Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the Company and all its majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities in which Belmond is the primary beneficiary. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the historical basis in the assets and liabilities and the historical results of operations directly attributable to Belmond, and all intercompany accounts and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated. For entities where the Company does not have a controlling financial interest, the investments in those entities are accounted for using the equity or cost method, as appropriate.

Reclassifications

During the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company corrected a prior period misstatement to reclassify an immaterial deferred tax entry related to a change of functional currency at the Company's Brazilian subsidiaries in 2014. As a result, opening Retained Earnings increased by $5,562,000 and opening Accumulated and Other Comprehensive Income decreased by $5,562,000, with no net change in Total Equity. There is no impact on net earnings, EPS or cash flows in any period presented.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all cash balances and highly-liquid investments having original maturities of three months or less.

Restricted cash

Restricted cash is the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents which are bindingly restricted as to withdrawal or usage. These include deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements or under contracts entered into with others, but exclude compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet.

Concentration of credit risk

Due to the nature of the leisure industry, concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited. Belmond’s customer base consists of numerous customers across different geographic areas.

Inventories

Inventories include food, beverages, certain operating stocks and retail goods. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market value under the weighted average method.

Assets held for sale and discontinued operations

Assets held for sale represent assets of an operating entity that are to be disposed of, together as a group in a single transaction, and liabilities directly associated with the assets that will be transferred in the transaction. Belmond considers properties to be assets held for sale when management approves and commits to a formal plan actively to market a property for sale and Belmond has a signed sales contract and received a significant non-refundable deposit. Upon designation as an asset held for sale, Belmond records the carrying value of each property at the lower of its carrying value which includes allocable segment goodwill or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and Belmond stops recording depreciation expense. Where there is no significant ongoing involvement, the gain from the sale is recorded at the date of sale.

The results of operations of an entity that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale are reported in discontinued operations where the sale represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on our operations and financial results

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The cost of significant renewals and betterments is capitalized and depreciated, while expenditures for normal maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:



Description		Useful lives
Buildings		Up to 60 years and 10% residual value
Trains		Up to 75 years
River cruise ship and canal boats		25 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		3 to 25 years
Equipment under capital lease and leasehold improvements		Lesser of initial lease term or economic life

Land and certain art and antiques are not depreciated.

Impairment of long-lived assets

Belmond management evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets for impairment by comparing the expected undiscounted future cash flows of the assets to the net book value of the assets if certain trigger events occur. If the expected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the net book value of the assets, the excess of the net book value over the estimated fair value is charged to current earnings. Fair value is based upon discounted cash flows of the assets at a rate deemed reasonable for the type of asset and prevailing market conditions, sales of similar assets, appraisals and, if appropriate, current estimated net sales proceeds from pending offers. Belmond evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets based on its plans, at the time, for those assets and such qualitative factors as future development in the surrounding area, status of expected local competition and projected incremental income from renovations. Changes to Belmond’s plans, including a decision to dispose of or change the intended use of an asset, can have a material impact on the carrying value of the asset.

Investments

Investments include equity interests in and advances to unconsolidated companies and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting when Belmond has a 20% to 50% ownership interest or exercises significant influence over the investee. Under the equity method, the investment in the equity method investee or joint venture is initially recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognize Belmond’s share of net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income or loss of the investee. Belmond continues to report losses up to its investment carrying amount, including any additional financial support made or committed to by Belmond. Belmond’s share of earnings or losses is included in the determination of net earnings, and net investment in investees and joint ventures is included within investments in unconsolidated companies in the consolidated balance sheets.

Investments accounted for using the equity method are considered impaired when a loss in the value of the equity method investment is other than temporary. Evidence of a loss in value might include, but would not necessarily be limited to, absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or inability of the investee to sustain its earnings capacity that would justify the carrying amount of the investment. If Belmond determines that the decline in value of its investment is other than temporary, the carrying amount of the investment is written down to its fair value through earnings.

Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Belmond's annual goodwill impairment testing date is October 1. To test goodwill for impairment, Belmond first compares the carrying value of each reporting unit to its fair value to determine if an impairment is indicated. The fair value of reporting units is determined using internally developed discounted future cash flow models, which incorporate third party appraisals and industry/market data (to the extent available). Prior to January 1, 2017, if an impairment was indicated, Belmond compared the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its carrying amount. An impairment loss was measured as the excess of the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill over its implied fair value. On January 1, 2017 Belmond early adopted the new guidance to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment charge is now measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, however the impairment charge is not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

When determining the fair value of a reporting unit, Belmond is required to make significant judgments that Belmond believes are reasonable and supportable considering all available internal and external evidence at the time. However, these estimates and assumptions are, by their nature, highly judgmental. Fair value determinations are sensitive to changes in the underlying assumptions and factors including those relating to estimating future operating cash flows to be generated from the reporting unit which are dependent upon internal forecasts and projections developed as part of Belmond’s routine, long-term planning process, available industry/market data (to the extent available), Belmond’s strategic plans, estimates of long-term growth rates taking into account Belmond’s assessment of the current economic environment and the timing and degree of any economic recovery, estimation of the useful life over which the cash flows will occur, and market participant assumptions. The assumptions with the most significant impact to the fair value of the reporting unit are those related to future operating cash flows which are forecast for a four-year period from management’s budget and planning process, the terminal value which is included for the period beyond four years from the balance sheet date based on the estimated cash flow in the fourth year and a terminal growth rate ranging from 2.0% to 6.5% (December 31, 2017 - 2.2% to 6.5%), and pre-tax discount rates which for the year ended December 31, 2018 range from 10.1% to 20.1% (December 31, 2017 - 9.9% to 19.3%).

Examples of events or circumstances that could reasonably be expected to negatively affect the underlying key assumptions and ultimately impact the estimated fair values of Belmond’s reporting units may include such items as (i) a prolonged weakness in the general economic conditions in which the reporting units operate and therefore negatively impacting occupancy and room rates, (ii) an economic recovery that significantly differs from Belmond’s assumptions in timing and/or degree, (iii) volatility in the equity and debt markets which could result in a higher discount rate, (iv) shifts or changes in future travel patterns from Belmond’s significant demographic markets that have not been anticipated, (v) changes in competitive supply, (vi) political and security instability in countries where Belmond operates and (vii) deterioration of local economies due to the uncertainty over currencies or currency unions and other factors which could lead to changes in projected cash flows of Belmond’s properties as customers reduce their discretionary spending. If the assumptions used in the impairment analysis are not met or materially change, Belmond may be required to recognize additional goodwill impairment losses which may be material to the financial statements.

Other intangible assets

Trade names have an indefinite life and therefore are not amortized, but are assessed for impairment annually or when events indicate that impairment may have occurred. Other intangible assets with definite useful lives are tested for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. Belmond uses internally developed discounted future cash flow models in determining the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Favorable lease intangible assets are amortized over the terms of the leases, which are between 19 and 60 years. Internet sites are amortized over a period of five to ten years. Software is amortized over a period of ten years.

Variable interest entities

Belmond analyzes its variable interests, including loans, guarantees and equity investments, to determine if an entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”). In that assessment, Belmond's analysis includes both quantitative and qualitative considerations. Belmond bases its quantitative analysis on the forecast cash flows of the entity, and its qualitative analysis on a review of the design of the entity, organizational structure including decision-making ability, and relevant financial agreements. Belmond also uses its quantitative and qualitative analysis to determine if Belmond is the primary beneficiary and would therefore be required to consolidate the VIE.

Fair value measurements

Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are required to be classified and disclosed in one of three categories: Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date, Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, and Level 3 — unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Belmond reviews its fair value hierarchy classifications quarterly. Changes in significant observable valuation inputs identified during these reviews may trigger reclassification of fair value hierarchy levels of financial assets and liabilities. These reclassifications are reported as transfers at their fair values at the beginning of the period in which the change occurs and as transfers out at their fair values at the end of the period.

Derivatives are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The fair value of Belmond’s derivative financial instruments is computed based on an income approach using appropriate valuation techniques including discounting future cash flows and other methods that are consistent with accepted economic methodologies for pricing financial instruments. The valuation process for the derivatives uses observable market data provided by third-party sources. Interest rate swaps are valued by using yield curves derived from observable interest rates to project future swap cash flows and then these cash flows are discounted back to present values. Interest rate caps are valued using a model that projects the probability of various levels of interest rates occurring in the future using observable volatilities.

