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Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2024

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared according to U.S. GAAP and include all majority-owned subsidiaries and consolidated seeded investment products. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Events subsequent to the balance sheet date have been evaluated for inclusion in the accompanying consolidated financial statements through the issuance date. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation with no effect on our consolidated net income or cash flows.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures,” to require disclosure of certain significant segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 is effective for our annual periods beginning January 1, 2024, and interim periods beginning January 1, 2025. We have adopted this standard for our fiscal year 2024 annual financial statements and interim financial statements thereafter and have applied this standard retrospectively for all prior periods presented in the financial statements.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” to expand the disclosure requirements for income taxes, specifically related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for our annual periods beginning January 1, 2025. We do not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses,” to expand disclosure requirements about specific expense categories within the notes to the financial statements. ASU 2024-03 is effective for our annual period beginning January 1, 2027 and interim periods beginning January 1, 2028. Adoption of this ASU can either be applied prospectively to consolidated financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date of this ASU or retrospectively to any or all prior periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. Early adoption is also permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the disclosures included in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and the differences could be material. Our significant estimates relate to investments, goodwill and intangible assets, retirement benefit assets and obligations, and income taxes.

Segment Information

We are a global asset manager and manage a range of investment products, operating across various product lines, distribution channels and geographic regions. However, resources are allocated and the business is managed by the chief operating decision-maker, the CEO, on an aggregated basis. Strategic and financial management decisions are determined centrally by the CEO and, on this basis, we operate as a single-segment investment management business.

Consolidation of Investment Products

We perform periodic consolidation analyses of our seeded investment products to determine if the product is a VIE or a VRE. Factors considered in this assessment include the product’s legal organization, the product’s capital structure and equity ownership, and any de facto agent implications of our involvement with the product. Investment products that are determined to be VIEs are consolidated if we are the primary beneficiary of the products. VREs are consolidated if we hold the majority voting interest. Upon the occurrence of certain events (such as contributions and redemptions, either by JHG or third parties, or amendments to the governing documents of our investment products), management reviews and reconsiders its previous conclusion regarding the status of a product as a VIE or a VRE. Additionally, management continually reconsiders whether we are considered a VIE’s primary beneficiary and thus would be required to consolidate such product or discontinue consolidation of the VIE if we are no longer considered the primary beneficiary.

Variable Interest Entities

Certain investment products for which a controlling financial interest is achieved through arrangements that do not involve or are not directly linked to voting interests are considered VIEs. We review factors, including whether or not (i) the product has equity that is sufficient to permit it to finance its activities without additional subordinated support from other parties and (ii) the equity holders at risk have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to direct the activities of the product that most significantly impact the product’s economic performance, to determine if the investment product is a VIE. We reevaluate such factors as facts and circumstances change.

We consolidate a VIE if we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is defined as the variable interest holder that has a controlling financial interest in the VIE. A controlling financial interest is defined as (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the product or the right to receive benefits from the product that potentially could be significant to the VIE.

We are the manager of various types of seeded investment products, which may be considered VIEs. Our involvement in financing the operations of the VIEs is generally limited to our investments in the products.

VIEs are generally subject to consolidation by us when we hold an economic interest of greater than 9% and we deconsolidate such VIEs once equity ownership equals or falls below 9%. VIEs are subject to specific disclosure requirements.

Voting Rights Entities

We consolidate seeded investment products accounted for as VREs when we are considered to control such products, which generally exist if we have a greater than 50% voting equity interest.

Property, Equipment and Software

Property, equipment and software are recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related assets (or the lease term, if shorter).

Computer software is recorded at cost and depreciated over its estimated useful life. Internal and external costs incurred in connection with researching or obtaining computer software for internal use are expensed as incurred during the preliminary project stage, as are post-implementation training and maintenance costs. Internal and external costs incurred for internal use software during the application development stage are capitalized until such time that the software is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Application development stage costs are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software.

An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. The amount of the impairment loss is equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value. The evaluation is based on an estimate of the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposal. If expected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over the fair value of the asset. There were no impairments of property, equipment and software for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

Cloud Computing Arrangements

Costs paid to vendors for third-party cloud-based hosting services are capitalized and recorded to other current assets or other non-current assets and subsequently amortized to general, administrative and occupancy expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract. Implementation costs incurred related to the cloud hosting arrangement are capitalized or expensed depending on the nature of the costs and the project stage during which they are incurred. We capitalize costs incurred during the application development stage to other assets and other non-current assets and subsequently amortize those costs to general, administrative and occupancy expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract beginning when the asset is ready for its intended use.

