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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations
Introduction
MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation (MUAH) is a financial holding company, bank holding company and intermediate holding company whose principal subsidiaries are MUFG Union Bank, N.A. (MUB or the Bank) and MUFG Securities Americas Inc. (MUSA). MUAH is owned by MUFG Bank, Ltd. and MUFG. MUFG Bank, Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MUFG. As used in these Consolidated Financial Statements, terms such as "the Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation (MUAH), one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries, or to all of them together.
MUAH provides a wide range of financial services to consumers, small businesses, middle-market companies and major corporations nationally and internationally. The Company also provides various business, banking, financial, administrative and support services, and facilities for MUFG Bank, Ltd. (formerly The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.) in connection with the operation and administration of MUFG Bank, Ltd.'s business in the U.S. (including MUFG Bank, Ltd.'s U.S. branches).
On July 1, 2016, in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board’s final rules for Enhanced Prudential Standards, the Company was designated the U.S. Intermediate Holding Company (IHC) of its ultimate parent, MUFG. The IHC formation resulted in the transfer of interests in substantially all of MUFG’s U.S. subsidiaries to MUAH. The Company issued 7,991,449 shares to MUFG Bank, Ltd. and MUFG in exchange for the transferred subsidiaries. These subsidiaries included MUSA, a registered broker-dealer, and various other non-bank subsidiaries. The assets received and liabilities assumed were transferred at their carrying amounts, and all prior periods have been revised to include the results of these transferred subsidiaries. MUFG's remaining U.S. subsidiaries were transferred to MUAH on July 1, 2017. The Company issued 3,267,433 shares to MUFG Bank, Ltd. and MUFG in exchange for these transferred subsidiaries and their financial results have been included in MUAH's financial results prospectively beginning July 1, 2017.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Financial Statement Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and other entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the entity that has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Results of operations from VIEs are included from the dates that the Company became the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances with consolidated entities are eliminated in consolidation.
The Company accounts for equity investments over which it exerts significant influence using the equity method of accounting. Non-marketable equity investments where the Company does not exert significant influence are accounted for at cost or using the proportional amortization method. Investments accounted for under the equity method, proportional amortization method, and cost method are included in other assets.
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The policies that materially affect the determination of financial position, results of operations and cash flows are summarized below.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP also requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Although such estimates contemplate current conditions and management's expectations of how they may change in the future, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. This could materially affect the Company's results of operations and financial condition in the near term. Critical estimates made by management in the preparation of the Company's financial statements include, but are not limited to, the allowance for credit losses (Note 3), goodwill impairment (Note 5), fair value of financial instruments (Note 11), pension accounting (Note 15), income taxes (Note 17), and transfer pricing (Note 21).
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits in banks, and federal funds sold.
Securities Borrowed or Purchased under Agreements to Resell and Securities Loaned or Sold under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities borrowed and securities loaned transactions do not qualify for sale accounting and therefore are not recognized on the transferee's balance sheet. Securities borrowed and securities loaned represent the amount of cash collateral advanced or received, respectively. The Company monitors the market value of the borrowed and loaned securities on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained or refunded as necessary. Accrued interest associated with securities borrowed and securities loaned is included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively. Interest associated with securities borrowed and securities loaned is recorded as interest income and interest expense, respectively.

