2. Significant Accounting Policies.
Revenue Recognition.
Investment Banking. Underwriting revenues and advisory fees from mergers, acquisitions and restructuring transactions are recorded when services for the transactions are determined to be substantially completed, generally as set forth under the terms of the engagement. Transaction-related expenses, primarily consisting of legal, travel and other costs directly associated with the transaction, are deferred and recognized in the same period as the related investment banking transaction revenues. Underwriting revenues are presented net of related expenses. Non-reimbursed expenses associated with advisory transactions are recorded within Non-interest expenses.
Commissions and fees. Commission and fee revenues primarily arise from agency transactions in listed and over-the-counter (“OTC”) equity securities; services related to sales and trading activities; and sales of mutual funds, futures, insurance products and options. Commission and fee revenues are recognized in the accounts on trade date.
Asset Management, Distribution and Administration Fees. Asset management, distribution and administration fees are recognized over the relevant contract period. Sales commissions paid by the Company in connection with the sale of certain classes of shares of its open-end mutual fund products are accounted for as deferred commission assets. The Company periodically tests the deferred commission assets for recoverability based on cash flows expected to be received in future periods. In certain management fee arrangements, the Company is entitled to receive performance-based fees (also referred to as incentive fees) when the return on assets under management exceeds certain benchmark returns or other performance targets. In such arrangements, performance fee revenues are accrued (or reversed) quarterly based on measuring account/fund performance to date versus the performance benchmark stated in the investment management agreement. Performance-based fees are recorded within Investments or Asset management, distribution and administration fees depending on the nature of the arrangement. The amount of performance-based fee revenue at risk of reversing if fund performance falls below stated investment management agreement benchmarks was approximately $489 million at December 31, 2013 and approximately $205 million at December 31, 2012.
Trading and Investments. See “Financial Instruments and Fair Value” below for Trading and Investments revenue recognition discussions.
Financial Instruments and Fair Value.
A significant portion of the Company's financial instruments is carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. A description of the Company's policies regarding fair value measurement and its application to these financial instruments follows.
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value. All of the instruments within Trading assets and Trading liabilities are measured at fair value, either through the fair value option election (discussed below) or as required by other accounting guidance. These financial instruments primarily represent the Company's trading and investment positions and include both cash and derivative products. In addition, debt securities classified as Securities available for sale are measured at fair value in accordance with accounting guidance for certain investments in debt securities. Furthermore, Securities received as collateral and Obligation to return securities received as collateral are measured at fair value as required by other accounting guidance. Additionally, certain Deposits, certain Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings (structured notes), certain Other secured financings, certain Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and certain Long-term borrowings (primarily structured notes) are measured at fair value through the fair value option election.
Gains and losses on all of these instruments carried at fair value are reflected in Trading revenues, Investments revenues or Investment banking revenues in the consolidated statements of income, except for Securities available for sale (see “Securities Available for Sale” section herein and Note 5) and derivatives accounted for as hedges (see “Hedge Accounting” section herein and Note 12). Interest income and interest expense are recorded within the consolidated statements of income depending on the nature of the instrument and related market conventions. When interest is included as a component of the instruments' fair value, interest is included within Trading revenues or Investments revenues. Otherwise, it is included within Interest income or Interest expense. Dividend income is recorded in Trading revenues or Investments revenues depending on the business activity. The fair value of OTC financial instruments, including derivative contracts related to financial instruments and commodities, is presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition on a net-by-counterparty basis, when appropriate. Additionally, the Company nets the fair value of cash collateral paid or received against the fair value amounts recognized for net derivative positions executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement.
Fair Value Option. The fair value option permits the irrevocable fair value option election on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise to a new basis of accounting for that instrument. The Company applies the fair value option for eligible instruments, including certain securities purchased under agreements to resell, certain loans and lending commitments, certain equity method investments, certain securities sold under agreements to repurchase, certain structured notes, certain time deposits and certain other secured financings.
Fair Value Measurement—Definition and Hierarchy. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches and establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that were developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company's assumptions about the assumptions other market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that were developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the observability of inputs as follows:
• Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has 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.
