Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Reporting and Consolidation — These Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") and include the accounts of Maiden Holdings and all of its subsidiaries. These Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the period and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. Certain prior year comparatives have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The effect of these reclassifications had no impact on previously reported shareholders' equity or net income.

Estimates — The preparation of U.S. GAAP Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. The significant estimates include, but are not limited to:


•	reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses;


•	recoverability of deferred commission and other acquisition expenses;


•	determination of impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets;


•	valuation of financial instruments; and


•	determination of other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") of investments.

Investments — The Company currently classifies its fixed maturity investments as either "available-for-sale" ("AFS") or held-to-maturity ("HTM"). The AFS portfolio is reported at fair value. The HTM portfolio includes securities for which we have the ability and intent to hold to maturity or redemption. The HTM portfolio is reported at amortized cost. When a security is transferred from AFS to HTM, the fair value at the time of transfer, adjusted for subsequent amortization, becomes the security's amortized cost. The fair value of fixed maturity investments is generally determined from quotations received from nationally recognized pricing services ("Pricing Service"), or when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications. Short-term investments comprise securities due to mature within one year of the date of purchase.

The Company's other investments comprise both quoted and unquoted investments. The Company's quoted equity investment is based on a quoted market price from a Pricing Service, reflecting the closing price quoted for the final trading day of the period. The Company accounts for its unquoted other investments at fair value in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 944, "Financial Services" ("ASC 944"). Unquoted other investments primarily comprise investments in limited partnerships which are reported at fair value based on the financial information received from the fund managers and other information available to management.

Unrealized gains or losses on fixed maturities and other investments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). The net unrealized holding gains/losses of securities transferred from AFS to HTM at the designation date continues to be reported in the carrying value of the HTM securities and is amortized through Other Comprehensive Income over the remaining life of the securities using the effective interest method in a manner consistent with the amortization of any premium or discount.

2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses on sales of investments are determined based on the first in first out cost method. Net investment income is recognized when earned and includes interest and dividend income together with amortization of market premiums and discounts using the effective yield method and is net of investment management fees. For mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") and any other holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated and revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the change in effective yields and maturities are recognized on a prospective basis through yield adjustments.

A security is potentially impaired when its fair value is below its amortized cost. On a quarterly basis, we review all impaired securities to determine if the impairment is OTTI. OTTI assessments are inherently judgmental, especially where securities have experienced severe declines in fair value in a short period. Our review process begins with a quantitative analysis to identify securities to be further evaluated for potential OTTI. For all identified securities, further fundamental analysis is performed that considers, but not limited to, the following quantitative and qualitative factors:


•	Historic and implied volatility of the security;


•	Length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost;


•	Adverse conditions specifically related to the security or to specific conditions in an industry or geographic area;


•	Failure, if any, of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments; and


•	Recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.

The Company recognizes OTTI in earnings for its impaired fixed maturity securities (i) for which the Company has the intent to sell the security or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery and (iii) for those securities which have a credit loss. In assessing whether a credit loss exists, the Company compares the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. In instances in which a determination is made that an impairment exists but the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis, the impairment is separated into (i) the amount of the total impairment related to the credit loss and (ii) the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total OTTI related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. In periods after the recognition of OTTI on the Company’s fixed maturity securities, the Company accounts for such securities as if they had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings. For fixed maturity securities in which OTTI was recognized in earnings, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected will be amortized into net investment income.

As our investment portfolio is the largest component of our consolidated assets, OTTI on our fixed maturity securities could be material to our financial condition and operating results particularly during periods of dislocation in the financial markets.

Fair Value Measurements — ASC Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" ("ASC 820") defines fair value as the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. the "exit price") in an orderly transaction between open market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

•

Level 1 — Valuations based on unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include: exchange-traded equity securities and U.S. Treasury bonds;

•

Level 2 — Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g. interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include: U.S. government-sponsored agency securities; non-U.S. government and supranational obligations; commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"); collateralized loan obligations ("CLO"); corporate and municipal bonds; and

2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)


•	Level 3 — Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions about assumptions that market participants would use. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include: insurance and reinsurance derivative contracts; and hedge and credit funds with partial transparency.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. 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 significantly more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. We use prices and inputs that are current at the measurement date. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified between levels.

