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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a)
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, the main operating currency of the Company. The consolidated financial statements prepared under GAAP for all periods presented include retroactive adjustments to comparative periods to reflect the combinations under common control described in Note 1 related to TAMCO and the Contribution Transactions. All intercompany items have been eliminated for these periods.
(b)
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidated accounts of Tiptree and (i) its wholly-owned subsidiaries, (ii) subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest, and (iii) certain other entities known as variable interest entities (VIEs) in which Tiptree, through its subsidiaries, is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. This consolidation, particularly with respect to the VIEs, significantly impacts these consolidated financial statements.
(c)
Variable Interest Entities
ASC Topic 810, Consolidations, requires the consolidation of a VIE into the financial statements of the entity that is considered the VIE’s primary beneficiary. ASC Topic 810 provides a framework for determining whether an entity should be considered a VIE and accordingly evaluated for consolidation. If an entity is a VIE, it would then need to be determined whether Tiptree’s relationship, direct or indirect through subsidiaries, to the VIE (whether contractual, through direct investments in the entity, or otherwise) results in a variable interest. If Tiptree does have a variable interest in the entity, it would then need to be determined whether Tiptree is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. For VIEs, if Tiptree is deemed to (i) have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance and (ii) either the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the VIE, then Tiptree would be deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and would be required to consolidate the VIE. Generally, TAMCO’s contractual relationship as collateral manager of the CLOs described herein satisfies criteria (i) of the prior sentence, and its ownership interests in and/or ability to earn certain incentive or other management fees in certain CLOs can typically satisfy criteria (ii).
Prior to the closing of the acquisition of TAMCO, it was established that TAMCO was the primary beneficiary of two CLOs that it managed as well as any subsequent CLOs that are established. As such, the financials statements of these CLOs are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. See Note 1.
The consolidation of the CLOs required the initial recognition of the assets and liabilities at fair value as of January 1, 2010. Since the assets are solely for the benefit of the beneficial interest holders (liability holders) and no residual value from their liquidation is available to TAMCO, the difference between the fair value of the assets of the CLOs and its liabilities upon consolidation have been reflected as appropriated retained earnings. Given the nature and activity of the CLOs, TAMCO has applied the investment company accounting guidance to the CLOs’ financial statements and as such, recognizes changes in fair value of the assets of the CLOs and accreted the fair value adjustment to the liabilities of the CLOs (recorded upon consolidation) in the consolidated statements of operations. A portion of the results of operations of the CLOs are reflected as net income (loss) attributable to subordinated noteholders and as an adjustment to the appropriated retained earnings as that pertains to the amount of subordinated interests of the CLOs not held by Tiptree.
Tiptree has an approximate 25% ownership interest in Operating Subsidiary as of September 30, 2013. Based on the VIE guidance in ASC Topic 810, Operating Subsidiary has been determined to be a VIE and Tiptree has been determined to be the primary beneficiary of Operating Subsidiary. TFP's approximate 75% non-controlling interest in Operating Subsidiary is reflected as such in the consolidated statements of operations.
(d)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The estimates and assumptions most susceptible to change are the valuation of securities, loans, separate account assets, derivative positions, and acquired assets and liabilities. Although these and other estimates and assumptions are based on the best available estimates, actual results could differ materially from management’s estimates.
(e)
New accounting pronouncements
In June 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-08, Financial Services-Investment Companies (Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements. This ASU introduces a new approach for assessing whether an entity is an investment company. To determine whether an entity is an investment company for accounting purposes, Tiptree will now be required to evaluate the fundamental and typical characteristics of the entity including its purpose and design. The amendments in the ASU will be effective for Tiptree in the first quarter of 2014. Earlier application is prohibited. Management is evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU.

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (ASU 2013-11), which provides that a liability related to an unrecognized tax benefit would be offset against a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. In situations in which a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the jurisdiction or the tax law of the jurisdiction does not require, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit will be presented in the financial statements as a liability and will not be combined with deferred tax assets. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. ASU 2013-11 will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact on its financial statements once it adopts this new guidance.
