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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and all other subsidiaries over which the Company exerts control. All intercompany profits, transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. As of December 31, 2016, the Company owns a 100% interest in CGI, a 100% interest in ICS, a 95% interest in GMSL, a 92% interest in DBMG, a 56% interest in DMi, a 72% interest in NerVve, and board control of, and a 49.99% interest in ANG. Through its subsidiary, Pansend, the Company owns a 77% interest in Genovel, a 67% interest in R2 and an 80% interest in BeneVir. The results of each of these entities are consolidated with the Company’s results from and after their respective acquisition dates based on guidance from the FASB ASC 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”). The remaining interests not owned by the Company are presented as a noncontrolling interest component of total equity. DBMG uses a 4-4-5 week quarterly cycle, which for the fourth quarter of 2016 ended on January 2, 2017. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are comprised principally of amounts in money market accounts, operating accounts, certificates of deposit, and overnight repurchase agreements with original maturities of three months or less. Acquisitions The Company’s acquisitions are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Estimates of fair value included in the Consolidated Financial Statements, in conformity with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, represent the Company’s best estimates and valuations developed, when needed, with the assistance of independent appraisers or, where such valuations have not yet been completed or are not available, industry data and trends and by reference to relevant market rates and transactions. The following estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company cannot provide assurance that the estimates, assumptions, and values reflected in the valuations will be realized, and actual results could vary materially. Any changes to the initial estimates of the fair value of the assets and liabilities will be recorded as adjustments to those assets and liabilities, and residual amounts will be allocated to goodwill. In accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations,” if additional information is obtained about the initial estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed within the measurement period (not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition), including finalization of asset appraisals, the Company will refine its estimates of fair value to allocate the purchase price more accurately. Investments The Company determines the appropriate classification of investments in fixed maturity and equity securities at the acquisition date and re-evaluates the classification at each balance sheet date. Substantially all of our investments in equity and fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale. The Company utilizes the equity method to account for investments when it possesses the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when an investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate that the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. The Company applies the equity method to investments in common stock and to other investments when such other investments possess substantially identical subordinated interests to common stock. In applying the equity method, the Company records the investment at cost and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying amount of the investment by its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income of the investee. The Company records dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment. In the event that net losses of the investee reduce the carrying amount to zero, additional net losses may be recorded if other investments in the investee are at-risk, even if the Company has not committed to provide financial support to the investee. Such additional equity method losses, if any, are based upon the change in the Company's claim on the investee’s book value. Fixed maturities, available-for-sale at fair value include bonds and redeemable preferred stocks. The Company carries these investments at fair value with net unrealized gains or losses, net of tax and related adjustments, reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). Equity securities, available-for-sale at fair value include investments in common stock and non-redeemable preferred stock. The Company carries these investments at fair value with net unrealized gains or losses, net of tax and related adjustments, reported as a component of AOCI. Mortgage loans are carried at amortized unpaid balances, net of provisions for estimated losses. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan's contractual interest rate. Policy loans are stated at current unpaid principal balances. Policy loans are collateralized by the cash surrender value of the policy. Interest income is recorded as earned using the contractual interest rate. Other invested assets include (i) common stock of publicly traded companies accounted for using the equity method; (ii) common and preferred stock of privately held companies accounted for using the equity or cost method; (ii) limited partnerships and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method; (iii) equity purchase warrants and call options accounted for as a derivative (as discussed below); and, (iv) equity purchase warrants accounted for under the cost method. Premiums and discounts on fixed maturity securities are amortized using the interest method; mortgage-backed securities are amortized over a period based on estimated future principal payments, including prepayments. Prepayment assumptions are reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect actual prepayments and changes in expectations. Dividends on equity securities are recognized when declared. When the Company sells a security, the difference between the sale proceeds and amortized cost (determined based on specific identification) is reported as a realized investment gain or loss. When a decline in the value of a specific investment is considered to be other-than-temporary at the balance sheet date, a provision for impairment is charged to earnings (included in realized gains (losses) on investments) and the cost basis of that investment is reduced. If the Company can assert that it does not intend to sell an impaired fixed maturity security and it is not more likely than not that it will have to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, then the other-than-temporary impairment is separated into two components: (i) the amount related to credit losses (recorded in earnings) and (ii) the amount related to all other factors (recorded in AOCI). The credit-related portion of an other-than-temporary impairment is measured by comparing a security’s amortized cost to the present value of its current expected cash flows discounted at its effective yield prior to the impairment charge. If the Company intends to sell an impaired security, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, an impairment charge to earnings is recorded to reduce the amortized cost of that security to fair value. Derivatives Equity purchase warrants, equity call options and the Company's issued warrant to purchase its common stock qualify as a derivative under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"). All of such derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value. Subsequent changes in fair value are recognized within earnings. Fair Value Measurements General accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. These principles also establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value and describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Active markets are defined as having the following characteristics for the measured asset/liability: (i) many transactions, (ii) current prices, (iii) price quotes not varying substantially among market makers, (iv) narrow bid/ask spreads and (v) most information publicly available. The Company’s Level 1 financial instruments consist primarily of publicly traded equity securities and highly liquid government bonds for which quoted market prices in active markets are available. Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or market standard valuation techniques and assumptions with significant inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Such observable inputs include benchmarking prices for similar assets in active, liquid markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market. The Company’s Level 2 financial instruments include corporate and municipal fixed maturity securities, mortgage-backed non-affiliated common stocks priced using observable inputs. Level 2 inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, corroborated broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads and benchmark securities. When non-binding broker quotes can be corroborated by comparison to similar securities priced using observable inputs, they are classified as Level 2. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the related assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include those whose value is determined using market standard valuation techniques. When observable inputs are not available, the market standard techniques for determining the estimated fair value of certain securities that trade infrequently, and therefore have little transparency, rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value and that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though unobservable, management believes these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing similar assets and liabilities. For the Company’s invested assets, this category primarily includes private placements, asset-backed securities, and to a lesser extent, certain residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, among others. Prices are determined using valuation methodologies such as discounted cash flow models and other similar techniques. Non-binding broker quotes, which are utilized when pricing service information is not available, are reviewed for reasonableness based on the Company’s understanding of the market, and are generally considered Level 3. Under certain circumstances, based on its observations of transactions in active markets, the Company may conclude the prices received from independent third-party pricing services or brokers are not reasonable or reflective of market activity. In those instances, the Company would apply internally developed valuation techniques to the related assets or liabilities. Other than transactions described within Note 3. Business Combinations, the Company did not have any significant nonrecurring fair value measurements of non-financial assets and liabilities in 2016 or 2015. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for any given financial instrument is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. The Company may utilize information from third parties, such as pricing services and brokers, to assist in determining the fair value for certain assets and liabilities; however, management is ultimately responsible for all fair values presented in the Company’s financial statements. This includes responsibility for monitoring the fair value process, ensuring objective and reliable valuation practices and pricing of assets and liabilities, and approving changes to valuation methodologies and pricing sources. The selection of the valuation technique(s) to apply considers the definition of an exit price and the nature of the asset or liability being valued and significant expertise and judgment is required. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts considers historical experience, the age of certain receivable balances, credit history, current economic conditions and other factors that may affect the counterparty’s ability to pay. Inventory Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market value under the first-in, first-out method. Provision for obsolescence is made where appropriate and is charged to cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. Short-term work in progress on contracts is stated at cost less foreseeable losses. These costs include only direct labor and expenses incurred to date and exclude any allocation of overhead. The policy for long-term work in progress contracts is disclosed within the Revenue and Cost Recognition accounting policy. Reinsurance Premium revenue and benefits are reported net of the amounts related to reinsurance ceded to and assumed from other companies. Expense allowances from reinsurers are included in other operating and general expenses. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policies. Accounting for Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of transactions and events. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement bases and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. If necessary, deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to an amount that is determined to be more likely than not recoverable. We must make significant estimates and assumptions about future taxable income and future tax consequences when determining the amount of the valuation allowance. The additional guidance provided by ASC No. 