• Level 2—Valuations based on one or more quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
• Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
The availability of observable inputs can vary from product to product and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of product, whether the product is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets and other characteristics particular to the product. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Company considers prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. 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 from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 2 to Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note 4). In addition, a downturn in market conditions could lead to declines in the valuation of many instruments.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
Valuation Techniques. Many cash instruments and OTC derivative contracts have bid and ask prices that can be observed in the marketplace. Bid prices reflect the highest price that a party is willing to pay for an asset. Ask prices represent the lowest price that a party is willing to accept for an asset. For financial instruments whose inputs are based on bid-ask prices, the Company does not require that the fair value estimate always be a predetermined point in the bid-ask range. The Company's policy is to allow for mid-market pricing and to adjust to the point within the bid-ask range that meets the Company's best estimate of fair value. For offsetting positions in the same financial instrument, the same price within the bid-ask spread is used to measure both the long and short positions.
Fair value for many cash instruments and OTC derivative contracts is derived using pricing models. Pricing models take into account the contract terms (including maturity) as well as multiple inputs, including, where applicable, commodity prices, equity prices, interest rate yield curves, credit curves, correlation, creditworthiness of the counterparty, creditworthiness of the Company, option volatility and currency rates. Where appropriate, valuation adjustments are made to account for various factors such as liquidity risk (bid-ask adjustments), credit quality, model uncertainty and concentration risk. Adjustments for liquidity risk adjust model-derived mid-market levels of Level 2 and Level 3 financial instruments for the bid-mid or mid-ask spread required to properly reflect the exit price of a risk position. Bid-mid and mid-ask spreads are marked to levels observed in trade activity, broker quotes or other external third-party data. Where these spreads are unobservable for the particular position in question, spreads are derived from observable levels of similar positions. The Company applies credit-related valuation adjustments to its short-term and long-term borrowings (primarily structured notes) for which the fair value option was elected and to OTC derivatives. The Company considers the impact of changes in its own credit spreads based upon observations of the Company's secondary bond market spreads when measuring the fair value for short-term and long-term borrowings. For OTC derivatives, the impact of changes in both the Company's and the counterparty's credit standing is considered when measuring fair value. In determining the expected exposure, the Company simulates the distribution of the future exposure to a counterparty, then applies market-based default probabilities to the future exposure, leveraging external third-party credit default swap (“CDS”) spread data. Where CDS spread data are unavailable for a specific counterparty, bond market spreads, CDS spread data based on the counterparty's credit rating or CDS spread data that reference a comparable counterparty may be utilized. The Company also considers collateral held and legally enforceable master netting agreements that mitigate the Company's exposure to each counterparty. Adjustments for model uncertainty are taken for positions whose underlying models are reliant on significant inputs that are neither directly nor indirectly observable, hence requiring reliance on established theoretical concepts in their derivation. These adjustments are derived by making assessments of the possible degree of variability using statistical approaches and market-based information where possible. The Company generally subjects all valuations and models to a review process initially and on a periodic basis thereafter. The Company may apply a concentration adjustment to certain of its OTC derivatives portfolios to reflect the additional cost of closing out a particularly large risk exposure. Where possible, these adjustments are based on observable market information, but in many instances, significant judgment is required to estimate the costs of closing out concentrated risk exposures due to the lack of liquidity in the marketplace.
Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company's own assumptions are set to reflect those that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Where the Company manages a group of financial assets and financial liabilities on the basis of its net exposure to either market risks or credit risk, the Company measures the fair value of that group of financial instruments consistently with how market participants would price the net risk exposure at the measurement date.
See Note 4 for a description of valuation techniques applied to the major categories of financial instruments measured at fair value.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis. Certain of the Company's assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The Company incurs losses or gains for any adjustments of these assets to fair value. A downturn in market conditions could result in impairment charges in future periods.
For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, fair value is determined by using various valuation approaches. The same hierarchy for inputs as described above, which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by generally requiring that the observable inputs be used when available, is used in measuring fair value for these items.