(f)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments of sufficient credit quality with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of U.S. denominated cash on hand and cash held in banks. The Company’s restricted cash primarily consists of cash held by its consolidated CLOs as well as cash that is collateral for any U.S. Treasury short positions held. The cash related to CLO's can only be utilized by the individual CLOs, and cannot be distributed and as such is not available to the Company for its use.
(g)
Fair Value Measurement
ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value, describes the framework for measuring fair value, and addresses fair value measurement disclosures. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
ASC Topic 820 establishes a three‑level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels, from highest to lowest, are defined as follows:
Level 1 – Unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
    Level 2 – Significant inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.
The types of financial assets and liabilities carried at level 2 are valued based on one or more of the following:
a)
Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
b)
Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in nonactive markets;
c)
Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
d)
Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
    Level 3 – Significant inputs that are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, including the Company’s own data and assumptions that are used in pricing the asset or liability.
The availability of observable inputs can vary depending on the financial asset or liability and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of product, whether the product is new, whether the product is traded on an active exchange or in the secondary market, and the current market conditions. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and the consideration of factors specific to the asset. From time to time, the Company’s assets and liabilities will transfer between one level to another level. It is the Company’s policy to recognize transfers between different levels at the end of each reporting period.
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such assets and liabilities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. The Company’s fair value measurement is based on a market approach, which utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable financial instruments. Sources of inputs to the market approach include a third-party pricing services, independent broker quotations or pricing matrices. Management analyzes the third party valuation methodologies and its related inputs to perform assessments to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy and to assess reliability of values. Further, management has a process in place to review all changes in fair value from measurement period to measurement period. Any discrepancies or unusual observations are followed through to resolution through the source of the pricing as well as utilizing comparisons, if applicable, to alternate pricing sources.
The Company utilizes observable and unobservable inputs within its valuation methodologies. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. In addition, specific issuer information and other market data is used. For broker quotes, quotes are obtained from sources recognized to be market participants. Unobservable inputs may include: expected cash flow streams, default rates, supply and demand considerations and market volatility.
Trading Securities: Trading securities consist primarily of privately held equity securities, exchange-traded equity securities, U.S. Treasury securities (USTs), CLOs, collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), asset backed securities (ABSs), loans, and tax exempt securities. The fair value of privately held equity securities are either based on quotes obtained from dealers or internally developed valuation models. Because significant inputs used to determine the dealer quotes or model values are not observable, such as projected future earnings and price volatility, the Company has classified them within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Exchange-traded equity securities are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange. These securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied. Accordingly, they are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. USTs are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied. They are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Positions in securitized products such as CLOs, CDOs, and ABSs are based on quotes obtained from dealers. When these quotes are based directly or indirectly on observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets exchanged in an active or inactive market, the Company has classified them within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. If these quotes are based on valuation models using unobservable inputs such as expected future cash flows, default rates, supply and demand considerations, and market volatility, the Company has classified them within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of tax exempt securities is determined by obtaining quotes from independent pricing services. In most cases, quotes are obtained from two pricing services and the average of both quotes is used. The independent pricing services determine their quotes using observable inputs such as current interest rates, specific issuer information and other market data for such securities. Therefore, the estimate of fair value is subject to a high degree of variability based upon market conditions, the availability of issuer information and the assumptions made. The valuation inputs used to arrive at fair value for such debt obligations are generally classified within Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Available for sale securities: Available for sale securities consist primarily of obligations of states and political subdivisions, USTs, certificates of deposit, ABSs, and corporate bonds. These securities will generally be classified within either Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of fixed maturity securities is based on estimated fair value obtained from an independent pricing service, where available. If listed prices or quotes are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use primarily market‑based or independently sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves, option volatilities, and currency rates.
