MS » Topics » Financial Instruments and Fair Value.

These excerpts taken from the MS 8-K filed Aug 25, 2009.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value.

 

A significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments is carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. A description of the Company’s policies regarding fair value measurement and its application to these financial instruments follows.

 

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value.    All of the instruments within Financial instruments owned and Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased, are measured at fair value, either through the fair value option election (discussed below) or as required by other accounting pronouncements. These financial instruments primarily represent the Company’s trading and investment activities and include both cash and derivative products. In addition, Securities received as collateral and Obligation to return securities received as collateral are measured at fair value as required by other accounting pronouncements. Additionally, certain Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings (primarily structured notes), certain Deposits, Other secured financings and certain Long-term borrowings (primarily structured notes and certain junior subordinated debentures) are measured at fair value through the fair value option election.

 

Gains and losses on all of these financial instruments carried at fair value are reflected in Principal transactions—trading revenues, Principal transactions—investment revenues or Investment banking revenues in the condensed consolidated statements of income, except for derivatives accounted for as hedges (see “Hedge Accounting” section herein and Note 7). Interest income and expense and dividend income are recorded within the condensed consolidated statements of income depending on the nature of the instrument and related market conventions. When interest and dividends are included as a component of the instruments’ fair value, interest and dividends are included within Principal transactions—trading revenues or Principal transactions—investment revenues. Otherwise, they are included within Interest and dividend income or Interest expense. The fair value of over-the-counter (“OTC”) financial instruments, including derivative contracts related to financial instruments and commodities, is presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition on a net-by-counterparty basis, when appropriate. Additionally, the Company nets fair value of cash collateral paid or received against fair value amounts recognized for net derivative positions executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement.

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Fair Value Option.    SFAS No. 159 permits the irrevocable fair value option election on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise to a new basis of accounting for that instrument. The Company applies the fair value option for eligible instruments, including certain loans and lending commitments, certain equity method investments, certain structured notes, certain junior subordinated debentures, certain time deposits and certain other secured financings.

 

Fair Value Measurement—Definition and Hierarchy.    Under the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”), effective December 1, 2006, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

 

In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the observability of inputs as follows:

 

   

Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.

 

   

Level 2—Valuations based on one or more quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

 

   

Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

 

The availability of observable inputs can vary from product to product and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of product, whether the product is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

 

The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 2 to Level 3 (see Note 2). In addition, a continued downturn in market conditions could lead to further declines in the valuation of many instruments.

 

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Valuation Techniques.    Many cash and OTC contracts have bid and ask prices that can be observed in the marketplace. Bid prices reflect the highest price that a party is willing to pay for an asset. Ask prices represent the lowest price that a party is willing to accept for an asset. For financial instruments whose inputs are based on bid-ask prices, the Company does not require that the fair value estimate always be a predetermined point in the bid-ask range. The Company’s policy is to allow for mid-market pricing and adjusting to the point within the bid-ask range that meets the Company’s best estimate of fair value. For offsetting positions in the same financial instrument, the same price within the bid-ask spread is used to measure both the long and short positions.

 

Fair value for many cash and OTC contracts is derived using pricing models. Pricing models take into account the contract terms (including maturity) as well as multiple inputs, including, where applicable, commodity prices, equity prices, interest rate yield curves, credit curves, correlation, creditworthiness of the counterparty, option volatility and currency rates. Where appropriate, valuation adjustments are made to account for various factors such as liquidity risk (bid-ask adjustments), credit quality and model uncertainty. Credit valuation adjustments are applied to both cash instruments and OTC derivatives. For cash instruments, the impact of changes in the Company’s own credit spreads is considered when measuring the fair value of liabilities and the impact of changes in the counterparty’s credit spreads is considered when measuring the fair value of assets. For OTC derivatives, the impact of changes in both the Company’s and the counterparty’s credit standing is considered when measuring fair value. In determining the expected exposure, the Company considers collateral held and legally enforceable master netting agreements that mitigate the Company’s exposure to each counterparty. All valuation adjustments are subject to judgment, are applied on a consistent basis and are based upon observable inputs where available. The Company generally subjects all valuations and models to a review process initially and on a periodic basis thereafter.

 

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

See Note 2 for a description of valuation techniques applied to the major categories of financial instruments measured at fair value.

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis.    Certain of the Company’s assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The Company incurs impairment charges for any write downs of these assets to fair value. A continued downturn in market conditions could result in impairment charges in future periods.

 

For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, fair value is determined by using various valuation approaches. The same hierarchy as described above, which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs, by generally requiring that the observable inputs be used when available, is used in measuring fair value for these items.

 

For further information on financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis, see Note 2.

