Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards | Note 1: Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards Description of Business. A. H. Belo Corporation and subsidiaries are referred to collectively herein as “A. H. Belo” or the “Company.” The Company, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is the leading local news and information publishing company in Texas with commercial printing, distribution and direct mail capabilities, as well as a presence in emerging media and digital marketing. While focusing on extending the Company’s media platforms, A. H. Belo delivers news and information in innovative ways to a broad range of audiences with diverse interests and lifestyles. The Company publishes The Dallas Morning News ( www.dallasnews.com ), Texas’ leading newspaper and winner of nine Pulitzer Prizes, and various niche publications targeting specific audiences. A. H. Belo also offers digital marketing solutions through DMV Digital Holdings Company (“DMV Holdings”). In December 2017, the Company completed the sale of the Denton Record-Chronicle and the Company no longer owns newspaper operations in Denton, Texas. Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements included herein include adjustments of a normal recurring nature, which in the Company’s opinion, are necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial information as of and for the periods indicated. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All dollar amounts presented herein, except share and per share amounts, are in thousands, unless the context indicates otherwise. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and (iii) the reported amount of net operating revenues and expenses recognized during the periods presented. Adjustments made with respect to the use of estimates often relate to improved information not previously available. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements; accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high credit quality institutions. 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. Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable are reported net of a valuation reserve that represents an estimate of amounts considered uncollectible. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical write-off experience and the Company’s knowledge of the customers’ ability to pay amounts due. Accounts are written-off after all collection efforts fail; generally, after one year has expired. Expense for such uncollectible amounts is included in other production, distribution and operating costs. Bad debt expense for 2018 and 2017 was $888 and $2,109 , respectively. Write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments for 2018 and 2017 were $1,362 and $2,169 , respectively. Risk Concentration. A significant portion of the Company’s customer base is concentrated within the North Texas geographical area. The Company generally extends credit to customers, and the ultimate collection of accounts receivable could be affected by the national and local economy. Management continually performs credit evaluations of its customers and may require cash in advance or other special arrangements from certain customers. The Company maintains an allowance for losses based upon the collectability of accounts receivable. Management does not believe significant credit risk exists that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, liquidity or results of operations. Inventories. Inventories, consisting primarily of newsprint, ink and other supplies used in printing newspapers, are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by the weighted average purchase price of the inventory acquired. Property, Plant and Equipment. The Company records property, plant and equipment at cost or its fair value if acquired through a business acquisition or non-monetary exchange. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets and depreciable assets are reviewed to ensure the remaining useful life of the assets continues to be appropriate. An adjustment resulting from a change in the estimated useful life of an asset is recorded to depreciation expense on a prospective basis. The table below sets forth property, plant and equipment by type. December 31, Estimated 2018 2017 Useful Lives Land $ 2,220 $ 2,220 Buildings and improvements 111,411 110,409 5 - 30 years Publishing equipment 216,891 216,199 3 - 20 years Other 92,293 88,177 3 - 10 years Construction in process 151 1,725 Total 422,966 418,730 Less accumulated depreciation (396,705) (387,024) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 26,261 $ 31,706 Goodwill. Goodwill is recorded at the reporting unit level based on the excess fair value of prior business acquisitions over the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired. Reporting units of the Company are based on its internal reporting structure and represent a reporting level below an operating segment. Unless qualitative factors allow the Company to conclude it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is tested for impairment by estimating the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the fair value for the reporting unit’s underlying assets and liabilities is determined and goodwill is adjusted accordingly. In determining the fair value for a reporting unit, the Company considers recent stock and sales transaction prices of peer group companies as well as the present value of expected future cash flows of the reporting unit. Significant assumptions include sales and expense growth rates, discount rates, capital expenditures and the impact of current market conditions. These estimates could be materially impacted by changes in market conditions. The Company performs the goodwill impairment test as of December 31 each fiscal year or when changes in circumstances indicate an impairment event may have occurred. Impairment charges represent noncash charges and do not affect the Company’s liquidity, cash flows from operating activities or have any effect on future operations. The Company conducted its annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2018, using a discounted cash flow methodology