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements. Expected outcomes of current or anticipated tax examinations, refund claims and tax-related litigation and estimates regarding additional tax liability (including interest and penalties thereon) or refunds resulting therefrom will be recorded based on the guidance provided by ASC 740 to the extent applicable. At December 31, 2016, our U.S. and foreign companies have significant deferred tax assets resulting from tax loss carryforwards. The foreign deferred tax assets with minor exceptions are fully offset with valuation allowances. Additionally, the deferred tax assets generated by certain businesses that do not qualify to be included in the HC2 U.S. consolidated income tax return have been reduced by a full valuation allowance. We assessed whether a valuation allowance should be established against the HC2 U.S. consolidated filing group’s and Insurance Companies’ deferred tax assets based on consideration of both positive and negative evidence and determined that it was more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. Therefore, a full valuation allowance was established against the HC2 U.S. consolidated filing group’s and Insurance Companies’ net deferred tax assets during the fourth and first quarters of 2016, respectively. The appropriateness and amount of these valuation allowances are based on cumulative history of losses and our assumptions about the future taxable income of each affiliate and the timing of the reversal of deferred tax assets and liabilities. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Cost includes major expenditures for improvements and replacements which extend useful lives or increase capacity of the assets as well as expenditures necessary to place assets into readiness for use. Cost includes the original purchase price of the asset and the costs attributable to bringing the asset to its working condition for its intended use. Cost includes finance costs incurred prior to the asset being available for use. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Costs for internal use software that are incurred in the preliminary project stage and in the post-implementation stage are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software, beginning when the software project is ready for its intended use, over the estimated useful life of the software Depreciation is determined on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 5 to 40 years for buildings and leasehold improvements, up to 35 years for cable-ships and submersibles, 3 to 15 years for equipment, furniture and fixtures, and 3 to 20 years for plant and transportation equipment. Plant includes equipment on the cable-ships that is portable and can be moved around the fleet and computer equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lives of the leases or estimated useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter. Assets under construction are not depreciated until they are complete and available for use. When assets are sold or otherwise retired, the costs and accumulated depreciation are removed from the books and the resulting gain or loss is included in operating results. Property, plant and equipment that have been included as part of the assets held for sale are no longer depreciated from the time that they are classified as such. The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its property, plant and equipment based upon the estimated cash flows to be generated by the related assets. If impairment is indicated, a loss is recognized. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Under ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized but are reviewed annually for impairment, or more frequently, if impairment indicators arise. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are subject to the provisions of ASC 360. Goodwill impairment is tested at least annually (October 1st) or when factors indicate potential impairment using a two-step process that begins with a qualitative evaluation of each reporting unit. If such test indicates potential for impairment, a Step 1 test is performed. Step 1 is a screen for potential impairment pursuant to which the estimated fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. The Company estimates the fair values of each reporting unit by an estimation of the discounted cash flows of each of the reporting units based on projected earnings in the future (the income approach). If there is a deficiency (the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value), a Step 2 test is required. Step 2 measures the amount of impairment loss, if any, by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with its carrying amount. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined; i.e., through an allocation of the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company also may utilize the provisions of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-8, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-8”), which allows the Company to use qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Estimating the fair value of a reporting unit requires various assumptions including projections of future cash flows, perpetual growth rates and discount rates. The assumptions about future cash flows and growth rates are based on the Company’s assessment of a number of factors, including the reporting unit’s recent performance against budget, performance in the market that the reporting unit serves, and industry and general economic data from third-party sources. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in those future cash flows. Changes to the underlying businesses could affect the future cash flows, which in turn could affect the fair value of the reporting unit. Intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of certain licenses. Such indefinite lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test shall consist of a comparison of the fair value of an intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to the excess. Intangible assets subject to amortization consists of certain trade names, customer contracts and developed technology. These finite lived intangible assets are amortized based on their estimated useful lives. Such assets are subject to the impairment provisions of ASC 360, wherein impairment is recognized and measured only if there are events and circumstances that indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying amount is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset group. An impairment loss is recorded if after determining that it is not recoverable, the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. In addition to the foregoing, the Company reviews its goodwill and intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of assets may not be recoverable. The factors that the Company considers important, and which could trigger an impairment review, include, but are not limited to: a more likely than not expectation of selling or disposing all, or a portion, of a reporting unit; a significant decline in the market value of our common stock or debt securities for a sustained period; a material adverse change in economic, financial market, industry or sector trends; a material failure to achieve operating results relative to historical levels or projected future levels; and significant changes in operations or business strategy. Valuation of Long-lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In making such evaluations, the Company compares the expected undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying amount of the assets. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the assets, the Company is required to make estimates of the fair value of the long-lived assets in order to calculate the impairment loss equal to the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the assets. The Company makes significant assumptions and estimates in this process regarding matters that are inherently uncertain, such as determining asset groups and estimating future cash flows, remaining useful lives, discount rates and growth rates. The resulting undiscounted cash flows are projected over an extended period of time, which subjects those assumptions and estimates to an even larger degree of uncertainty. While the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, different assumptions could materially affect the valuation of the long-lived assets. The Company derives future cash flow estimates from its historical experience and its internal business plans, which include consideration of industry trends, competitive actions, technology changes, regulatory actions, available financial resources for marketing and capital expenditures and changes in its underlying cost structure. The Company makes assumptions about the remaining useful life of its long-lived assets. The assumptions are based on the average life of its historical capital asset additions and its historical asset purchase trend. In some cases, due to the nature of a particular industry in which the company operates, the Company may assume that technology changes in such industry render all associated assets, including equipment, obsolete with no salvage value after their useful lives. In certain circumstances in which the underlying assets could be leased for an additional period of time or salvaged, the Company includes such estimated cash flows in its estimate. The estimate of the appropriate discount rate to be used to apply the present value technique in determining fair value was the Company’s weighted average cost of capital which is based on the effective rate of its long-term debt obligations at the current market values (for periods during which the Company had long-term debt obligations) as well as the current volatility and trading value of the Company’s common stock. Value of Business Acquired ("VOBA") VOBA is a liability that reflects the estimated fair value of in-force contracts in a life insurance company acquisition less the amount recorded as insurance contract liabilities. It represents the portion of the purchase price that is allocated to the value of the rights to receive future cash flows from the business in force at the acquisition date. A VOBA liability (negative asset) occurs when the estimated fair value of in-force contracts in a life insurance company acquisition is less than the amount recorded as insurance contract liabilities. Amortization is based on assumptions consistent with those used in the development of the underlying contract adjusted for emerging experience and expected trends. VOBA amortization are reported within depreciation and amortization in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The VOBA balance is also periodically evaluated for recoverability to ensure that the unamortized portion does not exceed the expected recoverable amounts. At each evaluation date, actual historical gross profits are reflected, and estimated future gross profits and related assumptions are evaluated for continued reasonableness. Any adjustment in estimated future gross profits requires that the amortization rate be revised (“unlocking”) retroactively to the date of the policy or contract issuance. The cumulative unlocking adjustment is recognized as a component of current period amortization. Annuity Benefits Accumulated Annuity receipts and benefit payments are recorded as increases or decreases in annuity benefits accumulated rather than as revenue and expense. Increases in this liability (primarily interest credited) are charged to expense and decreases for charges are credited to annuity policy charges revenue. Reserves for traditional fixed annuities are generally recorded at the stated account value. Life, Accident and Health Reserves Liabilities for future policy benefits under traditional life, accident and health policies are computed using the net level premium method. Computations are based on the original projections of investment yields, mortality, morbidity and surrenders and include provisions for unfavorable deviations unless a loss recognition event (premium deficiency) occurs. Claim reserves and liabilities established for accident and health claims are modified as necessary to reflect actual experience and developing trends. For long-duration contracts (such as traditional life and long-term care insurance policies), loss recognition occurs when, based on current expectations as of the measurement date, existing contract liabilities plus the present value of future premiums (including reasonably expected rate increases) are not expected to cover the present value of future claims payments and related settlement and maintenance costs (excluding overhead) as well as unamortized acquisition costs. If a block of business is determined to be in loss recognition, a charge is recorded in earnings in an amount equal to the excess of the present value of expected future claims costs and unamortized acquisition costs over existing reserves plus the present value of expected future premiums (with no provision for adverse deviation). The charge is recorded as an additional reserve (if unamortized acquisition costs have been eliminated). In addition, reserves for traditional life and long-term care insurance policies are subject to adjustment for loss recognition charges that would have been recorded if the unrealized gains from securities had actually been realized. This adjustment is included in unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, a component of AOCI. Presentation of Taxes Collected The Company reports a value-added tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between the Company and a customer on a net basis (excluded from