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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2012
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Business and organization

 

Eaton Vance Corp. and its subsidiaries (the Company”) manage investment funds and provide investment management and advisory services to high-net-worth individuals and institutions in the United States, Europe and certain other international markets. The Company's principal retail marketing strategy is to distribute funds and separately managed accounts primarily through financial intermediaries in the advisory channel. The Company also commits significant resources to serving institutional and high-net-worth clients who access investment management services on a direct basis.

 

Revenue is largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under management, which include sponsored funds and other investment portfolios. Accordingly, fluctuations in financial markets and in the composition of assets under management impact revenue and the results of operations.

Basis of presentation

 

The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management believes that the accounting estimates are appropriate and the resulting balances are reasonable; however, due to the inherent uncertainties in making estimates, actual results could differ from those estimates.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company combined the following line items previously reported within non-operating income (expense) into gains and other investment income, net; interest and other income; net gains (losses) on investments and derivatives; and net foreign currency gains (losses). Also during the second quarter of fiscal 2012, interest income and net gains (losses) on bank loans, other investments, and note obligations of the consolidated collateralized loan obligation entity (“CLO”) were combined into gains (losses) and other investment income, net, of the consolidated CLO entity. Amounts for the comparative prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications, which simplify the financial statement presentation, had no impact on previously reported net income or financial position and do not represent a restatement of any previously reported financial results. See Note 16 for the components of gains and other investment income.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company changed the presentation of its Consolidated Statements of Income. The change relates to the classification of net investment income and net investment gains or losses of consolidated sponsored funds. Net investment income earned by consolidated sponsored funds and net investment gains or losses recognized by consolidated sponsored funds, previously included in other revenue, are now presented as components of gains and other investment income, net. Management believes the revised presentation is more useful to readers of its financial statements as it better highlights the current earnings effect of the investment results of consolidated sponsored funds. Amounts for the comparative prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income or financial position and do not represent a restatement of any previously reported financial results.

 

The following tables present the effects of the change in presentation of net investment income and net investment gains or losses earned by consolidated sponsored funds on the Company's previously reported Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010:

   Year Ended
   October 31, 2011
(in thousands) As Previously ReportedReclassifications As Reclassified
Other revenue$ 16,300$(11,425)$ 4,875
Total revenue  1,260,031  (11,425)  1,248,606
Operating income  437,657  (11,425)  426,232
Gains and other investment income, net 7,983  11,425  19,408
Net income  227,574  -  227,574
Net income attributable to Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders  214,902  -  214,902

   Year Ended
   October 31, 2010
(in thousands) As Previously ReportedReclassifications As Reclassified
Other revenue$ 10,242$(5,701)$ 4,541
Total revenue  1,121,661  (5,701)  1,115,960
Operating income  353,282  (5,701)  347,581
Gains and other investment income, net 7,345  5,701  13,046
Net income  201,225  -  201,225
Net income attributable to Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders  174,298  -  174,298

Principles of consolidation

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. The Company consolidates all investments in affiliates in which the Company's ownership exceeds 50 percent or where the Company has control. In addition, the Company consolidates any variable interest entity (“VIE”) (including the CLO referred to below) for which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. The Company recognizes non-controlling and other beneficial interests in consolidated subsidiaries for which the Company's ownership is less than 100 percent. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in non-controlled affiliates in which the Company's ownership ranges from 20 to 50 percent, or in instances in which the Company is able to exercise significant influence but not control (such as representation on the investee's Board of Directors). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

As described further in Note 2, the Company adopted the provisions of a new consolidation standard on November 1, 2010. In conjunction with the adoption, the Company concluded that it was the primary beneficiary of one of the CLO entities for which it acts as collateral manager. As a result, the Company consolidated the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of that entity in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on November 1, 2010. The assets of the consolidated CLO entity cannot be used by the Company, and the note holders of the CLO entity have no recourse to the general credit or assets of the Company. There is a one month lag between the Company's fiscal year end and that of the consolidated CLO entity for reporting purposes. There were no intervening events that would materially affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows as of and for the year ended October 31, 2012.

 

From time to time, the Company may maintain a controlling financial interest in a sponsored fund. Upon consolidation, the Company applies the specialized accounting treatment of the fund. All of the underlying investments held by consolidated funds are carried at fair value, with corresponding changes in fair value reflected in gains and other investment income, net in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. When the Company is no longer deemed to control the fund, the fund is deconsolidated and accounted for under another accounting method.

Consolidation of VIEs

 

Accounting guidance provides a framework for determining whether an entity should be considered a VIE, and if so, whether the Company's involvement with the entity results in a variable interest in the entity. If the Company determines that it does have a variable interest in the entity, it must perform an analysis to determine whether it represents the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If the Company determines it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE, it is required to consolidate the assets, liabilities and results of operations and cash flows of the VIE into the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

 

A company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has a controlling financial interest in the VIE. A company is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VIE if it has both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

 

The Company's evaluation of whether it qualifies as the primary beneficiary of a VIE is highly complex. In its analysis, the Company must make significant estimates and assumptions regarding future cash flows of the VIE. These estimates and assumptions relate primarily to market interest rates, credit default rates, pre-payment rates, discount rates, the marketability of certain securities and the probability of certain outcomes. There is also judgment involved in assessing whether the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the entity.

