Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Significant Accounting Policies

v3.10.0.1
Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Sep. 29, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Basis of Presentation: Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include the accounts of Delta Apparel and its wholly-owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries, as well as its newly-formed majority-owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In January 2018, Delta Apparel, Inc. established Salt Life Beverage, of which Delta Apparel, through its subsidiary, holds a 60% ownership interest. Salt Life Beverage, was formed to manufacture, market and sell Salt Life-branded alcoholic beverages and related products. We have concluded we have a controlling financial interest in Salt Life Beverage in accordance with ASC-810, Consolidations, and ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810); Amendments to Consolidations. The non–controlling interest represents the 40% proportionate share of the results of Salt Life Beverage.
We operate our business in two distinct segments: Delta Group and Salt Life Group. Although the two segments are similar in their production processes and regulatory environments, they are distinct in their economic characteristics, products, marketing, and distribution methods. We have reclassified certain amounts in prior-period financial statements to conform to the current period’s presentation.
(b) Fiscal Year: We operate on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to September 30. The 2018 and 2017 fiscal years were 52-week years that ended on September 29, 2018, and September 30, 2017, respectively.
(c) Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are adjusted to reflect actual experience when necessary. Significant estimates and assumptions affect many items in our financial statements; for example: allowance for doubtful account receivables, sales returns and allowances, inventory obsolescence, the carrying value of goodwill, income tax assets and related valuation allowance. Our actual results may differ from our estimates.
(d) Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consists of cash and temporary investments with original maturities of three months or less.
(e) Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable consists primarily of receivables from our customers arising from the sale of our products, and we generally do not require collateral from our customers. We actively monitor our exposure to credit risk through the use of credit approvals and credit limits. Accounts receivable is presented net of reserves for allowances which include allowance for doubtful accounts, returns and allowances.
We estimate the net collectibility of our accounts receivable and establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon this assessment. In situations where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligation, such as in the case of a bankruptcy filing, a specific reserve for bad debts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount reasonably expected to be collected. For all other customers, reserves are determined through analysis of the aging of accounts receivable balances, historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms. In addition, reserves are established for other concessions that have been extended to customers, including advertising, markdowns and other accommodations, net of historical recoveries. These reserves are determined based upon historical deduction trends and evaluation of current market conditions. Bad debt expense was less than 1% of net sales in each of fiscal years 2018 and 2017.
(f) Inventories: We state inventories at the lower of cost and net realizable value using the first-in, first-out method. Inventory cost includes materials, labor and manufacturing overhead on manufactured inventory, and all direct and associated costs, including inbound freight, to acquire sourced products. See Note 2(y) for further information regarding yarn procurements. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and record reserves for obsolescence, excess quantities, irregulars and slow-moving inventory based on historical selling prices, current market conditions, and forecasted product demand to reduce inventory to its net realizable value.
(g) Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. We depreciate and amortize our assets on a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to twenty-five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvements. Assets that we acquire under non-cancelable leases that meet the criteria of capital leases are capitalized in property, plant and equipment and amortized over the useful lives of the related assets. When we retire or dispose of assets, the costs and accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the respective accounts, and we recognize any related gain or loss. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense when incurred. Major replacements that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated.
(h) Internally Developed Software Costs. We account for internally developed software in accordance with FASB Codification No. 350-40, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, Internal-Use Software. After technical feasibility has been established, we capitalize the cost of our software development process, including payroll and payroll benefits, by tracking the software development hours invested in the software projects. We amortize our software development costs in accordance with the estimated economic life of the software, which is generally three to ten years.
