contribution plans in the United Kingdom (the “U.K.”), Germany and in the U.S. In the U.K. and Germany, the Company provides defined benefit pension plans for certain employees and former employees and defined contribution plans for the majority of the employees. The defined benefit plans in both the U.K. and Germany are closed to newly hired employees and have been for the two years ended September 30, 2017. In the U.S., the Company also provides defined contribution plans that cover most employees and supplementary retirement plans to certain employees and former employees who are now retired. These supplementary retirement plans are also closed to newly hired employees and have been for the two years ended September 30, 2017. These supplementary plans are funded through whole life insurance policies. The Company expects to recover all insurance premiums paid under these policies in the future, through the cash surrender value of the policies and any death benefits or portions thereof to be paid upon the death of the participant. These whole life insurance policies are carried on the balance sheet at their cash surrender values as they are owned by the Company and not assets of the defined benefit plans. In the U.S., the Company also provides for officer death benefits and post-retirement health insurance benefits through supplemental post-retirement plans to certain officers. The Company also funds these supplemental plans' obligations through whole life insurance policies on the officers.

Pension expense is based on an actuarial computation of current future benefits using estimates for expected return on assets, expected compensation increases and applicable discount rates. Management has reviewed the discount rates and rates of return with our consulting actuaries and investment advisor and concluded they were reasonable. A decrease in the expected return on pension assets would increase pension expense. Expected compensation increases are estimated based on historical and expected increases in the future. Increases in estimated compensation increases would result in higher pension expense while decreases would lower pension expense. Discount rates are selected based upon rates of return on high quality fixed income investments currently available and expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension benefit. A decrease in the discount rate would result in greater pension expense while an increase in the discount rate would decrease pension expense.

The Company funds its pension plans in amounts sufficient to meet the requirements set forth in applicable employee benefits laws and local tax laws. Liabilities for amounts in excess of these funding levels are accrued and reported in the consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue Recognition

We derive revenue from the sale of integrated hardware and software, professional services, maintenance contracts, other services, and third party service contracts. Professional services generally include implementation, installation, and training services. Other services generally include revenue generated through our royalty and extended warranty contracts. We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product or service has occurred, the fee is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. We enter into multiple element arrangements as well as standalone sales of product, professional services, and other services.

We recognize revenue from standalone product sales upon transfer of title, which is typically upon shipment, provided all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Revenue generated from standalone professional services and extended warranty contracts is recognized as services are completed, provided all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. In some instances professional service contracts include a customer acceptance provision, in which case revenue is deferred until we have evidence of customer acceptance. We recognize revenue from usage based royalty contracts upon confirmation from the customer of shipment of the system produced pursuant to the royalty agreement.

We recognize revenue from multiple element arrangements in accordance with ASC 605-25, Multiple Element Arrangements. We evaluate multiple element arrangements to determine if separate units of accounting exist, and if so, we allocate revenue to each element based upon the relative selling price of each element. ASC 605-25 establishes a hierarchy for determining the amount to allocate to each separate deliverable in an arrangement. We determine selling price using vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), if it exists; or, if VSOE does not exist, third party evidence (“TPE”) of fair value if applicable; otherwise, we use the best estimate of selling price (“BESP”). The objective of BESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact if the element was sold on a standalone basis. Management’s determination of BESP involves several factors including budgeted profit margins, and cost to complete services.

We recognize revenue from third party service contracts as either gross sales or net sales in accordance with ASC 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations, which requires us to determine if the Company is acting as a principal party to the transaction or simply acting as an agent or broker. Under ASC 605-45, the assumption of the risks and rewards under the arrangement are considered indicators of principal parties to the arrangement. We record revenue as gross when it is a principal party to the arrangement and net of cost when we are acting as a broker or agent. Under gross sales recognition, the entire selling price is recorded in revenue and our cost to the third-party service provider or vendor is recorded in cost of goods sold. Under net sales recognition, the cost to the third-party service provider or vendor is recorded as a reduction to revenue resulting in net sales equal to the gross profit on the transaction.

The following policies are applicable to our major categories of segment revenue transactions:

HPP Segment Revenue

HPP segment revenue is derived from the sale of integrated hardware and software, maintenance, and other services through the Multicomputer and Myricom product lines. Multicomputer product revenue is generally recognized when product is shipped, provided that all revenue recognition criteria are met. Service revenue consists principally of other services which comprise of warranty and royalty revenue. Revenue generated from extended warranty contracts is recognized as services are completed, provided all other revenue recognition criteria have been met We recognize revenue from usage based royalty contracts upon confirmation from the customer of shipment of the system produced pursuant to the royalty agreement. In the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, $5.4 million and $4.3 million of royalty income is included in service revenues.