For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the Company uses the quoted market prices as fair value and includes these prices in the amounts disclosed in the Level 1 hierarchy. The Company receives the quoted market prices from the Pricing Service. When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes the Pricing Service to determine an estimate of fair value. The fair value estimates are included in the Level 2 hierarchy. The Company will challenge any prices for its investments which are considered not to be representation of fair value. If quoted market prices and an estimate from the Pricing Service are unavailable, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on dealer quotations for recent activity in positions with the same or similar characteristics to that being valued or through consensus pricing of a pricing service. The Company determines whether the fair value estimate is in the Level 2 or Level 3 hierarchy depending on the level of observable inputs available when estimating the fair value. The Company bases its estimates of fair values for assets on the bid price as it represents what a third party market participant would be willing to pay in an orderly transaction.

Cash and Cash Equivalents — The Company maintains its cash accounts in several banks and brokerage institutions. Cash equivalents consist of investments in money market funds and short-term investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less and are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Restricted cash and cash equivalents are separately reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accordingly, changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents are reported as an investing activity in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company maintains certain cash and investments in trust accounts to be used primarily as collateral for unearned premiums and loss and loss adjustment expenses reserves owed to insureds. The Company is required to maintain minimum balances in these accounts based on pre-determined formulas. See "Note 4. (e) Investments" for additional details.

Premiums and Related Expenses — For pro-rata contracts and excess-of-loss contracts where no deposit or minimum premium is specified in the contract, written premium is recognized based on estimates of ultimate premiums provided by the ceding companies. Initial estimates of written premium are recognized in the period in which the underlying risks are incepted. Subsequent adjustments, based on reports of actual premium by the ceding companies, or revisions in estimates, are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Reinsurance premiums assumed are generally earned on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the underlying policies or reinsurance contracts. Contracts and policies written on a "losses occurring" basis cover claims that may occur during the term of the contract or policy, which is typically 12 months. Accordingly, the premium is earned evenly over the term. Contracts which are written on a "risks attaching" basis cover claims which attach to the underlying insurance policies written during the terms of such contracts. Premiums earned on such contracts usually extend beyond the original term of the reinsurance contract, typically resulting in recognition of premiums earned over a 24-month period. Reinsurance premiums on specialty risk and extended warranty are earned based on the estimated program coverage period. These estimates are based on the expected distribution of coverage periods by contract at inception, because a single contract may contain multiple coverage period options, and these estimates are revised based on the actual coverage period selected by the original insured. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired term of the contract or policy in force. These premiums can be subject to estimates based upon information received from ceding companies and any subsequent differences arising on such estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined.

The unexpired portion of reinsurance purchased by the Company (retrocession or reinsurance premiums ceded) is included in other assets and amortized over the contract period in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. The ultimate amount of premiums, including adjustments, is recognized as premiums ceded, and amortized over the applicable contract period to which they apply. Losses recoverable are recorded as an asset called reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses. Premiums earned are reported net of reinsurance in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts that lack a significant transfer of risk are treated as deposits.

Acquisition expenses represent the costs of writing business that vary with, and are primarily related to, the production of the business. Policy and contract acquisition expenses, including assumed commissions and other direct operating expenses that are related to successful contracts are deferred and recognized as expense as related premiums are earned.

Only certain expenses incurred in the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts are capitalized. Those expenses include incremental direct costs of contract acquisition that result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction and would not have been incurred had the contract transaction not occurred. All other acquisition-related expenses, such as costs incurred for soliciting business, administration, and unsuccessful acquisition or renewal efforts are charged to expense as incurred. Administrative expenses, including rent, depreciation, occupancy, equipment, and all other general overhead expenses are considered indirect and are expensed as incurred.

The Company considers anticipated investment income in determining the recoverability of these costs and believes they are fully recoverable. A premium deficiency is recognized if the sum of anticipated losses and loss adjustment expenses, unamortized acquisition expenses and anticipated investment income exceed unearned premium.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred — Loss and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") represent the estimated ultimate net costs of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31. The reserve for loss and LAE is estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analysis and is not discounted. Although considerable variability is inherent in the estimates of reserves for loss and LAE, management believes that the reserve for loss and LAE is adequate. In estimating reserves, the Company utilizes a variety of standard actuarial methods. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations.