In the determination of fair value of derivative instruments, a credit valuation adjustment is applied to Belmond’s derivative exposures to take into account the risk of the counterparty defaulting with the derivative in an asset position and, when the derivative is in a liability position, the risk that Belmond may default. The credit valuation adjustment is calculated by determining the total expected exposure of the derivatives (incorporating both the current and potential future exposure) and then applying each counterparty’s credit spread to the applicable exposure. For interest rate swaps, Belmond’s own credit spread is applied to the counterparty’s exposure to Belmond and the counterparties credit spread is applied to Belmond’s exposure to the counterparty, and then the net credit valuation adjustment is reflected in the determination of the fair value of the derivative instrument. The credit spreads used as inputs in the fair value calculations represent implied credit default swaps obtained from a third-party credit data provider. Some of the inputs into the credit valuation adjustment are not observable and, therefore, they are considered to be Level 3 inputs. Where the credit valuation adjustment exceeds 10% of the fair value of the derivatives, Level 3 inputs are assumed to have a significant impact on the fair value of the derivatives in their entirety and the derivative is classified as Level 3.

Derivative financial instruments

Derivative instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges is recorded in other comprehensive income/(loss) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecast transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. If a derivative instrument is not designated as a hedge for accounting purposes, the fluctuations in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in earnings.

Belmond management formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions. Belmond links all hedges that are designated as fair value hedges to specific assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or to specific firm commitments. Belmond links all hedges that are designated as cash flow hedges to forecasted transactions or to floating rate liabilities on the balance sheets. Belmond management also assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are designated in hedging relationships are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. Belmond discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when the derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable, or the hedging instrument expires, is terminated, or exercised.

Belmond is exposed to interest rate risk on its floating rate debt and management uses derivatives to manage the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows. Belmond’s objective in using interest rate derivatives is to add certainty and stability to its interest expense. To accomplish this objective, Belmond primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. These swaps effectively convert the floating rate interest payments on a portion of the outstanding debt into fixed payments.

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations are accounted for similarly to cash flow hedges. Any gain or loss on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge is recorded in other comprehensive income/(loss) within foreign currency translation adjustment. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion will be recognized immediately in earnings within foreign currency, net. Gains and losses deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) are recognized in earnings upon disposal of the foreign operation. Belmond links all hedges that are designated as net investment hedges to specifically identified net investments in foreign subsidiaries.

Belmond has net assets denominated in a variety of currencies. It hedges the U.S. dollar value of euro net assets by using net investment hedges.

Pensions

Belmond’s primary defined benefit pension plan is accounted for using actuarial valuations. Net funded status is recognized on the consolidated balance sheets and any unrecognized prior service costs or actuarial gains and losses are reported as a component of other comprehensive income/(loss) in shareholders’ equity.

In determining the expected long-term rate of return on assets, management has reviewed anticipated future long-term performance of individual asset classes and the appropriate asset allocation strategy given the anticipated requirements of the plan to determine the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested. The projected returns are based on broad equity and bond indices, including fixed interest rate gilts (United Kingdom Government issued securities) of long-term duration since the plan operates in the U.K.

Management continues to monitor and evaluate the level of pension contributions based on various factors that include investment performance, actuarial valuation and tax deductibility.

Share-based compensation

Equity-settled transactions

The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value at the date on which equity instruments are granted and is recognized as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award.

Estimates of the grant date fair value of share options and the fair value of deferred shares and restricted shares without performance criteria on the grant date were made using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

For awards with performance conditions, compensation expense is recognized when it becomes probable that the performance criteria specified in the awards will be achieved and, accordingly, the compensation value is adjusted following the changes in the estimates of shares likely to vest based on the performance criteria.

Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the Company’s class A common share price and other factors. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected life represents the period that share-based awards are expected to be outstanding and was determined using historical experience, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the share-based awards and vesting schedules.

At each balance sheet date before the share-based award vests, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management’s best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market conditions and the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest or, in the case of an instrument subject to a market condition, be treated as vesting as described above. The movement in cumulative expense since the previous balance sheet date is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations, with a corresponding entry in equity.

Previously recognized compensation cost is not reversed if an employee share option for which the requisite service has been rendered expires unexercised (or unconverted). If stock options are forfeited, then the compensation expense accrued is reversed. Prior to December 31, 2016, Belmond did not estimate a future forfeitures rate and did not incorporate it into the grant value on issue of the awards on the grounds of materiality. As of December 31, 2016, Belmond adopted new guidance and made an accounting policy election to allow the recognition of the effects of forfeitures in compensation cost when they occur.

