Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), as codified in the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MGIC Investment Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. In accordance with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We have considered subsequent events through the date of this filing.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications to 2016 and 2015 amounts have been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2017 presentation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider money market funds and investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Fair value measurements

The authoritative accounting guidance includes a framework for measuring fair value. Fair value is disclosed using a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value and includes Levels 1, 2, and 3. To determine the fair value of securities available-for-sale in Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, independent pricing sources have been utilized. One price is provided per security based on observable market data. To ensure securities are appropriately classified in the fair value hierarchy, we review the pricing techniques and methodologies of the independent pricing sources and believe that their policies adequately consider market activity, either based on specific transactions for the issue valued or based on modeling of securities with similar credit quality, duration, yield and structure that were recently traded. A variety of inputs are utilized by the independent pricing sources including benchmark yields, reported trades, non-binding broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including data published in market research publications. Inputs may be weighted differently for any security, and not all inputs are used for each security evaluation.

Market indicators, industry and economic events are also considered. This information is evaluated using a multidimensional pricing model. This model combines all inputs to arrive at a value assigned to each security. Quality controls are performed by the independent pricing sources throughout this process, which include reviewing tolerance reports, trading information, data changes, and directional moves compared to market moves. In addition, on a quarterly basis, we perform quality controls over values received from the pricing sources which also include reviewing tolerance reports, trading information, data changes, and directional moves compared to market moves. We have not made any adjustments to the prices obtained from the independent pricing sources.

In accordance with fair value accounting guidance, we applied the following fair value hierarchy in order to measure fair value for assets and liabilities:

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that we can access. Financial assets utilizing Level 1 inputs primarily include U.S. Treasury securities and certain equity securities.

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets that we can access; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable in the marketplace for the instrument. The observable inputs are used in valuation models to calculate the fair value of the instruments. Financial assets utilizing Level 2 inputs primarily include obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and most municipal bonds.

The independent pricing sources utilize these approaches to determine the fair value of the instruments in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy based on type of instrument:

Corporate Debt & U.S. Government and Agency Bonds are evaluated by surveying the dealer community, obtaining relevant trade data, benchmark quotes and spreads and incorporating this information into the evaluation process.

Obligations of U.S. States & Political Subdivisions are evaluated by tracking, capturing, and analyzing quotes for active issues and trades reported via the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board records. Daily briefings and reviews of current economic conditions, trading levels, spread relationships, and the slope of the yield curve provide further data for evaluation.

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities ("RMBS") are evaluated by monitoring interest rate movements, and other pertinent data daily. Incoming market data is enriched to derive spread, yield and/or price data as appropriate, enabling known data points to be extrapolated for valuation application across a range of related securities.

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities ("CMBS") are evaluated using valuation techniques that reflect market participants’ assumptions and maximize the use of relevant observable inputs including quoted prices for similar assets, benchmark yield curves and market corroborated inputs. Evaluation utilizes regular reviews of the inputs for securities covered, including executed trades, broker quotes, credit information, collateral attributes and/or cash flow waterfall as applicable.

Asset-Backed Securities ("ABS") are evaluated using spreads and other information solicited from market buy-and-sell-side sources, including primary and secondary dealers, portfolio managers, and research analysts. Cash flows are generated for each tranche, benchmark yields are determined, and deal collateral performance and tranche level attributes including trade activity, bids, and offers are applied, resulting in tranche specific prices.

Collateralized loan obligations ("CLO")Collateralized Loan Obligations are evaluated by manager rating, seniority in the capital structure, assumptions about prepayment, default and recovery and their impact on cash flow generation. Loan level net asset values are determined and aggregated for tranches and as a final step prices are checked against available recent trade activity.

Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable or, for certain equity securities, from their par value due to restrictions that require them to be redeemed or sold only to the security issuer at par value. The inputs used to derive the fair value of Level 3 securities reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. Our non-financial assets that are classified as Level 3 securities consist of real estate acquired through claim settlement. The fair value of real estate acquired is the lower of our acquisition cost or a percentage of the appraised value. The percentage applied to the appraised value is based upon our historical sales experience adjusted for current trends.

