Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

v2.4.0.6
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Description of business
Description of business –
Constellation Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) operate primarily in the beverage alcohol industry. The Company is a leading international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol with a broad portfolio of consumer-preferred premium wine brands complemented by premium spirits, imported beer and other select beverage alcohol products. The Company has the leading premium wine business in the world and is a leading producer and marketer of wine in the United States (“U.S.”); the leading producer and marketer of wine in Canada; and a leading producer and exporter of wine from both New Zealand and Italy. In North America, the Company’s products are primarily sold to wholesale distributors as well as state and provincial alcoholic beverage control agencies. In New Zealand, the Company’s products are primarily sold to retailers, wholesalers and importers. In Italy, the Company’s products are primarily sold to retailers, wholesalers and importers, as well as direct to on-premise. In addition, the Company imports, markets and sells primarily the Modelo Brands (as defined in Note 8) through the Company’s joint venture, Crown Imports (as defined in Note 8). See additional discussion in Note 8 regarding recent developments with the Company’s Crown Imports joint venture and the pending Beer Business Acquisition.
Principles of consolidation
Principles of consolidation –
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries and entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest after the elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. The Company has a controlling financial interest if the Company owns a majority of the outstanding voting common stock or has significant control over an entity through contractual or economic interests in which the Company is the primary beneficiary.
Management's use of estimates
Management’s use of estimates –
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Equity method investments
Equity method investments –
If the Company is not required to consolidate its investment in another entity, the Company uses the equity method if the Company (i)  can exercise significant influence over the other entity and (ii)  holds common stock and/or in-substance common stock of the other entity. Under the equity method, investments are carried at cost, plus or minus the Company’s equity in the increases and decreases in the investee’s net assets after the date of acquisition and certain other adjustments. The Company’s share of the net income or loss of the investee is included in equity in earnings of equity method investees on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Dividends received from the investee reduce the carrying amount of the investment.

Equity method investments are also reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investments may not be recoverable.
Revenue recognition
Revenue recognition –
Sales are recognized when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is generally when the product is shipped. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are classified as sales. Sales reflect reductions attributable to consideration given to customers in various customer incentive programs, including pricing discounts on single transactions, volume discounts, promotional and advertising allowances, coupons, and rebates.
Cost of product sold
Cost of product sold –
The types of costs included in cost of product sold are raw materials, packaging materials, manufacturing costs, plant administrative support and overheads, and freight and warehouse costs (including distribution network costs). Distribution network costs include inbound freight charges and outbound shipping and handling costs, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing and internal transfer costs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses –
The types of costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses consist predominately of advertising and non-manufacturing administrative and overhead costs. Distribution network costs are not included in the Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses, but are included in cost of product sold as described above.
Advertising expenses
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred, shown or distributed.
Foreign currency translation
Foreign currency translation –
The “functional currency” of the Company’s subsidiaries outside the U.S. is the respective local currency. The translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”). As a result of the January 2011 CWAE Divestiture (as defined in Note 8), for the year ended February 28, 2011, the Company reclassified $657.1 million, net of income tax effect, from AOCI to selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (see Note 8, Note 17). Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency denominated transactions are also included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The Company engages in foreign currency denominated transactions with customers and suppliers, as well as between subsidiaries with different functional currencies.
Foreign currency –
In March 2013, the FASB issued amended guidance to clarify the applicable guidance for the release of foreign currency cumulative translation adjustments under generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. The amended guidance clarifies when cumulative translation adjustments should be released into net income in connection with (i) the loss of a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity or (ii) the partial sale of an equity method investment that is a foreign entity. The amended guidance also clarifies the types of events that result in the sale of an investment in a foreign entity. The Company is required to adopt this amended guidance for its annual and interim periods beginning March 1, 2014. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Cash investments
Cash investments –
Cash investments consist of highly liquid investments with an original maturity when purchased of three months or less and are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for doubtful accounts –
The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The majority of the accounts receivable balance is generated from sales to independent distributors with whom the Company has a predetermined collection date arranged through electronic funds transfer.
Fair value of financial instruments
Fair value of financial instruments –
The Company calculates the fair value of financial instruments using quoted market prices whenever available. When quoted market prices are not available, the Company uses standard pricing models for various types of financial instruments (such as forwards, options, swaps, etc.) which take into account the present value of estimated future cash flows (see Note 5).
Fair value measurements –
Effective March 1, 2012, the Company adopted the FASB amended guidance to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements under generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. and International Financial Reporting Standards. This amended guidance provides clarification about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements, and expands certain other disclosure requirements. The adoption of this amended guidance on March 1, 2012, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Derivative instruments
Derivative instruments –
As a multinational company, the Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, diesel fuel prices and interest rates that could affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. The amount of volatility realized will vary based upon the effectiveness and level of derivative instruments outstanding during a particular period of time, as well as the currency, fuel pricing and interest rate market movements during that same period.