with a peer-based, risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital. The Company believes the use of a discounted cash flow approach is the most reliable indicator of the estimated fair value of the business. Upon completion of the annual test, it was determined the Marketing Services reporting unit’s carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value. Accordingly, the Company recorded a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $13,973 in the fourth quarter of 2018, fully impairing the Marketing Services reporting unit’s goodwill. Long-Lived Assets. The Company evaluates its ability to recover the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets, using the lowest level of cash flows associated with the assets, which are grouped based on the Company’s intended use of these assets. This evaluation is performed whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. If the analysis of undiscounted future cash flows indicates the carrying value of the long-lived assets cannot be recovered, the assets are adjusted to the lower of its carrying value or fair value. In connection with the goodwill impairment, the Company conducted a long-lived assets impairment test as of December 31, 2018 , for Marketing Services . Upon completion of the test, it was determined the Marketing Services reporting unit’s customer relationships were no longer recoverable. Accordingly, the Company recorded a noncash impairment charge of $2,970 in the fourth quarter of 2018, fully impairing the Marketing Services reporting unit’s intangible assets related to customer relationships. The remaining intangible assets consist of $1,520 of developed technology with an estimated useful life of five years and the net carrying value of $304 will be fully expensed in 2019. Investments. The Company owns certain equity securities in companies in which it does not exercise control. These investments are recorded under the cost method with a balance of $1,432 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the Company recognizes income or loss upon the receipt of dividends or distributions, or upon liquidation of the investment. The Company evaluates its ability to recover the carrying value of cost method investments based upon the financial strength of the investee. If the Company determines the carrying value is not recoverable, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the fair value of the investment and the carrying value. For those investments where the Company is able to exercise significant influence over the investee as defined under ASC 323 – Equity Method and Joint Ventures , the Company accounts for the investment under the equity method of accounting, recognizing its share of the investee’s income or loss as a component of earnings. Pension. The Company follows accounting guidance for single-employer defined benefit plans. Plan assets and the projected benefits obligation are measured each December 31, and the Company records as an asset or liability the net funded position of the plans. Certain changes in actuarial valuations related to returns on plan assets and projected benefit obligations are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are amortized to net periodic pension expense over the weighted average remaining life of plan participants, to the extent the cumulative balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) exceeds 10 percent of the greater of the respective plan’s (a) projected benefit obligation or (b) the market-related value of the plan’s assets. Net periodic pension expense is recognized each period by accruing interest expense on the projected benefit obligation and accruing a return on assets associated with the plan assets. Participation in and accrual of new benefits to participants has been frozen since 2007 and, accordingly, on-going service costs are not a component of net periodic pension expense. From time to time, the Company-sponsored plans may settle pension obligations with certain plan participants through the plans’ master trust as part of its de-risking strategies. The gains or losses associated with settlements of plan obligations to participants are recognized to earnings if such settlements exceed the interest component of net periodic pension cost for the year. Otherwise, such amounts are included in actuarial gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Re-measurement of plan assets and liabilities upon a significant settlement or curtailment event is performed based on the values of the month-end closest to the event. Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Company sponsors a long-term incentive plan (the “Plan”) under which it may issue restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and cash awards to directors and certain employees of the Company. Due to the expiration of the Plan on February 8, 2018, A. H. Belo implemented, and shareholders approved, a new long-term incentive plan (the “2017 Plan”) under which an additional 8,000,000 shares of the Company’s Series A and Series B common stock are authorized for equity-based awards. Like its predecessor plan, awards under the 2017 Plan may be granted to A. H. Belo employees and outside directors in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted share awards, RSUs, performance shares, performance units or stock appreciation rights. On December 6, 2018, the board of directors approved the accelerated vesting and payout, and conversion to cash of all outstanding RSUs previously granted to the Company’s officers and directors under the Plan and the 2017 Plan. Prior to the accelerated vesting and payout approved in the fourth quarter of 2018, the fair value of awards issued under the long-term incentive plans was recognized to expense over the vesting period of the award. The fair value of RSUs was established at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Vested RSUs were previously redeemed 60 percent in A. H. Belo Series A common stock and 40 percent in cash over a period of up to three years. As of December 31, 2018, there were no options or RSUs outstanding and all compensation expense has been fully recognized. See Note 7 – Long-term Incentive