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, 2015 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. 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");


•	liability for policy benefits for life and annuity contracts;


•	reinsurance balances recoverable;


•	gross and net premiums written and net premiums earned;


•	impairment charges, including other-than-temporary impairments on investment securities classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity, and impairments on goodwill, intangible assets and deferred charges;


•	fair value measurements of investments;


•	fair value estimates associated with accounting for acquisitions; 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.

Life

Prior to going into run-off, our life and annuities subsidiaries wrote life insurance, including credit life and disability insurance, term life insurance, assumed life reinsurance and annuities. We will continue to recognize premiums on term life insurance, assumed life reinsurance and credit life and disability insurance. These premiums are generally recognized as revenue when due from policyholders. The policies include contracts with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits. Benefits and expenses are matched with such revenue to result in the recognition of profit over the life of the contracts.

Premiums receivable

Premiums receivable represent amounts currently due and amounts not yet due on insurance and reinsurance policies. Premiums for insurance policies are generally due at inception. Premiums for 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 in the period they are determined. 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 our reinsurance and insurance business, 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.

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. While we believe that the amount is adequate, the ultimate liability may be in excess of, or less than, the amounts provided. Adjustments will be reflected as part of 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 apply when estimating the fair values of assets and liabilities at the time of acquisition. 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 in that period. Gains or losses on settlement of losses and LAE liabilities by way of commutation or policy buy-back are recognized upon execution of a commutation or policy buyback with the insured or reinsured.

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 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 reduction in ultimate loss 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.

(d) Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts

Policy benefits for life and annuity contracts (“policy benefits”) are calculated using standard actuarial techniques and cash flow models. Policy benefits are established and maintained at a level that we estimate will, when taken together with future premium payments and investment income expected to be earned on associated premiums, be sufficient to support all future cash flow benefit obligations and third-party servicing obligations as they become payable. We review policy benefits regularly and perform loss recognition testing based upon cash flow projections.

Since the development of the policy benefits is based upon cash flow projection models, we make estimates and assumptions based on experience and industry mortality tables, longevity and morbidity rates, lapse rates, expenses and investment experience, including a provision for adverse deviation. The assumptions used to determine policy benefits are determined at the inception of the contracts, reviewed and adjusted at the point of acquisition, as required, and are locked-in throughout the life of the contract unless a premium deficiency develops. The assumptions are reviewed no less than annually and are unlocked if they would result in a material adverse reserve change. These estimates are established based upon transaction-specific historical experience, information provided by the ceding company for the assumed business and industry experience. Actual results could differ from these estimates. As the experience on the contracts emerges, the assumptions are reviewed by management. We determine whether actual and anticipated experience indicates that existing policy benefits, together with the present value of future gross premiums, are sufficient to cover the present value of future benefits, settlement and maintenance costs and to recover unamortized acquisition costs. If such a review indicates that policy benefits should be greater than those currently held, then the locked-in assumptions are revised and a charge for policy benefits is recognized at that time.

Because of the many assumptions and estimates used in establishing policy benefits and the long-term nature of the contracts, the reserving process, while based on actuarial techniques, is inherently uncertain.

(e) Reinsurance Recoverable

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 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 related to IBNR reserves is recognized on a basis consistent with the underlying IBNR reserves.

Our reinsurance balances recoverable 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) 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 held-to-maturity securities, which are securities that we have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, are carried at amortized cost adjusted for the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.

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. 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 premium or discount, 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 revised 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 and held-to-maturity 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 that is below 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 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

Equities are classified as trading and 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, real estate debt 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.

Other investments, at cost

Investments in life settlements are recorded as other investments, at cost, and are accounted for under the investment method whereby we recognize our initial investment in the life settlement contracts at the transaction price plus all initial direct external costs. Continuing costs to keep the policy in force, primarily life insurance premiums, increase the carrying amount of the investment. We recognize income on individual investments in life settlements when the insured dies, at an amount equal to the excess of the investment proceeds over the carrying amount of the investment at that time.

The investments are subject to quarterly impairment review on a contract-by-contract basis. An investment in life settlements is considered impaired if the undiscounted cash flows resulting from the expected proceeds from the investment in life settlements are not sufficient to recover the current carrying amount for the investment in life settlements plus anticipated undiscounted future premiums and other capitalizable future costs, if any. Impaired contracts are written down to their estimated fair value, which is determined on a discounted cash flow basis using current market longevity assumptions and market yields, with any impairment charges included within net realized and unrealized (losses) gains.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash equivalents includes all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.

(g) Fees and Commission Income

Fixed fee income is recognized in accordance with the terms of our third-party management agreements. Time-based fees are recognized as services are provided. Success-based fees are recognized when all of the contractual requirements specified in the agreement are met. Profit commissions earned from managed Lloyd's syndicates are recorded on an accrual basis.

(h) 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.

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 at transaction date exchange rates. These exchange gains and losses are recognized in net earnings.

(i) Share-based Compensation

We have primarily used three types of share-based compensation: restricted shares, cash-settled stock appreciation rights ("SARs") and shares issued under our employee share purchase plans. With the exception of SARs and the incentive plan awards issued to certain employees of Atrium, 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 and the Atrium 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 salaries and benefits in the consolidated statements of earnings.

(j) Derivative Instruments

We recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and carry them at the fair value of the instrument. We utilize derivative instruments in our foreign currency risk management strategy. Changes in fair value and realized gains or losses on derivative instruments are recognized in net earnings.

(k) Income Taxes

Certain of our subsidiaries and branches operate in jurisdictions where they are subject to taxation. Current and deferred income taxes are charged or credited to net income, or, in certain cases, to accumulated other comprehensive income, based upon enacted tax laws and rates applicable in the relevant jurisdiction in the period in which the tax becomes accruable or realizable. Deferred income taxes are provided for all temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities used in the financial statements and those used in the various jurisdictional tax returns. When our assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded against the deferred tax assets.

We recognize a tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. A liability 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.

(l) Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding and excludes any dilutive effects of 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.

(m) Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The purchase method is used to account for 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 sellers 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 fair 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) a risk-free 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 original carrying value of reinsurance liabilities and reinsurance assets acquired at the date of acquisition and their fair value is recorded as an intangible asset or other liability, which we refer to as the fair value adjustment ("FVA"). The FVA is amortized over the estimated payout period of outstanding losses and loss expenses acquired. To the extent the actual payout experience after the acquisition is materially faster or slower than anticipated at the time of the acquisition, there is an adjustment to the estimated ultimate loss reserves, or there are changes in bad debt provisions or 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 purchase price is recorded as a goodwill asset or as a gain on 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 the fair value adjustments related to unpaid losses and LAE, reinsurance balances recoverable and policy benefits for life and annuity contracts along with the intangible assets arising from the acquisitions of Atrium and StarStone. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. Amortization of intangible assets is recognized in the consolidated statement 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 intangible assets are not recoverable from their undiscounted cash flows and are measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value.

(n) Retroactive Reinsurance and Deferred Charges

Retroactive reinsurance policies provide indemnification of losses and LAE with respect to past loss events. At the inception of a contract, a deferred charge asset is recorded for the excess, if any, of the estimated ultimate losses payable over the premiums received. Deferred charges, 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. Deferred charges amortization is adjusted at each reporting period to reflect new estimates of the amount and timing of remaining loss payments. Changes in the estimated amount and the timing of payments of unpaid losses may have an effect on the unamortized deferred charges and the amount of periodic amortization.

(o) 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, at our option. Redeemable noncontrolling interest with redemption features that are not solely within our control are classified within temporary equity in the consolidated balance sheets and carried at the redemption value, which is fair value. Change in the fair value exceeding the carrying value is recognized through retained earnings as if the balance sheet date were also the redemption date.

New Accounting Standards Adopted in 2015

There were no new accounting standards adopted during 2015 that impacted our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-02, which amends 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 a lease liability on the balance sheet and to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Instruments

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which amends the guidance on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. Although the ASU retains many of the current requirements, it significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities, and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The ASU also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustment

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, which eliminates the requirement for an acquirer to retrospectively adjust the financial statements for measurement-period adjustments that occur in periods after a business combination is consummated. Under the new guidance, an acquirer must recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

ASU 2015-09, Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-09, which makes targeted improvements to disclosure requirements for insurance companies that issue short-duration contracts. The ASU requires enhanced disclosures, on an annual basis, related to the reserve for losses and loss expenses which include (1) net incurred and paid claims development information by accident year, (2) a reconciliation of incurred and paid claims development information to the aggregate carrying amount of the reserve for losses and LAE, (3) for each accident year presented of incurred claims development, information about claim frequency (unless impracticable), and the amounts of IBNR liabilities, including expected development on reported claims, included in the reserve for losses and LAE, (4) a description of, and any significant changes to the methods for determining both IBNR and expected development on reported claims, and (5) for each accident year presented of incurred claims development, quantitative information about claims frequency, as well as a description of methodologies used for determining claim frequency information. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We expect this guidance to have an impact on our disclosures, but we do not expect it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value or its Equivalent

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, which will eliminate the requirement to categorize investments in the fair value hierarchy if their fair value is measured at the net asset value ("NAV") per share (or its equivalent) using the practical expedient in the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance. Instead, an entity is required to include those investments as a reconciling line item so that the total fair value amount of investments in the disclosure is consistent with the amount on the balance sheet. In addition, the scope of current disclosure requirements for investments eligible to be measured at NAV is limited to investments for which the practical expedient is applied. Reporting entities are required to adopt the ASU retrospectively. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We expect this guidance to have an impact on our disclosures, but we do not expect it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, which requires entities to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. The new consolidation guidance changes the way entities evaluate whether (1) they should consolidate limited partnerships and similar entities; (2) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are variable interests in a variable interest entity ("VIE"), and (3) variable interests in a VIE held by related parties of the registrant require the registrant to consolidate the VIE. The new guidance also eliminates the VIE consolidation model based on majority exposure to variability that applied to certain investment companies and similar entities. The ASU also significantly changes how to evaluate voting rights for entities that are not similar to limited partnerships when determining whether the entity is a VIE, which may affect entities for which decision making rights are conveyed through a contractual arrangement. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

ASU 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-9, which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The ASU applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB ASC including ASC 944 - Insurance. However, while contracts within the scope of ASC 944 are excluded from the scope of the ASU, certain insurance-related contracts should be accounted for under the ASU, for example contracts under which service providers charge their customers fixed fees in exchange for an agreement to provide services for an uncertain future event. Certain of the ASU’s provisions also apply to transfers of non-financial assets and include guidance on recognition and measurement. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.