Derivative Assets and Liabilities: Derivative assets and liabilities are comprised of credit default swaps (CDS), and interest rate swaps (IRS). The fair value of derivative assets and liabilities is based upon valuation pricing models, which represent what the Company would expect to receive or pay at the balance sheet date if the contracts were canceled. In general, the fair value of CDSs are based on dealer quotes. Because significant inputs used to determine the dealer quotes are not observable, such as price volatility, the Company has classified them as Level 3. The fair value of IRS is determined by obtaining broker or counterparty quotes. Because there were observable inputs used to arrive at these quotes, the Company has classified the IRS within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Separate Account Assets: Separate account assets are primarily invested in alternative investments (which include investments in limited partnerships, private equity funds, hedge funds, and fund of funds), mutual funds, fixed maturity securities, and equity securities. The alternative investments are valued at estimated fair value with the assistance of the investment managers of the underlying alternative investments. Since the entities underlying these alternative investments are investment companies for accounting purposes, as a practical expedient, the Company utilizes the separate account’s proportionate interest in the fair value of the underlying net assets to determine the fair value of these investments. The fair value of the underlying net assets of each alternative investment is determined from financial information provided by the investment manager. These alternative investments are generally classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Most hedge fund investments are classified as Level 3. However, some hedge fund investments with minimal liquidity restrictions such as no lockup period, redemption notification of 35 days or less, withdrawal frequency greater than annually, and withdrawal payouts within 30 days are classified within Level 2. Mutual funds and equity securities are exchange-traded and are valued based on quoted market prices from independent pricing services and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. U.S. Treasury securities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and all other fixed maturity securities are classified within Level 2.
Cash and Cash Equivalents – Unrestricted: The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents - unrestricted are carried at cost which approximates fair value.
Cash and Cash Equivalents – Restricted: The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents - restricted are carried at cost which approximates fair value.
Due from Brokers, Dealers, and Trustees and Due to Brokers, Dealers and Trustees: The carrying amounts of these assets and liabilities approximate their fair value due to their relatively short‑term nature.
Loans Owned, at Amortized Cost: The fair value of loans owned, at amortized cost is computed by discounting the expected future cash flows at market rates. Variable rate lines of credit outstanding are assumed to be at fair value.
Mortgage Notes Payable: The fair value of notes payable is determined based on contractual cash flows discounted at market rates.
Notes Payable: The fair value of notes payable is determined based on either dealer quotes or contractual cash flows discounted at market rates.
Policy Loans: The fair value of policy loans is deemed to be the carrying value, which is unpaid principal and accrued interest. Policy loans are not marketable instruments and can only be satisfied by the policy owner for the value carried.
For the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, $15,001 was transferred between Level 2 and Level 3. For the nine month period ended September 30 2012, $43,512 was transferred from Level 3 into Level 2. The majority of these amounts were due to CLOs, as quoted prices for these assets were obtained from active markets.
(h)
Investments
The Company records all security transactions on a trade‑date basis. Realized gains/(losses) are generally determined using the specific-identification method. ASC Topic 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities, requires the Company to classify its investment assets as trading, available for sale or held to maturity.
(i)
Trading Securities
Debt and equity securities classified as trading securities are intended to be sold at any time and are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains/(losses) included in the consolidated statements of operations.
(j)
Available for Sale Securities
Debt securities classified as available for sale are intended to be held for indefinite periods of time and include those debt securities that management may sell as part of its asset/liability management strategy or in response to changes in interest rates, resultant prepayment risk or other factors. Debt securities held as available for sale securities are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains/(losses), net of related tax effects, excluded from earnings and reported as other comprehensive income.
