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Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The consolidated financial statements include our assets, liabilities and results of operations as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Results of operations for acquired subsidiaries are included from the date of acquisition. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on net earnings.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and 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. Our actual results could differ materially from our estimates. Accounting policies that we believe are most dependent on assumptions and estimates are considered to be our critical accounting policies and are related to the determination of:
liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE");
reinsurance balances recoverable on paid and unpaid losses;
defendant asbestos and environmental liabilities and related insurance balances recoverable;
valuation allowances on reinsurance balances recoverable and deferred tax assets;
impairment charges, including other-than-temporary impairments on investment securities classified as available-for-sale, and impairments on goodwill, intangible assets and deferred charge assets;
gross and net premiums written and net premiums earned;
fair value measurements of investments;
fair value estimates associated with accounting for acquisitions;
fair value estimates associated with loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreements for which we have elected the fair value option; and
redeemable noncontrolling interests.
Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Premiums
Non-Life
Non-life premiums written are earned on a pro-rata basis over the period the coverage is provided. Reinsurance premiums are recorded at the inception of the policy, are based upon contractual terms and, for certain business, are estimated based on underlying contracts or from information provided by insureds and/or brokers. Changes in reinsurance premium estimates are expected and may result in adjustments in future periods. Any subsequent differences arising on such estimates are recorded as premiums written in the period in which they are determined.
Certain non-life contracts are retrospectively rated and provide for a final adjustment to the premium based on the final settlement of all losses. Premiums on such contracts are adjusted based upon contractual terms, and management judgment is involved with respect to the estimate of the amount of losses that we expect to incur. Additional premiums are recognized at the time loss thresholds specified in the contract are exceeded and are earned over the coverage period, or are earned immediately if the period of risk coverage has passed.
Premiums receivable
Premiums receivable represent amounts currently due and amounts not yet due on insurance and reinsurance policies. Premiums for insurance policies and loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreements are generally due at inception. Premiums for other reinsurance policies generally become due over the period of coverage based on the
policy terms. We monitor the credit risk associated with premiums receivable, taking into consideration the impact of our contractual right to offset loss obligations or unearned premiums against premiums receivable. Amounts deemed uncollectible are charged to net earnings based on an expected loss approach. Changes in the estimates of premiums written will result in an adjustment to premiums receivable in the period they are determined.
Unearned premiums and prepaid reinsurance premiums
Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written that relate to the unexpired terms of policies in force. Premiums ceded are similarly pro-rated over the period the coverage is provided with the unearned portion being deferred as prepaid reinsurance premiums.
(b) Acquisition Costs
Acquisition costs, consisting principally of commissions and brokerage expenses and certain premium taxes and fees incurred at the time a contract or policy is issued and that vary with and are directly related to the successful efforts of acquiring new insurance contracts or renewing existing insurance contracts, are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. Deferred acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value by line of business based on the related unearned premiums, anticipated claims and claim expenses and anticipated investment income.
A premium deficiency occurs if the sum of anticipated losses and loss adjustment expenses exceed unearned premiums, deferred acquisition costs and anticipated investment income. A premium deficiency is initially recognized by charging any deferred acquisition costs to expense to the extent required in order to eliminate the deficiency. If the premium deficiency exceeds the deferred acquisition costs then a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency.
(c) Losses and LAE
Non-life Run-off
The liability for losses and LAE in the Non-life Run-off segment includes an amount determined from reported claims and an amount, based on historical loss experience and industry statistics, for losses incurred but not reported ("IBNR") determined using a variety of actuarial methods. These estimates are continually reviewed and are necessarily subject to the impact of future changes in factors such as claim severity and frequency, changes in economic conditions including the impact of inflation, legal and judicial developments, and medical cost trends. Our estimates, at inception and on an ongoing basis, do not include an estimate for potential future commutations and policy buybacks. Commutations and policy buybacks are often unique, and each commutation or policy buyback is separately negotiated. Therefore, the successful execution of one commutation or policy buyback does not necessarily impact the likelihood of other commutations or policy buybacks occurring in the future. We therefore exclude the impact of potential future commutations and policy buybacks in determining the liability for losses and LAE. While we believe that the liability for losses and LAE is adequate, the ultimate amount may be in excess of, or less than, the amounts provided. Adjustments will be reflected as part of the net increase or reduction in losses and LAE liabilities in the periods in which they become known. Premium and commission adjustments may be triggered by incurred losses, and any amounts are recorded in the same period that the related incurred loss is recognized.