The Company enters into derivative instruments, primarily interest rate swaps, foreign currency forward and option contracts, and diesel fuel swaps, to manage interest rate, foreign currency and diesel fuel pricing risks, respectively. In accordance with the FASB guidance for derivatives and hedging, the Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets and measures those instruments at fair value (see Note 4, Note 5). The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments change with fluctuations in interest rates, currency rates and/or fuel prices and are expected to offset changes in the values of the underlying exposures. The Company’s derivative instruments are held solely to hedge economic exposures. The Company follows strict policies to manage interest rate, foreign currency and diesel fuel pricing risks, including prohibitions on derivative market-making or other speculative activities.

To qualify for hedge accounting treatment under the FASB guidance for derivatives and hedging, the details of the hedging relationship must be formally documented at inception of the arrangement, including the risk management objective, hedging strategy, hedged item, specific risk that is being hedged, the derivative instrument, how effectiveness is being assessed and how ineffectiveness will be measured. The derivative must be highly effective in offsetting either changes in the fair value or cash flows, as appropriate, of the risk being hedged. Effectiveness is evaluated on a retrospective and prospective basis based on quantitative measures.

Certain of the Company’s derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under the FASB guidance for derivatives and hedging; for others, the Company chooses not to maintain the required documentation to apply hedge accounting treatment. These undesignated instruments are primarily used to economically hedge the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency denominated receivables and payables; foreign currency investments, primarily consisting of loans to subsidiaries; and cash flows related primarily to repatriation of those loans or investments. Foreign currency contracts, generally less than 12 months in duration, are used to hedge some of these risks. The Company’s derivative policy permits the use of undesignated derivatives when the derivative instrument is settled within the fiscal quarter or offsets a recognized balance sheet exposure. In these circumstances, the mark to fair value is reported currently through earnings in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. As of February 28, 2013, and February 29, 2012, the Company had undesignated foreign currency contracts outstanding with a notional value of $355.1 million and $148.6 million, respectively. In addition, the Company had offsetting undesignated interest rate swap agreements with an absolute notional amount of $1.0 billion outstanding as of February 28, 2013 (see Note 10). The Company had no undesignated interest rate swap agreements outstanding as of February 29, 2012.

Furthermore, when the Company determines that a derivative instrument which qualified for hedge accounting treatment has ceased to be highly effective as a hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. The Company also discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (i)  a derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; (ii)  it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or (iii)  management determines that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.

Cash flow hedges:
The Company is exposed to foreign denominated cash flow fluctuations in connection with third party and intercompany sales and purchases and, historically, third party financing arrangements. The Company primarily uses foreign currency forward and option contracts to hedge certain of these risks. In addition, the Company utilizes interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates and diesel fuel swaps to manage its exposure to changes in diesel fuel prices. Derivatives managing the Company’s cash flow exposures generally mature within three years or less, with a maximum maturity of five years. Throughout the term of the designated cash flow hedge relationship on at least a quarterly basis, a retrospective evaluation and prospective assessment of hedge effectiveness is performed. All components of the Company’s derivative instruments’ gains or losses are included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. In the event the relationship is no longer effective, the Company recognizes the change in the fair value of the hedging derivative instrument from the date the hedging derivative instrument became no longer effective immediately on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. In conjunction with its effectiveness testing, the Company also evaluates ineffectiveness associated with the hedge relationship. Resulting ineffectiveness, if any, is recognized immediately on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in selling, general and administrative expenses.