Realized gains/(losses) on the sale of debt securities are calculated by the specific-identification method. The Company regularly monitors the difference between cost and the estimated fair value of its available for sale securities, which involves uncertainty as to whether declines in value are temporary in nature. If the Company believes a decline in the value of a particular security is temporary, it records the decline as an unrealized loss in equity. If the decline is deemed to be other than temporary, the Company writes it down to the carrying value of the security and records an other‑than‑temporary impairment loss on its consolidated statements of operations, regardless of whether the Company continues to hold the security. Management’s assessment of a decline in value includes, among other things: (i) the duration of time and the relative magnitude to which fair value of the security has been below cost; (ii) the financial condition and near‑term prospects of the issuer of the investment; (iii) extraordinary events, including negative news releases and rating agency downgrades, with respect to the issuer of the investment; (iv) the Company’s ability and intent to hold an equity security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipate recovery; (v) whether it is more likely than not that the Company will sell a security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Further, for securities expected to be sold, an other‑than‑temporary impairment loss is recognized if the Company does not expect the fair value of a security to recover its cost prior to the expected date of sale. If that judgment changes in the future, the Company may ultimately record a realized loss after having originally concluded that the decline in value was temporary. Risks and uncertainties are inherent in the methodology the Company uses to assess other‑than‑temporary declines in value. Risks and uncertainties could include, but are not limited to, incorrect assumptions about financial condition, liquidity or future prospects, and unfavorable changes in economic and social conditions, interest rates or credit ratings.
(k)
Investments in Loans at Fair Value
The CLOs managed by the Company contain a diversified portfolio of middle market leveraged loans carried at estimated fair value. In general, the fair value of leveraged loans are obtained from an independent pricing service which provides secondary coverage of market participants. The values represent a composite of mark-to-market bid/offer prices and are classified as Level 2. In certain instances the Company will make its own determination of fair value of leveraged loans based on internal models and other unobservable inputs and the Company classified these leveraged loans as Level 3. The changes in fair values of investments in loans are reported in the consolidated statements of operations.
(l)
Investments in Loans at Amortized Cost
Certain loans held for investment are held at amortized cost. The Company periodically reviews its loans for impairment. Impairment losses are taken for impaired loans based on the fair value of collateral on an individual loan basis. The fair value of the collateral may be determined by an evaluation of operating cash flow from the property during the projected holding period, and/or estimated sales value computed by applying an expected capitalization rate to the stabilized net operating income of the specific property, less selling costs. Whichever method is used, other factors considered relate to geographic trends and project diversification, the size of the portfolio and current economic conditions. When it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts contractually due, the loan would be considered impaired.
Interest income is generally recognized using the effective interest method or on a basis approximating a level rate of return over the term of the loan. Nonaccrual loans are those on which the accrual of interest has been suspended. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status and considered nonperforming when full payment of principal and interest is in doubt, or when principal or interest is 90 days or more past due and collateral, if any, is insufficient to cover principal and interest. Interest accrued but not collected at the date a loan is placed on nonaccrual status is reversed against interest income. In addition, the amortization of net deferred loan fees is suspended. Interest income on nonaccrual loans may be recognized only to the extent it is received in cash. However, where there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectability of loan principal, cash receipts on such nonaccrual loans are applied to reduce the carrying value of such loans. Nonaccrual loans may be returned to accrual status when repayment is reasonably assured and there has been demonstrated performance under the terms of the loan or, if applicable, the restructured terms of such loan. The Company did not have any loans on nonaccrual status as of September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012.
(m)
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company recognizes all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The Company has not designated any derivative transactions as accounting hedges, and consequently, has not applied hedge accounting treatment. The changes in the fair values of the derivative financial instruments are reported in the consolidated statements of operations.
(n)
Real Estate and Identifiable Intangible Assets
Real estate and identified intangible assets are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Betterments, major renewals and certain costs directly related to the acquisition, improvement and leasing of real estate are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation is provided on a straight‑line basis over the assets’ estimated useful lives which range from 9 to 40 years. Amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over the life of the in-place leases.