Commutations of acquired companies’ exposures have the effect of accelerating the payout of claims compared to the probability-weighted ranges of actuarially projected cash flows that we applied when estimating the fair values of assets and liabilities at the time of acquisition. Commutations and policy buybacks provide an opportunity for us to exit exposures to certain policies and insureds generally at a discount to our estimate of the ultimate liability and provide us with the ability to eliminate exposure to further losses. Commutations and policy buybacks can be beneficial to us as they legally extinguish liabilities in full, reduce the potential for future adverse loss development, and reduce future claims handling costs. Any material acceleration of payout together with the impact of any material loss reserve savings in any period will also accelerate the amortization of fair value adjustments and deferred charge assets in that period. Commutations are only executed directly with insureds or reinsureds and any gains realized or losses incurred on the settlement of losses and LAE liabilities through commutations or policy buybacks are recognized upon the execution of a commutation or policy buyback with the insured or reinsured. Our estimate of the liability for losses and LAE does not consider historical commutations and policy buybacks and also does not include an estimate for potential future commutations and policy buybacks.
Our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries also establish provisions for LAE relating to run-off costs for the estimated duration of the run-off, which are included in the liability for losses and LAE. These provisions are assessed at each reporting date, and provisions relating to future periods are adjusted to reflect any changes in estimates of the periodic run-off costs or the duration of the run-off, including the impact of any acceleration of the run-off period that may be caused by commutations. Provisions relating to the current period together with any adjustment to future run-off provisions are included in net incurred losses and LAE in the consolidated statements of earnings.
Atrium and StarStone
The reserves for losses and LAE in the Atrium and StarStone segments include reserves for unpaid reported losses and for IBNR loss reserves. The reserves for unpaid reported losses and loss expenses are established by management based on reports from brokers, ceding companies and insureds and represent the estimated ultimate cost of events or conditions that have been reported to or specifically identified by us. The reserve for IBNR losses is established by us based on actuarially determined estimates of ultimate losses and loss expenses. Inherent in the estimate of ultimate losses and loss expenses are expected trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors which may vary significantly as claims are settled. Accordingly, ultimate losses and loss expenses may differ from the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements. These estimates are reviewed regularly and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments, if any, will be recorded in earnings in the period in which they become known. Prior period development arises from changes to loss estimates recognized in the current year that relate to loss reserves established in previous calendar years.
Components of Net Incurred Losses and LAE
Included within the total net incurred losses and LAE on our consolidated statement of earnings are the following items:
Net losses paid: paid losses and LAE, net of related reinsurance recoveries.
Net change in case and LAE reserves: the change in case reserves and associated LAE, net of related reinsurance recoveries.
Net change in IBNR reserves: the change in IBNR reserves, net of related reinsurance recoveries.
Increase (reduction) in estimates of net ultimate losses: the total of net losses paid, net change in case and LAE reserves and the net change in IBNR. This includes the net impact of commutations and policy buybacks on the liability for losses and LAE reserves and reinsurance recoveries.
Increase (reduction) in provisions for unallocated LAE: the net change in our provision for unallocated LAE.
Amortization of deferred charge assets: the amortization of the deferred charge assets associated with assumed retroactive reinsurance contracts, where the estimated ultimate losses assumed at the inception of the contracts is greater than the premium consideration received.
Amortization of fair value adjustments: the amortization of the fair value adjustments associated with acquired companies, where the assumed losses and LAE reserves and the acquired reinsurance recoveries are fair valued on acquisition.