The Company records the fair value of its foreign currency contracts, interest rate swap contracts and diesel fuel swap contracts qualifying for cash flow hedge accounting treatment on its Consolidated Balance Sheets with the effective portion of the related gain or loss on those contracts deferred in stockholders’ equity (as a component of AOCI). These deferred gains or losses are recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in the same period in which the underlying hedged items are recognized and on the same line item as the underlying hedged items. However, to the extent that any derivative instrument is not considered to be highly effective in offsetting the change in the value of the hedged item, the hedging relationship is terminated and the amount related to the ineffective portion of such derivative instrument is immediately recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in selling, general and administrative expenses.

As of February 28, 2013, and February 29, 2012, the Company had cash flow designated foreign currency contracts outstanding with a notional value of $220.3 million and $353.7 million, respectively. In addition, as of February 28, 2013, and February 29, 2012, the Company had cash flow designated interest rate swap agreements outstanding with a notional value of $500.0 million (see Note 10). Lastly, as of February 28, 2013, the Company had cash flow designated diesel fuel swap contracts outstanding with a notional value of $17.4 million. The Company had no cash flow designated diesel fuel swap contracts outstanding as of February 29, 2012. The Company expects $4.6 million of net losses, net of income tax effect, to be reclassified from AOCI to earnings within the next 12 months.

Fair value hedges:
Fair value hedges are hedges that offset the risk of changes in the fair values of recorded assets and liabilities, and firm commitments. The Company records changes in fair value of derivative instruments, which are designated and deemed effective as fair value hedges, in earnings offset by the corresponding changes in the fair value of the hedged items. The Company did not designate any derivative instruments as fair value hedges for the years ended February 28, 2013, February 29, 2012, and February 28, 2011.

Net investment hedges:
Net investment hedges are hedges that use derivative instruments or non-derivative instruments to hedge the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Historically, the Company has managed currency exposures resulting from certain of its net investments in foreign subsidiaries principally with debt denominated in the related foreign currency. Accordingly, gains and losses on these instruments were recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments in AOCI. The Company did not designate any derivative or non-derivative instruments as net investment hedges for the years ended February 28, 2013, February 29, 2012, and February 28, 2011. As a result of the January 2011 CWAE Divestiture, for the year ended February 28, 2011, the Company reclassified $17.8 million of net gains, net of income tax effect, from AOCI to earnings related to its prior net investment hedges of its U.K. subsidiary (See Note 4). There were no such amounts recognized for the years ended February 28, 2013, and February 29, 2012.

Credit risk:
The Company enters into master agreements with its bank derivative trading counterparties that allow netting of certain derivative positions in order to manage credit risk. The Company’s derivative instruments are not subject to credit rating contingencies or collateral requirements. As of February 28, 2013, the fair value of derivative instruments in a net liability position due to counterparties was $45.1 million. If the Company were required to settle the net liability position under these derivative instruments on February 28, 2013, the Company would have had sufficient availability under its revolving credit facility to satisfy this obligation.

Counterparty credit risk:
Counterparty credit risk relates to losses the Company could incur if a counterparty defaults on a derivative contract. The Company manages exposure to counterparty credit risk by requiring specified minimum credit standards and diversification of counterparties. The Company enters into master agreements with its bank derivative trading counterparties that allow netting of certain derivative positions in order to manage counterparty credit risk. As of February 28, 2013, all of the Company’s counterparty exposures are with financial institutions which have investment grade ratings. The Company has procedures to monitor counterparty credit risk for both current and future potential credit exposures.
Inventories
Inventories –
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (computed in accordance with the first-in, first-out method) or market. Elements of cost include materials, labor and overhead and are classified as follows:
 
February 28, 2013
 
February 29, 2012
(in millions)
 
 
 
Raw materials and supplies
$
45.5

 
$
47.6

In-process inventories
1,168.1

 
1,048.4

Finished case goods
267.3

 
278.5

 
$
1,480.9

 
$
1,374.5



Bulk wine inventories are included as in-process inventories within current assets, in accordance with the general practices of the wine industry, although a portion of such inventories may be aged for periods greater than one year. A substantial portion of barreled whiskey and brandy will not be sold within one year because of the duration of the aging process. All barreled whiskey and brandy are classified as in-process inventories and are included in current assets, in accordance with industry practice. Warehousing, insurance, ad valorem taxes and other carrying charges applicable to barreled whiskey and brandy held for aging are included in inventory costs.