Securities purchased under agreements to resell (“reverse repurchase agreements”) and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”) do not qualify for sale accounting and therefore are not recognized on the transferee's balance sheet. Transactions involving these agreements are accounted for as collateralized financings. These agreements are recorded at the amounts at which the securities were acquired or sold and are carried at amortized cost. The Company generally obtains possession of collateral with a market value equal to or in excess of the principal amount financed under reverse repurchase agreements. Collateral is valued daily, and the Company may require counterparties to deposit additional collateral or return collateral pledged, when appropriate. Accrued interest associated with reverse repurchase agreements and repurchase agreements is included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively. Interest associated with reverse repurchase agreements and repurchase agreements is recorded as interest income and interest expense, respectively. The Company generally enters into reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements under legally enforceable master repurchase agreements that give the Company, in the event of counterparty default, the right to liquidate securities held and offset receivables and payables with the same counterparty. The Company offsets reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements with the same counterparty where they have a legally enforceable master netting agreement and the transactions have the same maturity date.
Trading Account Assets and Liabilities
Trading account assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value and include certain securities and derivatives. Securities are classified as trading when management acquires them with the intent to hold for short periods, primarily at MUAH's broker-dealer subsidiary, MUSA, or as an accommodation to customers. Substantially all of the securities have a high degree of liquidity and a readily determinable fair value. Interest on securities classified as trading is included in interest income, and realized gains and losses from sale and unrealized fair value adjustments are recognized in noninterest income. Trading securities that are pledged under an agreement to repurchase and which may be sold or repledged under that agreement are separately identified as pledged as collateral.
Derivatives included in trading account assets and liabilities are entered into for trading purposes or as an accommodation to customers. Contracts primarily include interest rate swaps and options, commodity swaps and options, and foreign exchange contracts. The Company nets derivative assets and liabilities, and the related cash collateral receivables and payables, when a legally enforceable master netting arrangement exists between the Company and the derivative counterparty. Changes in fair values and realized income or expense for trading asset and liability derivatives are included in noninterest income.
Securities
Securities are classified based on management's intent and are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as of the trade date, when acquired in a regular-way trade. Debt securities for which management has both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Debt securities with readily determinable fair values that are not classified as trading assets or held to maturity are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains or losses reported net of taxes as a component of AOCI in stockholders' equity until realized.
Interest income on debt securities classified as either available for sale or held to maturity includes the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts using a method that produces a level yield and is included in interest income on securities.
Realized gains and losses on the sale of available for sale securities are included in noninterest income. The specific identification method is used to calculate realized gains and losses on sales.
Securities available for sale that are pledged under an agreement to repurchase and which may be sold or repledged under that agreement are separately identified as pledged as collateral.
Debt securities available for sale and debt securities held to maturity are subject to impairment testing when a security's fair value is lower than its amortized cost. Debt securities with unrealized losses are considered other-than-temporarily impaired if we intend to sell the debt security, if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, or if we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If we intend to sell the security, or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery, an other-than-temporary impairment write-down is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the amortized cost basis and fair value of the debt security. However, even if we do not expect to sell a debt security we must evaluate the expected cash flows to be received and determine if a credit loss exists. In the event of a credit loss, only the amount of impairment associated with the credit loss is recognized in income. Amounts related to factors other than credit losses are recorded in other comprehensive income. For further information on our other-than-temporary impairment analysis, see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Loans Held for Investment, Other Acquired Loans, Loans Held for Sale and Leases
Loans held for investment are reported at the principal amounts outstanding, net of charge-offs, unamortized nonrefundable loan fees, direct loan origination costs, and purchase premiums and discounts. Where loans are held for investment, the net basis adjustment excluding charge-offs on the loan is generally recognized in interest income on an effective yield basis over the contractual loan term.
Nonaccrual loans are those for which management has discontinued accrual of interest because there exists significant uncertainty as to the full and timely collection of either principal or interest. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual when such loans have become contractually past due 90 days with respect to principal or interest. Past due status is determined based on the contractual terms of the loan and the number of payment cycles since the last payment date. Interest accruals are continued past 90 days for certain small business loans and consumer installment loans, which are charged off at 120 days. For the commercial loan portfolio segment, interest accruals are also continued for loans that are both well-secured and in the process of collection.
When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all previously accrued but uncollected interest is reversed against current period interest income. When full collection of the outstanding principal balance is in doubt, subsequent payments received are first applied to unpaid principal and then to uncollected interest. A loan may be returned to accrual status at such time as the loan is brought fully current as to both principal and interest, and such loan is considered to be fully collectible on a timely basis. The Company's policy also allows management to continue the recognition of interest income on certain loans placed on nonaccrual status. This portion of the nonaccrual portfolio is referred to as "Cash Basis Nonaccrual" under which the accrual of interest is suspended and interest income is recognized only when collected. This policy applies to consumer portfolio segment loans and commercial portfolio segment loans that are well-secured and in management's judgment are considered to be fully collectible but the timely collection of payments is in doubt.