Investments

Our entire investment portfolio is classified as available-for-sale and is reported at fair value or, for certain equity securities carried at cost, amounts that approximate fair value. The related unrealized investment gains or losses are, after considering the related tax expense or benefit, recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity. Realized investment gains and losses are reported in income based upon specific identification of securities sold.  (See Note 5 – “Investments.”)

Each quarter we perform reviews of our investments in order to determine whether declines in fair value below amortized cost were considered other-than-temporary. In evaluating whether a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, we consider several factors including, but not limited to:

▪ our intent to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis;

▪ the present value of the discounted cash flows we expect to collect compared to the amortized cost basis of the security;

▪ extent and duration of the decline;

▪ failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments;

▪ change in rating below investment grade; and

▪ adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area.

Based on our evaluation, we will record an other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") adjustment on a security if we intend to sell the impaired security, if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the impaired security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, or if the present value of the discounted cash flows we expect to collect is less than the amortized cost basis of the security. If the fair value of a security is below its amortized cost at the time of our intent to sell, the security is classified as other-than-temporarily impaired and the full amount of the impairment is recognized as a loss in the statement of operations. Otherwise, when a security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the losses are separated into the portion of the loss that represents the credit loss and the portion that is due to other factors. The credit loss portion is recognized as a loss in the statement of operations, while the loss due to other factors is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes. A credit loss is determined to exist if the present value of the discounted cash flows, using the security’s original yield, expected to be collected from the security is less than the cost basis of the security.

Home office and equipment

Home office and equipment is carried at cost net of depreciation.  For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is determined on a straight-line basis for the home office and equipment over estimated lives ranging from 3 to 45 years. For income tax purposes, we use accelerated depreciation methods.

Deferred Insurance Policy Acquisition Costs

Costs directly associated with the successful acquisition of mortgage insurance business, consisting of employee compensation and other policy issuance and underwriting expenses, are initially deferred and reported as deferred insurance policy acquisition costs ("DAC"). The deferred costs are net of any ceding commissions received associated with our reinsurance agreements.  For each underwriting year of business, these costs are amortized to income in proportion to estimated gross profits over the estimated life of the policies.  We utilize anticipated investment income in our calculation. This includes accruing interest on the unamortized balance of DAC. The estimates for each underwriting year are reviewed quarterly and updated when necessary to reflect actual experience and any changes to key variables such as persistency or loss development. 

Loss Reserves

Reserves are established for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") when we receive notices of default on insured mortgage loans. We consider a loan in default when it is two or more payments past due. Even though the accounting standard, ASC 944, regarding accounting and reporting by insurance entities specifically excludes mortgage insurance from its guidance relating to loss reserves, we establish loss reserves using the general principles contained in the insurance standard. However, consistent with industry standards for mortgage insurers, we do not establish loss reserves for future claims on insured loans which are not currently in default. Loss reserves are established by estimating the number of loans in our inventory of delinquent loans that will result in a claim payment, which is referred to as the claim rate, and further estimating the amount of the claim payment, which is referred to as claim severity. Our loss estimates are established based upon historical experience, including rescissions of policies, curtailments of claims, and loan modification activity. Adjustments to reserve estimates are reflected in the financial statements in the years in which the adjustments are made. The liability for reinsurance assumed is based on information provided by the ceding companies.

Reserves are also established for estimated losses from defaults occurring prior to the close of an accounting period on notices of default not yet reported to us. These incurred but not reported ("IBNR") reserves are also established using estimated claim rates and claim severities.

Reserves are also established for the estimated costs of settling claims, including legal and other expenses and general expenses of administering the claims settlement process. Reserves are also ceded to reinsurers under our reinsurance agreements.

Premium Deficiency Reserve

After our loss reserves are initially established, we perform premium deficiency tests using our best estimate assumptions as of the testing date. Premium deficiency reserves are established, if necessary, when the present value of expected future losses and expenses exceeds the present value of expected future premium and already established reserves.  Products are grouped for premium deficiency testing purposes based on similarities in the way the products are acquired, serviced and measured for profitability.