revenues). Foreign Currency Transactions Foreign currency transactions are transactions denominated in a currency other than a subsidiary’s functional currency. A change in the exchange rates between a subsidiary’s functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated increases or decreases the expected amount of functional currency cash flows upon settlement of the transaction. That increase or decrease in expected functional currency cash flows is reported by the Company as a foreign currency transaction gain (loss). The primary component of the Company’s foreign currency transaction gain (loss) is due to agreements in place with certain subsidiaries in foreign countries regarding intercompany transactions. The Company anticipates repayment of these transactions in the foreseeable future, and recognizes the realized and unrealized gains or losses on these transactions that result from foreign currency changes in the period in which they occur as foreign currency transaction gain (loss). Foreign Currency Translation The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the reporting date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate during the period. The net effect of such translation gains and losses are reflected within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred Financing Costs The Company capitalizes certain expenses incurred in connection with its long-term debt and line of credit obligations and amortizes them over the term of the respective debt agreement. The amortization expense of the deferred financing costs is included in interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations. If the Company extinguishes portions of its long-term debt prior to the maturity date, deferred financing costs are charged to expense on a pro-rata basis and are included in loss on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt on the consolidated statements of operations. Subsequent to our early adoption of ASU 2015-03 "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) (see "New Accounting Pronouncements") effective on December 31, 2015, we reclassified our deferred financing costs to long-term obligations and aggregate them with the original issue discount on the consolidated balance sheets. Previously the Company's deferred financing costs had been included in other assets. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, the extent of progress towards completion on contracts, contract revenue and costs on long-term contracts, valuation of certain investments and the insurance reserves, market assumptions used in estimating the fair values of certain assets and liabilities, the calculation used in determining the fair value of HC2’s stock options required by ASC No. 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), income taxes and various other contingencies. Estimates of fair value represent the Company’s best estimates developed with the assistance of independent appraisals or various valuation techniques and, where the foregoing have not yet been completed or are not available, industry data and trends and by reference to relevant market rates and transactions. The estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company cannot provide assurance that the estimates, assumptions, and values reflected in the valuations will be realized, and actual results could vary materially. Revenue and Cost Recognition DBMG DBMG performs its services primarily under fixed-price contracts and recognizes revenues and costs from construction projects using the percentage of completion method. Under this method, revenue is recognized based upon either the ratio of the costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs to complete the project or the ratio of tons fabricated to date to total estimated tons. Revenue recognition begins when work has commenced. Costs include all direct material and labor costs related to contract performance, subcontractor costs, indirect labor, and fabrication plant overhead costs, which are charged to contract costs as incurred. Revenues relating to changes in the scope of a contract are recognized when the work has commenced, DBMG has made an estimate of the amount that is probable of being paid for the change and there is a high degree of probability that the charges will be approved by the customer or general contractor. Revisions in estimates during the course of contract work are reflected in the accounting period in which the facts requiring the revision become known. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period a loss on a contract becomes determinable. Construction contracts with customers generally provide that billings are to be made monthly in amounts which are commensurate with the extent of performance under the contracts. Contract receivables arise principally from the balance of amounts due on progress billings on jobs under construction. Retentions on contract receivables are amounts due on progress billings, which are withheld until the completed project has been accepted by the customer. Costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts primarily represent revenue earned under the percentage of completion method which has not been billed. Billings in excess of related costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts represent amounts billed on contracts in excess of the revenue allowed to be recognized under the percentage of completion method on those contracts. GMSL GMSL generates revenue by providing maintenance services for subsea telecommunications cabling. GMSL also generates revenues from the design and installation of subsea cables under contracts. GMSL also provides installation, maintenance and repair of fiber optic communication and power infrastructure to offshore oil and gas platforms and installs inter-array power cables for use in offshore wind farms and in the offshore wind market. Telecommunication/Maintenance GMSL provides vessels on standby to repair fiber optic telecommunications cables in defined geographic zones, and its maintenance business is provided through contracts with consortia of up to 60 global telecommunications providers. Typically, GMSL enters into five to seven years contracts to provide maintenance to cable systems that are located in specific geographical areas. Revenue from these maintenance agreements is recognized on a straight line basis unless the pattern of costs associated with repairs indicates otherwise. Telecommunications/Installation GMSL provides installation of cable systems including route planning, mapping, route engineering, cable laying, and trenching and burial. GMSL’s installation business is project-based with fixed price contracts typically lasting one to five months. Revenue is recognized on a time apportioned basis over the length of