Estimates

Belmond bases its estimates on historical experience and also on assumptions that Belmond believes are reasonable based on the relevant facts and circumstances of the estimate. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

Estimates include, among others, the allowance for doubtful accounts, fair value of derivative instruments, estimates for determining the fair value of goodwill, long-lived and other intangible asset impairment, share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, carrying value of assets including intangible assets, employee benefits, taxes, and contingencies. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Revenue recognition

Hotel and restaurant revenue is recognized when the rooms are occupied and the services are performed. Train and cruise revenue is recognized ratably over a trip. Revenue under management contracts is recognized based upon on an agreed base fee and additional revenue is recognized on the attainment of certain financial results, primarily operating earnings, in each contract as defined.

Deferred revenue consisting of deposits paid in advance is recognized as revenue when the services are performed for hotels and restaurants and ratably over train and cruise trips.

Revenue recognition

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”), using the modified retrospective method. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the period presented. The adoption of Topic 606 did not have a material impact and as such no amounts for the cumulative effect from adopting the standard were required to be recorded in opening equity as of January 1, 2018.

Nature of goods and services

The following is a description of principal activities from which the Company generates revenue. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company generates all of its revenue from contracts with customers.

Hotels

Hotels revenue is recognized when the rooms are occupied and the services are performed. Revenue derived from other services, which primarily consist of food and beverage provided in the hotels, are recognized when the goods are consumed. The amount of revenue recognized is based on amounts stipulated in the contract. Payment is typically received upon check-out.

For hotels revenue, the Company recognizes revenue over time. The amount of revenue recognized is based on the relative standalone selling price of each room night. A time-elapsed output method is used to measure progress and provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of services to the customer as the value transferred to the customer is substantially the same every night of the stay.

For food and beverage revenue, the Company recognizes revenue at the time the goods and services have been provided as this is the point at which control is transferred to the customer.

Trains and cruises

Trains and cruises revenue is recognized ratably over a trip. Revenue derived from food and beverage provided on the trains and cruises is recognized when the goods are consumed. The amount of revenue recognized is based on amounts stipulated in the contract. Payment is typically received upfront.

For trains and cruises revenue, the Company recognizes revenue over time. A time-elapsed output method is used to measure progress and provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of services to the customer as the value transferred to the customer is substantially the same every night of the trip.

For food and beverage revenue, the Company recognizes revenue at the time the goods and services have been provided as this is the point at which control is transferred to the customer.

Management fees

Revenue under management contracts is recognized based upon on an agreed base fee and additional revenue is recognized on the attainment of certain financial results, primarily operating earnings, as specified in each contract. Management fees are typically billed and paid monthly.

For management fee revenue, the Company recognizes revenue over time. A time-elapsed output method is used to measure progress and provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of services to the customer as the value transferred to the customer is substantially the same every day. Fees are variable with the uncertainty of base fees being resolved monthly and the uncertainty of incentive fees being resolved annually. These fees are included in revenue to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue will not occur once the uncertainty is resolved.

Marketing costs

Marketing costs are expensed as incurred, and are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses. Marketing costs include costs of advertising and other marketing activities.

Interest expense

Capitalized interest during the construction of qualifying assets is capitalized and included in the cost of the asset. Direct and incremental costs incurred in obtaining loans or in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt.

Foreign currency

The functional currency for each of Belmond’s operating subsidiaries is the applicable local currency, except for properties in French West Indies, British West Indies, Peru, Cambodia, Myanmar and one property in Mexico, where the functional currency is U.S. dollars.

For foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars, the reporting currency of Belmond, at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. The assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date and the related translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income/(loss). Translation adjustments arising from intercompany financing of a subsidiary that is considered to be long-term in nature are also recorded in other comprehensive income/(loss) as they are considered part of the net investment in the subsidiary.

Transactions in currencies other than an entity’s functional currency (foreign currencies) are recorded at the exchange rates prevailing on the dates of the transactions. All monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date. Non-monetary items carried at historical cost are translated at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of transaction. Exchange differences arising from changes in exchange rates are recognized in earnings as they occur.