Plan . Shareholders’ Equity. The Company authorized the issuance of shares of Series A and Series B common stock. Series A common stock has one vote per share and Series B common stock has 10 votes per share. Shares of Series B common stock are convertible at any time on a share-for-share basis into shares of Series A common stock, but not vice versa. The Company is authorized to grant stock option and RSU awards to employees and directors of the Company. Upon vesting of RSUs, shares of Series A common stock are issued. Upon the exercise of stock options, Series A common stock is issued if the holder of the stock options executes a simultaneous exercise and sale. If the holder of the stock option chooses not to sell the shares, Series B common stock is issued. In 2012, the Company’s board of directors authorized the purchase of the A. H. Belo Series A or Series B common stock, for use other than retirement, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. In December 2015, the Company discontinued share repurchases. I n the fourth quarter of 2017, t he Company resumed open market stock repurchases under its prior board-authorized repurchase authority. Treasury stock acquired under the repurchase program is recorded at cost, reducing shareholders’ equity. The acquired shares are available for sale on the open market or for settlement of obligations related to its share-based awards. Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of actuarial gains and losses associated with the A. H. Belo Pension Plans (the “Pension Plans”) and other post-employment benefit (the “OPEB”) plans. The cumulative balances are amortized to earnings over the weighted average remaining life expectancy of the participants to the extent such balances exceed 10 percent of the greater of the respective plan’s (a) projected benefit obligation or (b) the market-related value of the plan’s assets. The Company discloses amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss) in Note 10 - Shareholders' Equity . Revenue Recognition. The Company’s principal sources of revenue are the advertising space in published issues of its newspapers and on the Company’s third-party websites, the sale of newspapers to distributors and individual subscribers, as well as amounts charged to customers for commercial printing, distribution and direct mail. Advertising and marketing services revenue is primarily recognized at a point in time when the ad or service is complete and delivered, based on the customers’ contract price. Barter advertising transactions are recognized at estimated fair value based on the negotiated contract price and the range of prices for similar advertising from customers unrelated to the barter transaction. The Company expenses barter costs as incurred, which is independent from the timing of revenue recognition. In addition, certain digital advertising revenue related to website access is recognized over time, based on the customers’ monthly rate. For ads placed on certain third-party websites, the Company must evaluate whether it is acting as the principal, where revenue is reported on a gross basis, or acting as the agent, where revenue is reported on a net basis. Generally, the Company reports advertising revenue for ads placed on third-party websites on a net basis, meaning the amount recorded to revenue is the amount billed to the customer net of amounts paid to the publisher of the third-party website. The Company is acting as the agent because the publisher controls the advertising inventory. Circulation revenue is generated primarily by selling home delivery and digital subscriptions, as well as single copy sales to non-subscribers. Home delivery and single copy revenue is recognized at a point in time when the paper is delivered or purchased. Revenue is directly reduced for any non-payment for the grace period of home delivery subscriptions where the Company recorded revenue for newspapers delivered after a subscription expired. Digital subscriptions are recognized over time, based on the customers’ monthly rate. Printing, distribution and other revenue is primarily generated from printing and distribution of other newspapers, as well as production of preprinted advertisements for other newspapers. Printing, distribution and other revenue is recognized at a point in time when the product or service is delivered. Income Taxes. The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes and recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. The Company establishes a valuation allowance if it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets include reversal of future deferred tax liabilities, available tax planning strategies, future taxable income and taxable income in prior carryback years. The Company evaluates any uncertain tax positions each reporting period by tax jurisdiction to determine if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will not be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements for such positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. If a net operating loss or other tax credit carry forward exists, the Company records the unrecognized tax benefits for such tax positions as a reduction to a deferred tax asset. Otherwise, the unrecognized tax benefits are recorded as a liability. The Company records a liability for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Any change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions is recognized in earnings in the period in which such change occurs. Interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in interest expense. Use of Estimates. Company management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in its financial statements and include valuation allowances for doubtful accounts, uncertain tax positions and deferred tax assets, fair value measurements related to assets held for sale, pension plan assets and equity based compensation, actuarial liabilities related to self-insured risks, pension plan obligations and assumptions related to impairment and recovery of goodwill and long-lived assets. Estimates are based on past experience and other considerations reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Segments. The