Upon the acquisition of real estate, management will assess the fair value of acquired assets (including land, buildings and improvements, and identified intangible assets such as above and below market leases and acquired in‑place leases and customer relationships) and acquired liabilities and then allocate purchase price based on these assessments. Management assesses fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions that may affect the property. Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are based on management’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each property and the respective tenant’s lease. Factors considered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods and market conditions. In estimating carrying costs, the Company includes estimates of lost rents at estimated market rates during the hypothetical expected lease-up periods, which are dependent on local market conditions and expected trends.
Real estate properties, including any related intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC 360, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. If such reviews indicate that the asset is impaired, the asset’s carrying amount is written down to its fair value. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value. The fair value is determined by using a discounted cash flow model and appropriate discount and capitalization rates. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including historical operating results, leases in place, known trends, and market/economic conditions that may affect the property. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is subjective and is based, in part, on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates, and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results. If anticipated holdings periods change or estimated cash flows decline based on market conditions or otherwise, an impairment loss may be recognized. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less estimated costs to sell. There were no material impairments on our wholly-owned real estate investments and intangibles for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, except for the impairment on our investment in SMC as discussed in Note 9.
In addition, the Company also carries intangible assets, which represent insurance licensing agreements, insurance servicing agreement and leases in place. Management has deemed the insurance licensing agreements to have indefinite useful life and performs impairment tests on these assets at least annually. The Company recorded an intangible asset related to administration servicing rights acquired in connection with the acquisition of Hartford Life Private Placement LLC. This intangible asset is being amortized in relation to expected gross profits over the life of the serving rights. Annual impairment testing is performed on both the insurance servicing agreement and the leases in place. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, there was no impairment recognized on these assets.
(o)
Insurance Policies and Contracts Acquired
Insurance policies and contracts acquired is an intangible asset held by a subsidiary of the Company which reflects the estimated fair value of insurance policies and contracts in force at the time the subsidiary was acquired by the Company. The amount represents the portion of the purchase price of the subsidiary that is allocated to the value of the right to received future cash flows from the policies and contracts. Insurance policies and contracts acquired is based on actuarially determined projections of premiums, future policy and contract charges, mortality, surrenders/withdrawals, separate account investment performance and operating expenses and is maintained by line of business. Actual experience may vary from these projections.
The Company amortizes insurance policies and contracts acquired over the estimated lives of the policies and contracts in proportion to actual and estimated future gross profits. Each reporting period, the Company updates the estimated gross profits with actual gross profits for the period. In addition, assumptions are reviewed and updated as necessary. Cumulative amortization is recalculated and adjusted by a cumulative charge or credit to current earnings. Estimated gross profits are regularly reviewed to determine the recoverability of insurance policies and contracts acquired.
(p)
Investments in Partially-Owned Entities
The Company invests in real estate‑related equity interests that allow it to participate in a percentage of the underlying property’s cash flows from operations and proceeds from a sale or refinancing. At the inception of the investment, it must be determined whether such investment should be accounted for as a loan, joint venture or as real estate. For the periods ended September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, the Company held three, real estate‑related investments and accounted for such investments under the equity method.
The Company assesses whether there are indicators that the value of its partially-owned entities may be impaired. An investment’s value is impaired if management determines that a decline in the value of the investment below its carrying value is other than temporary. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the estimated value of the investment. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, the Company recognized a $40 other than temporary impairment on one of its investments. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, the Company did not recognize any impairment.
(q)
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Policy acquisition costs for traditional life insurance products are generally deferred and amortized over the premium paying period of the policy. Deferred policy acquisition costs and policy initiation costs related to universal life and investment‑type products are amortized in relation to expected gross profits over the life of the policies.
(r)
Separate Accounts
Separate account assets and liabilities represent variable annuity and variable universal life contract funds invested primarily in private and public equity securities, fixed maturities and investment partnerships. The separate account assets and liabilities are reported at fair value in the consolidated financial statements.
The assets of the separate accounts are legally segregated and are not subject to the claims that arise out of any other business of the Company or its subsidiaries.