Valuation Process. The Valuation Review Group (“VRG”) within the Financial Control Group (“FCG”) is responsible for the Company's fair value valuation policies, processes and procedures. VRG is independent of the business units and reports to the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), who has final authority over the valuation of the Company's financial instruments. VRG implements valuation control processes to validate the fair value of the Company's financial instruments measured at fair value, including those derived from pricing models. These control processes are designed to assure that the values used for financial reporting are based on observable inputs wherever possible. In the event that observable inputs are not available, the control processes are designed to ensure that the valuation approach utilized is appropriate and consistently applied and that the assumptions are reasonable.
The Company's control processes apply to financial instruments categorized in Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, unless otherwise noted. These control processes include:
Model Review. VRG, in conjunction with the Market Risk Department (“MRD”) and, where appropriate, the Credit Risk Management Department, both of which report to the Chief Risk Officer, independently review valuation models' theoretical soundness, the appropriateness of the valuation methodology and calibration techniques developed by the business units using observable inputs. Where inputs are not observable, VRG reviews the appropriateness of the proposed valuation methodology to ensure it is consistent with how a market participant would arrive at the unobservable input. The valuation methodologies utilized in the absence of observable inputs may include extrapolation techniques and the use of comparable observable inputs. As part of the review, VRG develops a methodology to independently verify the fair value generated by the business unit's valuation models. Before trades are executed using new valuation models, those models are required to be independently reviewed. All of the Company's valuation models are subject to an independent annual VRG review.
Independent Price Verification. The business units are responsible for determining the fair value of financial instruments using approved valuation models and valuation methodologies. Generally on a monthly basis, VRG independently validates the fair values of financial instruments determined using valuation models by determining the appropriateness of the inputs used by the business units and by testing compliance with the documented valuation methodologies approved in the model review process described above.
VRG uses recently executed transactions, other observable market data such as exchange data, broker-dealer quotes, third-party pricing vendors and aggregation services for validating the fair values of financial instruments generated using valuation models. VRG assesses the external sources and their valuation methodologies to determine if the external providers meet the minimum standards expected of a third-party pricing source. Pricing data provided by approved external sources are evaluated using a number of approaches; for example, by corroborating the external sources' prices to executed trades, by analyzing the methodology and assumptions used by the external source to generate a price and/or by evaluating how active the third-party pricing source (or originating sources used by the third-party pricing source) is in the market. Based on this analysis, VRG generates a ranking of the observable market data to ensure that the highest-ranked market data source is used to validate the business unit's fair value of financial instruments.
For financial instruments categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, VRG reviews the business unit's valuation techniques to ensure these are consistent with market participant assumptions.
The results of this independent price verification and any adjustments made by VRG to the fair value generated by the business units are presented to management of the Company's three business segments (i.e., Institutional Securities, Wealth Management and Investment Management), the CFO and the Chief Risk Officer on a regular basis.
Review of New Level 3 Transactions. VRG reviews the models and valuation methodology used to price all new material Level 3 transactions, and both FCG and MRD management must approve the fair value of the trade that is initially recognized.
For further information on financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis, see Note 4.
Hedge Accounting.
The Company applies hedge accounting using various derivative financial instruments to hedge interest rate and foreign exchange risk arising from assets and liabilities not held at fair value as part of asset/liability and currency management. These financial instruments are included within Trading assets—Derivative and other contracts or Trading liabilities—Derivative and other contracts in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
The Company's hedges are designated and qualify for accounting purposes as one of the following types of hedges: hedges of changes in fair value of assets and liabilities due to the risk being hedged (fair value hedges); and hedges of net investments in foreign operations whose functional currency is different from the reporting currency of the parent company (net investment hedges).
For further information on derivative instruments and hedging activities, see Note 12.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents consist of Cash and due from banks and Interest bearing deposits with banks, which are highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, held for investment purposes, and readily convertible to known amounts of cash.