Reinsurance — Reinsurance premiums, losses and LAE ceded to other companies are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for original policies issued and pursuant to the terms of the reinsurance contracts. The Company records premiums earned and losses and LAE incurred and ceded to other companies as reduction of premium revenue and losses and LAE. The Company accounts for commissions allowed by reinsurers on business ceded as ceding commission, which is a reduction of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. The Company earns commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded in a manner consistent with the recognition of the earned premium on the underlying insurance policies, on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured. Reinsurance recoverable relate to the portion of reserves and paid losses and LAE that are ceded to other companies. The Company remains contingently liable for all loss payments in the event of failure to collect from reinsurers.

Ceding Commissions on Reinsurance Transactions — Ceding commissions on reinsurance transactions are commissions the Company receives from ceding gross written premiums to third party reinsurers. The ceding commissions the Company receives cover a portion of its capitalized acquisition costs and a portion of other underwriting expenses. Ceding commissions received from reinsurance transactions that represent recovery of capitalized direct acquisition costs are recorded as a reduction of deferred acquisition costs and the net amount is charged to expense in proportion to net premium revenue recognized. Ceding commissions received from reinsurance transactions that represent the recovery of other underwriting expenses are recognized in the income statement over the insurance contract period in proportion to the insurance protection provided and classified as a reduction of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Ceding commissions received, but not yet earned, that represent the recovery of other underwriting expenses are classified as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The Company allocates earned ceding commissions to its segments based on each segment’s proportionate share of total acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses recognized during the period.

Debt Obligations and Deferred Debt Issuance Costs — Costs incurred in issuing debt are capitalized and amortized over the life of the debt. The amortization of these costs is included in interest and amortization expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets — A purchase price that is in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired arising from a business combination is recorded as goodwill, and is not amortized. Other intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Other intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized.

Goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Definite life intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, and tested for impairment if appropriate. For purposes of the annual impairment evaluation, goodwill is assigned to the applicable reporting unit of the acquired entities giving rise to the goodwill.

The Company has established October 1 as the date for performing its annual impairment tests. If goodwill or other intangible assets are impaired, they are written down to their estimated fair values with a corresponding loss reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Noncontrolling Interests — The Company accounts for its noncontrolling interests in accordance with ASC Topic 810 "Consolidations", and presents such noncontrolling shareholders' interest in the equity section of the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is presented separately in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes using ASC Topic 740 "Income Taxes" for its subsidiaries operating in taxable jurisdictions. Deferred income taxes reflect the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is recorded if it is more likely than not that some or all of a deferred tax asset may not be realized. The Company considers future taxable income and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. In the event the Company determines that it will not be able to realize all or part of its deferred income tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred income tax assets would be charged to income in the period in which such determination is made. In addition, if the Company subsequently assesses that the valuation allowance is no longer needed, a benefit would be recorded to income in the period in which such determination is made. U.S. GAAP allows for the recognition of tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. A liability is established for any tax benefit claimed in a tax return in excess of this threshold. Income tax related interest and penalties would be included as income tax expense. The Company has not recorded or accrued any interest or penalties during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Share-Based Compensation Expense — The Company is authorized to issue restricted share awards and units, performance based restricted share units ("PB-RSUs"), share options and other equity-based awards to its employees and directors. The Company recognizes the compensation expense for share options, restricted share and share unit grants, based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, over the vesting period, which is the requisite service period. The estimated fair value of the grant will be amortized ratably over its vesting period as a charge to compensation expense (a component of general and administrative expenses) and an increase to additional paid in capital in Shareholders’ Equity.

The estimated fair value of the PB-RSUs is recognized as a charge to compensation expense and an increase to additional paid in capital in Shareholders’ Equity following certain criteria such as operating return on common equity, underwriting performance, revenue growth and operating expense being met during the specified performance period as well as based on the recommendation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

Earnings Per Share — Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and exclude any dilutive effects of options and restricted share units ("RSUs"). Dilutive earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period adjusted for the dilutive impact of share options, RSUs, PB-RSUs and the mandatory convertible preference shares using the if-converted method.

The two-class method is used to determine earnings per share based on dividends declared on common shares and participating securities (i.e. distributed earnings) and participation rights of participating securities in any undistributed earnings. Each unvested restricted share granted by the Company to certain senior leaders is considered a participating security and the Company uses the two-class method to calculate its net income (loss) attributable to Maiden common shareholders per common share – basic and diluted.