Changes in fair value - fair value option: the changes in the fair value for reinsurance agreements where we have elected the fair value option. The change in fair value component includes the changes in the discounted cash flows and risk margin. The underlying net losses paid, net change in case and LAE reserves and the net change in IBNR reserves relating to these reinsurance agreements for which we have elected the fair value option are included within the appropriate line items described above.
Net incurred losses and LAE: the total of increase (reduction) in estimates of net ultimate losses, increase (reduction) in provisions for unallocated LAE, amortization of deferred charge assets, amortization of fair value adjustments and changes in fair value - fair value option.
(d) Defendant Asbestos and Environmental Liabilities
We acquired DCo on December 30, 2016, and Morse TEC on October 30, 2019, as described in Note 3 - "Acquisitions". DCo and Morse TEC hold liabilities associated with personal injury asbestos claims and environmental claims arising from their legacy manufacturing operations. DCo and Morse TEC continue to process asbestos personal injury claims.
Defendant asbestos and environmental liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets include amounts for indemnity and defense costs for pending and future claims, determined using standard actuarial techniques for asbestos-related exposures. Defendant asbestos and environmental liabilities also include amounts for environmental liabilities associated with DCo's and Morse TEC's properties.
(e) Reinsurance Balances Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses
Amounts billed to, and due from, reinsurers resulting from paid movements in the underlying business are calculated in accordance with the terms of the individual reinsurance contracts. Similarly, reinsurance balances recoverable on paid and unpaid losses related to our case reserves are calculated by applying the terms of any applicable reinsurance coverage to movements in the underlying case reserves. Our estimate of reinsurance balances recoverable on paid and unpaid losses related to IBNR reserves is recognized on a basis consistent with the underlying IBNR reserves.
Our reinsurance balances recoverable on paid and unpaid losses are presented net of a provision for uncollectible amounts, reflecting the amount deemed not collectible due to credit quality, collection problems due to the location of the reinsurer, contractual disputes with reinsurers over individual contentious claims, contract language or coverage issues.
(f) Insurance Balances Recoverable
Amounts billed to and due from insurers providing coverage for our defendant asbestos liabilities are calculated in accordance with the terms of the individual insurance contracts.
The insurance balances recoverable related to our defendant asbestos liabilities are presented net of a provision for uncollectible amounts, reflecting the amount deemed not collectible primarily due to credit quality and contractual disputes with insurers over coverage issues.
(g) Investments, Cash and Cash Equivalents
Short-term investments and fixed maturity investments
Short-term investments comprise investments with a maturity greater than three months up to one year from the date of purchase. Fixed maturities comprise investments with a maturity of greater than one year from the date of purchase.
 Short-term and fixed maturity investments classified as trading are carried at fair value, with realized and unrealized holding gains and losses included in net earnings and reported as net realized and unrealized gains and losses.
Short-term and fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from net earnings and reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Realized gains and losses on sales of investments classified as available-for-sale are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings.
The costs of short-term and fixed maturity investments are adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, recognized using the effective yield method and included in net investment income. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed investments, and any other holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated and reviewed on a regular basis.
Investment purchases and sales are recorded on a trade-date basis. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are based upon specific identification of the cost of investments.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
Fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale are reviewed quarterly to determine if they have sustained an impairment of value that is, based on our judgment, considered to be other than temporary. The process includes reviewing each fixed maturity investment whose fair value is below amortized cost and: (1) determining if we have the intent to sell the fixed maturity investment; (2) determining if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the fixed maturity investment before its anticipated recovery; and (3) assessing whether a credit loss exists, that is, whether we expect that the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the fixed maturity investment is less than the amortized cost basis of the investment.
In assessing whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a fixed maturity investment before its anticipated recovery, we consider various factors including our future cash flow requirements, legal and regulatory requirements, the level of our cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and fixed maturity investments available-for-sale in an unrealized gain position, and other relevant factors.
