| Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended |
| Jul. 26, 2014 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' |
| Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies | ' |
| Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies |
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| Basis of Presentation |
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| Dycom Industries, Inc. ("Dycom" or the "Company") is a leading provider of specialty contracting services throughout the United States and in Canada. The Company's services include engineering, construction, maintenance and installation services to telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services to various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services to electric and gas utilities and others. |
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| The consolidated financial statements include the results of Dycom and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated and the financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of such statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). |
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| Segment Information – The Company operates in one reportable segment as a specialty contractor, providing engineering, construction, maintenance and installation services to telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services to various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services to electric and gas utilities and others. The Company operates on a decentralized basis through its operating segments, each of which consists of a legal subsidiary (or in limited cases, the combination of two or more subsidiaries). Management of the operating segments report to the Company's Chief Operating Officer who reports to the Chief Executive Officer, the chief operating decision maker. All of the Company's operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment due to their similar economic characteristics, nature of services and production processes, type of customers, and service distribution methods. The Company's services are provided by its operating segments throughout the United States and in Canada. Revenues from services provided in Canada were approximately $12.2 million, $13.0 million and $11.9 million during fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company had no material long-lived assets in Canada at July 26, 2014 or July 27, 2013. |
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| Significant Acquisitions – On December 3, 2012, the Company acquired substantially all of the telecommunications infrastructure services subsidiaries of Quanta Services, Inc. The results of operations of these subsidiaries are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. See Note 3, Acquisitions, for further information regarding the Company's acquisitions. |
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| Accounting Period – The Company uses a fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in July. |
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| Significant Accounting Policies & Estimates |
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| Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. For the Company, key estimates include: recognition of revenue for costs and estimated earnings under the percentage of completion method of accounting, allowance for doubtful accounts, the fair value of reporting units for goodwill impairment analysis, the assessment of impairment of intangibles and other long-lived assets, the purchase price allocations of businesses acquired, accrued insurance claims, income taxes, asset lives used in computing depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense for performance-based stock awards, and accruals for contingencies, including legal matters. At the time they are made, the Company believes that such estimates are fair when considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial position and results of operations taken as a whole. However, actual results could differ materially from those estimates. |
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| Revenue Recognition – The Company recognizes revenues under the percentage of completion method of accounting using the units-of-delivery or cost-to-cost measures. A majority of the Company’s services are performed under master service agreements with customers which contain customer-specified service requirements, such as discrete pricing for individual tasks. Revenue is recognized under these arrangements based on units-of-delivery and revenue is recognized as each unit is completed. Revenues from contracts using the cost-to-cost measures of completion are recognized based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to date to total estimated contract costs and represented less than 10% of the Company’s contract revenues during each of fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012. In addition, the Company has an immaterial amount of revenue for services provided under time and material contracts that are recognized as the work is performed. There were no material amounts of unapproved change orders or claims recognized during fiscal 2014, 2013 or 2012. The current asset “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings” represents revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed. The current liability “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings” represents billings in excess of revenues recognized. |
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| Application of the percentage of completion method of accounting requires the use of estimates of costs to be incurred for the performance of the contract. The cost estimation process is based on the knowledge and experience of the Company’s project managers and financial professionals. Factors that the Company considers in estimating the work to be completed and ultimate contract recovery include the availability and productivity of labor, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, the effect of change orders, the availability of materials, the effect of any delays in performance and the recoverability of any claims. Changes in job performance, job conditions, estimated profitability and final contract settlements may result in changes to costs and income and their effects are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. At the time a loss on a contract becomes known, the entire amount of the estimated ultimate loss is accrued. For fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, there have been no material changes in estimates for amounts in the consolidated financial statements. |
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| Cash and Equivalents – Cash and equivalents primarily include balances on deposit in banks. The Company maintains substantially all of its cash and equivalents at financial institutions it believes to be of high credit quality. To date, the Company has not experienced any loss or lack of access to cash in its operating accounts. |
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| Restricted Cash – As of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013, the Company had approximately $4.0 million and $3.7 million, respectively, in restricted cash which is held as collateral in support of the Company's insurance obligations. Restricted cash is included in other current assets and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets and changes in restricted cash are reported in cash flows used in investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. |