(i) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Including Amortizable Intangible Assets): In accordance with FASB Codification No. 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, our long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. When evaluating assets for potential impairment, we compare the carrying amount of the asset to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If impairment is indicated, the asset is permanently written down to its estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recognized.
(j) Goodwill and Intangible Assets: We recorded goodwill and intangible assets with definite lives, including trade names and trademarks, customer relationships, technology, and non-compete agreements, in conjunction with the acquisitions of Salt Life, DTG2Go, and Coast. On March 31, 2017, we sold the Junkfood business to JMJD Ventures, LLC. See Note 4 — Divestitures for further information on this transaction. Intangible assets are amortized based on their estimated economic lives, ranging from four to twenty years. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired, and is not amortized. The total amount of goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. See Note 7 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets for further details.
(k) Impairment of Goodwill: We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that an impairment loss may have occurred. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in business climate, increased competition or other economic conditions.
We complete our annual impairment test of goodwill on the first day of our third fiscal quarter. We estimate fair value of the applicable reporting unit or units using a discounted cash flow methodology. This methodology represents a level 3 fair value measurement as defined under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, since the inputs are not readily observable in the marketplace. The goodwill impairment testing process involves the use of significant assumptions, estimates and judgments with respect to a variety of factors, including sales, gross margins, selling, general and administrative expenses, capital expenditures, cash flows and the selection of an appropriate discount rate, all of which are subject to inherent uncertainties and subjectivity. When we perform goodwill impairment testing, our assumptions are based on annual business plans and other forecasted results, which we believe represent those of a market participant. We select a discount rate, which is used to reflect market-based estimates of the risks associated with the projected cash flows, based on the best information available as of the date of the impairment assessment. Based on the annual impairment analysis, there is not an impairment on the goodwill associated with Salt Life and DTG2Go recorded in our financial statements.
Given the current macro-economic environment and the uncertainties regarding its potential impact on our business, there can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions used in our impairment tests will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptions regarding forecasted cash flows are not achieved, it is possible that an impairment review may be triggered and goodwill may be impaired.
(l) Contingent Consideration: At the end of each reporting period, we are required to remeasure the fair value of the contingent consideration related to the Salt Life and DTG2Go acquisitions in accordance with FASB Codification No. 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Based on the operating results and projections, we analyzed the fair value of the contingent consideration related to the Salt Life and DTG2Go acquisitions as of September 29, 2018. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration for Salt Life was $1.3 million and $1.6 million at September 29, 2018, and September 30, 2017, respectively. The DTG2Go contingent consideration was valued at $9.2 million at September 29, 2018.
(m) Revenue Recognition: Revenues from product sales are recognized when ownership is transferred to the customer, which includes not only the passage of title, but also the transfer of the risk of loss related to the product. At this point, the sales price is fixed and determinable, and we are reasonably assured of the collectibility of the accounts receivable. The majority of our sales are shipped FOB or Ex Works shipping point and revenue is therefore recognized when the goods are shipped to the customer. For sales that are shipped FOB or Ex Works destination point, we do not recognize the revenue until the goods are received by the customer. Shipping and handling charges billed to our customers are included in net revenue and the related costs are included in cost of goods sold. Revenues are reported on a net sales basis, which is computed by deducting product returns, discounts and estimated returns and allowances. We estimate returns and allowances on an ongoing basis by considering historical and current trends.
Royalty revenue is primarily derived from royalties paid to us by licensees of our intellectual property rights, which include, among other things, trademarks and copyrights. We execute license agreements with our licensees detailing the terms of the licensing arrangement. Royalties are generally recognized upon receipt of the licensee's royalty report in accordance with the terms of the executed license agreement and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.