In evaluating credit losses, we consider a variety of factors in the assessment of a fixed maturity investment including: (1) the time period during which there has been a significant decline below cost; (2) the extent of the decline below cost and par; (3) the potential for the investment to recover in value; (4) an analysis of the financial condition of the issuer; (5) the rating of the issuer; and (6) failure of the issuer of the investment to make scheduled interest or principal payments.
If we conclude that an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired ("OTTI"), then the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost of the investment is presented as an OTTI charge in the consolidated statements of earnings, with an offset for any non-credit related loss component of the OTTI charge to be recognized in other comprehensive income. Accordingly, only the credit loss component of the OTTI amount would have an impact on our earnings.
Equities
We hold investments in publicly traded equities and exchange-traded funds as well as in privately held equities. Our equity investments are carried at fair value with realized and unrealized holding gains and losses included in net earnings and reported as net realized and unrealized gains and losses.
Other investments, at fair value
Other investments include investments in limited partnerships and limited liability companies (collectively "private equities") and fixed income funds, hedge funds, equity funds, private credit funds and collateralized loan obligation ("CLO") equity funds that carry their investments at fair value, as well as direct investments in CLO equities. These other investments are stated at fair value, which ordinarily will be the most recently reported net asset value as advised by the fund manager or administrator. Many of our fund investments publish net asset values on a daily basis and provide daily liquidity; others report on a monthly basis. Private equities typically report quarterly. The change in fair value is included in net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments and recognized in net earnings.
Equity method investments
Investments in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are classified as equity method investments and are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. In applying the equity method of accounting, investments are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently adjusted based on the Company's proportionate share of net income or loss of the investee, net of any distributions received from the investee. Adjustments are based on the most recently available financial information from the investee. Changes in the carrying value of such investments are recorded in our consolidated statements of earnings as earnings (losses) from equity method investments. Any decline in the value of our equity method investments considered by management to be other-than-temporary is reflected in our consolidated statements of earnings in the period in which it is determined.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash equivalents includes money market funds, fixed interest deposits and all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
(h) Funds Held
Under funds held arrangements, the reinsured company has retained funds that would otherwise have been remitted to our reinsurance subsidiaries. The funds balance is credited with investment income and losses payable are deducted. Funds held are shown under two categories on the consolidated balance sheets, where funds held upon which we receive the underlying portfolio economics are shown as "Funds held - directly managed", and funds held where we receive a fixed crediting rate are shown as "Funds held by reinsured companies". Funds held by reinsured companies are carried at cost. Funds held - directly managed, carried at fair value, represents the aggregate of funds held at cost and the value of an embedded derivative. The embedded derivative relates to our contractual right to receive the return on the underlying investment portfolio economics. The investment returns on both categories of funds held are recognized in net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains (losses). The revaluation of the embedded derivative is included in net unrealized gains (losses).
(i) Fees and Commission Income
Fees and commission income primarily includes profit commissions earned from managed Lloyd's syndicates as well as fees earned under fronting and consulting arrangements with third-party clients, which are recorded on an accrual basis.
(j) Foreign Exchange
Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities of entities whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated at period end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses of such foreign entities are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The effect of the currency translation adjustments for these foreign entities is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Other foreign currency assets and liabilities that are considered monetary items are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency revenues and expenses are translated either at transaction date exchange rates or using an appropriately weighted average exchange rate for the reporting period. These exchange gains and losses are recognized in net earnings.
(k) Share-based Compensation
We primarily use three types of share-based compensation arrangements: (i) restricted shares, restricted share units and performance share units, (ii) cash-settled stock appreciation rights ("SARs") and (iii) shares issued under our employee share purchase plans. With the exception of SARs and the incentive plan awards issued to certain employees of Atrium and StarStone, our share-based compensation awards qualify for equity classification. The fair value of the compensation cost is measured at the grant date and is expensed over the service period of the award. The SARs, the Atrium and StarStone incentive plan awards are classified as liability awards. Liability classified awards are recorded at fair value within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value relating to the vested portion of the award recorded within general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.
(l) Derivative Instruments
We utilize derivative instruments in our foreign currency and interest rate risk management strategies and recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and carry them at the fair value of the specific instrument utilized. Changes in the fair value as well as realized gains or losses on derivative instruments are recognized in net earnings if they are not designated as qualifying hedging instruments or if the criteria for establishing a perfectly effective designated hedging relationship for our net investment hedges has not been met. However, if a designated net investment hedge is deemed to be perfectly effective, then we recognize the changes in the fair value of the underlying hedging instrument in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the application of hedge accounting is discontinued. Any cumulative gains or losses arising on designated net investment hedges are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the cumulative translation adjustment ("CTA") from the underlying hedged net investment is recognized in net earnings due to a disposal, deconsolidation or substantial liquidation.
Certain of our funds held arrangements also contain embedded derivatives as described above, which are carried at fair value. In addition, we also hold equity call options carried at fair value, as part of our investment strategy.
(m) Income Taxes
Certain of our subsidiaries and branches operate in jurisdictions where they are subject to taxation. Current and deferred tax expense or benefit is allocated to net earnings (loss), or, in certain cases, to discontinued operations or other comprehensive income (loss). Current tax is recognized and measured upon enacted tax laws and rates applicable in the relevant jurisdiction in the period in which the income tax becomes accruable or realizable. Deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities used in the financial statements and the tax basis used in the various jurisdictional tax returns. When our assessment indicates that all or some portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded against the deferred tax assets to reduce the assets to the amount more likely than not to be realized.
We recognize the benefit relating to tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax benefit is measured as the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement. A liability or other adjustment is recognized for any tax benefit (along with any interest and penalty, if applicable) claimed in a tax return in excess of the amount allowed to be recognized in the financial statements under U.S. GAAP. Any changes in amounts recognized are recorded in the period in which they are determined.
(n) Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding and excludes potentially dilutive securities such as restricted shares, restricted share units, warrants, options and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of ordinary and ordinary share equivalents outstanding calculated using the treasury stock method for all potentially dilutive securities. When the effect of dilutive securities would be anti-dilutive, these securities are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
(o) Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The acquisition method is used to account for all business acquisitions. This method requires that we record the acquired assets and liabilities at their estimated fair value. The fair values of each of the acquired reinsurance assets and liabilities are derived from probability-weighted ranges of the associated projected cash flows, based on actuarially prepared information and management’s run-off strategy. Our run-off strategy, as well as that of other run-off market participants, is expected to be different from the seller's as generally sellers are not specialized in running off insurance and reinsurance liabilities whereas we and other market participants do specialize in such run-offs.
The key assumptions used by us and, we believe, by other run-off market participants in the valuation of acquired companies are (i) the projected payout, timing and amount of claims liabilities; (ii) the related projected timing and amount of reinsurance collections; (iii) an appropriate discount rate, which is applied to determine the present value of the future cash flows; (iv) the estimated unallocated LAE to be incurred over the life of the run-off; (v) the impact of any accelerated run-off strategy; and (vi) an appropriate risk margin.
The difference between the nominal carrying values of the acquired reinsurance liabilities and assets as of the acquisition date and their fair value is recorded as a fair value adjustment ("FVA") on the consolidated balance sheet. The FVA is amortized over the estimated payout period of the acquired outstanding losses and LAE and reinsurance balances recoverable. To the extent the actual payout experience after the acquisition is materially faster or slower than anticipated at the time of the acquisition as a result of (i) our active claims management strategies, which include commutations and policy buybacks, (ii) an adjustment to the estimated ultimate loss reserves, (iii) changes in bad debt provisions, or (iv) changes in estimates of future run-off costs following accelerated payouts, then the amortization of the FVA is adjusted to reflect such changes.
The difference between the fair value of net assets acquired and the purchase price is recorded as goodwill and included as an asset on the consolidated balance sheet or as a gain from bargain purchase in the consolidated statements of earnings. Goodwill is established initially upon acquisition and assessed at least annually for impairment. If the goodwill asset is determined to be impaired it is written down in the period in which the determination is made.