 

Financial Instruments and Fair Value.

 

A significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments is carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. A description of the Company’s policies regarding fair value measurement and its application to these financial instruments follows.

 

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value.    All of the instruments within Financial instruments owned and Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased, are measured at fair value, either through the fair value option election (discussed below) or as required by other accounting pronouncements. These instruments primarily represent the Company’s trading and investment activities and include both cash and derivative products. In addition, Securities received as collateral and Obligation to return securities received as collateral are measured at fair value as required by other accounting pronouncements. Additionally, certain Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings (primarily structured notes), certain Deposits, Other secured financings and certain Long-term borrowings (primarily structured notes and certain junior subordinated debentures) are measured at fair value through the fair value option election.

 

Gains and losses on all of these instruments carried at fair value are reflected in Principal transactions—trading revenues, Principal transactions—investment revenues or Investment banking revenues in the consolidated statements of income, except for derivatives accounted for as hedges (see “Hedge Accounting” section herein). Interest income and expense and dividend income are recorded within the consolidated statements of income depending on the nature of the instrument and related market conventions. When interest and dividends are included as a component of the instruments’ fair value, interest and dividends are included within Principal transactions—trading revenues or Principal transactions—investment revenues. Otherwise, they are included within Interest and dividend income or Interest expense. The fair value of over-the-counter (“OTC”) financial instruments, including derivative contracts related to financial instruments and commodities, is presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition on a net-by-counterparty basis, when appropriate. Additionally, the Company nets fair value of cash collateral paid or received against fair value amounts recognized for net derivative positions executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement.

 

Fair Value Option.    The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 159 effective December 1, 2006. SFAS No. 159 provides entities the option to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. SFAS No. 159 permits the irrevocable fair value option election on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise to a new basis of accounting for that instrument. The Company applies the fair value option for certain eligible instruments, including certain loans and lending commitments, certain equity method investments, certain structured notes, certain junior subordinated debentures, certain time deposits and Other secured financings.

 

Fair Value Measurement—Definition and Hierarchy.    The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”), effective December 1, 2006. Under this standard, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

 

In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the observability of inputs as follows:

 

   

Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.

 

   

Level 2—Valuations based on one or more quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

 

   

Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

 

The availability of observable inputs can vary from product to product and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of product, whether the product is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

 

The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, such as those experienced in fiscal 2008, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 2 to Level 3 (see Note 3). In addition, a continued downturn in market conditions could lead to further declines in the valuation of many instruments.

 

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

Valuation Techniques.    Many cash and OTC contracts have bid and ask prices that can be observed in the marketplace. Bid prices reflect the highest price that a party is willing to pay for an asset. Ask prices represent the lowest price that a party is willing to accept for an asset. For financial instruments whose inputs are based on bid-ask prices, the Company does not require that the fair value estimate always be a predetermined point in the bid-ask range. The Company’s policy is to allow for mid-market pricing and adjusting to the point within the bid-ask range that meets the Company’s best estimate of fair value. For offsetting positions in the same financial instrument, the same price within the bid-ask spread is used to measure both the long and short positions.

 

Fair value for many cash and OTC contracts is derived using pricing models. Pricing models take into account the contract terms (including maturity) as well as multiple inputs, including, where applicable, commodity prices, equity prices, interest rate yield curves, credit curves, correlation, creditworthiness of the counterparty, option volatility and currency rates. In accordance with SFAS No. 157, the impact of the Company’s own credit spreads is also considered when measuring the fair value of liabilities, including OTC derivative contracts. Where appropriate, valuation adjustments are made to account for various factors such as liquidity risk (bid-ask

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

adjustments), credit quality and model uncertainty. These adjustments are subject to judgment, are applied on a consistent basis and are based upon observable inputs where available. The Company generally subjects all valuations and models to a review process initially and on a periodic basis thereafter.

 

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

See Note 3 for a description of valuation techniques applied to the major categories of financial instruments measured at fair value.

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis.    Certain of the Company’s assets were measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets include certain goodwill, certain intangible assets, certain premises and equipment, certain equity method investments, certain loans and certain real estate investments that were impaired during fiscal 2008, primarily in the fourth quarter, and written down to their fair value. In addition, a continued downturn in market conditions could result in additional impairment charges in future periods.

 

For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, fair value is determined by using various valuation approaches. The same hierarchy as described above, which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs, by generally requiring that the observable inputs be used when available, is used in measuring fair value for these items.

 

For further information on financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis, see Note 3.

 

This excerpt taken from the MS 10-Q filed May 7, 2009.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value.

A significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments is carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. A description of the Company’s policies regarding fair value measurement and its application to these financial instruments follows.