Company operates under two reportable segments. The Publishing segment includes the operating activities associated with the Company’s core print and digital operations associated with its newspapers, niche publications, related websites and apps, and all corporate expenses . The Marketing Services segment includes the operations of DMV Holdings and digital advertising through Connect (programmatic advertising). This segment primarily includes sales of advertising delivered outside the Company’s news platforms, social media management services, and other marketing services designed to provide integrated solutions for optimizing businesses marketing challenges and opportunities. Fair Value Measurements. The Company’s financial instruments, including cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, interest receivable, accounts payable and amounts due to customers are carried at cost, which approximates its fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This guidance prescribes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in the accounting of revenue arising from contracts with customers. The core principle contemplated by this new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount reflecting the consideration the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. New disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers are also required. Since May 2014, the FASB issued clarifying updates to the new standard specifically to address certain core principles including the identification of performance obligations, licensing guidance, the assessment of the collectability criterion, the presentation of taxes collected from customers, noncash considerations, contract modifications, and completed contracts at transition. The new guidance will supersede virtually all existing revenue guidance under GAAP and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. There are two transition options available to entities, the full retrospective approach, in which the Company would restate prior periods, or the modified retrospective approach. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective approach as of January 1, 2018; see Note 4 – Revenue . In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07 – Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This update clarifies the presentation and classification of the components of net periodic benefit cost in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Specifically, this standard requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be recorded in the same income statement line as other employee compensation costs and all other components of net periodic benefit cost must be presented as non-operating items. The Company adopted this standard retrospectively as of January 1, 2018. The Company’s defined benefit plans have been frozen, so the Company is no longer incurring service costs related to the plans. Therefore, the entire net periodic pension and other post-employment expense (benefit) will be presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in other income, net. As a result of adopting this guidance retrospectively, total operating costs and expense decreased $2,471 for 2017, with the offsetting change recorded to other income, net. There was no impact to net income (loss), retained earnings and earnings per share. New Accounting Pronouncements. The FASB issued the following accounting pronouncements and guidance, which may be applicable to the Company but have not yet become effective. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 – Leases (Topic 842) . This update requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of its leases. The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will generally be based on the liability. For income statement purposes operating leases will result in straight-line expense and finance leases will result in expenses similar to current capital leases. The guidance also requires additional disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. Since February 2016, the FASB issued clarifying updates to the new standard that did not change the core principle of ASU 2016-02. The new guidance will supersede virtually all existing lease guidance under GAAP and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company currently anticipates adopting ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach and expects to elect certain available transitional practical expedients. The Company reviewed its various lease agreements and in the third quarter of 2018, implemented new lease management software. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company substantially completed its assessment and the most significant impact is related to how it accounts for real estate operating leases. Upon adoption, the Company will record additional assets and liabilities related to leases of approximately $ 22,500 and $26,000 , respectively. Additionally, the Company does not anticipate any adjustment to opening retained earnings. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14 – Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans – General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. This update modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, clarifying the specific requirements of disclosures and adding disclosure requirements identified as relevant. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of this update and has not yet determined its impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract . This update clarifies the accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement, or hosting arrangement, that is a service contract. Costs for implementation activities incurred during the application development stage will be capitalized depending on the nature of the costs, while costs incurred during the preliminary project and post implementation stages will be expensed as the activities are performed. The capitalized implementation costs will be expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of this update and has not yet determined its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |