COPT Defense Properties Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of COPT, the Operating Partnership, their subsidiaries and other entities in which we have a majority voting interest and control. We also consolidate certain entities when control of such entities can be achieved through means other than voting rights (“variable interest entities” or “VIEs”) if we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of such entities. We eliminate all significant intercompany balances and transactions in consolidation.

We use the equity method of accounting when we own an interest in an entity and can exert significant influence over the entity’s operations but cannot control the entity’s operations. We discontinue equity method accounting if our investment in an entity (and net advances) is reduced to zero unless we have guaranteed obligations of the entity or are otherwise committed to provide further financial support for the entity.

We use the cost method of accounting when we own an interest in an entity and cannot exert significant influence over its operations.

Revisions

During 2012, we identified the following errors:

•

the misapplication of accounting guidance related to the recognition of a deferred tax asset resulting from an impairment of assets in the fourth quarter of 2011 that failed to consider a partial reversal of that asset that would result from a cancellation of related inter-company debt in the first quarter of 2012. The effect of this error was an overstatement of our income tax benefit and an understatement of our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $4.0 million. Based on an evaluation against our projected annual net income at that time, this error was previously reported as an out-of-period adjustment in the three months ended March 31, 2012;

•

an over-accrual of incentive compensation cost, the effect of which was an overstatement of general and administrative expenses and an overstatement of net loss for the calendar quarter and year ended December 31, 2011 of $700,000. Based on an evaluation against our projected annual net income at that time, this error was previously reported as an out-of-period adjustment in the three months ended March 31, 2012;

•

the misapplication of accounting guidance requiring that we recognize loss allocations to a noncontrolling interest holder in a consolidated real estate joint venture associated with decreases in such holder's claim on the book value of the joint venture’s assets, despite the fact that the real estate held by the joint venture was under development and the joint venture had no underlying losses. The effect of this error was an understatement of losses attributable to noncontrolling interests in other consolidated entities of $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011; and

•

the misapplication of accounting guidance pertaining to our reporting for a noncontrolling interest in a consolidated real estate joint venture formed in March 2010 for which the holder of such interest has the right to require us to acquire the interest at fair value. Accounting guidance requires that this noncontrolling interest be classified outside of permanent equity and reported at fair value as of the end of each reporting period, with changes in such fair value reported as equity transactions with no impact to net income or comprehensive income. This error resulted in an overstatement of equity and offsetting understatement of the line entitled “redeemable noncontrolling interest” in the mezzanine section of our consolidated balance sheet of $8.9 million as of December 31, 2011. This error had no effect on our consolidated statements of operations, including our reported net income (losses) or earnings per share.

With respect to the errors in the first two bullets above, we assessed the materiality of these errors on the financial statements in connection with previously filed periodic reports, in accordance with ASC 250 (SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, “Materiality”), and concluded at such time that the errors were not material to any prior annual or interim periods. In assessing the cumulative effect of all such errors, we have since concluded that correction of the errors in 2012 could be considered material to our 2012 net income. Accordingly, in accordance with ASC 250 (SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements,”), the financial statements as of, and for the year ended, December 31, 2011 have been revised. We will revise amounts pertaining to each of the 2012 calendar quarters from January 1, 2012 through September 30, 2012 in future quarterly filings on Form 10-Q. The following are selected line items from our financial statements as of, and for the year ended, December 31, 2011 illustrating the affect of adjustments to revise the financial statements (the “As Previously Reported” columns include the effects of other reclassifications and retrospective changes in presentation discussed below)(in thousands):



	Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2011
	As Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
Prepaid expenses and other assets	$	87,619		$	(3,969	)	$	83,650
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	96,425			(711		)	95,714
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—			8,908			8,908
Additional paid-in capital	1,452,393			(1,315		)	1,451,078
Cumulative distributions in excess of net income	(532,288		)	(1,753		)	(534,041		)
Noncontrolling interests in common units in the Operating Partnership	55,281			(98		)	55,183
Noncontrolling interests in other consolidated entities	18,559			(9,000		)	9,559



	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	As Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
General, administrative and leasing expenses	$	31,025		$	(711	)	$	30,314
Income tax benefit	$	10,679		$	(3,969	)	$	6,710
Net loss	$	(124,318	)	$	(3,258	)	$	(127,576	)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in common units in the Operating Partnership	$	8,341		$	98		$	8,439
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in other consolidated entities	$	(1,038	)	$	1,407		$	369
Net loss attributable to Corporate Office Properties Trust	$	(117,675	)	$	(1,753	)	$	(119,428	)
Net loss attributable to Corporate Office Properties Trust common shareholders	$	(133,777	)	$	(1,753	)	$	(135,530	)
Basic and diluted earnings per common share:
Loss from continuing operations	$	(1.29	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(1.31	)
Net loss attributable to COPT common shareholders	$	(1.94	)	$	(0.03	)	$	(1.97	)