The Company's significant non-cash activities in 2013 included assets and liabilities of approximately $3.6 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively, disposed of in connection with business dispositions. The Company's significant non-cash activities in 2012 included assets and liabilities of approximately $2.6 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, disposed of in connection with business dispositions, and approximately $1.1 billion of net assets received from Citigroup Inc. (“Citi”) related to Citi's required equity contribution in connection with the retail securities joint venture between the Company and Citi (the “Wealth Management JV”) platform integration (see Notes 3 and 15). At June 30, 2011, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (“MUFG”) and the Company converted MUFG's outstanding Series B Non-Cumulative Non-Voting Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”) in the Company with a face value of $7.8 billion (carrying value $8.1 billion) and a 10% dividend into Company common stock. As a result of the adjustment to the conversion ratio, pursuant to the transaction agreement, the Company incurred a one-time, non-cash negative adjustment of approximately $1.7 billion in its calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) for 2011 (see Note 16).
Transfers of Financial Assets.
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when the Company has relinquished control over the transferred assets. Any related gain or loss on sale is recorded in Net revenues. Transfers that are not accounted for as sales are treated as a collateralized financing, in certain cases referred to as “failed sales.” Securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase are treated as collateralized financings (see Note 6). Securities purchased under agreements to resell (“reverse repurchase agreements”) and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”) are carried on the consolidated statements of financial condition at the amounts of cash paid or received, plus accrued interest, except for certain repurchase agreements for which the Company has elected the fair value option (see Note 4). Where appropriate, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements with the same counterparty are reported on a net basis. Securities borrowed and securities loaned are recorded at the amount of cash collateral advanced or received.
Premises, Equipment and Software Costs.
Premises and equipment consist of buildings, leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures, computer and communications equipment, power plants, tugs, barges, terminals, pipelines and software (externally purchased and developed for internal use). Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided by the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. Estimated useful lives are generally as follows: buildings—39 years; furniture and fixtures—7 years; computer and communications equipment—3 to 9 years; power plants—15 years; tugs and barges—15 years; and terminals, pipelines and equipment—3 to 25 years. Estimated useful lives for software costs are generally 3 to 5 years.
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or, where applicable, the remaining term of the lease, but generally not exceeding: 25 years for building structural improvements and 15 years for other improvements.
Premises, equipment and software costs are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that an asset's carrying value may not be fully recoverable in accordance with current accounting guidance.
Income Taxes.
The Company accounts for income tax expense (benefit) using the asset and liability method, under which recognition of deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance (recorded in Other assets) and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income tax expense (benefit) in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company recognizes net deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If the Company determines that it would be able to realize deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, it would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
Uncertain tax positions are recorded on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as provision for income taxes.
Earnings per Common Share.
Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to Morgan Stanley common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Income available to Morgan Stanley common shareholders represents net income applicable to Morgan Stanley reduced by preferred stock dividends and allocations of earnings to participating securities. Common shares outstanding include common stock and vested restricted stock units (“RSUs”) where recipients have satisfied either the explicit vesting terms or retirement eligibility requirements. Diluted EPS reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities.
Under current accounting guidance, unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method. Share-based payment awards that pay dividend equivalents subject to vesting are not deemed participating securities and are included in diluted shares outstanding (if dilutive) under the treasury stock method.
The Company has granted performance-based stock units (“PSUs”) that vest and convert to shares of common stock only if the Company satisfies predetermined performance and market goals. Since the issuance of the shares is contingent upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, the PSUs are included in diluted EPS based on the number of shares (if any) that would be issuable if the end of the reporting period was the end of the contingency period.
Deferred Compensation.
Stock-Based Compensation. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the accounting guidance for stock-based awards. This accounting guidance requires measurement of compensation cost for stock-based awards at fair value and recognition of compensation cost over the service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The Company determines the fair value of RSUs (including RSUs with non-market performance conditions) based on the grant-date fair value of the Company's common stock, measured as the volume-weighted average price on the date of grant. RSUs with market-based conditions are valued using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model and the single grant life method. Under the single grant life method, option awards with graded vesting are valued using a single weighted average expected option life.
Compensation expense for stock-based compensation awards is recognized using the graded vesting attribution method. Compensation expense for awards with performance conditions is recognized based on the probable outcome of the performance condition at each reporting date. At the end of the contingency period, the total compensation cost recognized will be the grant-date fair value of all units that actually vest based on the outcome of the performance conditions. Compensation expense for awards with market-based conditions is recognized irrespective of the probability of the market condition being achieved and is not reversed if the market condition is not met.