(n) Sales Tax: Sales tax collected from customers and remitted to various government agencies are presented on a net basis (excluded from revenues) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(o) Cost of Goods Sold: We include all manufacturing and sourcing costs incurred prior to the receipt of finished goods at our distribution facilities in cost of goods sold. The cost of goods sold principally includes product cost, purchasing costs, inbound freight charges, insurance, inventory write-downs, and depreciation and amortization expense associated with our manufacturing and sourcing operations. Our gross margins may not be comparable to other companies, since some entities include costs related to their distribution network in cost of goods sold and we exclude them from gross margin, including them instead in selling, general and administrative expenses.
(p) Selling, General and Administrative Expense: We include in selling, general and administrative expenses costs incurred subsequent to the receipt of finished goods at our distribution facilities, such as the cost of stocking, warehousing, picking and packing, and shipping goods for delivery to our customers. Distribution costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $16.9 million and $14.6 million in fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively. In addition, selling, general and administrative expenses include costs related to sales associates, administrative personnel cost, advertising and marketing expenses, royalty payments on licensed products, and other general and administrative expenses.
(q) Advertising Costs: All costs associated with advertising and promoting our products are expensed during the year in which they are incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We participate in cooperative advertising programs with our customers. Depending on the customer, our defined cooperative programs allow the customer to use from 2% to 5% of its net purchases from us towards advertisements of our products. Because our products are being specifically advertised, we are receiving an identifiable benefit resulting from the consideration for cooperative advertising. Therefore, pursuant to FASB Codification No. 605-50, Revenue Recognition, Customers Payments and Incentives, we record cooperative advertising costs as a selling expense and the related cooperative advertising reserve as an accrued liability. Advertising costs totaled $4.0 million and $4.6 million in fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively. Included in these costs were $0.7 million in each of fiscal years 2018 and 2017 related to our cooperative advertising programs.
(r) Stock-Based Compensation: Stock-based compensation cost is accounted for under the provisions of FASB Codification No. 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 ("SAB 107"), and the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110 ("SAB 110"). ASC 718 requires all stock-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized as expense over the vesting period using a fair value method. The fair value of our restricted stock awards is the quoted market value of our stock on the grant date.  For performance-based stock awards, in the event we determine it is no longer probable that we will achieve the minimum performance criteria specified in the award, we reverse all of the previously recognized compensation expense in the period such a determination is made. We recognize the fair value, net of estimated forfeitures, as a component of selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the vesting period.
We early-adopted ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, (ASU 2016-09). ASU 2016-09 simplifies various aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions. The most significant change from this update amends the presentation of excess tax benefits and deficiencies in the financial statements by eliminating tax pools and requiring these benefits and deficiencies to be reflected in the income statement. It also allows employer withholding on share based compensation up to the maximum statutory rate without the possibility of triggering liability accounting and allows companies to make a policy election as it relates to forfeitures. Additionally, the ASU provides definitive guidance related to presentation of income tax benefit/deficiencies as an operating activity and payment of taxes for employee withholding from stock compensation as a financing activity within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. ASU 2016-09 was adopted in our fiscal year beginning October 2, 2016, and we have elected to continue our policy of estimating forfeitures.
(s) Income Taxes: We account for income taxes under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
(t) Earnings per Share: We compute basic earnings per share ("EPS") by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year pursuant to FASB Codification No. 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”). Basic EPS includes no dilution. Diluted EPS is calculated, as set forth in ASC 260, by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for the issuance of potentially dilutive shares. Potential dilutive shares consist of common stock issuable under the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and awards using the treasury stock method. This method, as required by ASC 718, assumes that the potential common shares are issued and the proceeds from the exercise, along with the amount of compensation expense attributable to future services, are used to purchase common stock at the exercise date. The difference between the number of potential shares issued and the number of shares purchased is added as incremental shares to the actual number of shares outstanding to compute diluted EPS. Outstanding stock options and awards that result in lower potential shares issued than shares purchased under the treasury stock method are not included in the computation of diluted EPS since their inclusion would have an anti-dilutive effect on EPS.