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| Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – The Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to its customers. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the failure of its customers to make required payments. With respect to certain customers, the Company has statutory lien rights which may assist in its collection efforts. Management analyzes the collectability of accounts receivable balances each period. This analysis considers the aging of account balances, historical bad debt experience, changes in customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, customer payment activity and other relevant factors. Should any of these factors change, the estimates made by management may also change, which could affect the level of the Company’s future provision for doubtful accounts. The Company recognizes an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is probable that a receivable is not collectible and the loss can be reasonably estimated. Any increase in the allowance account has a corresponding negative effect on the Company's results of operations. See Note 4, Accounts Receivable, for further information regarding the Company's accounts receivable. |
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| Inventories – Inventories consist of materials and supplies used in the ordinary course of business and are carried at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market. Inventories also include certain job specific materials which are valued using the specific identification method. For contracts where the Company is required to supply part or all of the materials on behalf of the customer, the loss of the customer or declines in contract volumes could result in an impairment of the value of materials purchased. |
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| Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (see Note 6, Property and Equipment, for the range of useful lives). Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and major improvements are capitalized. When assets are sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in other income. Capitalized software is accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") Topic 350-40, Internal Use Software. Capitalized software consists primarily of costs to purchase and develop internal-use software and is amortized over its useful life as a component of depreciation expense. Property and equipment includes internally developed capitalized computer software gross cost and net book value of $26.5 million and $16.5 million, respectively, as of July 26, 2014, and gross cost and net book value of $18.3 million and $11.6 million, respectively, as of July 27, 2013. |
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| Goodwill and Intangible Assets – The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangibles in accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other ("ASC Topic 350"). The Company's goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed annually for impairment as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter of each year, or more frequently if events occur that would indicate a potential reduction in the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. The Company performs its annual impairment review of goodwill at the reporting unit level. Each of the Company's operating segments with goodwill represents a reporting unit for the purpose of assessing impairment. If the Company determines the fair value of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than their carrying value as a result of the tests, an impairment loss is recognized. Impairment losses, if any, are reflected in operating income or loss in the consolidated statements of operations during the period incurred. |
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| In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Company reviews finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever an event occurs or circumstances change which indicates that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is determined based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of an asset and its eventual disposition. Should an asset not be recoverable, an impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value. If the Company determines the fair value of an asset is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is incurred. Impairment losses, if any, are reflected in operating income or loss in the consolidated statements of operations during the period incurred. |
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| The Company uses judgment in assessing if goodwill and intangible assets are impaired. Estimates of fair value are based on the Company's projection of revenues, operating costs, and cash flows taking into consideration historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, as well as the impact of planned business or operational strategies. To measure fair value, the Company employs a combination of present value techniques which reflect market factors. Changes in the Company's judgments and projections could result in significantly different estimates of fair value potentially resulting in additional impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets. The inputs used for fair value measurements of the reporting units and other related indefinite-lived intangible assets are the lowest level (Level 3) inputs. |
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| Business Combinations – The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of each acquired business is allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed on the basis of their respective fair values on the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the separately identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed is allocated to goodwill. Purchase price allocations are based on information regarding the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the dates of acquisition. Management determines the fair values used in purchase price allocations for intangible assets based on historical data, estimated discounted future cash flows, contract backlog amounts, if applicable, and expected royalty rates for trademarks and trade names, as well as certain other assumptions. The valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires a number of judgments and is subject to revision as additional information about the fair value of assets and liabilities becomes available. Additional information, which existed as of the acquisition date but at that time was unknown to the Company, may become known during the remainder of the measurement period, a period not to exceed twelve months from the acquisition date. Adjustments in the purchase price allocation during the measurement period may require a recasting of the amounts allocated to goodwill and intangible assets. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. The results of operations of businesses acquired are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from their dates of acquisition. |
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| Long-Lived Tangible Assets – The Company reviews long-lived tangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of an asset group and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset compared to its carrying value. Long-lived tangible assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. |