Debt

Long-term debt consists of senior notes and is stated at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any issuance costs and any discount or premium on settlement. Debt will cease to be recognized when the obligation under the liability has been discharged or cancelled or has expired.

Investments

Seeded Investment Products

We periodically add new investment strategies to our investment product offerings by providing the initial cash investment (“seed capital”). The primary purpose of seed capital is to generate an investment performance track record in a product to attract third-party investors. Seeded investment products are initially assessed for consolidation. If it is determined consolidation is required, the individual securities within the portfolio are accounted for as investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. If consolidation is not required, the fair value is determined using the number of shares held multiplied by the share price of the respective fund. The change in fair value of seeded investment products is recorded within investment gains (losses), net in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Noncontrolling interests in consolidated seeded investment products represent third-party ownership interests and are included within investments in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These assets are not available for general corporate purposes and may be redeemed by the third parties at any time.

Refer to the Consolidation of Investment Products section in this note for information regarding the consolidation of certain seeded investment products.

We may redeem invested seed capital for a variety of reasons, including when third-party investments in the relevant product are sufficient to sustain the given investment strategy. The length of time we hold a majority interest in a product varies based on a number of factors, including market demand, market conditions, investment performance and internal policies.

Investments in Advised Mutual Funds and Investments Related to the Economic Hedging of Deferred Compensation

We grant mutual fund share awards to employees that are indexed to certain funds managed by us. Upon vesting, participants receive the value of the mutual fund share awards adjusted for gains or losses attributable to the mutual funds to which the award was indexed, subject to tax withholding, or participants receive shares in the mutual fund. When investments in our fund products are purchased and held against deferred compensation liabilities, any movement in the fair value of the assets and corresponding movements in the deferred compensation liability are recognized within the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

We maintain deferred compensation plans for certain highly compensated employees and members of the Board of Directors. Eligible participants may defer a portion of their compensation and have the ability to earn a return by indexing their deferrals to mutual funds managed by us and our subsidiaries. We make no contributions to the plans. To protect against market variability of the liability, we create an economic hedge by investing in mutual funds that are consistent with the deferred amounts and mutual fund elections of the participants. Such investments remain assets of JHG. Changes in market value of the liability to participants are recognized as long-term incentive plans within our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, and changes in the market value of the mutual fund securities are recognized within investment gains (losses), net in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Equity Method Investments

Our investment in equity method investees, where we do not control the investee but can exert significant influence over the financial and operating policies (generally considered to be ownership between 20% and 50%), is accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

Investments are initially recognized at cost when purchased for cash or at the fair value of shares received where acquired as part of a wider transaction. The investments are subsequently carried at cost adjusted for our share of net income or loss and other changes in comprehensive income of the equity method investee, less any dividends or distributions received by us. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income includes our share of net income or loss for the year, or period of ownership, if shorter, within investment gains (losses), net.

Trade Receivables

Trade receivables are initially recognized at fair value, which is normally equivalent to the invoice amount. When the time value of money is material, the fair value is discounted. Provision for specific doubtful accounts is made when there is evidence that we may not be able to recover balances in full. Balances are written off when the receivable amount is deemed uncollectable.

OEIC and Unit Trust Receivables and Payables

OEIC and unit trust receivables and payables are in relation to the purchase of units/shares (by investors) and the liquidation of units/shares (owned by trustees). The amounts are dependent on the level of trading and fund switches in the four working days leading up to the end of the period. Since they are held with different counterparties, the amounts are presented gross on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash held at banks, on-demand deposits, investments in money market instruments, highly liquid short-term debt securities and commercial paper with a maturity date of three months or less. Cash balances maintained by consolidated VREs are not considered legally restricted and are included within cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets while cash balances held by consolidated VIEs are disclosed separately as a component of assets of consolidated VIEs in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cash held in consolidated VREs and VIEs is not available to us to use in our operations.