The Company assesses the valuation of its inventories and reduces the carrying value of those inventories that are obsolete or in excess of the Company’s forecasted usage to their estimated net realizable value. The Company estimates the net realizable value of such inventories based on analyses and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, future demand and market requirements. Reductions to the carrying value of inventories are recorded in cost of product sold. If the future demand for the Company’s products is less favorable than the Company’s forecasts, then the value of the inventories may be required to be reduced, which could result in additional expense to the Company and affect its results of operations.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment –
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Major additions and betterments are charged to property accounts, while maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. The cost of properties sold or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts at the time of disposal and resulting gains and losses are included as a component of operating income.
Depreciation
Depreciation –
Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
 
Depreciable Life in Years
Land improvements
15 to 32
Vineyards
16 to 26
Buildings and improvements
10 to 44
Machinery and equipment
3 to 35
Motor vehicles
3 to 7
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets –
In accordance with the FASB guidance for intangibles – goodwill and other, the Company reviews its goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets annually for impairment, or sooner, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company uses January 1 as its annual impairment test measurement date. Indefinite lived intangible assets consist principally of trademarks. Intangible assets determined to have a finite life, primarily customer relationships, are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are subject to review for impairment in accordance with the FASB guidance for property, plant and equipment. Note 7 provides a summary of intangible assets segregated between amortizable and nonamortizable amounts.

In the fourth quarters of fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, pursuant to the Company’s accounting policy, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment analysis. No indication of impairment was noted for any of the Company’s reporting units for the years ended February 28, 2013, February 29, 2012, and February 28, 2011, as the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units with goodwill exceeded their carrying value.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, pursuant to the Company’s accounting policy, the Company performed its annual annual review of indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment. No indication of impairment was noted for any of the Company’s indefinite lived intangible assets for the year ended February 28, 2013. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, pursuant to the Company’s accounting policy, the Company performed its annual review of indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment. The Company determined that trademarks associated with the Constellation Wines and Spirits (formerly known as Constellation Wines North America) segment’s Canadian business were impaired largely due to lower revenue and profitability associated with products incorporating these assets included in long-term financial forecasts developed as part of the strategic planning cycle conducted during the Company’s fourth quarter. The Company measured the amount of impairment by calculating the amount by which the carrying value of these assets exceeded their estimated fair values, which were based on projected discounted cash flows (Level 3 fair value measurement – see Note 5). As a result of this review, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $38.1 million, which is included in impairment of intangible assets on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, as a result of its annual review of indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment, the Company determined that trademarks associated with the Constellation Wines and Spirits segment’s Canadian business were impaired largely due to lower revenue and profitability associated with products incorporating these assets included in long-term financial forecasts developed as part of the strategic planning cycle conducted during the Company’s fourth quarter. The Company measured the amount of impairment by calculating the amount by which the carrying value of these assets exceeded their estimated fair values, which were based on projected discounted cash flows (Level 3 fair value measurement – see Note 5).
Intangibles – goodwill and other –
Effective March 1, 2012, the Company adopted the FASB amended guidance for goodwill impairment testing. The amended guidance allows an entity to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test would be unnecessary. If an entity concludes otherwise, the entity would be required to complete the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and then comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. The adoption of this amended guidance on March 1, 2012, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Intangibles – goodwill and other –
In July 2012, the FASB issued amended guidance for indefinite lived intangible asset impairment testing. The amended guidance allows an entity to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset is impaired. If an entity concludes it is not more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset is impaired, the entity is not required to take further action. If an entity concludes otherwise, then the entity would be required to determine the fair value of the indefinite lived intangible asset and compare the fair value with the carrying amount of the indefinite lived intangible asset. The Company is required to adopt this amended guidance for its annual and interim periods beginning March 1, 2013. The adoption of this amended guidance on March 1, 2013, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Other assets
Other assets –
Other assets include the following:  (i)  investments in equity method investees which are carried under the equity method of accounting (see Note 8); (ii)  deferred financing costs which are stated at cost, net of accumulated amortization, and are amortized on an effective interest basis over the term of the related debt; (iii)  an investment in Accolade (as defined in Note 8) consisting of cost method investments which are carried at cost and available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities which are carried at fair value (see Note 8); (iv)  deferred tax assets which are stated net of valuation allowances (see Note 11); and (v)  derivative assets which are stated at fair value.
Long-lived assets impairment
Long-lived assets impairment –
In accordance with the FASB guidance for property, plant and equipment, the Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value (Level 3 fair value measurement – see Note 5). Assets held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and are no longer depreciated.
Indemnification liabilities
Indemnification liabilities –
The Company has indemnified respective parties against certain liabilities that may arise in connection with certain acquisitions and divestitures. The carrying value of the indemnification liabilities are included in other liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 13).
Income taxes
Income taxes –
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method accounts for deferred income taxes by applying statutory rates in effect at the balance sheet date to the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities.
Environmental
Environmental –
Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations or to an existing condition caused by past operations, and which do not contribute to current or future revenue generation, are expensed. Liabilities for environmental risks or components thereof are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable, and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Generally, the timing of these accruals coincides with the completion of a feasibility study or the Company’s commitment to a formal plan of action.
Earnings per common share
Earnings per common share –
The Company has two classes of common stock, each with a material number of shares outstanding: Class A Common Stock and Class B Convertible Common Stock (see Note 14). In addition, the Company has another class of common stock with an immaterial number of shares outstanding:  Class 1 Common Stock (see Note 14). With respect to dividend rights, the Class A Common Stock is entitled to cash dividends of at least ten percent greater than those declared and paid on the Class B Convertible Common Stock. Accordingly, the Company uses the two-class computation method for the computation of earnings per common share – basic and earnings per common share – diluted. The two-class computation method for each period reflects the amount of allocated undistributed earnings per share computed using the participation percentage which reflects the minimum dividend rights of each class of stock.