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| Accrued Insurance Claims – Within the Company's insurance program, it retains the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for claims related to automobile liability, general liability, workers' compensation, employee group health, and damages relating to underground facility locating services. The Company has established reserves that it believes to be adequate based on current evaluations and its experience with these types of claims. A liability for unpaid claims and the associated claim expenses, including incurred but not reported losses, is determined with the assistance of an actuary and reflected in the consolidated financial statements as accrued insurance claims. The effect on the Company's financial statements is generally limited to the amount needed to satisfy its insurance deductibles or retentions. The liability for accrued claims and related accrued processing costs was $66.0 million and $56.3 million at July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013, respectively, and included incurred but not reported losses of approximately $32.1 million and $26.0 million, respectively. Based on prior payment patterns for similar claims, $32.3 million and $29.1 million of the amounts accrued at July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013, respectively, were expected to be paid within the next twelve months. |
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| The Company estimates the liability for claims based on facts, circumstances and historical evidence. When loss reserves are recorded they are not discounted, even though they will not be paid until sometime in the future. Factors affecting the determination of the expected cost for existing and incurred but not reported claims include, but are not limited to, the estimated number of future claims, the payment pattern of claims which have been incurred, changes in the medical condition of claimants, and other factors such as inflation, tort reform or other legislative changes, unfavorable jury decisions and court interpretations. |
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| Per Share Data – Basic earnings per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, excluding unvested restricted share units. Diluted earnings per common share includes the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and dilutive potential common shares, including unvested restricted share units. Performance share awards are included in diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding based upon the quantity that would be issued if the end of the reporting period were the end of the term of the award. Stock options, time-based restricted share units ("RSUs") and performance-based restricted share units ("Performance RSUs") are included in diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding by applying the treasury stock method. Common stock equivalents related to stock options are excluded from diluted earnings per common share calculations if their effect would be anti-dilutive. |
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| Stock-Based Compensation – The Company's stock-based award programs are intended to attract, retain and reward talented employees, officers and directors, and to align stockholder and employee interests. The Company has granted stock-based awards under its 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2012 Plan"), 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2003 Plan") and the 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan ("2007 Directors Plan" and, together with the 2012 Plan and 2003 Plan, the "Plans"). In addition, awards are outstanding under other plans under which no further awards will be granted. The Company's policy is to issue new shares to satisfy equity awards under the Plans. The Plans provide for several types of stock-based awards, including stock options, restricted shares, performance shares, restricted share units, performance share units, and stock appreciation rights. The total number of shares available for grant under the Plans as of July 26, 2014 was 1,433,653. |
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| Compensation expense for stock-based awards is based on the fair value at the measurement date and is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of RSUs and Performance RSUs is estimated on the date of grant and is generally equal to the closing stock price on that date. RSUs and Performance RSUs are settled in one share of the Company’s common stock upon vesting. RSUs vest ratably over a period of four years and generally, upon each annual vesting, 50% of the newly vested shares (net of any shares used to satisfy tax withholding obligations) are restricted from sale or transferability ("restricted holdings"). The restrictions on sale or transferability of the restricted holdings will end 90 days after termination of employment of the holder. When the holder has accumulated restricted holdings having a value equal to or greater than the holder’s annual base salary then in effect, future grants will no longer be subject to the restriction on transferability. Performance RSUs vest over a period of three years from the date of grant if certain performance goals are achieved. The performance targets are based on the Company's fiscal year operating earnings (adjusted for certain amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and the Company's fiscal year operating cash flow level. For the fiscal 2014 performance period, the performance targets exclude amounts recorded for the amortization of intangible assets of businesses acquired in fiscal 2013. Additionally, certain awards include three-year performance goals which, if met, result in supplemental shares awarded. The three-year performance criteria required to earn supplemental awards is more difficult than that required to earn annual target awards and is based on the Company's three-year cumulative operating earnings (adjusted for certain amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and the Company's three-year cumulative operating cash flow level. |
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| The fair value of stock option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on certain assumptions including: expected volatility based on the historical price of the Company's stock over the expected life of the option; the risk free rate of return based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option; the expected life based on the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding using historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination; and dividend yield based on the Company's history and expectation of dividend payments. Stock options generally vest ratably over a four-year period and are exercisable over a period of up to ten years. |
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| The total amount of stock-based compensation expense ultimately recognized is based on the number of awards that actually vest and fluctuates as a result of performance criteria for performance-based awards, as well as the vesting period of all stock-based awards. For Performance RSUs, the Company evaluates compensation expense quarterly and recognizes expense for performance-based awards only if management determines it is probable that the performance criteria for the awards will be met. Accordingly, the amount of compensation expense recognized during any fiscal year may not be representative of future stock-based compensation expense. |