The Company recognizes the expense for stock-based awards over the requisite service period. For anticipated year-end stock-based awards granted to employees expected to be retirement-eligible under award terms that do not contain a future service requirement, the Company accrues the estimated cost of these awards over the course of the calendar year preceding the grant date. The Company believes that this method of recognition for retirement-eligible employees is preferable because it better reflects the period over which the compensation is earned. Certain award terms after 2012 performance year introduced a new vesting requirement for employees who satisfy existing retirement-eligible requirements to provide a one-year advance notice of their intention to retire from the Company. As such, expense recognition for these awards begins after the grant date.
Employee Stock Trusts. The Company maintains and utilizes at its discretion, trusts, referred to as the “Employee Stock Trusts”, in connection with certain stock-based compensation plans. The assets of the Employee Stock Trusts are consolidated, and as such, are accounted for in a manner similar to treasury stock, where the shares of common stock outstanding are offset by an equal amount in Common stock issued to Employee Stock Trusts. The Company uses the grant-date fair value of stock-based compensation as the basis for recognition of the assets in the Employee Stock Trusts. Subsequent changes in the fair value are not recognized as the Company's stock-based compensation plans do not permit diversification and must be settled by the delivery of a fixed number of shares of the Company's common stock.
Deferred Cash-Based Compensation. The Company also maintains various deferred cash-based compensation plans for the benefit of certain current and former employees that provide a return to the participating employees based upon the performance of various referenced investments. The Company often invests directly, as a principal, in investments or other financial instruments to economically hedge its obligations under its deferred cash-based compensation plans. Changes in value of such investments made by the Company are recorded in Trading revenues and Investment revenues.
Compensation expense for deferred cash-based compensation plans is calculated based on the notional value of the award granted, adjusted for upward and downward changes in the fair value of the referenced investments. For unvested awards, the expense is recognized over the service period using the graded vesting attribution method. Changes in compensation expense resulting from changes in the fair value of the referenced investments will generally be offset by changes in the fair value of investments made by the Company. However, there may be a timing difference between the immediate revenue recognition of gains and losses on the Company's investments and the deferred recognition of the related compensation expense over the vesting period. For vested awards with only notional earnings on the referenced investments, the expense is fully recognized in the current period.
Translation of Foreign Currencies.
Assets and liabilities of operations having non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated at year-end rates of exchange, and amounts recognized in the income statement are translated at the rate of exchange on the respective date of recognition for each amount. Gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements, net of hedge gains or losses and related tax effects, are reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of Morgan Stanley Shareholders' equity on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Gains or losses resulting from remeasurement of foreign currency transactions are included in net income.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized and are reviewed annually (or more frequently when certain events or circumstances exist) for impairment. Other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment. Impairment losses are recorded within Other expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the Company changed the brand name of the U.S. Wealth Management business from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. The Smith Barney tradename continues to be legally protected by the Company and continues to be used as stipulated by our regulators as the legal entity name for the Company's retail broker-dealer, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. As a result of the change in intended use of this tradename, the Company determined that the tradename should be reclassified from an indefinite-lived to a finite-lived intangible asset. This change required the Company to test the intangible asset for impairment. Based on a comparison of the fair value to the carrying value of the tradename as of the date of the brand name change, no impairment was identified. The carrying value of the tradename is amortized over its remaining estimated useful life. See Note 9 for further information about goodwill and intangible assets.
Securities Available for Sale.
Available for sale (“AFS”) securities are reported at fair value in the consolidated statements of financial condition with unrealized gains and losses reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (“AOCI”). Interest and dividend income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is included in Interest income in the consolidated statements of income. Realized gains and losses on AFS securities are reported in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 5). The Company utilizes the “first-in, first-out” method as the basis for determining the cost of AFS securities.
Other-than-temporary impairment. AFS securities with a current fair value less than their amortized cost are analyzed as part of the Company's periodic assessment of temporary versus other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at the individual security level. A temporary impairment is recognized in AOCI. OTTI is recognized in the consolidated statements of income with the exception of the non-credit portion related to a debt security that the Company does not intend to sell and is not likely to be required to sell, which is recognized in AOCI.