The calculation of premium deficiency reserves requires the use of significant judgments and estimates to determine the present value of future premium and present value of expected losses and expenses on our business.  Similar to our loss reserve estimates, our estimates for premium deficiency reserves could be adversely affected by several factors discussed in Note 8 - Loss Reserves. To the extent premium patterns and actual loss experience differ from the assumptions used in calculating the premium deficiency reserves, the differences between the actual results and our estimate will affect future period earnings and could be material.

We established a premium deficiency reserve in 2007 on our Wall Street Bulk business, which we also ceased writing in that year. The premium deficiency reserve was eliminated in 2015 and our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 was affected by a decrease in our premium deficiency reserves of $24 million.

Revenue Recognition

We write policies which are guaranteed renewable contracts at the insured's option on a monthly, single, or annual premium basis. We have no ability to reunderwrite or reprice these contracts.  Premiums written on monthly premium policies are earned as coverage is provided. Premiums written on single premium policies and annual premium policies are initially deferred as unearned premium reserve and earned over the estimated policy life.  Premiums written on single premium policies are amortized over the policy life in relationship to the anticipated incurred loss pattern based on historical experience.  Premiums written on annual premium policies are earned on a monthly pro rata basis. When a policy is cancelled for a reason other than rescission or claim payment, all premium that is non-refundable is immediately earned. Any refundable premium is returned to the servicer or borrower. When a policy is cancelled due to rescission, all previously collected premium is returned to the servicer and when a policy is cancelled because a claim is paid, premium collected since the date of default is returned. The liability associated with our estimate of premium to be returned is accrued for separately and included in "Other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets. When a premium deficiency exists the premium refund liability is included in “Premium deficiency reserves” on our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in these liabilities affect premiums written and earned and change in premium deficiency reserve, respectively. The actual return of premium for all periods affects premiums written and earned.

Fee income of our non-insurance subsidiaries is earned and recognized as the services are provided and the customer is obligated to pay. Fee income consists primarily of contract underwriting and related fee-based services provided to lenders and is included in “Other revenue” on the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are provided under the liability method, which recognizes the future tax effects of temporary differences between amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the tax bases of these items.  The expected tax effects are computed at the enacted regular federal statutory tax rate. Using this method, we have recorded a net deferred tax asset primarily due to net operating losses incurred in prior years. During 2017, net deferred tax assets were remeasured at the lower corporate tax rate enacted under the U.S. tax reform legislation signed into law in the fourth quarter of 2017 (the "Tax Act"). See Note 12- "Income Taxes" for discussion of the impact of the Tax Act on our consolidated financial statements.

On a quarterly basis, we review the need to maintain a deferred tax asset valuation allowance as an offset to the net deferred tax asset, before valuation allowance. We analyze several factors, among which are the severity and frequency of operating losses, our capacity for the carryback or carryforward of any losses, the existence and current level of taxable operating income, operating results on a three year cumulative basis, the expected occurrence of future income or loss, the expiration dates of the carryforwards, the cyclical nature of our operating results, and available tax planning strategies. Based on our analysis, we reduced our benefit from income tax through the recognition of a valuation allowance from the first quarter of 2009 through the second quarter of 2015. In the third quarter of 2015, as discussed in Note 12 – “Income Taxes,” we concluded that it was more likely than not that our deferred tax assets would be fully realizable and we reversed the valuation allowance.

We provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based on our assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained under any examination by taxing authorities.

Benefit Plans

We have a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees, as well as a supplemental executive retirement plan. Retirement benefits are based on compensation and years of service.  We recognize these retirement benefit costs over the period during which employees render the service that qualifies them for benefits. Our policy is to fund pension cost as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

We offer both medical and dental benefits for retired domestic employees, their eligible spouses and dependents until the retiree reaches the age of 65. Under the plan retirees pay a premium for these benefits. We accrue the estimated costs of retiree medical and dental benefits over the period during which employees render the service that qualifies them for benefits.