Investment income, gains and losses are accrued directly to the policyholders and are not included in the results of operations of the Company. Premiums and deposits received and payments made on the policyholder’s accumulated account value are excluded from the amounts reported in the consolidated statements of operations.
(s)
Future Policy Benefits and Policyholder Deposits
Future policy benefit reserves are determined using the net level premium method, which provides for benefits based upon estimated future investment yield, expected mortality and estimated policy lapses. Interest rate assumptions range from 3.0% to 6.0%. Mortality has been calculated principally on an experience multiple applied to select and ultimate tables in common usage in the insurance industry. Estimated policy lapses have been determined principally based upon historical experience. Future policy benefit reserves for universal life policies consist of premiums received plus credited interest less accumulated policyholder assessments. These items are included in policy liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
(t)
Rental Revenue
The Company recognizes rental revenue in accordance with ASC 840, Leases (ASC 840). ASC 840 requires that revenue be recognized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of the lease unless another systematic and rational basis is more representative of the time pattern in which the use benefit is derived from the leased property. Renewal options in leases with rental terms that are higher than those in the primary term are excluded from the calculation of straight line rent if the renewals are not reasonably assured. The Company commences rental revenue recognition when the tenant takes control of the leased space. The Company recognizes lease termination payments as a component of rental revenue in the period received, provided that there are no further obligations under the lease. Amortization expense of above-market leases reduces rental income on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of the lease. Taxes, insurance and reserves collected from tenants are separately shown as reimbursable income and corresponding payments are included in reimbursed property expenses included as components of other income and other expenses respectively in the condensed consolidated financial statements of income.
(u)
Earnings Per Share
The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per common share in its consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto. Basic earnings per common share (Basic EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income or loss allocable to common stock holders by the weighted average number of common shares, including vested restricted share units, outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share (Diluted EPS) reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised or converted into common shares where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower earnings per share amount.
The Company calculates EPS using the two‑class method, which is an earnings allocation formula that determines EPS for common shares and participating securities. Unvested share‑based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to distributions or distribution equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of EPS using the two‑class method. Accordingly, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive distributions.
See Note 22 for EPS computations.
(v)
Equity Based Compensation
The Company accounts for equity‑based compensation issued to nonemployees, directors, and affiliates of the Company using the current fair value based methodology.
The Company has determined that the measurement date for restricted shares and options awarded to nonemployees occurs when the restricted shares and options vest. The Company initially measures the cost of an award of restricted share units and options to nonemployees at the fair value of the restricted share units on the date awarded and subsequently measures the cost of the restricted shares and options at their fair value at each vesting and reporting date throughout the vesting period. The initial compensation cost and subsequent changes thereto are charged to expense over the vesting period with a corresponding credit to capital.
(w)
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce a deferred tax asset to the amount expected to be realized. The Company's subsidiaries PFG, Siena Capital Finance Acquisition Corp., MFCA Funding and Tamco Manager, Inc. file both state and federal returns. These U.S. federal and state income tax returns, when filed, will be subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue. See Note 14.
The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing its tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more likely than not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. The Company’s tax benefit or tax expense is adjusted accordingly for tax positions not deemed to meet the more likely than not threshold.
(x)
Administrative Fees Revenue and Expenses
The Company earns administrative fee revenue as a third party administrator for insurance contracts. The revenue is recorded as earned. The Company pays fees to a third party in conjunction with the administration of certain insurance contracts. The fees are recorded when incurred by the Company.
(y)
Premium and Fee Revenue and Related Expenses
Amounts assessed to the policyholders for mortality and expense charges, premium loads, charges for cost of insurance, and policy initiation fees are included in revenues. Death benefits and other benefits paid in excess of the policyholder’s accumulated account value are included in expenses. The Company recognizes premiums for life insurance products and other long‑duration life insurance products as revenue when due from policyholders. The Company matches benefits, losses and related expenses with premiums over the related contract periods. These amounts are recorded as a component of fees of separate accounts and mortality expense respectively on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income.
(z)
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.