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| Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Company’s effective income tax rate differs from the statutory rate for the tax jurisdictions where it operates primarily as the result of the impact of state income taxes, non-deductible and non-taxable items and tax credits recognized in relation to pre-tax results. Measurement of certain aspects of the Company’s tax positions are based on interpretations of tax regulations, federal and state case law and the applicable statutes. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent it believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event the Company determines that it would be able to realize its deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, it would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. |
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| In the normal course of business, tax positions exist for which the ultimate outcome is uncertain. ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes ("ASC Topic 740") prescribes a two-step process for the financial statement recognition and measurement of income tax positions taken or expected to be taken in an income tax return. The first step involves an evaluation of the underlying tax position based solely on technical merits (such as tax law) and the second step involves measuring the tax position based on the probability of it being sustained in the event of a tax examination. The Company recognizes tax benefits at the largest amount that it deems more likely than not will be realized upon ultimate settlement of any tax uncertainty. Tax positions that fail to qualify for recognition are recognized in the period in which the more-likely-than-not standard has been reached, when the tax positions are resolved with the respective taxing authority or when the statute of limitations for tax examination has expired. The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in general and administrative expenses. |
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| In September 2013, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") issued new regulations for capitalizing and deducting costs incurred to acquire, produce, or improve tangible property. These new regulations are effective beginning with the Company's fiscal 2015 year. As a result of the new regulations, the Company is required to determine which, if any, income tax accounting method changes are needed and the potential financial statement impact. Because additional guidance from the IRS is anticipated, the Company is in the process of reviewing its existing income tax accounting methods related to tangible property. Based on the Company’s initial assessment, the new regulations will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |
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| Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivables, income taxes receivable and payable, accounts payable and certain accrued expenses, and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of these items approximate fair value due to their short maturity, except for the Company's outstanding 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 (the "2021 Notes") which are based on observable market-based inputs (Level 2) as of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013. See Note 10, Debt, for further information regarding the fair value of the 2021 Notes. The Company's cash and equivalents are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) as of July 26, 2014 and July 27, 2013. During fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, the Company had no significant non-recurring fair value measurements of assets or liabilities subsequent to their initial recognition. |
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| Taxes Collected from Customers – ASC Topic 605, Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities, addresses the income statement presentation of any taxes collected from customers and remitted to a government authority and provides that the presentation of taxes on either a gross basis or a net basis in an accounting policy decision that should be disclosed. The Company's policy is to present contract revenues net of sales taxes. |
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| Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements |
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| Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements |
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| In July 2012, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment ("ASU 2012-02"). ASU 2012-02 permits entities first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test pursuant to ASC Subtopic 350-30. If the entity determines that it is more likely than not that such asset is not impaired based on its qualitative assessment, no further testing is required. The Company adopted ASU 2012-02 in fiscal 2014 and it did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. |
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| Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted |
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| In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) ("ASU 2013-04"). ASU 2013-04 provides guidance related to the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. ASU 2013-04 will be effective for the Company's fiscal years beginning fiscal 2015 and interim reporting periods within that year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. |
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| In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 is intended to end inconsistent practices regarding the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is available to reduce the taxable income or tax payable that would result from the disallowance of a tax position. ASU 2013-11 will be effective for the Company's fiscal years beginning fiscal 2015 and interim periods within that year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. |
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| In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"). ASU 2014-08 changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. In accordance with ASU 2014-08, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations only if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 also requires expanded disclosures about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations as well as disclosure of the pre-tax income rising from a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. ASU 2014-08 will be effective for the Company's fiscal years beginning fiscal 2016 and interim reporting periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statement previously issued or available for issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the adoption of this guidance on the consolidated financial statements. |
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| In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 requires entities to disclose both qualitative and quantitative information that enables users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including disclosure of significant judgments affecting the recognition of revenue. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company's fiscal years beginning fiscal 2018 and interim reporting periods within that year, using either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the adoption of this guidance on the consolidated financial statements. |
