2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Reclassifications

In the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended 31 March 2015 and 2014, the Company reclassified certain tax accounts between Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other accrued liabilities, both of which are included in operating assets and liabilities within the operating activities section of the cash flow, to conform to the current year presentation.

Within the financing activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 March 2015, the Company reclassified deferred financing fees which were previously included within Proceeds from senior unsecured notes, net of deferred financing fees, and separated these costs in Debt issuance costs, to conform to current year presentation.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of JHI plc, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and VIE. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

A VIE is an entity that is evaluated for consolidation using more than a simple analysis of voting control. The analysis is based on (i) what party has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE that impact its economic performance, and (ii) what party has rights to receive benefits or is obligated to absorb losses that are significant to the VIE. The analysis of the party that consolidates a VIE is a continual assessment.

In February 2007, the Company’s shareholders approved the Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement (the “AFFA”), an agreement pursuant to which the Company provides long-term funding to Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (“AICF”), a special purpose fund that provides compensation for the Australian-related personal injuries for which certain former subsidiary companies of James Hardie in Australia (being Amaca Pty Ltd (“Amaca”), Amaba Pty Ltd (“Amaba”) and ABN 60 Pty Limited (“ABN 60”) (collectively, the “Former James Hardie Companies”)) are found liable. JHI plc owns 100% of James Hardie 117 Pty Ltd (the “Performing Subsidiary”), which, under the terms of the AFFA, has an obligation to make payments to AICF on an annual basis subject to the provisions of the AFFA. JHI plc guarantees the Performing Subsidiary’s obligation. Additionally, the Company appoints three AICF directors and the New South Wales (“NSW”) Government appoints two AICF directors.

Although the Company has no ownership interest in AICF, for financial reporting purposes the Company consolidates AICF as a VIE as defined under US GAAP due to its pecuniary and contractual interests in AICF as a result of the funding arrangements outlined in the AFFA. The Company’s consolidation of AICF results in certain assets and liabilities being recorded on its consolidated balance sheets and certain income and expense transactions being recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. These items are Australian dollar-denominated and are subject to remeasurement into US dollars at each reporting date.

For the fiscal years ended 31 March 2016 and 2015, the Company did not provide financial or other support to AICF that it was not previously contractually required to provide.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the 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 could differ from these estimates.

Foreign Currency Translation

All assets and liabilities are translated or remeasured into US dollars at current exchange rates while revenues and expenses are translated or remeasured at average exchange rates in effect for the period. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included directly in other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity (deficit). Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions are recognized in income currently.

The Company has recorded on its balance sheets certain Australian assets and liabilities, including asbestos-related assets and liabilities under the terms of the AFFA, that are denominated in Australian dollars and subject to translation (Australian entities) or remeasurement (AICF entity) into US dollars at each reporting date.

 

Unless otherwise noted, the exchange rates used to convert Australian dollar denominated amounts into US dollars in the consolidated financial statements are as follows:

 

		31 March
(US$1 = A$)		2016				2015				2014
Assets and liabilities			1.3060				1.3096				1.0845
Statements of operations			1.3577				1.1419				1.0716
Cash flows - beginning cash			1.3096				1.0845				0.9597
Cash flows - ending cash			1.3060				1.3096				1.0845
Cash flows - current period movements			1.3577				1.1419				1.0716

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents generally relate to amounts subject to letters of credit with insurance companies, which restrict the cash from use for general corporate purposes.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is generally determined under the first-in, first-out method, except that the cost of raw materials and supplies is determined using actual or average costs. Cost includes the costs of materials, labor and applied factory overhead. On a regular basis, the Company evaluates its inventory balances for excess quantities and obsolescence by analyzing demand, inventory on hand, sales levels and other information. Based on these evaluations, inventory costs are adjusted to net realizable value, if necessary.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Property, plant and equipment of businesses acquired are recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 

		Years
Buildings			40
Building improvements			5 to 10
Manufacturing machinery			5 to 20
General equipment			5 to 10
Office furniture and equipment			3 to 10
Computer equipment, software, and software development			3 to 7

Depreciation and Amortization

The Company records depreciation and amortization under both cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses, depending on the asset’s business use. All depreciation and amortization related to plant building, machinery and equipment is recorded in cost of goods sold.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, are evaluated each quarter for events or changes in circumstances that indicate that an asset might be impaired because the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. These include, without limitation, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is being used, a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses, a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group and/or a current expectation that it is more likely than not that a long lived asset or asset group will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life.

When such indicators of potential impairment are identified, recoverability is tested by grouping long-lived assets that are used together and represent the lowest level for which cash flows are identifiable and distinct from the cash flows of other long-lived assets, which is typically at the production line or plant facility level, depending on the type of long-lived asset subject to an impairment review.

Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized at the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset group.

The methodology used to estimate the fair value of the asset group is based on a discounted cash flow analysis that considers the asset group’s highest and best use that would maximize the value of the asset group. In addition, the estimated fair value of an asset group also considers, to the extent practicable, a market participant’s expectations and assumptions in estimating the fair value of the asset group. If the estimated fair value of the asset group is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized at an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value of the asset group.

See Note 7 for additional information.

Accrued Product Warranties

An accrual for estimated future warranty costs is recorded based on an analysis by the Company, which includes the historical relationship of warranty costs to installed product at an estimated remediation cost per standard foot. Based on this analysis and other factors, the adequacy of the Company’s warranty provisions is adjusted as necessary.

Debt

The Company’s debt consists of senior unsecured notes and an unsecured revolving credit facility. The senior unsecured notes are recorded at cost net of the original issue discount. The related original issue discount and the borrowing costs are amortized over the term of the borrowing using the effective interest method. The unsecured revolving credit facility is recorded at cost. The related borrowing costs are amortized over the term of the borrowing using the effective interest method. Debt is presented as current if the liability is due to be settled within 12 months after the balance sheet date. See Note 13 for the Company’s fair value considerations.

In addition, the Company consolidates AICF which has a loan facility. Readers are referred to the discussion later in this footnote under Asbestos-related Accounting Policies.

Environmental Remediation and Compliance Expenditures

Environmental remediation and compliance expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized, as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and which do not contribute to current or future revenue generation, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Estimated liabilities are not discounted to present value. Generally, the timing of these accruals coincides with completion of a feasibility study or the Company’s commitment to a formal plan of action.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when the risks and obligations of ownership have been transferred to the customer, which generally occurs at the time of delivery to the customer. The Company records estimated reductions in sales for customer rebates and discounts including volume, promotional, cash and other discounts. Rebates and discounts are recorded based on management’s best estimate when products are sold. The estimates are based on historical experience for similar programs and products. Management reviews these rebates and discounts on an ongoing basis and the related accruals are adjusted, if necessary, as additional information becomes available.

A portion of the Company’s revenue is made through distributors under a Vendor Managed Inventory agreement whereby revenue is recognized upon the transfer of title and risk of loss.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized by applying enacted statutory rates applicable to future years to differences between the tax bases and financial reporting amounts of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in Income tax expense on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Financial Instruments

The Company calculates the fair value of financial instruments and includes this additional information in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

Periodically, interest rate swaps, commodity swaps and forward exchange contracts are used to manage market risks and reduce exposure resulting from fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. Where such contracts are designated as, and are effective as, a hedge, changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are deferred and recorded in other comprehensive income. These deferred gains or losses are recognized in income when the underlying transactions being hedged impact earnings. The ineffective portion of these hedges is recognized in income currently. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes are recognized in income. The Company does not use derivatives for trading purposes. Readers are referred to Note 12 for discussion on financial instruments.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense represents the estimated fair value of equity-based and liability-classified awards granted to employees, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, and recognized as an expense over the vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense is included in the line item Selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Equity awards with vesting based solely on a service condition are typically subject to graded vesting, in that the awards vest 25% after the first year, 25% after the second year and 50% after the third year. For equity awards subject to graded vesting, the Company has elected to use the accelerated recognition method. Accordingly, each vesting tranche is valued separately, and the recognition of stock-based compensation expense is more heavily weighted earlier in the vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense for equity awards that are subject to performance or market vesting conditions are typically recognized ratably over the vesting period. The Company issues new shares to award recipients upon exercise of stock options or when the vesting condition for restricted stock units (“RSU’s”) has been satisfied.

The Company estimates the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.

For RSU’s subject to a service vesting condition, the fair value is equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the fair value of estimated dividends as the restricted stock holder is not entitled to dividends over the vesting period. For RSU’s subject to a scorecard performance vesting condition, the fair value is adjusted for changes in JHI plc’s common stock price at each balance sheet date until the end of the performance period. For RSU’s subject to a market vesting condition, the fair value is estimated using a Monte Carlo Simulation.

 

Compensation expense recognized for liability-classified awards are based on the fair market value of JHI plc’s common stock on the date of grant and recorded as a liability. The liability is adjusted for subsequent changes in JHI plc’s common stock price at each balance sheet date.

Earnings Per Share

The Company discloses basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). Basic EPS is calculated using net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares calculated using the Treasury Method that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares, such as stock options and RSU’s, had been issued.

Basic and dilutive common shares outstanding used in determining net income per share are as follows:

 

		Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of shares)		2016				2015				2014
Basic common shares outstanding			445.3				445.0				442.6
Dilutive effect of stock awards			1.9				1.4				2.0
Diluted common shares outstanding			447.2				446.4				444.6
(US dollars)		2016				2015				2014
Net income per share - basic		$	0.55			$	0.65			$	0.22
Net income per share - diluted		$	0.55			$	0.65			$	0.22

Potential common shares of 1.3 million, 1.7 million and 1.9 million for the years ended 31 March 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted common shares outstanding because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Unless they are anti-dilutive, RSU’s which vest solely based on continued employment are considered to be outstanding as of their issuance date for purposes of computing diluted EPS and are included in the calculation of diluted EPS using the Treasury Method. Once these RSU’s vest, they are included in the basic EPS calculation on a weighted-average basis.

RSU’s which vest based on performance or market conditions are considered contingent shares. At each reporting date prior to the end of the contingency period, the Company determines the number of contingently issuable shares to include in the diluted EPS calculation, as the number of shares that would be issuable under the terms of the RSU arrangement, if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency period. Once these RSU’s vest, they are included in the basic EPS calculation on a weighted-average basis.

 

Asbestos-related Accounting Policies

Asbestos Liability

The amount of the asbestos liability has been recognized by reference to (but not exclusively based upon) the most recent actuarial estimate of projected future cash flows as calculated by KPMG Actuarial Pty Ltd (“KPMGA”), who are engaged and appointed by AICF under the terms of the AFFA. Based on their assumptions, KPMGA arrived at a range of possible total future cash flows and calculated a central estimate, which is intended to reflect a probability-weighted expected outcome of those actuarially estimated future cash flows projected by KPMGA to occur through 2077.

The Company recognizes the asbestos liability in the consolidated financial statements by reference to (but not exclusively based upon) the undiscounted and uninflated central estimate. The Company considered discounting when determining the best estimate under US GAAP. The Company has recognized the asbestos liability by reference to (but not exclusively based upon) the central estimate as undiscounted on the basis that it is the Company’s view that the timing and amounts of such cash flows are not fixed or readily determinable. The Company considered inflation when determining the best estimate under US GAAP. It is the Company’s view that there are material uncertainties in estimating an appropriate rate of inflation over the extended period of the AFFA. The Company views the undiscounted and uninflated central estimate as the best estimate under US GAAP.

Adjustments in the asbestos liability due to changes in the actuarial estimate of projected future cash flows and changes in the estimate of future operating costs of AICF are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income during the period in which they occur. Claims paid by AICF and claims-handling costs incurred by AICF are treated as reductions in the accrued liability balances.

Insurance Receivable

The insurance receivable recorded by the Company has been recognized by reference to (but not exclusively based upon) the most recent actuarial estimate of recoveries expected from insurance policies and insurance companies with exposure to the asbestos claims, as calculated by KPMGA. The assessment of recoveries is based on the expected pattern of claims against such policies less an allowance for credit risk based on credit agency ratings. The insurance receivable generally includes these cash flows as undiscounted and uninflated, however, where the timing of recoveries has been agreed with the insurer, the receivables are recorded on a discounted basis. The Company records insurance receivables that are deemed probable of being realized.

Adjustments in the insurance receivable due to changes in the actuarial estimate, or changes in the Company’s assessment of recoverability are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income during the period in which they occur. Insurance recoveries are treated as a reduction in the insurance receivable balance.

 

Workers’ Compensation

An estimate of the liability related to workers’ compensation claims is prepared by KPMGA as part of the annual actuarial assessment. This estimate contains two components, amounts that will be met by a workers’ compensation scheme or policy, and amounts that will be met by the Former James Hardie Companies.

The estimated liability is included as part of the asbestos liability and adjustments to the estimate are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income during the period in which they occur. Amounts that are expected to be paid by the workers’ compensation schemes or policies are recorded as workers’ compensation receivable. Adjustments to the workers’ compensation liability result in an equal adjustment in the workers’ compensation receivable recorded by the Company and have no effect on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents of AICF are reflected as restricted assets, as the use of these assets is restricted to the settlement of asbestos claims and payment of the operating costs of AICF. Since cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid, the Company classifies these amounts as a current asset on the consolidated balance sheets.

Restricted Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments consist of highly liquid investments held in the custody of major financial institutions. All short-term investments are classified as available for sale and are recorded at market value using the specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses on the market value of these investments are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses on short-term investments are recognized in Other income on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Short-Term Debt

AICF has access to a secured loan facility (the “AICF Loan Facility”) made available by the NSW Government, which can be used by AICF to fund the payment of asbestos claims and certain operating and legal costs of AICF and Former James Hardie Companies (together, the “Obligors”).