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value.    All of the instruments within Financial instruments owned and Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased, are measured at fair value, either through the fair value option election (discussed below) or as required by other accounting pronouncements. These financial instruments primarily represent the Company’s trading and investment activities and include both cash and derivative products. In addition, Securities received as collateral and Obligation to return securities received as collateral are measured at fair value as required by other accounting pronouncements. Additionally, certain Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings (primarily structured notes), certain Deposits, Other secured financings and certain Long-term borrowings (primarily structured notes and certain junior subordinated debentures) are measured at fair value through the fair value option election.

Gains and losses on all of these financial instruments carried at fair value are reflected in Principal transactions—trading revenues, Principal transactions—investment revenues or Investment banking revenues in the condensed consolidated statements of income, except for derivatives accounted for as hedges (see “Hedge Accounting” section herein and Note 7). Interest income and expense and dividend income are recorded within the condensed consolidated statements of income depending on the nature of the instrument and related market conventions. When interest and dividends are included as a component of the instruments’ fair value, interest and dividends are included within Principal transactions—trading revenues or Principal transactions—investment revenues. Otherwise, they are included within Interest and dividend income or Interest expense. The fair value of over-the-counter (“OTC”) financial instruments, including derivative contracts related to financial instruments and commodities, is presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition on a net-by-counterparty basis, when appropriate. Additionally, the Company nets fair value of cash collateral paid or received against fair value amounts recognized for net derivative positions executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement.

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Fair Value Option.    SFAS No. 159 permits the irrevocable fair value option election on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise to a new basis of accounting for that instrument. The Company applies the fair value option for eligible instruments, including certain loans and lending commitments, certain equity method investments, certain structured notes, certain junior subordinated debentures, certain time deposits and certain other secured financings.

Fair Value Measurement—Definition and Hierarchy.    Under the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”), effective December 1, 2006, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the observability of inputs as follows:

 

   

Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.

 

   

Level 2—Valuations based on one or more quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

 

   

Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from product to product and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of product, whether the product is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 2 to Level 3 (see Note 2). In addition, a continued downturn in market conditions could lead to further declines in the valuation of many instruments.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Valuation Techniques.    Many cash and OTC contracts have bid and ask prices that can be observed in the marketplace. Bid prices reflect the highest price that a party is willing to pay for an asset. Ask prices represent the lowest price that a party is willing to accept for an asset. For financial instruments whose inputs are based on bid-ask prices, the Company does not require that the fair value estimate always be a predetermined point in the bid-ask range. The Company’s policy is to allow for mid-market pricing and adjusting to the point within the bid-ask range that meets the Company’s best estimate of fair value. For offsetting positions in the same financial instrument, the same price within the bid-ask spread is used to measure both the long and short positions.

Fair value for many cash and OTC contracts is derived using pricing models. Pricing models take into account the contract terms (including maturity) as well as multiple inputs, including, where applicable, commodity prices, equity prices, interest rate yield curves, credit curves, correlation, creditworthiness of the counterparty, option volatility and currency rates. Where appropriate, valuation adjustments are made to account for various factors such as liquidity risk (bid-ask adjustments), credit quality and model uncertainty. Credit valuation adjustments are applied to both cash instruments and OTC derivatives. For cash instruments, the impact of changes in the Company’s own credit spreads is considered when measuring the fair value of liabilities and the impact of changes in the counterparty’s credit spreads is considered when measuring the fair value of assets. For OTC derivatives, the impact of changes in both the Company’s and the counterparty’s credit standing is considered when measuring fair value. In determining the expected exposure, the Company considers collateral held and legally enforceable master netting agreements that mitigate the Company’s exposure to each counterparty. All valuation adjustments are subject to judgment, are applied on a consistent basis and are based upon observable inputs where available. The Company generally subjects all valuations and models to a review process initially and on a periodic basis thereafter.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

See Note 2 for a description of valuation techniques applied to the major categories of financial instruments measured at fair value.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis.    Certain of the Company’s assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The Company incurs impairment charges for any write downs of these assets to fair value. A continued downturn in market conditions could result in impairment charges in future periods.

For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, fair value is determined by using various valuation approaches. The same hierarchy as described above, which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs, by generally requiring that the observable inputs be used when available, is used in measuring fair value for these items.

For further information on financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis, see Note 2.

These excerpts taken from the MS 10-K filed Jan 29, 2009.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value.

 

A significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments is carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. A description of the Company’s policies regarding fair value measurement and its application to these financial instruments follows.

 

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value.    All of the instruments within Financial instruments owned and Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased, are measured at fair value, either through the fair value option election (discussed below) or as required by other accounting pronouncements. These instruments primarily represent the Company’s trading and investment activities and include both cash and derivative products. In addition, Securities received as collateral and Obligation to return securities received as collateral are measured at fair value as required by other accounting pronouncements. Additionally, certain Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings (primarily structured notes), certain Deposits, Other secured financings and certain Long-term borrowings (primarily structured notes and certain junior subordinated debentures) are measured at fair value through the fair value option election.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Gains and losses on all of these instruments carried at fair value are reflected in Principal transactions—trading revenues, Principal transactions—investment revenues or Investment banking revenues in the consolidated statements of income, except for derivatives accounted for as hedges (see “Hedge Accounting” section herein). Interest income and expense and dividend income are recorded within the consolidated statements of income depending on the nature of the instrument and related market conventions. When interest and dividends are included as a component of the instruments’ fair value, interest and dividends are included within Principal transactions—trading revenues or Principal transactions—investment revenues. Otherwise, they are included within Interest and dividend income or Interest expense. The fair value of over-the-counter (“OTC”) financial instruments, including derivative contracts related to financial instruments and commodities, is presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition on a net-by-counterparty basis, when appropriate. Additionally, the Company nets fair value of cash collateral paid or received against fair value amounts recognized for net derivative positions executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement.

 

Fair Value Option.    The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 159 effective December 1, 2006. SFAS No. 159 provides entities the option to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. SFAS No. 159 permits the irrevocable fair value option election on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise to a new basis of accounting for that instrument. The Company applies the fair value option for certain eligible instruments, including certain loans and lending commitments, certain equity method investments, certain structured notes, certain junior subordinated debentures, certain time deposits and Other secured financings.

 

Fair Value Measurement—Definition and Hierarchy.    The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”), effective December 1, 2006. Under this standard, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

 

In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the observability of inputs as follows:

 

   

Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.

 

   

Level 2—Valuations based on one or more quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

 

   

Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

 

The availability of observable inputs can vary from product to product and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of product, whether the product is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

 

The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, such as those experienced in fiscal 2008, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 2 to Level 3 (see Note 3). In addition, a continued downturn in market conditions could lead to further declines in the valuation of many instruments.

 

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

Valuation Techniques.    Many cash and OTC contracts have bid and ask prices that can be observed in the marketplace. Bid prices reflect the highest price that a party is willing to pay for an asset. Ask prices represent the lowest price that a party is willing to accept for an asset. For financial instruments whose inputs are based on bid-ask prices, the Company does not require that the fair value estimate always be a predetermined point in the bid-ask range. The Company’s policy is to allow for mid-market pricing and adjusting to the point within the bid-ask range that meets the Company’s best estimate of fair value. For offsetting positions in the same financial instrument, the same price within the bid-ask spread is used to measure both the long and short positions.

 

Fair value for many cash and OTC contracts is derived using pricing models. Pricing models take into account the contract terms (including maturity) as well as multiple inputs, including, where applicable, commodity prices, equity prices, interest rate yield curves, credit curves, correlation, creditworthiness of the counterparty, option volatility and currency rates. In accordance with SFAS No. 157, the impact of the Company’s own credit spreads is also considered when measuring the fair value of liabilities, including OTC derivative contracts. Where appropriate, valuation adjustments are made to account for various factors such as liquidity risk (bid-ask adjustments), credit quality and model uncertainty. These adjustments are subject to judgment, are applied on a consistent basis and are based upon observable inputs where available. The Company generally subjects all valuations and models to a review process initially and on a periodic basis thereafter.

 

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

See Note 3 for a description of valuation techniques applied to the major categories of financial instruments measured at fair value.

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis.    Certain of the Company’s assets were measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets include certain goodwill, certain intangible assets, certain premises and equipment, certain equity method investments, certain loans and certain real estate investments that were impaired during fiscal 2008, primarily in the fourth quarter, and written down to their fair value. In addition, a continued downturn in market conditions could result in additional impairment charges in future periods.

 

For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, fair value is determined by using various valuation approaches. The same hierarchy as described above, which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs, by generally requiring that the observable inputs be used when available, is used in measuring fair value for these items.

 

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For further information on financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis, see Note 3.

 

Financial Instruments and
Fair Value.

 

A significant portion of the Company’s financial
instruments is carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. A description of the Company’s policies regarding fair value measurement and its application to these financial instruments follows.


 

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value.    All of the
instruments within Financial instruments owned and Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased, are measured at fair value, either through the fair value option election (discussed below) or as required by other accounting
pronouncements. These instruments primarily represent the Company’s trading and investment activities and include both cash and derivative products. In addition, Securities received as collateral and Obligation to return securities
received as collateral are measured at fair value as required by other accounting pronouncements. Additionally, certain Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings (primarily structured notes), certain Deposits, Other secured financings and
certain Long-term borrowings (primarily structured notes and certain junior subordinated debentures) are measured at fair value through the fair value option election.