A TDR is a restructuring of a loan in which the creditor, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. A loan subject to such a restructuring is accounted for as a TDR. A TDR typically involves a modification of terms such as a reduction of the interest rate below the current market rate for a loan with similar risk characteristics or extending the maturity date of the loan without corresponding compensation or additional support. The Company measures impairment of a TDR using the methodology described for individually impaired loans (see "Allowance for Loan Losses" below). For the consumer portfolio segment, TDRs are initially placed on nonaccrual and typically, a minimum of six consecutive months of sustained performance is required before returning to accrual status. For the commercial portfolio segment, the Company generally determines accrual status for TDRs by performing an individual assessment of each loan, which may include, among other factors, demonstrated performance by the borrower under the previous terms.
Except for certain transactions between entities under common control, loans acquired in a transfer, including business combinations, are recorded at fair value at the acquisition date, factoring in credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan.
Loans held for sale, which are recorded in other assets, are carried at the lower of cost or fair value and measured on an individual basis for commercial loans and on an aggregate basis for residential mortgage loans. Changes in fair value are recognized in other noninterest income. Nonrefundable fees, direct loan origination costs, and purchase premiums and discounts related to loans held for sale are deferred and recognized as a component of the gain or loss on sale. Contractual interest earned on loans held for sale is recognized in interest income.
As lessor, the Company primarily offers two types of leases to customers: 1) direct financing leases where the assets leased are acquired without additional financing from other sources, and 2) leveraged leases where a substantial portion of the financing is provided by debt with no recourse to the Company. Direct financing leases and leveraged leases are recorded based on the amount of minimum lease payments receivable, unguaranteed residual value accruing to the benefit of the lessor, unamortized initial direct costs, and are reduced for any unearned income. Leveraged leases are recorded net of any nonrecourse debt.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance is based on ongoing, quarterly assessments of the probable estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses, which is charged against current period operating results and decreased by the amount of charge-offs, net of recoveries. The Company's methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance consists of several key elements, which include the allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment, the allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment, and the unallocated allowance. Management estimates probable losses inherent in the portfolio based on a loss emergence period. The loss emergence period is the estimated average period of time between a material adverse event that affects the creditworthiness of a borrower and the subsequent recognition of a loss. Updates of the loss emergence period are performed when significant events cause management to reexamine data. Management develops and documents its systematic methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses by first dividing its portfolio into segments—the commercial segment and consumer segment. The Company further divides the portfolio segments into classes based on initial measurement attributes, risk characteristics or its method of monitoring and assessing credit risk. The classes for the Company include commercial and industrial, commercial mortgage, construction, residential mortgage, and home equity and other consumer loans. While the Company's methodology attributes portions of the allowance to specific portfolio segments, the entire allowance is available to absorb credit losses inherent in the total loan portfolio.
For the commercial portfolio segment, the allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment is calculated by utilizing a dual factor internal risk rating system that encompasses both the probability that a credit facility may ultimately default (i.e. probability of default) and an estimate of the severity of the loss that would be realized upon such default (i.e. the loss-given default) and applying these risk ratings to outstanding loans and most unused commitments. The probability of default and loss-given default may be adjusted for qualitative or environmental factors that, in management's judgment, are likely to cause estimated credit losses associated with the existing portfolio to differ from the historical probability of default and loss-given default. The Company refined its methodology for estimating the allowance for commercial loans collectively evaluated for impairment and the allowance for losses on unfunded credit commitments during the first quarter of 2018. Previously the Company derived the allowance for these loans by assigning a loss factor based on an internal risk rating that estimated the probability that a credit facility may ultimately default (i.e. probability of default) rather than a dual factor internal risk rating system that encompasses both the probability of default and an estimate of the severity of the loss that would be realized upon such default (i.e. the loss-given default). During the second quarter of 2018, the Company implemented refinements to the qualitative considerations used in our reserve methodology. 
For the consumer portfolio segment, loans are generally pooled by product type with similar risk characteristics. The Company estimates the allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment based on forecasted losses.
The allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment also includes attributions for certain sectors within the commercial and consumer portfolio segments to account for probable losses based on incurred loss events that are currently not reflected in the probability of default and loss-given default. Segment attributions are calculated based on migration scenarios for the commercial portfolio and specific attributes applicable to the consumer portfolio. Segment considerations are revised periodically as portfolio and environmental conditions change.
The Company individually evaluates for impairment larger nonaccruing loans within the commercial portfolio. Residential mortgage and consumer loans are not individually evaluated for impairment unless they represent TDRs. Loans are considered impaired when the evaluation of current information regarding the borrower's financial condition, loan collateral, and cash flows indicates that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including interest payments. The amount of impairment is measured using the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective rate, the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent.
The unallocated allowance is composed of attributions that are intended to capture probable losses from adverse changes in credit migration and other inherent losses that are not currently reflected in the allowance for loan losses that are ascribed to our portfolio segments.
Significant risk characteristics considered in estimating the allowance for credit losses include the following:
Commercial and industrial—industry specific economic trends and individual borrower financial condition
Construction and commercial mortgage loans—type of property (i.e., residential, commercial, industrial), geographic concentrations, and risks and individual borrower financial condition
Residential mortgage and consumer—historical and expected future charge-offs, borrower's credit, property collateral, and loan characteristics
Loans are charged-off in whole or in part when they are considered to be uncollectible. Loans in the commercial loan portfolio segment are generally considered uncollectible based on an evaluation of borrower financial condition as well as the value of any collateral. Loans in the consumer portfolio segment are generally considered uncollectible based on past due status or the execution of certain TDR modifications such as discharge through Chapter 7 bankruptcy and the value of any collateral. Recoveries of amounts previously charged off are recorded as a recovery to the allowance for loan losses.
Allowance for Losses on Unfunded Credit Commitments