Treasury Shares — Treasury shares are common shares repurchased by the Company and not subsequently cancelled. These shares are recorded at cost and result in a reduction of our shareholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Foreign Currency Transactions — The functional currency of the Company and many of its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. For these companies, we translate monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year-end exchange rates, with the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies are converted at average exchange rates during the year. Monetary assets and liabilities include investments, cash and cash equivalents, reinsurance balances receivable, reserve for loss and LAE and accrued expenses and other liabilities. Accounts that are classified as non-monetary, such as deferred commission and other acquisition expenses and unearned premiums, are not revalued.

Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries and divisions, whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, are translated at year-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses of these entities are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The effects of the translation adjustments for foreign entities are included in AOCI. The amount of cumulative translation adjustment at December 31, 2015 was $30,345 (2014 - $16,714).

2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates

Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity

On April 10, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, which amends the definition of a discontinued operation in ASC 205-20 and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about disposal transactions that both meet and do not meet the discontinued-operations criteria. Under the previous guidance, the results of operations of a component of an entity were classified as a discontinued operation if all of the following conditions were met:


•	The component has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale;


•	The operations and cash flows of the component have been (or will be) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the entity as a result of the disposal transaction; and


•	The entity will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after the disposal transaction.

The revised guidance changes how entities identify disposal transactions under U.S. GAAP by eliminating the second and third criteria above for classifying operations as discontinued. The new guidance instead requires classification of a component or group of components as discontinued operations if it represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results.

The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively to all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that occur in annual periods (and interim periods therein) beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. Entities are prohibited from applying the new ASU to any component that is classified as held for sale before the adoption date. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period

On June 19, 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-12 to clarify how entities should treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period of a share-based payment award. The ASU states that the share-based payment award should be treated as a performance condition that affects vesting and therefore, an entity would not record compensation expense (measured as of the grant date without taking into account the effect of the performance target) related to an award for which transfer to the employee is contingent on the entity’s satisfaction of a performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. No new disclosures are required under the ASU.

ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. In addition, all entities will have the option of applying the guidance either prospectively (i.e. only to awards granted or modified on or after the effective date of the issue) or retrospectively. Retrospective application would only apply to awards with performance targets outstanding at or after the beginning of the first annual period presented (i.e. the earliest presented comparative period). The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under this new guidance, the Company will be required to present such cost in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. The amortization of such costs shall be reported as an interest expense. For public business entities, this guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09 which is aimed at providing users of financial statements with more transparent information about an insurance entity’s initial claim estimates and subsequent adjustments to those estimates, methodologies and judgments in estimating claims, and the timing, frequency and severity of claims. The new disclosures are required for short-duration insurance contracts issued by insurers. For public business entities, this guidance will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted and should be applied retrospectively by providing comparative disclosures for each period presented. As this guidance is disclosure-related only, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s statements of operations and financial position.

Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07 which removes the requirement to categorize all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient within the fair value hierarchy. ASU 2015-07 also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient, unless the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. For public business entities, this guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. A reporting entity should apply the amendments retrospectively to all periods presented. Earlier application is permitted. As this guidance is disclosure-related only, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s statements of operations and financial position.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 that will change how entities measure certain equity investments and present changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option that are attributable to their own credit. The new guidance also changes certain disclosure requirements and other aspects of current U.S. GAAP. It does not change the guidance for classifying and measuring investments in debt securities and loans. Under the new guidance, entities will have to measure many equity investments at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income unless the investments qualify for the new practicability exception. This includes investments in partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures and limited liability companies that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method. Entities will no longer be able to recognize unrealized holding gains and losses on equity securities they classify today as AFS in AOCI. They also will no longer be able to use the cost method of accounting for equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is evaluating the impact of this new guidance on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

Accounting for Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued final ASC 842 guidance that requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets but recognize expenses on their income statement in a manner similar to today's accounting. The guidance also eliminates today's real-estate-specific provisions for all entities. All entities classify leases to determine how to recognize lease-related revenue and expense. The U.S. GAAP standard is effective for public business entities and certain not-for-profit entities and employee benefit plans for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted for all entities. The Company is evaluating the impact of this new guidance on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.