installation. Charter hire Rentals from short-term operating leases in respect of vessels are recognized as revenue on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. Oil and Gas GMSL provides installation, maintenance and repair of fiber optic communication and power infrastructure to offshore platforms. Its primary activities include providing power from shore, enabling fiber-based communication between platforms and shore-based systems and installing permanent reservoir monitoring systems which allow customers to monitor subsea seismic data. The majority of GMSL’s oil and gas business is contracted on a project-by-project basis with major energy producers or tier I engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors. Revenue is recognized as time and costs are incurred. A loss is recognized immediately if the expected costs during any contract exceed expected revenues. Amounts billed in advance of revenue recognition are recorded as deferred revenue. Insurance Unearned premiums represent that portion of premiums written, which is applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force. On reinsurance assumed from other insurance companies or written through various underwriting organizations, unearned premiums are based on information received from such companies and organizations. For traditional life, accident and health products, premiums are recognized as revenue when legally collectible from policyholders. For interest-sensitive life and universal life products, premiums are recorded in a policyholder account, which is reflected as a liability. Revenue is recognized as amounts are assessed against the policyholder account for mortality coverage and contract expenses. ICS Net revenue is derived from carrying a mix of business, residential and carrier long-distance traffic, data and Internet traffic. For certain voice services, net revenue is earned based on the number of minutes during a call, and is recorded upon completion of a call. Revenue for a period is calculated from information received through the Company’s network switches. Customized software has been designed to track the information from the switch and analyze the call detail records against stored detailed information about revenue rates. This software provides the Company the ability to do a timely and accurate analysis of revenue earned in a period. Net revenue represents gross revenue, net of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, service credits and service adjustments. Cost of revenue includes network costs that consist of access, transport and termination costs. The majority of the Company’s cost of revenue is variable, primarily based upon minutes of use, with transmission and termination costs being the most significant expense. Pensions GMSL operates various pension schemes comprising both defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. GMSL also makes contributions on behalf of employees who are members of the Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund (“MNOPF”). For the defined benefit plans and the MNOPF plan, the amounts charged to income (loss) from operations are the current service costs and the gains and losses on settlements and curtailments. These are included as part of staff costs. Past service costs are recognized immediately if the benefits have vested. If the benefits have not vested immediately, the costs are recognized over the period vesting occurs. The interest costs and expected return of assets are shown as a net amount and included in interest income and other income (expense). Actuarial gains and losses are recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of operations. Defined benefit plans are funded with the assets of the plan held separately from those of GMSL, in separate trustee administered funds. Pension plan assets are measured at fair value and liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method discounted at a rate of equivalent currency and term to the plan liabilities. The actuarial valuations are obtained annually. For the defined contribution plans, the amount charged to income (loss) from operations in respect of pension costs is the contributions payable in the period. Differences between contributions payable in the period and contributions actually paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the consolidated balance sheets. Share-Based Compensation The Company accounts for share-based compensation under ASC No. 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions whereby an entity receives employee services in exchange for equity instruments, including stock options and restricted stock units. ASC 718 generally requires that share-based compensation be accounted for using a fair-value based method. The Company records share-based compensation expense for all new and unvested stock options that are ultimately expected to vest as the requisite service is rendered. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options. The Company elected to adopt the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation. The alternative transition method includes simplified methods to determine the beginning balance of the APIC pool related to the tax effects of share-based compensation and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC pool and the statement of cash flows of the tax effects of share-based awards that were fully vested and outstanding upon the adoption of ASC 718. The Company uses a Black-Scholes option valuation model to determine the grant date fair value of share-based compensation under ASC 718. The Black-Scholes model incorporates various assumptions including the expected term of awards, volatility of stock price, risk-free rates of return and dividend yield. The expected term of an award is no less than the option vesting period and is based on the Company’s historical experience. Expected volatility is based upon the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. The risk-free interest rate is approximated using rates available on U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining term similar to the option’s expected life. The Company uses a dividend yield of zero in the Black-Scholes option valuation model as it does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future that do not contain anti-dilution provisions requiring the adjustment of exercise prices and option shares. Share-based compensation is recorded net of expected forfeitures. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk principally consist of trade accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers but generally does not require collateral to support customer receivables. The Company maintains its cash with high quality credit institutions, and its cash equivalents are in high quality securities. Income (Loss) Per Common Share Basic income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock, adjusted for the dilutive effect of potential common stock and related income from continuing operations, net of tax. Potential common stock, computed using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, includes options, warrants, restricted stock, restricted stock units and convertible preferred stock. In periods when the Company generates income, the Company calculates basic earnings per share using the two-class method, pursuant to ASC No. 260, “Earnings Per Share.” The two-class method is required as the shares of the Company’s preferred stock qualify as participating securities, having the right to receive dividends should dividends be declared on common stock. Under this method, earnings for the period are allocated to the common stock and preferred stock to the extent that each security may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. The Company does not use the two-class method in periods when it generates a loss as the holders of the preferred stock do not participate in losses. Reclassification Certain previous year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentations, as related to the reporting of new balance sheet line items. Adjustments During the second quarter of 2016, the Company identified an immaterial error in its calculation of depreciation expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2016 related to purchase accounting associated with the acquisition of DBMG in May 2014. This resulted in an excess depreciation expense being recorded in each of the periods noted. In addition, certain gains and losses on assets that were disposed of by DBMG were incorrectly recorded during the same periods as a result of these adjustments. The net impact of these adjustments to net income would have been an increase of $0.7 million and a decrease of $0.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and an increase of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company determined to correct the cumulative effect of these adjustments in the second quarter of 2016, which resulted in a net adjustment to net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $1.3 million. New Accounting Pronouncements Changes to the general accounting principles are established by the FASB in the form of Accounting Standards Updates ("ASU") to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. Accounting standards updates not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting Principles applied during the year ended December 31, 2016 Business Combinations In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This ASU clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of businesses. The amendments in this ASU provide a screen to determine when a set is not a business. If the screen is not met, it (1) requires that to be considered a business, a set must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output and (2) removes the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace the missing elements. The Company early adopted this update and applied it to two acquisitions that were closed in December 2016, refer to note 3. Business Combinations for the information on the transactions. Accounting for Measurement - Period Adjustments In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combination (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement - Period Adjustments, which requires adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period to be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This includes any effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. Refer to Note 3. Business Combinations and Note 11. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for further information. Enhanced Disclosure Requirements for Insurance Contracts In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, Disclosures About Short-Duration Contracts. This ASU requires insurance entities to disclose for annual reporting periods certain information in respect of liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. Refer to Note 14. Life, Accident and Health Reserves for added disclosures. New Accounting Pronouncements to be Adopted Subsequent to December 31, 2016 Test for Goodwill Impairment In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), currently requires an entity that has not elected the private company alternative for goodwill to perform a two-step test to determine the amount, if any, of goodwill impairment. In Step 1, an entity compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the entity performs Step 2 and compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill for that reporting unit. An impairment charge equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill for the reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill is recorded, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. To address concerns over the cost and complexity of the two-step goodwill impairment test, the amendments in this ASU remove the second step of the test. An entity will apply a one-step quantitative test and record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The new guidance does not amend the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The Company expects to adopt this ASU in its Consolidated Financial Statements beginning in January 1, 2017 and does not expect to have a material effect on its Consolidated Financial Statements. Statement of Cash Flows In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Restricted Cash - a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. This guidance requires entities to show the changes in the total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. As a result, entities will no longer present transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. When cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are presented in more than one line item on the balance sheet, the new guidance requires a reconciliation of the totals in the statement of cash flows to the related captions in the balance sheet. This reconciliation can be presented either on the face of the statement of cash flows or in the notes to the financial statements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, but an early adoption in an interim period must show adjustments as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company expects to adopt this ASU in its Consolidated Financial Statements beginning January 1, 2018 and does not expect this ASU to have a material effect on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). This ASU clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance amends ASC 230 Statement of Cash Flows, a principles based approach requiring judgment to determine the appropriate classification of cash flow as operating, investing or financing activities, which created diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments were classified. The new guidance clarifies that if a receipt or payment has aspects of more than one class of cash flows and cannot be separated, the classification will depend on the predominant source or use. While the new guidance attempts to clarify how the predominance principle should be applied, judgment will still be required. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted. Entities will have to apply the guidance retrospectively, but if it is impracticable to do so for an issue, the amendments related to that issue would be applied prospectively. The Company expects to adopt this ASU in its Consolidated Financial Statements beginning January 1, 2018 and does not expected to have a material effect on its Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting for Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The guidance requires financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by deducting an allowance for credit losses from the amortized cost basis of the financial assets. For available-for-sale debt securities, the new guidance aligns the income statement recognition of credit losses with the reporting period in which changes occur by recording credit losses through an allowance rather than a write-down and allowing subsequent reversals in credit loss estimates to be recognized in current income. The measurement of expected credit losses will be based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. An entity must use judgment in determining the relevant information and estimation methods that are appropriate in its circumstances. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The guidance should be applied through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. For certain assets, a prospective transition approach is required. The Company expects to adopt this ASU in its Consolidated Financial Statements beginning January 1, 2020 and is currently unable to quantify the impact of adopting this guidance. The ultimate impact will depend on the Company’s investment portfolio at the time the new standard is adopted. Accounting for Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. The new standard establishes a right-of-use model that requires a lessee to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the consolidated financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company has started evaluating its lease arrangements to determine the impact of this amendment on the financial statements. The evaluation includes an extensive review of the leases, which are primarily related to our vessels and office space. Additionally, the Company has began tracking separate accounting records for leases entered into starting January 1, 2017 under the new guidance to facilitate future implementation. The Company expects to adopt this ASU in its Consolidated Financial Statements beginning January 1, 2019 and is currently unable to quantify the impact of adopting this guidance. The ultimate impact will depend on the Company’s lease portfolio at the time the new standard is adopted. Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The update provides that equity investments with readily determinable values be measured at fair value and changes in the fair value flow through net income. These changes historically have run through other comprehensive income. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values have the option to be measured at fair value or at cost, adjusted for changes in observable prices minus impairment. Changes in either method are also recognized in net income. The standard requires a qualitative assessment of impairment indicators at each reporting period. For financial liabilities, entities that elect the fair value option must recognize the change in fair value attributable to instrument-specific credit risk in other comprehensive income rather than net income. Lastly, regarding deferred tax assets, the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset will need to be assessed related to available-for-sale debt securities. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt this ASU in its Consolidated Financial Statements beginning January 1, 2018 and is currently evaluating the impact the update would have. Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Revenue Recognition (Topic 605). Under the new guidance, an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal Versus Agent Considerations, which clarifies the guidance in ASU 2014-09. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, an update on identifying performance obligations and accounting for licenses of intellectual property. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which includes amendments for enhanced clarification of the guidance. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which includes amendments of a similar nature to the items typically addressed in the technical corrections and improvements project. Lastly, in February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, clarifying the scope of asset derecognition guidance and accounting for partial sales of nonfinancial assets to clarify the scope of ASC 610-20, Other Income - Gains and Losses from Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets, and provide guidance on partial sales of nonfinancial assets. This ASU clarifies that the unit of account under ASU 610-20 is each distinct nonfinancial or in substance nonfinancial asset and that a financial asset that meets the definition of an “in substance nonfinancial asset” is within the scope of ASC 610-20. This ASU eliminates rules specifically addressing sales of real estate and removes exceptions to the financial asset derecognition model. The ASUs described above are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. During 2016, the Company continued its evaluation of ASU 2014-09, including the expected impact on its business processes, systems and controls, and potential differences in the timing and/or method of revenue recognition for its contracts. The Company expects to complete its assessment of the cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2014-09 as well as the expected impact of adoption during 2017. The Company will continue its evaluation of ASU 2014-09, including how it may impact new contracts it receives as well as new or emerging interpretations of the standard, through the date of adoption. The Company expects to adopt the revenue recognition ASUs described above in its Consolidated Financial Statements beginning in January 1, 2018 and is currently evaluating the impact the update would have.

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