For AFS debt securities that the Company either has the intent to sell or that the Company is likely to be required to sell before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the impairment is considered other-than-temporary.
For those AFS debt securities that the Company does not have the intent to sell or is not likely to be required to sell, the Company evaluates whether it expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security. If the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost of the debt security, the impairment is considered other-than-temporary and the Company determines what portion of the impairment relates to a credit loss and what portion relates to non-credit factors. A credit loss exists if the present value of cash flows expected to be collected (discounted at the implicit interest rate at acquisition of the security or discounted at the effective yield for securities that incorporate changes in prepayment assumptions) is less than the amortized cost basis of the security. Changes in prepayment assumptions alone are not considered to result in a credit loss. When determining if a credit loss exists, the Company considers relevant information including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis; adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or geographic area; changes in the financial condition of the issuer of the security, or in the case of an asset-backed debt security, changes in the financial condition of the underlying loan obligors; the historical and implied volatility of the fair value of the security; the payment structure of the debt security and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments that increase in the future; failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest or principal payments; any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and recoveries or additional declines in fair value after the balance sheet date. When estimating the present value of expected cash flows, information includes the remaining payment terms of the security, prepayment speeds, financial condition of the issuer(s), expected defaults and the value of any underlying collateral.
For AFS equity securities, the Company considers various factors including the intent and ability to hold the equity security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value in evaluating whether an OTTI exists. If the equity security is considered other-than-temporarily impaired, the entire OTTI (i.e., the difference between the fair value recorded on the balance sheet and the cost basis) will be recognized in the consolidated statements of income.
Loans.
The Company accounts for loans based on the following categories: loans held for investment; loans held for sale; and loans at fair value.
Loans Held for Investment
Loans held for investment are reported as outstanding principal adjusted for any charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, any deferred fees or costs for originated loans, and any unamortized premiums or discounts for purchased loans.
Interest Income. Interest income on performing loans held for investment is accrued and recognized as interest income at the contractual rate of interest. Purchase price discounts or premiums, as well as net deferred loan fees or costs, are amortized into interest income over the life of the loan to produce a level rate of return.
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses estimates probable losses related to loans specifically identified for impairment in addition to the probable losses inherent in the held for investment loan portfolio.
The Company utilizes the banking regulators' definition of criticized exposures, which consist of the special mention substandard and doubtful categories as credit quality indicators. Substandard loans are regularly reviewed for impairment. Factors considered by management when determining impairment include payment status, fair value of collateral, and probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. The impairment analysis required depends on the nature and type of loans. Loans classified as Doubtful or Loss are considered impaired. When a loan is impaired, the impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or as a practical expedient, the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. If the present value of the expected future cash flows (or alternatively, the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral) is less than the recorded investment in the loan, then the Company recognizes an allowance and a charge to the provision for loan losses within Other revenues.
Generally, inherent losses in the portfolio for non-impaired loans are estimated using statistical analysis and judgment around the exposure at default, the probability of default and the loss given default. Qualitative and environmental factors such as economic and business conditions, nature and volume of the portfolio and lending terms, and volume and severity of past due loans may also be considered in the calculations.
Troubled Debt Restructurings. The Company may modify the terms of certain loans for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower's financial difficulties by granting one or more concessions that the Company would not otherwise consider. Such modifications are accounted for and reported as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). A loan that has been modified in a TDR is generally considered to be impaired and is evaluated for the extent of impairment using the Company's specific allowance methodology.
Nonaccrual Loans. The Company places loans on nonaccrual status if principal or interest is past due for a period of 90 days or more or payment of principal or interest is in doubt unless the obligation is well-secured and in the process of collection. A loan is considered past due when a payment due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement has not been remitted by the borrower. Substandard loans, if identified as impaired, are categorized as nonaccrual. Loans classified as Doubtful or Loss are categorized as nonaccrual.
Payments received on nonaccrual loans held for investment are applied to principal if there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectability of principal (i.e., cost recovery method). If collection of the principal of nonaccrual loans held for investment is not in doubt, interest income is recognized on a cash basis. If neither principal nor interest collection is in doubt, loans are on accrual status and interest income is recognized using the effective interest method. Loans that are nonaccrual status may not be restored to accrual status until all delinquent principal and/or interest has been brought current, after a reasonable period of performance, typically a minimum of six months.