 

















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Gains and losses on all of these instruments carried at fair value are reflected in Principal
transactions—trading revenues, Principal transactions—investment revenues or Investment banking revenues in the consolidated statements of income, except for derivatives accounted for as hedges (see “Hedge Accounting” section
herein). Interest income and expense and dividend income are recorded within the consolidated statements of income depending on the nature of the instrument and related market conventions. When interest and dividends are included as a component
of the instruments’ fair value, interest and dividends are included within Principal transactions—trading revenues or Principal transactions—investment revenues. Otherwise, they are included within Interest
and dividend income or Interest expense. The fair value of over-the-counter (“OTC”) financial instruments, including derivative contracts related to financial instruments and commodities, is presented in the accompanying consolidated
statements of financial condition on a net-by-counterparty basis, when appropriate. Additionally, the Company nets fair value of cash collateral paid or received against fair value amounts recognized for net derivative positions executed with the
same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement.

 

Fair Value
Option
.    The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 159 effective December 1, 2006. SFAS No. 159 provides entities the option to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value
with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. SFAS No. 159 permits the irrevocable fair value option election on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise
to a new basis of accounting for that instrument. The Company applies the fair value option for certain eligible instruments, including certain loans and lending commitments, certain equity method investments, certain structured notes, certain
junior subordinated debentures, certain time deposits and Other secured financings.

 

SIZE="2">Fair Value Measurement—Definition and Hierarchy.    The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”), effective December 1,
2006. Under this standard, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement
date.

 

In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation
approaches. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when
available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the
Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the
observability of inputs as follows:

 







  

Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Valuation
adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of
judgment.

 







  

Level 2—Valuations based on one or more quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or
indirectly.

 







  

Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

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The availability of observable inputs can vary from product to product and is affected by a
wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of product, whether the product is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that
valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination

 



















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of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments
categorized in Level 3.

 

The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as
of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, such as those experienced in fiscal 2008, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could
cause an instrument to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 2 to Level 3 (see Note 3). In addition, a continued downturn in market conditions could lead to further declines in the valuation of many instruments.

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In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels
of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to
the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

Valuation
Techniques
.    Many cash and OTC contracts have bid and ask prices that can be observed in the marketplace. Bid prices reflect the highest price that a party is willing to pay for an asset. Ask prices represent the lowest
price that a party is willing to accept for an asset. For financial instruments whose inputs are based on bid-ask prices, the Company does not require that the fair value estimate always be a predetermined point in the bid-ask range. The
Company’s policy is to allow for mid-market pricing and adjusting to the point within the bid-ask range that meets the Company’s best estimate of fair value. For offsetting positions in the same financial instrument, the same price within
the bid-ask spread is used to measure both the long and short positions.

 

Fair
value for many cash and OTC contracts is derived using pricing models. Pricing models take into account the contract terms (including maturity) as well as multiple inputs, including, where applicable, commodity prices, equity prices, interest rate
yield curves, credit curves, correlation, creditworthiness of the counterparty, option volatility and currency rates. In accordance with SFAS No. 157, the impact of the Company’s own credit spreads is also considered when measuring the
fair value of liabilities, including OTC derivative contracts. Where appropriate, valuation adjustments are made to account for various factors such as liquidity risk (bid-ask adjustments), credit quality and model uncertainty. These adjustments are
subject to judgment, are applied on a consistent basis and are based upon observable inputs where available. The Company generally subjects all valuations and models to a review process initially and on a periodic basis thereafter.

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Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant
rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or
liability at the measurement date.

 

See Note 3 for a description of valuation
techniques applied to the major categories of financial instruments measured at fair value.

 

FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis.    Certain of the Company’s assets were measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets include
certain goodwill, certain intangible assets, certain premises and equipment, certain equity method investments, certain loans and certain real estate investments that were impaired during fiscal 2008, primarily in the fourth quarter, and written
down to their fair value. In addition, a continued downturn in market conditions could result in additional impairment charges in future periods.

 

STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, fair value is determined by using various valuation approaches. The same hierarchy as
described above, which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs, by generally requiring that the observable inputs be used when available, is used in measuring fair value for these items.

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For further information on financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and
non-recurring basis, see Note 3.

 

"Financial Instruments and Fair Value." elsewhere:

Greenhill (GHL)
Knight Capital Group (NITE)
Oppenheimer Holdings (OPY)
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