Derivative Instruments

We may, from time to time, use derivative financial instruments to mitigate price, interest rate, foreign currency and credit risk. We do not designate derivative instruments as hedges for accounting purposes.

Derivative instruments are measured at fair value and classified as either other current assets or accounts payable and accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recorded within investment gains (losses), net in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Our consolidated seed investments may also be party to derivative instruments. These derivative instruments are disclosed separately from our corporate derivative instruments.

Leases

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are included in other non-current assets within our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The current and non-current portions of operating lease liabilities are included within accounts payable and accrued liabilities and within other non-current liabilities, respectively.

Finance lease ROU assets are included within property, equipment and software, net. The current and non-current portions of finance lease liabilities are included within accounts payable and accrued liabilities and within other non-current liabilities, respectively.

ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide a stated rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term within general, administrative and occupancy expense within our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests that are not subject to redemption rights are classified in equity. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are classified outside of equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are measured at the estimated fair value as of the balance sheet date. Noncontrolling interests in consolidated seed investments are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests where there is an obligation on the fund to repurchase units at the investor’s request.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as publicly traded securities and derivatives) is based on quoted market prices at the reporting date. The quoted market price used for financial instruments is the last traded market price for both financial assets and financial liabilities where the last traded price falls within the bid ask spread. In circumstances where the last traded price is not within the bid ask spread, management will determine the point within the bid ask spread that is most representative of fair value current bid price. The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined using valuation techniques commonly used by market participants, including the use of comparable recent arm’s length transactions, discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis and option pricing models. Estimating fair value requires significant management judgment, including benchmarking to similar instruments with observable market data and applying appropriate discounts that reflect differences between the securities that we are valuing and the selected benchmark.

Measurements of fair value are classified within a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable.

The valuation hierarchy contains three levels:

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Level 1 — Valuation inputs are unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

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Level 2 — Valuation inputs are quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and other observable inputs directly or indirectly related to the asset or liability being measured; and

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Level 3 — Valuation inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The valuation of an asset or liability may involve inputs from more than one level of the hierarchy. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Level 1 Fair Value Measurements

Our Level 1 fair value measurements consist mostly of seeded investment products, investments in advised mutual funds, cash equivalents and investments related to deferred compensation plans with quoted market prices in active markets. The fair value level of consolidated investments held by seeded investment products is determined by the underlying securities of the product. The fair value level of unconsolidated seeded investment products is determined by the NAV, which is considered a quoted price in an active market.

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements

Our Level 2 fair value measurements consist mostly of consolidated seeded investment products and our long-term debt. The fair value of consolidated seeded investment products is determined by the underlying securities of the product. The fair value of our long-term debt is determined using broker quotes and recent trading activity, which are considered Level 2 inputs.

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

Our assets and liabilities measured at Level 3 are primarily deferred compensation liabilities that are held against investments in our fund products where the significant valuation inputs are unobservable.

Details of inputs used to calculate the fair value of contingent deferred consideration can be found in Note 10 — Fair Value Measurements in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

Nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements include goodwill and intangible assets. We measure the fair value of goodwill and intangible assets on initial recognition using DCF analysis that requires assumptions regarding projected future earnings and discount rates. Because of the significance of the unobservable inputs in the fair value measurements of these assets and liabilities, such measurements are classified as Level 3. See the Goodwill and Intangible Assets accounting policy set forth within this note for further information.

Investments Measured at Net Asset Values

As a practical expedient, the Company uses the NAV as the fair value for certain investments. Investments in fund products for which fair value is estimated using the NAV as a practical expedient (when the NAV is available to the Company as an investor but is not publicly available) are not classified in the fair value hierarchy.

Income Taxes

We provide for current tax expense according to the tax laws in each jurisdiction in which we operate, using tax rates and laws that have been enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted income tax rates that may be in effect when these differences reverse. The effect of changes in tax rates on our deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized as income tax within net income in the period that includes the enactment date. Significant management judgment is required in developing our provision for income taxes, including the valuation allowances that might be required against deferred tax assets and the evaluation of unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

We periodically assess the recoverability of our deferred tax assets and the need for valuation allowances on these assets. We make these assessments based on the weight of available evidence regarding possible sources of future taxable income and estimates relating to the future performance of the business that results in taxable income.