Reclassifications

We reclassified certain amounts from prior periods to conform to the current period presentation of our consolidated financial statements with no effect on previously reported net income or equity. Included among these reclassifications are retrospective changes in the presentation of:


•	our preferred shares of beneficial interest; these shares are reported on our consolidated balance sheets at their liquidation preference value after having been reported at par value in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K;


•	costs expensed in connection with properties not in operations; these costs are included in the line on our consolidated statements of operations entitled “business development expenses and land carry costs,” after having been included in property operating expenses in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K; and


•	costs expensed in connection with marketing space for lease to prospective tenants; these costs are included in the line on our consolidated statements of operations entitled “general, administrative and leasing expenses,” after having been included in property operating expenses in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

We make estimates and assumptions when preparing financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). These estimates and assumptions affect various matters, including:


•	the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets at the dates of the financial statements;


•	the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements; and


•	the reported amounts of revenues and expenses in our consolidated statements of operations during the reporting periods.

Significant estimates are inherent in the presentation of our financial statements in a number of areas, including the evaluation of the collectability of accounts and notes receivable, the allocation of property acquisition costs, the determination of estimated useful lives of assets, the determination of lease terms, the evaluation of impairment of long-lived assets, the amount of revenue recognized relating to tenant improvements and the level of expense recognized in connection with share-based compensation. Actual results could differ from these and other estimates.

Acquisitions of Properties

Upon completion of property acquisitions, we allocate the purchase price to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities associated with such acquisitions based on our estimates of their fair values. We determine these fair values by using market data and independent appraisals available to us and making numerous estimates and assumptions. We allocate property acquisitions to the following components:

•

properties based on a valuation performed under the assumption that the property is vacant upon acquisition (the “if vacant value”). The if-vacant value is allocated between land and buildings or, in the case of properties under development, construction in progress. We also allocate additional amounts to properties for in-place tenant improvements based on our estimate of improvements per square foot provided under market leases that would be attributable to the remaining non-cancellable terms of the respective leases;

•

above- and below-market lease intangible assets or liabilities based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between: (1) the contractual amounts to be received pursuant to the in-place leases; and (2) our estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding space, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease. The capitalized above- and below-market lease values are amortized as adjustments to rental revenue over the remaining non-cancellable terms of the respective leases;

•

in-place lease value based on our estimates of: (1) the present value of additional income to be realized as a result of leases being in place on the acquired properties; and (2) costs to execute similar leases. Our estimate of additional income to be realized includes carrying costs, such as real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses, and revenues during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions. Our estimate of costs to execute similar leases includes leasing commissions, legal and other related costs;

•

tenant relationship value based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant's lease and our overall relationship with that respective tenant. Characteristics we consider in determining these values include the nature and extent of our existing business relationships with the tenant, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant, the tenant's credit quality and expectations of lease renewals, among other factors; and


•	above- and below- market cost arrangements (such as real estate tax treaties or above- or below- market ground leases) based on the present value of the expected benefit from any such arrangements in place on the property at the time of acquisition.

Properties

We report properties to be developed or held and used in operations at our depreciated cost, reduced for impairment losses. The preconstruction stage of the development or redevelopment of an operating property includes efforts and related costs to secure land control and zoning, evaluate feasibility and complete other initial tasks which are essential to development. We capitalize interest expense, real estate taxes and direct and indirect project costs (including related compensation and other indirect costs) associated with properties, or portions thereof, undergoing construction, development and redevelopment activities. We continue to capitalize these costs while construction, development or redevelopment activities are underway until a property becomes “operational,” which occurs upon the earlier of when leases commence or one year after the cessation of major construction activities. When leases commence on portions of a newly-constructed or redeveloped property in the period prior to one year from the cessation of major construction activities, we consider that property to be “partially operational.” When a property is partially operational, we allocate the costs associated with the property between the portion that is operational and the portion under construction. We start depreciating newly-constructed and redeveloped properties as they become operational.

Most of our leases involve some form of improvements to leased space. When we are required to provide improvements under the terms of a lease, we determine whether the improvements constitute landlord assets or tenant assets. We capitalize the cost of the improvements when we deem the improvements to be landlord assets. In determining whether improvements constitute landlord or tenant assets, we consider numerous factors, including: whether the improvements are unique to the tenant or reusable by other tenants; whether the tenant is permitted to alter or remove the improvements without our consent or without compensating us for any lost fair value; whether the ownership of the improvements remains with us or remains with the tenant at the end of the lease term; and whether the economic substance of the lease terms is properly reflected.

We depreciate our fixed assets using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:



		Estimated Useful Lives
Buildings and building improvements		10-40 years
Land improvements		10-20 years
Tenant improvements on operating properties		Related lease term
Equipment and personal property		3-10 years

We assess each of our operating properties for impairment quarterly using cash flow projections and estimated fair values that we derive for each of the properties. We update the leasing and other assumptions used in these projections regularly, paying particular attention to properties that have experienced chronic vacancy or face significant market challenges. We review our plans and intentions for our development projects and land parcels quarterly. Each quarter, we also review the reasonableness of changes in our estimated operating property fair values from amounts estimated in the prior quarter. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values of certain operating properties, properties in development or land held for future development may be impaired, we perform a recovery analysis for such properties. For long-lived assets to be held and used, we analyze recoverability based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated from the operations and eventual disposition of the assets over, in most cases, a ten-year holding period. If we believe there is a significant possibility that we might dispose of the assets earlier, we analyze recoverability using a probability weighted analysis of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated from the operations and eventual disposition of the assets over the various possible holding periods. If the recovery analysis indicates that the carrying value of a tested property is not recoverable from estimated future cash flows, it is written down to its estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recognized. If and when our plans change, we revise our recoverability analyses to use the cash flows expected from the operations and eventual disposition of each asset using holding periods that are consistent with our revised plans. Changes in holding periods may require us to recognize significant impairment losses.

Property fair values are determined based on contract prices, indicative bids, discounted cash flow analyses or yield analyses. Estimated cash flows used in such analyses are based on our plans for the property and our views of market and economic conditions. The estimates consider items such as current and future rental rates, occupancies for the tested property and comparable properties, estimated operating and capital expenditures and recent sales data for comparable properties; most of these items are influenced by market data obtained from third party sources such as CoStar Group and real estate leasing and brokerage firms and our direct experience with the properties and their markets.

When we determine that a property is held for sale, we discontinue the recording of depreciation expense on the property and estimate the fair value, net of selling costs; if we then determine that the estimated fair value, net of selling costs, is less than the net book value of the property, we recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference and reduce the net book value of the property.

When we sell an operating property, or determine that an operating property is held for sale, and determine that we have no significant continuing involvement in such property, we classify the results of operations for such property as discontinued operations. Interest expense that is specifically identifiable to properties included in discontinued operations is used in the computation of interest expense attributable to discontinued operations.

Sales of Interests in Real Estate

We recognize gains from sales of interests in real estate using the full accrual method, provided that various criteria relating to the terms of sale and any subsequent involvement by us with the real estate sold are met. We recognize gains relating to transactions that do not meet the requirements of the full accrual method of accounting when the full accrual method of accounting criteria are met.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all cash and liquid investments that mature three months or less from when they are purchased. Cash equivalents are reported at cost, which approximates fair value. We maintain our cash in bank accounts in amounts that may exceed Federally insured limits at times. We have not experienced any losses in these accounts in the past and believe that we are not exposed to significant credit risk because our accounts are deposited with major financial institutions.

Investments in Marketable Securities

We classify marketable securities as trading securities when we have the intent to sell such securities in the near term, and classify other marketable securities as available-for-sale securities. We determine the appropriate classification of investments in marketable securities at the acquisition date and re-evaluate the classification at each balance sheet date. We report investments in marketable securities classified as trading securities at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recognized through earnings. We report investments in marketable securities classified as available-for-sale securities at fair value, with net unrealized gains or losses deferred to AOCL and realized gains and losses resulting from sales of such investments recognized through earnings.

Accounts and Deferred Rents Receivable and Mortgage and Other Investing Receivables

We maintain allowances for estimated losses resulting from the failure of our customers or borrowers to satisfy their payment obligations. We use judgment in estimating these allowances based primarily upon the payment history and credit status of the entities associated with the individual receivables. We write off these receivables when we believe the facts and circumstances indicate that continued pursuit of collection is no longer warranted. When we earn interest income in connection with receivables for which we have established allowances, we establish allowances in connection with such interest income that is unpaid. When cash is received in connection with receivables for which we have established allowances, we reduce the amount of losses recognized in connection with the receivables’ allowance.

Intangible Assets and Deferred Revenue on Real Estate Acquisitions

We capitalize intangible assets and deferred revenue on real estate acquisitions as described in the section above entitled “Acquisitions of Properties.” We amortize the intangible assets and deferred revenue as follows:



		Amortization Period
Above- and below-market leases		Related lease terms
In-place lease value		Related lease terms
Tenant relationship value		Estimated period of time that tenant will lease space in property
Above- and below-market cost arrangements		Term of arrangements
Market concentration premium		40 years

We recognize the amortization of acquired above-market and below-market leases as adjustments to rental revenue. We recognize the amortization of above- and below- market cost arrangements as adjustments to property operating expenses. We recognize the amortization of other intangible assets on property acquisitions as amortization expense.

Deferred Leasing and Financing Costs, Net

We defer costs incurred to obtain new tenant leases or extend existing tenant leases, including related compensation costs. We amortize these costs evenly over the lease terms. When tenant leases are terminated early, we expense any unamortized deferred leasing costs associated with those leases over the shortened term of the lease.

We defer costs of financing arrangements and recognize these costs as interest expense over the related loan terms on a straight-line basis, which approximates the amortization that would occur under the effective interest method of amortization. We expense any unamortized loan costs when loans are retired early.

Noncontrolling Interests

Our consolidated noncontrolling interests are comprised of interests in our Operating Partnership and consolidated real estate joint ventures. We evaluate whether noncontrolling interests are subject to redemption features outside of our control. For noncontrolling interests that are currently redeemable or deemed probable to eventually become redeemable, we classify such interests as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the mezzanine section of our consolidated balance sheets; we adjust these interests each period to the greater of their fair value or carrying amount (initial amount as adjusted for allocations of income and losses and future contributions and distributions), with a corresponding offset to additional paid-in capital on our consolidated balance sheets, and only recognize reductions in such interests to the extent of their carrying amount. Our other noncontrolling interests are reported in the equity section of our consolidated balance sheets. The amounts reported for noncontrolling interests on our consolidated statements of operations represent the portion of these entities’ income or losses not attributable to us.

Common units of the Operating Partnership are substantially similar economically to our common shares. Common units not owned by us are also exchangeable into our common shares, subject to certain conditions.

The Operating Partnership has 352,000 Series I Preferred Units issued to an unrelated party that have an aggregate liquidation preference of $8.8 million ($25.00 per unit), plus any accrued and unpaid distributions of return thereon (as described below), and may be redeemed for cash by the Operating Partnership at our option any time after September 22, 2019. The owner of these units is entitled to a priority annual cumulative return equal to 7.5% of their liquidation preference through September 22, 2019; the annual cumulative preferred return increases for each subsequent five-year period, subject to certain maximum limits. These units are convertible into common units on the basis of 0.5 common units for each Series I Preferred Unit; the resulting common units would then be exchangeable for common shares in accordance with the terms of the Operating Partnership's agreement of limited partnership.

The table below sets forth activity in our redeemable noncontrolling interest (in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011
Beginning balance	$	8,908		$	9,000
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,565		)	(1,407		)
Adjustment to arrive at fair value of interest	3,955			1,315
Ending balance	$	10,298		$	8,908

Revenue Recognition

We recognize minimum rents, net of abatements, on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of tenant leases (including periods under bargain renewal options). The non-cancelable term of a lease includes periods when a tenant: (1) may not terminate its lease obligation early; or (2) may terminate its lease obligation early in exchange for a fee or penalty that we consider material enough such that termination would not be probable. We report the amount by which our minimum rental revenue recognized on a straight-line basis under leases exceeds the contractual rent billings associated with such leases as deferred rent receivable on our consolidated balance sheets. Amounts by which our minimum rental revenue recognized on a straight-line basis under leases are less than the contractual rent billings associated with such leases are included in deferred revenue associated with operating leases on our consolidated balance sheets.

In connection with a tenant's entry into, or modification of, a lease, if we make cash payments to, or on behalf of, the tenant for purposes other than funding the construction of landlord assets, we defer the amount of such payments as lease incentives. We amortize lease incentives as a reduction of rental revenue over the term of the lease.

We recognize tenant recovery revenue in the same periods in which we incur the related expenses. Tenant recovery revenue includes payments from tenants as reimbursement for property taxes, utilities and other property operating expenses.

We recognize fees received for lease terminations as revenue and write off against such revenue any (1) deferred rents receivable, and (2) deferred revenue, lease incentives and intangible assets that are amortizable into rental revenue associated with the leases; the resulting net amount is the net revenue from the early termination of the leases. When a tenant's lease for space in a property is terminated early but the tenant continues to lease such space under a new or modified lease in the property, the net revenue from the early termination of the lease is recognized evenly over the remaining life of the new or modified lease in place on that property.

We recognize fees for services provided by us once services are rendered, fees are determinable and collectability is assured. We recognize revenue under construction contracts using the percentage of completion method when the revenue and costs for such contracts can be estimated with reasonable accuracy; when these criteria do not apply to a contract, we recognize revenue on that contract using the completed contract method. Under the percentage of completion method, we recognize a percentage of the total estimated revenue on a contract based on the cost of services provided on the contract as of a point in time relative to the total estimated costs on the contract.

Interest Rate Derivatives

Our primary objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we primarily use interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for our making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Derivatives are used to hedge the cash flows associated with interest rates on existing debt as well as future debt. We recognize all derivatives as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at fair value. We defer the effective portion of changes in fair value of the designated cash flow hedges to accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) and reclassify such deferrals to interest expense as interest expense is recognized on the hedged forecasted transactions. We recognize the ineffective portion of the change in fair value of interest rate derivatives directly in interest expense. When an interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge no longer qualifies for hedge accounting, we recognize changes in fair value of the hedge previously deferred to AOCL, along with any changes in fair value occurring thereafter, through earnings. We do not use interest rate derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. We manage counter-party risk by only entering into contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other risk factors.

We use standard market conventions and techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models, replacement cost and termination cost in computing the fair value of derivatives at each balance sheet date.

Please refer to Note 11 for additional information pertaining to interest rate derivatives.

Expense Classification

We classify as property operations expense costs incurred for property taxes, ground rents, utilities, property management, insurance, repairs, exterior and interior maintenance and tenant revenue collection losses, as well as associated labor and indirect costs attributable to these costs.

We classify as general and administrative and leasing expenses costs incurred for corporate-level management, public company administration, asset management, leasing, investor relations, marketing and corporate-level insurance (including general business, director and officers and key man life) and leasing prospects, as well as associated labor and indirect costs attributable to these costs.

Share-Based Compensation

We issued two forms of share-based compensation: restricted common shares (“restricted shares”) and performance share units (“PSUs”). We also issued options to purchase common shares of beneficial interest (“options”) in prior years. We account for share-based compensation in accordance with authoritative guidance provided by the FASB that establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, focusing primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. The guidance requires us to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based generally on the fair value of the award on the grant date; such cost is then recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render the requisite service. The guidance also requires that share-based compensation be computed based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest; as a result, future forfeitures of awards are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. If an award is voluntarily cancelled by an employee, we recognize the previously unrecognized cost associated with the original award on the date of such cancellation. We capitalize costs associated with share-based compensation attributable to employees engaged in construction and development activities.

When we adopted the authoritative guidance on accounting for share-based compensation, we elected to adopt the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation. The alternative transition method enabled us to use a simplified method to establishing the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation, which was available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized subsequent to the adoption of this guidance.

We compute the fair value of options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Under that model, the risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected option life is based on our historical experience of employee exercise behavior. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of our common shares of beneficial interest (“common shares”). Expected dividend yield is based on the average historical dividend yield on our common shares over a period of time ending on the grant date of the options.

We compute the fair value of PSUs using a Monte Carlo model. Under that model, the baseline common share value is based on the market value on the grant date. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of our common shares.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

We adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) effective January 1, 2012 related to the presentation of comprehensive income that requires us 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. We adopted this guidance using retrospective application. This guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. Our adoption of this guidance did not affect our financial position, results of operations, cash flows or measurement of comprehensive income but did change the location of our disclosure pertaining to comprehensive income in our consolidated financial statements.

We adopted guidance issued by the FASB effective January 1, 2012 that amends measurement and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements to improve consistency with International Financial Reporting Standards. In connection with our adoption of this guidance, we made an accounting policy election to use an exception provided for in the guidance with respect to measuring counterparty credit risk for derivative instruments; this election enables us to continue to measure the fair value of groups of assets and liabilities associated with derivative instruments consistently with how market participants would price the net risk exposure at the measurement date. Our adoption of this guidance did not affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows but did result in additional disclosure pertaining to our fair value measurements.

We adopted guidance issued by the FASB effective January 1, 2012 relating to the testing of goodwill for impairment that permits us to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. This guidance eliminates the requirement to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. Our adoption of this guidance did not materially affect our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.