The Company maintains an allowance for losses on unfunded credit commitments to absorb losses inherent in those commitments upon funding. The Company's methodology for assessing the appropriateness of this allowance is the same as that used for the allowance for loan losses (see "Allowance for Loan Losses" above) and incorporates an assumption based upon historical experience of likely utilization of the commitment. The allowance for losses on unfunded credit commitments is classified as other liabilities and the change in this allowance is recognized in the provision for credit losses. Losses on unfunded credit commitments are identified when exposures committed to customers facing difficulty are drawn upon, and subsequently result in charge-offs.
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
Intangible assets represent purchased assets that lack physical substance and can be separately distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or because the asset is capable of being sold, exchanged, or licensed. Intangible assets are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition.
Intangible assets that have indefinite lives are tested for impairment at least annually, and more frequently in certain circumstances. Intangible assets that have finite lives, which include core deposit intangibles, customer relationships, non-compete agreements and trade names, are amortized either using the straight-line method or a method that patterns the consumption of the economic benefit. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated periods of benefit, which range from three to forty years. The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of intangible assets and takes into account events or circumstances that warrant revised estimates of useful lives or that indicate impairment exists.
Goodwill is assessed for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level either qualitatively or quantitatively. If the elected qualitative assessment results indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative impairment test is required. Various valuation methodologies are applied to carry out the first step of the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a second step is required to measure the amount of impairment by comparing the implied fair value of the goodwill assigned to the reporting unit with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill impairment is recognized through noninterest expense as a direct write down to its carrying amount and subsequent reversals of goodwill impairment are prohibited.
Other Investments
The Company invests in limited liability partnerships and other entities operating qualified affordable housing projects. These LIHC investments provide tax benefits to investors in the form of tax deductions from operating losses and tax credits. The LIHC investments are initially recorded at cost, and are subsequently accounted for under the proportional amortization method, when such requirements are met to apply that methodology. Under the proportional amortization method, the Company amortizes the initial investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits allocated to the Company, with amortization recognized in the statement of income as a component of income tax expense. When the requirements are not met to apply the proportional amortization method, the investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting with equity method losses recorded in noninterest expense. LIHC investments are reviewed periodically for impairment.
The Company also invests in limited liability entities and trusts that operate renewable energy projects, either directly or indirectly. Tax credits, taxable income and distributions associated with these renewable energy projects may be allocated to investors according to the terms of the partnership agreements. These investments are accounted for under the equity method and are reviewed periodically for impairment, considering projected operating results and realizability of tax credits. For those projects where economic benefits are not allocated based on pro rata ownership percentage, the Company accounts for its investments using the hypothetical liquidation at book value (“HLBV”) method. Under the HLBV method, the Company determines its share of an investee’s earnings by comparing the amount it would hypothetically receive at each balance sheet reporting date under the liquidation provisions of the partnership agreements, assuming the investee's net assets were liquidated at amounts determined in accordance with GAAP and distributed to the Company, after taking capital transactions during the period into account.
Derivative Instruments Used in Hedging Relationships
The Company enters into a variety of derivative contracts as a means of managing the Company's interest rate exposure and designates such derivatives under qualifying hedge relationships. All such derivative instruments are recorded at fair value and are included in other assets or other liabilities. The Company offsets derivative assets and liabilities, and the related cash collateral receivables and payables, when a legally enforceable master netting arrangement exists between the Company and the derivative counterparty.
At hedge inception, the Company designates a derivative instrument as a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (i.e., fair value hedge), or a hedge of the variability in the expected future cash flows associated with either an existing recognized asset or liability or a probable forecasted transaction (i.e., cash flow hedge).
Where hedge accounting is applied at hedge inception, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, which includes identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item or transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged, and how the hedge's effectiveness will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively. Both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument must be highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item in order to qualify for hedge accounting.
For fair value hedges, any ineffectiveness is recognized in noninterest expense in the period in which it arises. For cash flow hedges, only ineffectiveness resulting from over-hedging is recorded in earnings as an adjustment to noninterest expense, with other changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument recognized in other comprehensive income. For cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the amount in other comprehensive income is subsequently reclassified to net interest income in the period in which the cash flow from the hedged item is recognized in earnings. If a derivative instrument is no longer determined to be highly effective as a designated hedge, hedge accounting is discontinued and subsequent fair value adjustments of the derivative instrument are recorded in earnings.
Transfers of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets in which the Company has surrendered control over the transferred assets are accounted for as sales. Control is generally considered to have been surrendered when the transferred assets have been legally isolated from the Company, the transferee has the right to pledge or exchange the assets without any significant constraints, and the Company has not entered into a repurchase agreement, does not hold unconditional call options and has not written put options on the transferred assets. In assessing whether control has been surrendered, the Company considers whether the transferee would be a consolidated affiliate and the impact of all arrangements or agreements made contemporaneously with, or in contemplation of, the transfer, even if they were not entered into at the time of transfer.
Revenues from Contracts with Customers