(u) Foreign Currency Translation: Our functional currency for our foreign operated manufacturing facilities is the United States dollar. We remeasure those assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies using exchange rates in effect at each balance sheet date. Property, plant and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation or amortization are recorded at the exchange rates in effect on the date we acquired the assets. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured using average exchange rates during the period transacted. We recognize the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses as a component of other income and expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. These gains and losses are immaterial for all periods presented.
(v) Fair Value of Financial Instruments: We use financial instruments in the normal course of our business. The carrying values approximate fair values for financial instruments that are short-term in nature, such as cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable. We estimate that the carrying value of our long-term fixed rate debt approximates fair value based on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities.
(w) Other Comprehensive Income: Other Comprehensive Income consists of net earnings and unrealized gains from cash flow hedges, net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) contained in the shareholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets was $0.1 million as of September 29, 2018, and ($35 thousand) as of September 30, 2017, and was related to interest rate swap agreements.
(x) Yarn and Cotton Procurements: We have a supply agreement with Parkdale to supply our yarn requirements until December 31, 2018. Under the supply agreement, we purchase from Parkdale all of our yarn requirements for use in our manufacturing operations, excluding yarns that Parkdale does not manufacture or cannot manufacture due to temporary capacity constraints. The purchase price of yarn is based upon the cost of cotton plus a fixed conversion cost. Thus, we are subject to the commodity risk of cotton prices and cotton price movements, which could result in unfavorable yarn pricing for us. We fix the cotton prices as a component of the purchase price of yarn, pursuant to the supply agreement, in advance of the shipment of finished yarn from Parkdale. Prices are set according to prevailing prices, as reported by the New York Cotton Exchange, at the time we elect to fix specific cotton prices.
(y) Derivatives: From time to time we enter into forward contracts, option agreements or other instruments to limit our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and raw material prices with respect to long-term debt and cotton purchases, respectively. We determine at inception whether the derivative instruments will be accounted for as hedges.
We account for derivatives and hedging activities in accordance with FASB Codification No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), as amended. ASC 815 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and hedging activities. It requires the recognition of all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measurement of those instruments at fair value. The accounting treatment of changes in fair value depends upon whether or not a derivative instrument is designated as a hedge and, if so, the type of hedge. We include all derivative instruments at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For derivative financial instruments related to the production of our products that are not designated as a hedge, we recognize the changes in fair value in cost of sales. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent effective, we recognize the changes in fair value in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in income. Any ineffectiveness in the hedge is recognized immediately in income in the line item that is consistent with the nature of the hedged risk. We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions, at the inception of the transactions.
We are exposed to counterparty credit risks on all derivatives. Because these amounts are recorded at fair value, the full amount of our exposure is the carrying value of these instruments. We only enter into derivative transactions with well-established institutions and therefore we believe the counterparty credit risk is minimal.
From time to time, we may purchase cotton option contracts to economically hedge the risk related to market fluctuations in the cost of cotton used in our operations. We do not receive hedge accounting treatment for these derivatives. As such, the realized gains and losses associated with them were recorded within cost of goods sold on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. There were no significant raw material option agreements that were purchased during fiscal years 2018 or 2017.
The table below indicates information on our outstanding interest rate swap agreements during fiscal years 2018 and 2017:
 