Earnings per common share – basic excludes the effect of common stock equivalents and is computed using the two-class computation method. Earnings per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock reflects the potential dilution that could result if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Earnings per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock has been computed using the more dilutive of the if-converted or two-class computation method. Using the if-converted method, earnings per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock assumes the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method and the conversion of Class B Convertible Common Stock. Using the two-class computation method, earnings per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock assumes the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method and no conversion of Class B Convertible Common Stock. For the years ended February 28, 2013, February 29, 2012, and February 28, 2011, earnings per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock has been calculated using the if-converted method. For the years ended February 28, 2013, February 29, 2012, and February 28, 2011, earnings per common share – diluted for Class B Convertible Common Stock is presented without assuming conversion into Class A Common Stock and is computed using the two-class computation method.
Stock-based employee compensation plans
Stock-based employee compensation plans –
The Company has four stock-based employee compensation plans (see Note 15). The Company applies a grant date fair-value-based measurement method in accounting for its stock-based payment arrangements and records all costs resulting from stock-based payment transactions ratably over the requisite service period in its consolidated financial statements. Stock-based awards granted by the Company are subject to specific vesting conditions, generally time vesting, or upon retirement, disability or death of the employee (as defined by the stock option plan), if earlier. In accordance with the FASB guidance for compensation – stock compensation, the Company recognizes compensation expense immediately for awards granted to retirement-eligible employees or ratably over the period from the date of grant to the date of retirement-eligibility if that is expected to occur during the requisite service period, when appropriate.
Comprehensive income

Comprehensive income –
Effective March 1, 2012, the Company adopted the FASB amended guidance requiring an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This amended guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders’ equity. In addition, this amended guidance requires retrospective application. In December 2011, the FASB issued additional guidance deferring the effective date of the June 2011 amended guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments by component in both the statement where net income is presented and the statement where other comprehensive income is presented for further redeliberation. The adoption of this amended guidance on March 1, 2012, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Comprehensive income –
In February 2013, the FASB issued amended guidance for reporting of amounts reclassified out of AOCI. The amended guidance requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of AOCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, or, for amounts not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income under generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S., an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. that provide additional detail about those amounts. The Company is required to adopt this amended guidance for its annual and interim periods beginning March 1, 2013. The adoption of this amended guidance on March 1, 2013, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities
Disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities –
In December 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance creating new disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity’s rights of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. The Company is required to adopt this amended guidance for its annual and interim periods beginning March 1, 2013. In addition, this amended guidance requires retrospective application. The adoption of this amended guidance on March 1, 2013, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements [Policy Text Block]
Liabilities –
In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of certain obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The Company is required to adopt this guidance for its annual and interim periods beginning March 1, 2014. In addition, this guidance requires retrospective application. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.