Revenues from contracts with customers include service charges on deposit accounts, trust and investment management fees, brokerage commissions and fees, card processing fees, net, investment banking and syndication fees, and fees from affiliates. The Company recognizes revenue from contracts with customers according to a five-step revenue recognition model: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company’s contracts with customers generally contain a single performance obligation or separately identified performance obligations, each with a stated transaction price and generally do not involve a significant timing difference between satisfaction of the performance obligation and customer payment. Revenues are recognized over time or at a point in time as the performance obligations are satisfied. Revenues are generally not variable and do not involve significant estimates or constraints.
Transfer Pricing
Employees of the Company perform management and support services to MUFG Bank, Ltd. in connection with the operation and administration of MUFG Bank, Ltd.’s businesses in the Americas. In consideration for the services provided, MUFG Bank, Ltd. pays the Company fees under a master services agreement, which reflects market-based pricing for those services. The Company recognizes transfer pricing revenue when delivery (performance) has occurred or services have been rendered. Revenue is typically recognized based on the gross amount billed to MUFG Bank, Ltd. without netting the associated costs to perform those services. Gross presentation is typically deemed appropriate in these instances as the Company acts as a principal when providing these services directly to MUFG Bank, Ltd. Transfer pricing revenue is included in fees from affiliates revenue.
Income Taxes
The Company files consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns, foreign tax returns and various combined and separate company state income tax returns.
We record a provision for income taxes for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations using the asset and liability method. Under this method, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as for loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. We recognize the deferred income tax effects of a change in tax rates in the period of the enactment.
We recognize tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if we believe that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. We make adjustments to these reserves in accordance with the income tax accounting guidance when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made, and could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results. Foreign taxes paid are generally applied as credits to reduce U.S. federal income taxes payable.
Employee Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company provides a variety of pension and other postretirement benefit plans for eligible employees and retirees. Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost is recognized over the approximate service period of plan participants and includes significant discount rate and plan asset return assumptions.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company grants restricted stock units settled in ADRs representing shares of common stock of the Company's ultimate parent company, MUFG, to employees. The Company recognizes compensation expense on restricted stock units granted on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for non-retirement eligible employees based on the grant date fair value of MUFG ADRs. Restricted stock units granted to employees who are retirement eligible or will become retirement eligible during the vesting period are expensed as of the grant date or on a straight-line basis over the period from the grant date to the date the employee becomes retirement eligible. Forfeitures are recognized as incurred.
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for all business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. Assets and liabilities acquired are recorded at fair value at the acquisition date, with the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired (including identifiable intangibles) recorded as goodwill. Management may further adjust the acquisition date fair values for a period of up to one year from the date of acquisition. The recognition at the acquisition date of an allowance for loan losses is not carried over or recorded as of acquisition date, as credit-related factors are incorporated directly into the fair value measurement of the loans. For combinations between entities under common control, assets and liabilities acquired are recorded at book value at the transfer date.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements      
Accounting for Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which will require entities that lease assets (i.e., lessees) to recognize assets and liabilities on their balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The accounting by entities that own the assets leased (i.e., lessors) will remain largely unchanged; however, leveraged lease accounting will no longer be permitted for leases that commence after the effective date. The ASU will also require qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2019 and requires a modified retrospective approach, with early adoption permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases, which allows entities the option to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-20, Leases, which clarified lessor accounting for sales and similar taxes collected by lessors, certain lessor costs, and lease payments with lease and nonlease components. Effective January 1, 2019 the Company adopted this guidance which does not significantly impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which provides new guidance on the accounting for credit losses for instruments that are within its scope. This new guidance is commonly referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model. For loans and debt securities accounted for at amortized cost, certain off-balance sheet credit exposures, net investments in leases, and trade receivables, the ASU requires an entity to recognize its estimate of credit losses expected over the life of the financial instrument or exposure. Lifetime expected credit losses on purchased financial assets with credit deterioration will be recognized as an allowance with an offset to the cost basis of the asset. For available for sale debt securities, the new standard will require recognition of expected credit losses by recognizing an allowance for credit losses when the fair value of the security is below amortized cost and the recognition of this allowance is limited to the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and fair value. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted in 2019. The Company plans to adopt the ASU on January 1, 2020. The Company is in the design phase of the implementation. Management is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The ASU removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Under the amendments, a goodwill impairment loss will be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value; however, the loss recognized cannot exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss. The ASU will be effective for MUAH beginning January 1, 2020 on a prospective basis. Management does not expect the adoption of this guidance to significantly impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which requires premiums on certain purchased callable debt securities to be amortized to the earliest call date. Under current guidance, premiums on callable debt securities are generally amortized over the contractual life of the security. The amortization period for callable debt securities purchased at a discount will not be impacted. Effective January 1, 2019 the Company adopted this guidance which does not significantly impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which will make more hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting, simplify the application of hedge accounting, and enhance the transparency and understandability of hedge results. The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. It also amends the disclosure requirements and changes how entities assess effectiveness. Effective January 1, 2019 the Company adopted this guidance which does not significantly impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.
    
Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies disclosure requirements on fair value measurements to improve their effectiveness. The guidance permits entities to consider materiality when evaluating fair value measurement disclosures and, among other modifications, requires certain new disclosures related to Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance will be effective for MUAH beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The guidance only affects disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements and will not affect the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides guidance on the core principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU applies to all contracts with customers, except financial instruments, guarantees, lease contracts, insurance contracts and certain non-monetary exchanges. This guidance did not significantly affect the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). The ASU amends ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, with respect to assessing whether an entity is a principal (and thus presents revenue gross) or an agent (and thus presents revenue net). The amendments retain the guidance that the principal in an arrangement controls a good or service before it is transferred to a customer and clarify: (1) that an entity must first identify the specified good or service being provided to the customer; (2) that the unit of account for the principal versus agent assessment is each specified good or service promised in a contract; (3) indicators and examples to help an entity evaluate whether it is the principal; and (4) how to assess whether an entity controls services performed by another party. As a result of adopting ASU 2016-08, beginning January 1, 2018, certain expenses that were previously presented as a reduction of related fees from affiliates and investment banking and syndication fees are presented in noninterest expense.

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

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which amended the income statement presentation of the components of net periodic benefit cost for sponsored defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. As a result of adopting ASU 2017-07, the salaries and employee benefits expense and other expense categories in noninterest expense have been adjusted to reflect adoption of this guidance as follows.
 
 
For the Year Ended
 
For the Year Ended
 
 
2017
 
2016
(Dollars in millions)
 
As Previously Reported
 
Adjustment
 
As Reported under New Guidance
 
As Previously Reported
 
Adjustment
 
As Reported under New Guidance
Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
2,376

 
$
119

 
$
2,495

 
$
2,355

 
$
84

 
$
2,439

Other
 
508

 
(119
)
 
389

 
479

 
(84
)
 
395



Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans to improve the effectiveness of the disclosures. The guidance includes new requirements to disclose the weighted-average interest crediting rate for cash balance plans and an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation. The Company early adopted this guidance, which is reflected in Note 15. This guidance did not affect the Company’s financial position or results of operations.