Reinsurance

Loss reserves and unearned premiums are reported before taking credit for amounts ceded under reinsurance agreements.  Ceded loss reserves are reflected as "Reinsurance recoverable on loss reserves."  Ceded unearned premiums are included in “Other assets.” Amounts due from reinsurers on paid claims are reflected as “Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses.” Ceded premiums payable are included in “Other liabilities.” Any profit commissions are included with “Premiums written – Ceded” and any ceding commissions are included with “Other underwriting and operating expenses, net.” We remain liable for all insurance ceded. 

Share-Based Compensation

We have certain share-based compensation plans. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the service period which generally corresponds to the vesting period.  Awards under our plans generally vest over periods ranging from one to three years. 

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. The computation of basic EPS includes as "participating securities" an immaterial number of unvested share-based compensation awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, under the "two-class" method. Our participating securities are composed of vested restricted stock and restricted stock units ("RSUs") with non-forfeitable rights to dividends (of which none have been declared since the issuance of these participating securities). Diluted EPS includes the components of basic EPS and also gives effect to dilutive common stock equivalents. We calculate diluted EPS using the treasury stock method and if-converted method. Under the treasury stock method, diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if our unvested restricted stock units result in the issuance of common stock. Under the if-converted method, diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if our convertible debt instruments result in the issuance of common stock. The determination of potentially issuable shares does not consider the satisfaction of the conversion requirements and the shares are included in the determination of diluted EPS as of the beginning of the period, if dilutive. In addition to our 9% Debentures, of which a portion remain outstanding, we previously had several senior note debt issuances that could have resulted in contingently issuable shares and we considered each potential issuance of shares separately to reflect the maximum potential dilution for the period the debt issuances were outstanding. For purposes of calculating basic and diluted EPS, vested restricted stock and RSUs are considered outstanding.

Recent accounting and reporting developments

Accounting standards effective in 2017, or early adopted, and relevant to our financial statements

Table 3.1 shows the relevant amendments to accounting standards that have been implemented for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2017; none had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

	Table	3.1
Standard / Interpretation					Effective date
	Amended Standards
	ASC 220		Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income
			•	ASU 2018-02- Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	January 1, 2019
	ASC 718		Compensation - Stock Compensation
			•	ASU 2016-09 - Improvements to Employee Share-Based Compensation Accounting	January 1, 2017

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued updated guidance that allows an election to reclassify stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act's newly enacted federal corporate income tax rate of 21% from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings in an amount that reflects the effect of the change in tax rate on the gross deferred tax amounts and related valuation allowances, if any, at the date of the enactment of the Tax Act related to items remaining in accumulated comprehensive income (loss). Other than the effect of the change in tax rate, we have no other income tax effects related to the application of the Tax Act that are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings. Absent the updated guidance, we generally would remove stranded tax effects lodged in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at the time the circumstances under which these tax effects originally arose no longer exist. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted and we adopted this guidance electing to reclass stranded tax effects from the Tax Act to retained earnings for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2017.

◦ Adoption impact: We recorded a cumulative effect adjustment that reclassified $10.4 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings to reflect the difference between the amount initially credited to other comprehensive income (loss) and the amount that would have been credited at the newly enacted federal corporate tax rate. The effect of this reclassification increases our retained earnings and increases our accumulated other comprehensive loss, with no change to our total shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2017.

Improvements to Employee Share-Based Compensation Accounting

In March 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance that simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based compensation including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification of related amounts within the statement of cash flows. Specifically, the updated guidance requires the following:

• Tax effects related to share-based compensation are made through the statement of operations at the time of settlement instead of recognizing them in paid-in capital.

◦ Adoption impact: We recognized discrete tax benefits of $1.6 million in the provision for income taxes on our statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to excess tax benefits upon vesting of share-based awards during the period.

• Recognition of a tax benefit is no longer required to be delayed until it reduces current taxes payable.

◦ Adoption impact: We recognized an immaterial cumulative effect adjustment in opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2017 related to the recognition of a deferred tax asset related to suspended tax benefits from vesting transactions occurring in prior years and from the elimination of our forfeiture estimate on share-based awards, which was previously applied only to awards with service conditions.

• Tax related cash flows resulting from share-based compensation are to be reported as operating activities on the statement of cash flows, instead of as an inflow from financing activities and an outflow from operating activities.