Effective Date
 
Notational
Amount
 
LIBOR Rate
 
Maturity Date
Interest Rate Swap
September 9, 2013
 
$15 million
 
1.6480%
 
September 11, 2017
Interest Rate Swap
September 19, 2013
 
$15 million
 
1.4490%
 
September 19, 2017
Interest Rate Swap
July 19, 2017
 
$10 million
 
1.7400%
 
July 19, 2019
Interest Rate Swap
July 19, 2017
 
$10 million
 
1.9900%
 
May 10, 2021
Interest Rate Swap
July 25, 2018
 
$20 million
 
3.1800%
 
July 25, 2023

During fiscal years 2018 and 2017, these interest rate swap agreements had minimal ineffectiveness and were considered highly effective hedges.
The changes in fair value of the interest rate swap agreements resulted in AOCI gains, net of taxes, of $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the years ended September 29, 2018, and September 30, 2017, respectively. See Note 16(d) - Derivatives for further details.
(z) Equity Method Accounting: We apply the equity method of accounting for investments in companies where we have less than a 50% ownership interest and over which we exert significant influence. We do not exercise control over these companies and do not have substantive participating rights. As such, these entities are not considered variable interest entities. As of September 29, 2018, we own 31% of the outstanding capital stock in our Honduran equity method investment.
(aa) Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest: The net income attributable to non-controlling interest represents the share of net income allocated to members of our consolidated affiliates.
(ab) Business Combinations: Business combinations completed by Delta Apparel have been accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method requires the assets acquired and liabilities, including contingencies, to be recorded at the fair value determined at the acquisition date and changes thereafter recorded in income. For significant acquisitions, we obtain independent third-party valuation studies for certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed to assist us in determining the fair value. Goodwill represents the purchase price over the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The results of acquired businesses are included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition.
(ac) Capital Leases: We classify leases as capital or operating leases in accordance with ASC 840 Leases. We account for a lease that transfers substantially all of the benefits and risks incidental to ownership of property as a capital lease. At the inception of a capital lease, we record an asset and payment obligation at an amount equal to the lesser of the present value of the minimum lease payments and the property's fair market value. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases and the related lease payments are charged to expenses as incurred.
(ad) Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements:
In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, ("ASU 2015-11").  This guidance requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Previously, entities measured inventory at the lower of cost or market. ASU 2015-11 replaces market with net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.  Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured under last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method.  ASU 2015-11 requires prospective adoption for inventory measurements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years for public business entities.  Early application is permitted.  ASU 2015-11 was adopted in our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, an acquirer will recognize a measurement-period adjustment during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  ASU 2015-16 was adopted in the interim period beginning April 1, 2018 (the first interim period in which we would have recorded measurement-period adjustments, if necessary, since the ASU became effective).  The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Amendment to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SEC Update), ("ASU-2015-05"). ASU 2018-05 amends certain Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) guidance under Topic 740 related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. It also adds guidance to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification that answers questions regarding how certain income tax effects from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 should be applied to companies’ financial statements. The guidance lists which financial statement disclosures are required under a measurement period approach. ASU 2018-05 was effective immediately and we have made the disclosures required by ASU 2018-05 in Note 10—Income Taxes.

(ae) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted:
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, ("ASU 2014-09"). This new guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, for public business entities and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early application is permitted only for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. ASU 2014-09 will therefore be effective in our fiscal year beginning September 30, 2018. We have evaluated the new standard against our existing accounting policies and practices, including reviewing standard purchase orders, invoices, shipping terms, and reviewing contracts with customers. We expect that revenue for our primary revenue streams will be recognized at the point in time which is similar to how we it is currently. We have not identified any information that would indicate that the new guidance will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. While we are substantially complete with the process of evaluating the impacts that will result from the new guidance, our assessment will be finalized during our first quarter of fiscal year 2019. We expect to have enhanced disclosures related to disaggregation of revenue sources and accounting policies beginning fiscal year 2019. Additionally, we will have changes to our Consolidated Balance Sheets that will include presentation of allowances for sales incentive programs, discounts, markdowns, chargebacks, and returns as accrued liabilities rather than as a reduction to accounts receivable, and the presentation of estimated cost of inventory associated with the allowance for sales returns within other current assets rather than as a component of inventory. We will adopt the new standard in the first quarter of 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases. All leases will be required to be recorded on the balance sheet with the exception of short-term leases. Early application is permitted. The guidance must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. ASU 2016-02 will therefore be effective in our fiscal year beginning September 29, 2019. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, ("ASU 2017-04"). To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, ASU 2017-04 eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. In computing the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) following the procedure that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Instead, under the amendments in ASU 2017-04, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. ASU 2017-04 also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Therefore, the same impairment assessment applies to all reporting units. An entity is required to disclose the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount of net assets. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU 2017-04 is effective for financial statements issued for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. ASU 2017-04 will therefore be effective in our fiscal year beginning September 29, 2019. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2017-04 will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, ("ASU 2017-12"). The amendments in ASU 2017-12 apply to any entity that elects to apply hedge accounting in accordance with U.S. GAAP. ASU 2017-12 permits more flexibility in hedging interest rate risk for both variable rate and fixed rate financial instruments, and the ability to hedge risk components for nonfinancial hedges. In addition, this ASU requires an entity to present the earnings effect of hedging the instrument in the same income statement line in which the earnings effect of the hedge item is reported. In addition, companies no longer need to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and can use an amortization approach or continue with mark-to-market accounting. ASU 2016-02 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. ASU 2016-02 will therefore be effective in our fiscal year beginning September 30, 2018. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2017-12 will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures and do not believe it will have a material impact.