Intangible assets represent both the definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets arising from the acquisitions of Atrium and StarStone. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives with the amortization expense being recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization. The carrying values of intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment at least annually. Impairment is recognized if the carrying values of the definite-lived intangible assets are not recoverable from their undiscounted cash flows and is measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Similarly, for indefinite-lived intangible assets, if the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
(p) Retroactive Reinsurance
Retroactive reinsurance policies provide indemnification for losses and LAE with respect to past loss events. In our Non-life Run-off segment we use the balance sheet accounting approach for assumed loss portfolio transfers, whereby at the inception of the contract there are no premiums or losses recorded in earnings.
Deferred Charge Assets
If, at the inception of a Non-life Run-off retroactive reinsurance contract, the estimated undiscounted ultimate losses payable are in excess of the premiums received, a deferred charge asset is recorded for the excess. The premium consideration that we charge the ceding companies may be lower than the undiscounted estimated ultimate losses payable due to the time value of money. After receiving the premium consideration in full from our cedents at the inception of the contract, we invest the premium received over an extended period of time, thereby generating investment income. We expect to generate profits from these retroactive reinsurance policies when taking into account the premium received and expected investment income, less contractual obligations and expenses. Deferred charge assets, recorded in other assets, are amortized over the estimated claim payment period of the related contract with the periodic amortization reflected in earnings as a component of losses and LAE. The amortization of deferred charge assets is adjusted at each reporting period to reflect new estimates of the amount and timing of remaining loss ad LAE payments. Changes in the estimated amount and the timing of payments of unpaid losses may have an effect on the unamortized deferred charge assets and the amount of periodic amortization. When liabilities for losses and LAE are extinguished through commutations and policy buybacks, they are removed from our estimates for the remaining loss and LAE payments, and this will generally result in an acceleration of the amortization of the deferred charge assets. Deferred charge assets are assessed at each reporting period for impairment and if the asset is determined to be impaired, then it is written down in the period in which the determination is made.
Fair Value Option
In our Non-life Run-off segment, we have elected to apply the fair value option for certain loss portfolio transfer reinsurance transactions. This is an irrevocable election that applies to all balances under the insurance contract, including funds held assets, reinsurance balances recoverable on paid and unpaid losses, and the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses.
We use an internal model to calculate the fair value of the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses and the reinsurance balances recoverable on paid and unpaid losses. Note 12 - "Fair Value Measurements" describes the internal model, including the observable and unobservable inputs used in the model.
(q) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
In connection with the acquisitions of Arden, Atrium and StarStone, certain subsidiaries issued shares to noncontrolling interests. These shares provide certain redemption rights to the holders, which may be settled in our own shares or cash or a combination of cash and shares, at our option. Redeemable noncontrolling interests with redemption features that are not solely within our control are classified within temporary equity in the consolidated balance sheets and carried at their redemption value, which is fair value. Change in the fair value is recognized through retained earnings as if the balance sheet date were also the redemption date.
(r) Internal-use Software
Direct internal and external costs to acquire or develop internal-use software have been capitalized. We only capitalize costs incurred after the preliminary project stage has been completed, and when management has authorized and committed to funding the project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the functions intended. Capitalized costs related to internal-use software are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. These capitalized costs are also assessed for impairment when impairment indicators exist.
(s) Held-for-sale Business and Discontinued Operations
We report a business as held-for-sale when certain criteria are met, which include (1) management has either approved the sale or is in the process of obtaining approval to sell the business and is committed to a formal plan to sell the business, (2) the business is available for immediate sale in its present condition, (3) the business is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and (4) the sale is anticipated to occur within the next 12 months, among other specified criteria. A business classified as held for sale is recorded at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs to sell. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, a loss is recognized. Assets and liabilities related to the businesses classified as held-for-sale are separately reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets beginning in the period in which the business is classified as held-for-sale. Refer to Note 5 - "Divestitures, Held-for-Sale Businesses and Discontinued Operations" for further information regarding our held-for-sale business.
Disposals that represent strategic shifts that have or will have a major effect on our operations and financial results are reported as discontinued operations.
New Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019
Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2019-07 - Codification Updates to SEC Sections
In July 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued ASU 2019-07 in response to the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC's") disclosure update and simplification initiative. The ASU clarifies or improves the disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of Codification Topics by aligning them with the SEC’s regulations, thereby eliminating redundancies and making the Codification easier to apply. The adoption of the disclosure and presentation amendments included in this ASU and which are to be applied prospectively, did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
ASU 2018-13, Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurements
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which amended the fair value measurement guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820 - Fair Value Measurement, by removing and modifying certain existing disclosure requirements, while also adding some new disclosure requirements. We adopted the new standard as of December 31, 2019 however these new or modified disclosures did not have a material impact on the fair value measurement disclosures included in our consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, which gives entities the option to reclassify to retained earnings tax effects related to items in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) that are deemed stranded in AOCI as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") enacted in the United States at the end of 2017. The amendments in this guidance eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. We adopted the new standard on January 1, 2019, and that adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
ASUs 2016-02, 2018-10, 2018-11 and 2019-01, Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which is codified in ASC 842 - Leases, amending the guidance on the classification, measurement and disclosure of leases for both lessors and lessees. The ASU requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and an offsetting lease liability on the balance sheet and to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements. Subsequently, in July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, which clarifies how to apply certain aspects of ASC 842. The amendments in the ASU address a number of issues in the new
leases guidance, including (1) the rate implicit in the lease, (2) impairment of the net investment in the lease, (3) lessee reassessment of lease classification, (4) lessor reassessment of lease term and purchase options, (5) variable payments that depend on an index or rate, and (6) certain transition adjustments.
In July 2018, the FASB also issued ASU 2018-11, which adds a transition option for all entities and a practical expedient only for lessors, to ASU 2016-02. The transition option, which we elected on adoption of the guidance, allows entities not to apply the new leases standard in the comparative periods they present in their financial statements in the year of adoption. Under the transition option, entities can instead opt to continue to apply the legacy guidance in ASC 840 - Leases, including its disclosure requirements, in the comparative periods presented in the year they adopt the new leases standard. This means that entities that elect this option will only provide annual disclosures for the comparative periods because ASC 840 does not require interim disclosures. Entities that elect this transition option are still required to adopt the new leases standard using the modified retrospective transition method, but they will recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption rather than in the earliest period presented. The practical expedient provides lessors with an option to not separate the non-lease components from the associated lease components when certain criteria are met and requires them to account for the combined component in accordance with the revenue recognition standard in ASC 606 if the associated non-lease components are the predominant components.
In addition, in March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01 to clarify that in the year of initial adoption of ASC 842, entities are not subject to the transition disclosure requirements in ASC 250-10-50-3 related to the effect of an accounting change on certain interim period financial information. Prior to this clarification, the transition guidance in ASC 842 only excluded the annual disclosures required in ASC 250-10-50-1(b)(2).
We adopted ASU 2016-02 and the related amendments on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method as required by the standard and recognized a right-of-use asset and an associated lease liability of $51.6 million on our consolidated balance sheet, relating primarily to office space and facilities that we have leased to conduct our business operations. Refer to Note 23 - "Commitments and Contingencies" for further details.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
ASU 2020-01 - Clarifying the Interactions between ASC 321, ASC 323 and ASC 815
In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01 to clarify the interaction of the accounting for equity securities under ASC 321 and investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting in ASC 323 and the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options accounted for under ASC 815. With respect to the interactions between ASC 321 and ASC 323, the amendments clarify that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting when applying the measurement alternative in ASC 321, immediately before applying or upon discontinuing the equity method of accounting. With respect to forward contracts or purchased options to purchase securities, the amendments clarify that when applying the guidance in ASC 815-10-15-141(a), an entity should not consider whether upon the settlement of the forward contract or exercise of the purchased option, individually or with existing investments, the underlying securities would be accounted for under the equity method in ASC 323 or the fair value option in accordance with ASC 825. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, although early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
ASU 2019-12 - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 which removes certain exceptions for (1) recognizing deferred taxes for investments, (2) performing intraperiod tax allocation, and (3) calculating income taxes in interim periods. The ASU also adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax goodwill and allocating income taxes to a legal entity that is not subject to income taxes. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, although early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. We are currently assessing the impact of adopting this guidance however we do not expect that the adoption will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
ASUs 2016-13, 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-10 and 2019-11, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, which is codified in ASC 326, amending the guidance on the impairment of financial instruments and significantly changing how entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other financial instruments including reinsurance balances recoverable on paid and unpaid losses that are not measured at fair value through net income. The ASU will replace the existing “incurred loss” approach, with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost and require entities to record allowances for available-for-sale ("AFS") debt securities rather than reduce the carrying amount under the existing OTTI model. The ASU also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans.