Charge-offs. The Company charges off a loan in the period that it is deemed uncollectible and records a reduction in the allowance for loan losses and the balance of the loan. In general, any portion of the recorded investment in a collateral dependent loan (including any capitalized accrued interest, net deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount) in excess of the fair value of the collateral that can be identified as uncollectible, and is therefore deemed a confirmed loss, is charged off against the allowance for loan losses. A loan is collateral-dependent if the repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the sale or operation of the underlying collateral. A loan that is charged off is recorded as a reduction in the allowance for loan losses and the balance of the loan. In addition, for loan transfers from loans held for investment to loans held for sale, at the time of transfer, any reduction in the loan value is reflected as a charge-off of the recorded investment, resulting in a new cost basis.
Loan Commitments. The Company records the liability and related expense for the credit exposure related to commitments to fund loans that will be held for investment in a manner similar to outstanding loans disclosed above. The analysis also incorporates a credit conversion factor, which is the expected utilization of the undrawn commitment. The liability is recorded in Other liabilities and accrued expenses on the consolidated statements of financial condition, and the expense is recorded in Other non-interest expenses in the consolidated statements of income. For more information regarding loan commitments, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees, see Note 13.
Loans Held for Sale
Loans held for sale are measured at the lower of cost or fair value, with valuation changes recorded in Other revenues. The Company determines the valuation allowance on an individual loan basis, except for residential mortgage loans for which the valuation allowance is determined at the loan product level. Any decreases in fair value below the initial carrying amount and any recoveries in fair value up to the initial carrying amount are recorded in Other revenues. However, increases in fair value above initial carrying value are not recognized.
Interest income on loans held for sale is accrued and recognized based on the contractual rate of interest. Loan origination fees or costs and purchase price discounts or premiums are deferred in a contra loan account until the related loan is sold. The deferred fees and discounts or premiums are an adjustment to the basis of the loan and, therefore, are included in the periodic determination of the lower of cost or fair value adjustments and/or the gain or loss recognized at the time of sale.
Loans held for sale are subject to the nonaccrual policies described above. Because loans held for sale are recognized at the lower of cost or fair value, the allowance for loan losses and charge-off policies do not apply to these loans.
Loans at Fair Value
Loans for which the fair value option is elected are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Loans carried at fair value are not evaluated for purposes of recording an allowance for loan losses. For further information on loans carried at fair value and classified as Trading assets and Trading liabilities, see Note 4.
For further information on loans, see Note 8.
Noncontrolling Interests.
For consolidated subsidiaries that are less than wholly owned, the third-party holdings of equity interests are referred to as noncontrolling interests.
As a result of the modifications to the purchase agreement regarding the Wealth Management JV, the Company had classified Citi's interest in the Wealth Management JV as a redeemable noncontrolling interest, as the interest was redeemable at both the option of the Company and upon the occurrence of an event that was not solely within the Company's control. This interest was classified outside of the equity section in Redeemable noncontrolling interests in the consolidated statements of financial condition at December 31, 2012. This interest was redeemed in June 2013 (see Note 3). Noncontrolling interests that do not contain such redemption features are presented as Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests, a component of total equity, in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Accounting Developments.
Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. In January 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued an accounting update that clarified the intended scope of the new balance sheet offsetting disclosures to derivatives, repurchase agreements, and securities lending transactions to the extent that they are either offset in the financial statements or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. These disclosure requirements became effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2013. Since these amended principles require only additional disclosures concerning offsetting and related arrangements, adoption has not affected the Company's consolidated financial statements (see Notes 6 and 12).
Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. In February 2013, the FASB issued an accounting update that added new disclosure requirements requiring entities to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. The disclosure requirements became effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2013. Since these amended principles require only additional disclosures concerning amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income, adoption has not affected the Company's consolidated financial statements (see Note 15).
Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap (“OIS”) Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting update that included amendments permitting the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to interest rates on direct Treasury obligations of the U.S. government and the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The amendments also removed the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. The amendments became effective for the Company for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.