Income taxes

Belmond accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of transactions and events that have been recognized in the financial statements but have not yet been reflected in Belmond’s income tax returns, or vice versa.

Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the carrying value of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and their respective tax bases. Deferred taxes are measured at enacted statutory rates and are adjusted in the period enacted rates change. All deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non-current and are netted according to tax-paying component and jurisdiction.

In evaluating Belmond’s ability to recover deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction in which they arise, management considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, which includes reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. Management reassesses the need for valuation allowances at each reporting date. Any increase or decrease in a valuation allowance will increase or reduce respectively the income tax expense in the period in which there has been a change in judgment.

Uncertain tax positions

Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not threshold to be recognized in the financial statements. Management recognizes tax liabilities in accordance with ASC 740 applicable to uncertain tax positions, and adjusts these liabilities when judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from Belmond’s estimate of the tax liabilities. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which the new information becomes available, actual tax liabilities are determined or the statute of limitations has expired. Belmond recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the consolidated statements of operations. Liabilities for uncertain tax benefits are included in the consolidated balance sheets and classified as current or non-current liabilities depending on the expected timing of payment.

Earnings from unconsolidated companies

Earnings from unconsolidated companies include Belmond’s share of the net earnings of its equity investments.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share are based upon net earnings/(losses) attributable to Belmond divided by the weighted average number of class A and B common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings/(losses) per share reflect the increase in shares using the treasury stock method to reflect the impact of an equivalent number of shares as if share options were exercised and share-based awards were converted into common shares. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded when the effect would be to increase diluted earnings per share or reduce diluted losses per share.

Accounting pronouncements adopted during the year and accounting pronouncements to be adopted

Accounting pronouncements adopted during the year

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”), using the modified retrospective method. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the period presented. The adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606 did not have a material impact and as such no amounts for the cumulative effect from adopting the standard were required to be recorded in opening equity as of January 1, 2018. See Note 3. Belmond’s unconsolidated companies intend to adopt the standard in the annual period beginning January 1, 2019, as permitted by the SEC.

In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which is intended to simplify the tax consequences of certain types of intra-entity asset transfers. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. Belmond adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018, using a modified retrospective basis, recognizing a credit of $948,000 to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption.

In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which clarifies the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows, including disclosing the nature of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalent balances. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. Belmond adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018, using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. As a result of adopting this guidance Belmond has included in its cash and cash equivalents balances in the statement of cash flows those amounts that are deemed to be restricted cash. In addition, as cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash are presented in more than one line item on the balance sheet, Belmond has, for each period that a statement of financial position is presented, provided a reconciliation of the totals in the statement of cash flows to the related captions in the statement of financial position together with disclosure on the nature of restricted cash balances (see Note 18).

In May 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on service concession arrangements. The guidance is effective on the same date the new revenue guidance is adopted, with early adoption permitted. Belmond adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018. Belmond’s unconsolidated companies intend to adopt the standard in the annual period beginning January 1, 2019 in line with the adoption of the new revenue standard. Belmond is currently assessing the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its unconsolidated companies.

Accounting pronouncements to be adopted

In February 2016, the FASB issued its new standard on accounting for leases, which introduces a lessee model that brings most leases on the balance sheet. Under the new standard, a lessee will recognize on its balance sheet a right-of-use asset and lease liability for most leases, including operating leases. The new standard will also distinguish leases as either finance leases or operating leases. In January 2018, the FASB issued an update that clarified the application of the new leasing standard to land easements. Additionally, in July 2018, the FASB issued two updates to make targeted improvements to the new lease standard. The first update makes 16 separate narrow-scope amendments to the new leasing standard. The second update provides entities with relief from the costs of implementing certain aspects of the new leasing standard and with an additional (and optional) transition method on adoption. It also allows lessors to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease component if certain conditions are met. An entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. In December 2018, the FASB issued an update which clarified the accounting by lessors when applying the new leases standard. The update addressed the following issues lessors encounter: 1) sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from lessees 2) certain lessor costs paid directly by lessees, and 3) recognition of variable payments for contracts with lease and non lease components. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted.

The Company intends to adopt the standard in the annual period beginning January 1, 2019, using the transition method that permits the recognition of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. We do not expect to recognize a material adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption. Belmond's unconsolidated companies intend to adopt the standard in the interim period beginning January 1, 2020, as permitted by the SEC.