In November 2018, the FASB then issued ASU 2018-19 covering targeted improvements to ASU 2016-13, which clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of ASC 326-20 and that instead, the impairment of such receivables should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 842 - Leases.
In April 2019, the FASB also issued ASU 2019-04, which amends (1) ASU 2016-13 as codified in ASC 326, (2) ASU 2017-12 on hedging activities as codified in ASC 815, and (3) ASU 2016-01 on recognizing and measuring financial instruments as codified in ASC 825-10. Specifically with respect to ASC 326, the amendments in ASU 2019-04 clarify the scope of the credit losses standard and address issues related to accrued interest receivable balances, recoveries, variable interest rates and prepayments.
In May 2019, the FASB then issued ASU 2019-05, which amends ASU 2016-13 to provide entities with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option for certain financial assets previously measured on an amortized cost basis. Entities that avail themselves of this transition relief will have the option to irrevocably elect the fair value option in ASC 825-10 on an instrument-by-instrument basis for eligible instruments, upon the adoption of ASC 326. The fair value option election, however, does not apply to held-to-maturity debt securities. An entity that elects the fair value option should subsequently apply the guidance in ASC 820-10 and ASC 825-10 to the eligible instruments for which it has elected the fair value option.
In November 2019, the FASB also issued ASU 2019-10 deferring the effective dates for ASU 2016-13; ASU 2017-12 and ASU 2016-02 for non-public business entities. With respect to ASU 2016-13, this deferral was also extended to entities that meet the smaller reporting company eligibility criteria.
Finally, in November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-11 which clarified the following specific issues related to the amendments in ASU 2016-13: (1) the treatment for expected recoveries for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration or PCD assets, (2) application of the transition relief provided for troubled debt restructuring ("TDRs"), (3) disclosures related to accrued interest receivables, and (4) the application of the practical expedient related to financial assets secured by collateral maintenance provisions.
We adopted ASU 2016-13 and all the related amendments on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective approach and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of approximately $1.6 million to increase opening retained earnings with respect to our financial instruments carried at amortized cost, which primarily relate to our reinsurance balances recoverable. As disclosed in Note 8 - Reinsurance Balances Recoverable on Paids and Unpaid Losses, we already carry significant specific provisions for bad debts amounting to $147.6 million on our reinsurance balances recoverable, relating primarily to our Non-life Run-off segment. Therefore, the adoption of ASU 2016-13 and the related amendments did not have a material quantitative impact on the overall credit allowance established against our reinsurance balances recoverable. As a result of adopting ASU 2016-13 and the related amendments, we also recorded a credit allowance of approximately $3.1 million related to our AFS debt securities whose fair values were less than their amortized cost basis.
In addition to the estimated quantitative impact of adopting ASU 2016-13 and the related amendments, as illustrated above, the guidance will also require us to amend and in certain cases, significantly enhance the qualitative disclosures included in our consolidated financial statements around the following specific items: (1) the credit risk inherent within our portfolios of financial assets and how we monitor credit quality, (2) how we determine the estimation of expected credit losses, (3) changes in the estimate of expected credit losses that have occurred during each reporting period, and (4) providing a roll-forward analysis of our allowance for credit losses.