Myricom revenue is derived from the sale of products, which are comprised of both hardware and embedded software which is essential to the products functionality, and post contract maintenance and support. Revenue on multiple element arrangements is recognized in accordance with ASC 605-25. We evaluate multiple element arrangements to determine if separate units of accounting exist, and if so, we allocate revenue to each element based upon the relative selling price of each element. We determine selling price using BESP. Management’s determination of BESP is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, internal costs and gross margin objectives. Accordingly revenue for post contract maintenance and support is recognized over the implied maintenance period of either one or three years, and revenue for product sales is recognized upon delivery assuming all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

TS Segment Revenue

TS Segment revenue is derived from the sale of hardware, software, professional services, and third party service contracts. TS product revenue is generally recognized when product is shipped, provided that all revenue recognition criteria are met. Service revenue consists of professional services which generally include implementation, installation, and training services. Revenue generated from standalone professional services is recognized as services are completed, provided all other revenue recognition criteria has been met. Our standard sales agreements generally do not include customer acceptance provisions. However, in certain instances when arrangements include a customer acceptance provision or there is uncertainty about customer acceptance, revenue is deferred until we have evidence of customer acceptance.

Revenue derived from the sale of products, which are comprised of both hardware and software, and professional services is recognized in accordance with ASC 605-25. We evaluate multiple element arrangements to determine if separate units of accounting exist, and if so, we allocate revenue to each element based upon the relative selling price of each element. We determine selling price using BESP. Management’s determination of BESP is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, internal costs and gross margin objectives. Accordingly revenue for professional services is recognized as services are completed, and revenue for product sales is recognized upon delivery assuming all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

We recognize revenue from certain third party service contracts, which are evaluated to determine whether such service revenue should be recorded as gross sales or net sales in accordance ASC 605-45. We evaluate all third party service contracts to determine whether we act as a principal in the transaction and assume the risks and rewards of ownership or if we are simply acting as an agent or broker. Under gross sales recognition, the entire selling price is recorded in sales and our cost to the third-party service provider or vendor is recorded in cost of goods sold. Under net sales recognition, the cost to the third-party service provider or vendor is recorded as a reduction to sales resulting in net sales equal to the gross profit on the transaction and there are no costs of goods sold. We use the net sales recognition method for the third party service contracts that we sell when we are not the primary obligor on the contract. We use the gross sales recognition for the third party service contracts that we sell when we act as principal and are the primary obligor

Product Warranty Accrual

Our product sales generally include a hardware warranty which ranges from 90-days to three-years. At time of product shipment, we accrue for the estimated cost to repair or replace potentially defective products. Estimated warranty costs are based upon prior actual warranty costs for substantially similar products.

Research, Engineering and Development Expenses

Research and Development Expense

For the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, our expenses for research and development were approximately $2.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively. Expenditures for research and development are expensed as they are incurred.

Engineering and Development Expenses

Engineering and development expenses include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation and other headcount-related expenses associated with product development. Engineering and development expenses also include third-party development and programming costs. We consider technological feasibility for our software products to be reached upon the release of the software, accordingly, no internal software development costs have been capitalized.

Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We also reduce deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. This methodology requires estimates and judgments in the determination of the recoverability of deferred tax assets and in the calculation of certain tax liabilities. Valuation allowances are recorded against the gross deferred tax assets that management believes, after considering all available positive and negative objective evidence, historical and prospective, with greater weight given to historical evidence, that it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized.

In addition, we are required to recognize in the consolidated financial statements, those tax positions determined to be more-likely-than-not of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the positions as of the reporting date. If a tax position is not considered more-likely-than-not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits, no benefits of the position are recognized.

In addition, the calculation of the Company's tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions. The Company records liabilities for estimated tax obligations in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions. These estimated tax liabilities include the provision for taxes that may become payable in the future.

Earnings per Share of Common Stock

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per common share reflects the maximum dilution that would have resulted from the assumed exercise and share repurchase related to dilutive stock options and is computed by dividing net income by the assumed weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

We are required to present earnings per share, or EPS, utilizing the two class method because we had outstanding, non-vested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, which are considered participating securities.

Basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the Company's reported net income attributable to common stockholders are as follows:



	For the years ended
	September 30, 2017		September 30, 2016
	(Amounts in thousands except per share data)
Net income	$	2,506	$	2,604
Less: Net income attributable to nonvested common stock	108		109
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	2,398	$	2,495
Weighted average total shares outstanding - basic	3,890		3,766
Less: weighted average non-vested shares outstanding	167		157
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic	3,723		3,609
Potential common shares from non-vested stock awards and the assumed exercise of stock options	94		125
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	3,817		3,734
Net income per share - basic	$	0.64	$	0.69
Net income per share - diluted	$	0.63	$	0.67

All anti-dilutive securities, including stock options, are excluded from the diluted income per share computation. For the year ended September 30, 2017, there were no shares subject to stock options excluded from the diluted income per share calculation because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, approximately 25 thousand stock options were excluded from the diluted income per share calculation because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options and nonvested shares of restricted common stock based on estimated fair values of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of stock option grants. The fair value of nonvested restricted share awards is equal to the quoted market price of our common stock as quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market on the date of grant. The fair value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

Because stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures and will be revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 consisted of stock-based compensation expense related to options and restricted stock granted pursuant to the Company's stock incentive and employee stock purchase plans of approximately $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions in the U.S., Germany and in the U.K. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

Subsequent Events

The Company recognizes in the consolidated financial statements the effects of all subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the statement of financial position, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of this filing.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on October 1, 2018, and it does not plan to early adopt this ASU. The standard outlines a five-step model whereby revenue is recognized as performance obligations within a contract are satisfied. The standard also requires new, expanded disclosures regarding revenue recognition. We are utilizing a bottom-up approach to analyze the standard's impact on our contract portfolio, comparing our historical accounting policies and practices, and identifying potential differences from applying the requirements of the new standard to our contracts. While this assessment continues, we have not yet completed our determination of the impacts of the standard or the effect of these impacts on our consolidated financial statements. Consequently, we have not yet selected a transition method. We expect this determination will near completion in the first half of 2018. Because the new standard will impact our business processes, systems and controls, we are developing a comprehensive change management project plan to guide the implementation.

Effective September 30, 2017, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, an amendment of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The ASU has added additional disclosure requirements to the codification. It requires management to assess, at each interim and annual reporting period, whether substantial doubt exists about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Substantial doubt exists if it is probable (the “probable” threshold under GAAP has generally been interpreted to be between 75 and 80 percent) that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date the financial statements are issued or available to be issued (assessment date). This guidance did not have an impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330) Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which requires entities to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, except for inventory measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and requires prospective application, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company has not yet assessed the potential impact of implementing this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No, 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments in this Topic apply to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the amendments in this Topic. The amendments in this Topic are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Beginning October 1, 2017, the Company adopted the ASU and it hasn’t had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), an amendment of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. This ASU requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for most lease arrangements. The new standard is effective for the Company on October 1, 2019. The standard mandates a modified retrospective transition method for all entities and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08 (Topic 606), Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) to clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The amendments in this update provides additional guidance on indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to the customer and does not change the core principle of previously issued guidance. The amendments in this Topic are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company does not expect the implementation of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09 (Topic 718), Compensation - Stock Compensation, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Additionally, the amendments eliminate the guidance in Topic 718 that was indefinitely deferred shortly after the issuance of FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment. This should not result in a change in practice because the guidance that is being superseded was never effective. The Company has adopted this ASU effective October 1, 2017 and it hasn’t had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, an amendment of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. This ASU will reduce diversity in practice for classifying cash payments and receipts in the statement of cash flows for a number of common transactions. It will also clarify when identifiable cash flows should be separated versus classified based on their predominant source or use. This ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-15 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, an amendment of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. This ASU requires the seller and buyer to recognize at the transaction date the current and deferred income tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers (except transfers of inventory). Under current GAAP, the seller and buyer defer the consolidated tax consequences of an intercompany asset transfer from the period of the transfer to a future period when the asset is transferred out of the consolidated group, or otherwise affects consolidated earnings. This standard will cause volatility in companies’ effective tax rates, particularly for those that transfer intangible assets to foreign subsidiaries. For public entities, the new standard is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. An entity may early adopt the standard but only at the beginning of an annual period for which it has not issued or made available for issuance financial statements (interim or annual). The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-16 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In January 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, “Business Combinations Clarifying the Definition of a Business" (Topic 805) (“ASU No. 2017-01”). ASU 2017-01 provides a framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. ASU 2017-01 provides more consistency in applying the business combination guidance, reduces the costs of application, and makes the definition of a business more operable. ASU 2017-01 is effective for interim and annual periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2017-01 will have on the Company’s results of operations, financial position and disclosures.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, an amendment of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. This ASU requires employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and/or other post-retirement benefit plans to report the service cost component of net benefit cost in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Employers are required to present the other components of net benefit costs in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. Additionally, only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost will be eligible for asset capitalization. For public entities, the new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that annual period. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. This ASU should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2017-07 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.