The Company has substantially completed its assessment of the impact of the new standard and expects the adoption of the standard will have a material effect on its consolidated balance sheet. Upon adoption, the Company expects to recognize right-of-use assets of approximately $45,000,000 to $65,000,000, with corresponding lease liabilities of approximately the same amount. The standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's statements of consolidated operations or on the statements of consolidated cash flows. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance in the financial statements of our unconsolidated companies.

The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. The Company expects to elect: (1) the ‘package of practical expedients’, which permits it not to reassess under the new standard its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification, and initial direct costs; (2) the use-of-hindsight; and (3) the practical expedient pertaining to land easements. In addition, the new standard provides practical expedients for an entity’s ongoing accounting that the Company anticipates making, such as the (1) the election for certain classes of underlying asset to not separate non-lease components from lease components and (2) the election for short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify.

In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance to make improvements to hedge accounting requirements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The Company intends to adopt the standard in the interim period beginning January 1, 2019. Belmond has assessed what impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and concluded that it will not be significant.

In February 2018, the FASB issued new guidance on reclassifying certain tax effects from accumulated other income (AOCI). The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company intends to adopt the standard in the interim period beginning January 1, 2019. Belmond is currently assessing what impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2018, the FASB issued amendments to a variety of topics to clarify, correct errors in, or make minor improvements to the Accounting Standards Codification. Some of the amendments were effective upon issuance and others have transition guidance with effective dates for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Belmond is currently evaluating the potential impact of those amendments that are not yet effective but it does not expect they will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued two new standards to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in notes to the financial statements. The first standard removes, modifies and adds certain disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements in ASC 820 and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The Company intends to adopt the standard in the annual period beginning January 1, 2020. The second standard modifies ASC 715-20 to improve disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The Company intends to adopt the standard in the annual period beginning January 1, 2021. Belmond is currently assessing what impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Segment reporting

Segment performance is evaluated by the chief operating decision maker based upon adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization ("adjusted EBITDA").

For reporting periods prior to the quarter ended March 31, 2017, the Company disclosed certain disaggregated segment profitability information in its periodic reports in accordance with applicable U.S. GAAP accounting principles, ASC 280 Segment Reporting, in the form of earnings before gains/(losses) on disposal, impairments, central costs, interest income, interest expense, foreign currency, tax (including tax on earnings from unconsolidated companies), depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation and gains/(losses) on extinguishment of debt (“segment profit/(loss)”). This is a measure of unadjusted EBITDA and, consistent with ASC 280, has represented the way management traditionally have evaluated the operating performance of each of the Company’s reportable segments. The format of the segment performance information provided to the chief operating decision maker for these purposes has evolved over time to focus primarily on adjusted EBITDA as the key measure of segment profitability. Adjusted EBITDA excludes gains/(losses) on disposal, impairments, restructuring and other special items, interest income, interest expense, foreign currency, tax (including tax on earnings from unconsolidated companies), depreciation and amortization and gains/(losses) on extinguishment of debt. In order to better reflect management’s internal evaluation of segment performance under ASC 280, as of the quarterly reporting period ended March 31, 2017, Belmond has disclosed adjusted EBITDA in place of segment profit/(loss) as the primary metric used by the chief operating decision maker to evaluate segment performance. In management’s view, adjusted EBITDA allows the Company’s segment performance to be evaluated more effectively and on a consistent basis by removing the impact of certain items that management believes do not reflect the underlying operations. Belmond notes that adjusted EBITDA is not a term defined under GAAP. As a result, Belmond provides reconciliations to the GAAP number immediately following tables using this non-GAAP term.

Belmond's operating segments are aggregated into six reportable segments primarily around the type of service being provided—hotels, trains and cruises, and management business/part ownership interests—and are secondarily organized by geography for the hotels, as follows:


•	Owned hotels in each of Europe, North America and Rest of world which derive earnings from the hotels that Belmond owns including its one stand-alone restaurant;


•	Owned trains and cruises which derive earnings from the train and cruise businesses that Belmond owns;


•	Part-owned/managed hotels which derive earnings from hotels that Belmond jointly owns or manages; and


•	Part-owned/managed trains which derive earnings from the train businesses that Belmond jointly owns or manages.