◦ Adoption impact: We reclassified excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation for 2016 and 2015 to operating activities from financing activities.

• Shares withheld by an employer for tax-withholding purposes upon vesting of equity compensation represents a cash outflow required to be classified as a financing activity on the statements of cash flows.

◦ Adoption impact: We reclassified employee taxes paid for withheld shares for 2016 and 2015 to financing activities from operating activities.

The update also allows, for tax withholding purposes, entities to withhold an amount of shares up to the employee’s maximum individual tax rate (as opposed to the minimum statutory tax rate) in the relevant jurisdiction without resulting in liability classification of the award. A change in tax withholding is to be applied on a modified retrospective approach.

Prospective Accounting Standards

Table 3.2 shows the relevant new amendments to accounting standards, which are not yet effective or adopted.

	Table	3.2
Standard / Interpretation					Effective date
	Amended Standards
	ASC 718		Compensation - Stock Compensation
			•	ASU 2017-09 - Scope of Modification Accounting	January 1, 2018
	ASC 715		Compensation - Retirement Benefits
			•	ASU 2017-07 - Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost	January 1, 2018
	ASC 310		Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs
			•	ASU 2017-08 - Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities	January 1, 2019
	ASC 326		Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
			•	ASU 2016-13 - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments	January 1, 2020
	ASC 825		Financial Instruments - Overall
			•	ASU 2016-01 - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities	January 1, 2018

Stock Compensation - Scope of Modification Accounting

In May 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance related to a change in the terms or conditions (modification) of a share-based award. The updated guidance provides that an entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value and vesting conditions of the modified award and the classification of the award (equity or liability instrument) are the same as the original award immediately before the modification. The updated guidance addresses the current diversity in practice on applying modification accounting, as some entities evaluate whether changes to awards are substantive, which is not prescribed within the current accounting guidance. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. We are currently evaluating the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, but do not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost

In March 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance that improves the reporting of net benefit cost in the financial statements. The updated guidance requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same financial statement caption as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. Current guidance does not prescribe where the amount of net benefit cost should be presented in an employer’s statement of operations and does not require entities to disclose by line item the amount of net benefit cost that is included in the statement of operations. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. We are currently evaluating the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, but do not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities

In March 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance to amend the amortization period for premiums on certain purchased callable debt securities, shortening the amortization period to the earliest call date. Under current GAAP, there is diversity in practice in the amortization period for premiums of callable debt securities and in how the potential for exercise of a call is factored into current impairment assessments. This updated guidance aligns with how callable debt securities, in the United States, are generally quoted, priced, and traded, which incorporates consideration of calls (also referred to as “yield-to-worst” pricing). The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We are currently evaluating the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, but do not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures. We currently account for premium amortization on our purchased callable debt securities on a yield-to-worst basis, which generally aligns with the earliest call date.

Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance that requires immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of many financial instruments. Entities will be required to utilize a current expected credit losses (“CECL”) methodology that incorporates their forecasts of future economic conditions into their loss estimate unless such forecasts are not reasonable and supportable, in which case the entity will revert to historical loss experience. Any allowance for CECL reduces the amortized cost basis of the financial instrument to the amount an entity expects to collect. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale fixed maturity securities are to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses, rather than a write-down of the asset, with the amount of the allowance limited to the amount by which fair value is less than amortized cost. In addition, the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position will no longer impact the determination of whether a credit loss exists. The updated guidance is not prescriptive about certain aspects of estimating expected credit losses, including the specific methodology to use, and therefore will require significant judgment in application. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, but do not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

In January 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance to address the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of certain financial instruments. The updated guidance requires equity investments, except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, that have a readily determinable fair value to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values may be remeasured at fair value either upon the occurrence of an observable price change or upon identification of an impairment. A qualitative assessment for impairment is required for equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The updated guidance also eliminates the requirement to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet. Further, the updated guidance clarifies that entities should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity's other deferred tax assets. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods and will require recognition of a cumulative effect adjustment at adoption. We do not currently expect the adoption of this guidance to impact our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.