Interest accrues daily on amounts outstanding, is calculated based on a 365-day year and is payable monthly. AICF may, at its discretion, elect to accrue interest payable on amounts outstanding under the AICF Loan Facility on the date interest becomes due and payable.

Deferred Income Taxes

The Performing Subsidiary is able to claim a tax deduction for its contributions to AICF over a five-year period commencing in the year the contribution is incurred. Consequently, a deferred tax asset has been recognized equivalent to the anticipated tax benefit over the life of the AFFA.

 

Adjustments are made to the deferred income tax asset as adjustments to the asbestos-related assets and liabilities are recorded.

Asbestos Adjustments

The asbestos adjustments reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income reflect a change in the actuarial estimate of the asbestos liability, insurance receivables and AICF claims handling costs. Additionally, as the asbestos-related assets and liabilities are denominated in Australian dollars, the reported values of these asbestos-related assets and liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in US dollars are subject to adjustment depending on the closing exchange rate between the two currencies at the balance sheet dates, the effect of which is also included in Asbestos adjustments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Asbestos Impact on Statement of Cash Flows

Asbestos Adjustments

The asbestos adjustments, as recorded on the consolidated statements of operations (as described above) is presented as a reconciling item from net income to cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Operating assets and liabilities related to Asbestos

Movements in the operating assets related to asbestos (asbestos liability, insurance receivable, restricted cash and cash equivalents, restricted short-term investments) recorded on the balance sheets are reflected in the cash flow from operating activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows as a change in operating assets and liabilities.

Payment to AICF

Payments made to AICF, by the Performing Subsidiary, under the terms of the AFFA are reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows as a change in operating assets and liabilities.

AICF Loan Facility

Any drawings, repayments, or payments of accrued interest under the AICF Loan Facility, made by AICF, are offset against movement in restricted cash in the cash flow from operating activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, which provides guidance requiring companies to recognize revenue depicting the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the payment to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU No. 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after 15 December 2016, and interim periods within those years, and early adoption is not permitted. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, which deferred the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after 15 December 2017. Also, early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after 15 December 2016. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt ASU No. 2014-09. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, which provides clarification on identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, and has the same effective date and transition requirements for ASU No. 2014-09. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-11, which rescinds certain SEC observer comments in the revenue recognition guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its financial statements and has not yet selected a transition approach to implement these new standards.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, which provides explicit guidance on whether to treat a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition that affects vesting, or as a nonvesting condition that affects the grant-date fair value of an award. The amendments in ASU No. 2014-12 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after 15 December 2015. The Company will adopt ASU 2014-12 prospectively, starting with the fiscal year beginning 1 April 2016. The Company does not expect this new standard to materially impact its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, which provides explicit guidance about the accounting for consolidation of certain legal entities. The amendments in ASU No. 2015-02 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after 15 December 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2015-02 starting with the fiscal year beginning 1 April 2016. The Company does not expect this new standard to materially impact its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, which 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, consistent with debt discounts. The amendments in ASU No. 2015-03 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after 15 December 2015, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance shall be applied on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. The Company will adopt ASU 2015-03 starting with the fiscal year beginning 1 April 2016. The Company does not expect this new standard to materially impact its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, which requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or realizable value. The amendments in ASU No. 2015-11 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after 15 December 2016, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance shall be applied on a prospective basis. The Company will adopt ASU 2015-11 starting with the fiscal year beginning 1 April 2016. The Company does not expect this new standard to materially impact its consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, which requires all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The amendments in ASU No. 2015-17 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after 15 December 2016, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance may be applied either on a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company adopted ASU 2015-17 prospectively, starting with the quarter beginning 1 October 2015. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted for this change in accounting principle.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which provides guidance on the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. New disclosures will include qualitative and quantitative requirements to provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Lessor accounting will remain largely unchanged from current guidance, however ASU 2016-02 will provide improvements that are intended to align lessor accounting with the lessee model and with updated revenue recognition guidance. The amendments in ASU No. 2016-02 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after 15 December 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, which provides guidance 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. The amendments in ASU No. 2016-09 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after 15 December 2016, with early adoption permitted. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures, and intrinsic value shall be applied on a modified retrospective basis, wherein the beginning retained earnings in the period in which the guidance is adopted should include a cumulative-effect adjustment to reflect the effects of applying the new guidance. Amendments related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statements of cash flows shall be applied retrospectively. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and the practical expedient for estimating term shall be applied prospectively. An entity may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statements of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its financial statements and has not yet selected the transition approaches to implement this new standard.