In evaluating uncertain tax positions, we consider the probability that the tax benefit can be sustained on examination by a taxing authority on the basis of its technical merits (“the recognition threshold”). For tax positions meeting this threshold, the amount recognized within the financial statements is the benefit expected to be realized upon settlement with the taxing authority on the basis of a cumulative-probability assessment of the possible outcomes. For tax positions not meeting the recognition threshold, no financial statement benefit is recognized. We recognize the accrual of interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as a component of the income tax provision.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is determined based on the transaction price negotiated with the customer, net of rebates. Management fees, performance fees, shareowner servicing fees and other revenue are derived from providing professional services to manage investment products.

Management fees are earned over time as services are provided and are generally based on a percentage of the market value of AUM. These fees are calculated as a percentage of either the daily, month-end or quarter-end average asset balance in accordance with contractual agreements.

Performance fees are specified in certain fund and client contracts and are based on investment performance either on an absolute basis or compared to an established index over a specified period of time. Performance fees are generated on certain management contracts when performance hurdles or other specified criteria are achieved. Performance fees for all fund ranges and other investment products are recognized when it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue recognized will not occur in future periods. Certain fund contracts allow for negative performance fees where there is underperformance against the relevant index. There are no performance fee contracts where revenue can be clawed back. There are no cumulative revenues recognized that would be reversed if all of the existing investments became worthless.

Management fees are primarily earned monthly or quarterly, while performance fees are usually earned monthly, quarterly or annually, although the frequency of receipt varies between agreements. Management and performance fee revenue earned but not yet received is recognized within fees and other receivables on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Shareowner servicing fees are earned for services rendered related to transfer agent and administrative activities performed for investment products. These services are transferred over time and are generally based on a percentage of the market value of AUM.

Other revenue includes distribution and servicing fees earned from U.S. mutual funds associated with mutual fund transfer agent, accounting, shareholder servicing and participant recordkeeping activities. These services are transferred over time and are generally based on a percentage of the market value of AUM.

U.S. Mutual Fund Performance Fees

The investment management fee paid by each U.S. mutual fund subject to a performance fee is the base management fee plus or minus a performance fee adjustment as determined by the relative investment performance of the fund compared to a specified benchmark index. Under the performance-based fee structure, the investment advisory fee paid by each fund consists of two components: (i) a base fee calculated by applying the contractual fixed rate of the advisory fee to the fund’s average daily net assets during the previous month, plus or minus (ii) a performance fee adjustment calculated by applying a variable rate of up to 0.15% to the fund’s average daily net assets during the performance measurement period. The performance measurement period is a rolling 36-month period.

The addition of performance fees to all funds without such fees is subject to the approval of both a majority of the shareholders of such funds and the funds’ independent board of trustees.

Principal Versus Agent

We use third-party intermediaries to fulfill certain performance obligations in our revenue agreements. Generally, we are considered the principal in these arrangements because we control the investment management and other related services before they are transferred to customers. Such control is evidenced by our primary responsibility to customers, the ability to negotiate the third-party contract price and select and direct third-party service providers, or a combination of these factors. Therefore, distribution and service fee revenues and the related third-party distribution and service expenses are reported on a gross basis.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses are accrued and recognized as incurred.

Stock-Based Compensation

We grant stock-based awards to certain employees, all of which are classified as equity settled stock-based payments. Equity settled stock-based payments are measured at the fair value of the shares at the grant date. The awards are expensed, with a corresponding increase in equity, on a graded basis over the vesting period. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.

The grant date fair value for stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and the grant date fair value of restricted stock is determined from the market price on the date of grant. The Black-Scholes model requires management to determine certain variables; the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model include dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected life. The dividend yield and expected volatility are determined using historical Company data. The risk-free interest rate for options granted is based on the three-year UK treasury coupon at the time of the grant. The expected life of the stock options is generally three years.

We generally use the Monte Carlo model to determine the fair value of performance-based awards with market conditions. The assumptions used in the Monte Carlo model include dividend yield, share price volatility and discount rate.

