On July 1, 2009, the FASB released the Codification becoming the single source of authoritative nongovernmental generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States of America. The Codification is a reorganization of current GAAP into a topical format that eliminates the current GAAP hierarchy and establishes two levels of guidance — authoritative and non-authoritative. According to the FASB, all “non-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature” that is not included in the Codification would be considered non-authoritative. The FASB has indicated that the Codification does not change current GAAP. Instead, the proposed changes aim to (1) reduce the time and effort it takes for users to research accounting questions and (2) improve the usability of current accounting standards. The Codification is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.

In February 2010, the FASB amended ASU 855, “Subsequent Events—Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements.” This amends the subtopic that requires an SEC filer to evaluate subsequent events through the date that the financial statements are issued, and no longer requires disclosure of the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. This alleviates potential conflicts between the Subtopic 855-10 and the SEC’s requirements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-4, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS.” This Update provides guidance which is expected to result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. It changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. It is not intended for this Update to result in a change in the application of the requirements in Topic 820. Some of the amendments clarify the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments in this Update are to be applied prospectively. The amendments are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early application by public entities is not permitted. We do not anticipate any material impact from this Update.