Commissions

Commissions on management fees are accounted for on an accrual basis and are recognized in the accounting period in which the associated management fee is earned.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share attributable to our shareholders is calculated by dividing net income (adjusted for the allocation of earnings to participating restricted stock awards) by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding. We calculate earnings per share using the two-class method. We have certain participating restricted stock awards that are paid non-forfeitable dividends. Under the two-class method, net income attributable to JHG is adjusted for the allocation of earnings to participating restricted stock awards.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated in a similar way to basic earnings per share but is adjusted for the effect of potential common shares unless they are anti-dilutive.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of the identifiable net assets of acquired companies and is capitalized within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Intangible assets consist primarily of investment management contracts and trademarks acquired as part of business combinations. Investment management contracts have been identified as separately identifiable intangible assets arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries or businesses. Such contracts are recognized at the present value of the expected future cash flows of the investment management contracts at the date of acquisition. Investment management contracts may be classified as either indefinite-lived investment management contracts or definite-lived client relationships.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets comprise investment management agreements where the agreements are with investment companies themselves and not with underlying investors. Such contracts are typically renewed indefinitely and, therefore, we consider the contract life to be indefinite and, as a result, the contracts are not amortized. Definite-lived intangible assets comprise certain other investment management contracts, client relationships and trademarks. Definite-lived client relationships are amortized on a straight-line basis over their remaining useful lives.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. Intangible assets subject to amortization are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the fair value of our sole reporting unit or intangible asset is less than the carrying value, an impairment is recognized. Any impairment is recognized immediately through net income and cannot subsequently be reversed. We have determined that we have one reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes, which is consistent with internal management reporting and management’s oversight of operations. We may first assess goodwill for impairment using qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test.

Goodwill and intangible assets require significant management estimates and judgment, including the valuation and expected life determination upon inception and the ongoing evaluation for impairment.

Foreign Currency

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the appropriate exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency monetary balances at the reporting date are converted at the prevailing exchange rate. Foreign currency non-monetary balances carried at fair value or cost are translated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value or cost is determined. Gains and losses arising on remeasurement are recognized as a component of net income.

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of our operations for which the functional currency is not USD are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date. Income and expense items are recognized at the appropriate exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency translation differences arising, if any, are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income. In the period in which an operation is liquidated, translation differences previously recognized within accumulated other comprehensive income are recognized as a component of net income.

Post-Employment Retirement Benefits

We provide employees with retirement benefits through a defined contribution plan. Additionally, we provide a defined benefit contribution to certain employees; however, the defined benefit contribution plan is closed to new members. The assets of these plans are held separately from our general assets in trustee-administered funds.

Contributions to the defined contribution plan are expensed to employee compensation and benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income when they become payable.

Defined benefit obligations and the cost of providing benefits are determined annually by independent qualified actuaries using the projected unit credit method. Our annual measurement date of the defined benefit plan is December 31. The defined benefit obligation is measured as the present value of the estimated future cash outflows using a discount rate based on AA-rated corporate bond yields of appropriate duration. The plan assets are recognized at fair value. The funded status of the defined benefit pension plans (the resulting surplus or deficit of defined benefit assets less liabilities) is recognized within retirement benefit asset, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of any taxes that would be deducted at source.

Actuarial gains and losses arise as a result of the difference between actual experience and actuarial assumptions. We have adopted the 10% corridor method for recognizing actuarial gains and losses, which means that cumulative actuarial gains or losses up to an amount equal to 10% of the higher of the liabilities or assets of the scheme (the corridor) have no immediate impact on net income and are instead recognized through other comprehensive income. Cumulative gains or losses greater than the corridor are amortized to net income over the average future lifetime of inactive members of the plan on the grounds that there are no further active members of the plans remaining.

Net periodic benefit cost is recorded as a component of net income within the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and includes service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets and any actuarial gains and losses previously recognized as a component of other comprehensive income that have been amortized in the period. Net periodic benefit costs, with the exception of service costs, are recognized within other non-operating income (expense), net on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; service costs are recognized within employee compensation and benefits.

Common Stock

JHG’s ordinary shares, par value $1.50 per share, are classified as equity instruments. Equity shares issued by us are recorded at the fair value of the proceeds received or the market price on the day of issue. Direct issue costs, net of tax, are deducted from additional paid-in-capital within equity.

Treasury shares held are equity shares of JHG acquired by or issued to employee benefit trusts. Treasury shares held are recorded at cost and are deducted from equity. No gain or loss is recognized within the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income on the purchase, issue, sale or cancellation of our own equity shares.