 

While the Company believes its evaluation is appropriate, future changes in estimates, judgments and assumptions in the case of an evaluation triggered by a reconsideration event as defined in the accounting standard may affect the determination of primary beneficiary status and the resulting consolidation, or deconsolidation, of the assets, liabilities and results of operations of a VIE on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Segment information

 

Management has determined that the Company operates in one business segment, namely as an investment adviser managing funds and separate accounts. Although the Company does provide supplemental disclosure regarding assets under management and other asset flows by mandate (primarily distinguishing between funds and separately managed accounts), the Company's determination that it operates in one business segment is based on the fact that the Company's chief operating decision maker (namely the Company's Chief Executive Officer) reviews the Company's financial performance at an aggregate level. All of the products and services provided by the Company relate to investment management and are subject to a similar regulatory framework. Investment management teams at the Company are generally not aligned with specific product lines or distribution channels; in many instances, the investment professionals who manage the Company's funds are the same investment professionals who manage the Company's separately managed accounts.

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist principally of cash and short-term, highly liquid investments in agency securities, which are readily convertible to cash. Cash equivalents have maturities of less than three months on the date of acquisition and are stated at cost, which approximates market value due to the short-term maturity of these investments.

Restricted cash

 

Restricted cash consists principally of cash collateral required for margin accounts established to support derivative positions and securities sold, not yet purchased. Restricted cash is included as a component of other assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and is not available to the Company for general corporate use. Such derivatives and securities sold, not yet purchased, are used to hedge certain investments in consolidated funds and separately managed accounts seeded for product development purposes. Because the accounts are used to support trading activities, changes in restricted cash balances are reflected as operating cash flows in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Investments

 

Investment securities, trading

Marketable securities classified as investment securities, trading, consist primarily of investments in debt and equity securities held in the portfolios of sponsored funds consolidated by the Company, debt and equity securities held by the Company in separately managed accounts seeded for product development purposes and other corporate debt securities held by the Company.

 

Investment securities held in the portfolios of consolidated sponsored funds, separately managed accounts and/or held directly by the Company are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses recognized on investments held in the portfolios of sponsored funds, separately managed accounts or held directly are reflected as a component of gains and other investment income within non-operating income (expense).

 

The specific identified cost method is used to determine the realized gain or loss on all trading securities sold.

 

Investment securities, available-for-sale

Marketable securities classified as investment securities, available-for-sale, consist primarily of investments in shares of sponsored funds and are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices. Unrealized holding gains or losses (to the extent such losses are considered temporary) are reported net of deferred tax as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss until realized. Realized gains or losses are reflected as a component of gains and other investment income within non-operating income (expense). The specific identified cost method is used to determine the realized gain or loss on the sale of shares of sponsored funds.

 

The Company evaluates the carrying value of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale for impairment on a quarterly basis. In its impairment analysis, the Company takes into consideration numerous criteria, including the duration and extent of any decline in fair value and the Company's intent with respect to a given security. If the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the carrying value of the security is written down to fair value through net income.

 

Investments in non-consolidated CLO entities

Investments in non-consolidated CLO entities are carried at amortized cost unless impaired. The excess of actual and anticipated future cash flows over the initial investment at the date of purchase is recognized in gains and other investment income over the life of the investment using the effective yield method. The Company reviews cash flow estimates throughout the life of each non-consolidated CLO entity. If the updated estimate of future cash flows (taking into account both timing and amounts) is less than the last revised estimate, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value.

 

Investments in equity method investees

Investments in non-controlled affiliates in which the Company's ownership ranges from 20 to 50 percent, or in instances in which the Company is able to exercise significant influence but not control, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company's share of the investee's underlying net income or loss is recorded as equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax. Distributions received from the investment reduce the Company's investment balance. Investments in equity method investees are evaluated for impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. If the carrying amounts of the assets exceed their respective fair values, additional impairment tests are performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any.

 

Investments, other

Certain investments are carried at cost. The fair values of cost method investments are not estimated if there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment.

Fair value measurements

 

Accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and establish a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques to measure fair value. This fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.

 

Assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories based on the nature of the inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment's classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

Level 1       Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the reporting date.

 

Level 2       Observable inputs other than Level 1 unadjusted quoted market prices, such as quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities that are not active, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable or corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3       Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.

 

The Company recognizes any transfers between levels at the end of each quarter.

Derivative financial instruments

 

The Company may utilize derivative financial instruments to hedge market price risk and currency risk exposure associated with its investments in separate accounts and consolidated funds seeded for product development purposes, exposures to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with investments denominated in foreign currencies and interest rate risk inherent in debt offerings. These derivative financial instruments may or may not qualify as hedges for accounting purposes. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

 

The Company records all derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets and measures these instruments at fair value. For derivative financial instruments that are designated as cash flow hedging instruments, the effective portion of the derivative's gain or loss is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings over the life of the hedge. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is reported in earnings immediately. Changes in the fair value of the Company's other derivative financial instruments are recognized in earnings in the current period.

Deferred sales commissions

 

Sales commissions paid to broker-dealers in connection with the sale of certain classes of shares of open-end funds and private funds are generally capitalized and amortized over the period during which redemptions by the purchasing shareholder are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, which does not exceed six years from purchase. Distribution plan payments received from these funds are recorded in revenue as earned. Contingent deferred sales charges and early withdrawal charges received from redeeming shareholders of these funds are generally applied to reduce the Company's unamortized deferred sales commission assets. Should the Company lose its ability to recover such sales commissions through distribution plan payments and contingent deferred sales charges, the value of these assets would immediately decline, as would future cash flows.

 

The Company evaluates the carrying value of its deferred sales commission asset for impairment on a quarterly basis. In its impairment analysis, the Company compares the carrying value of the deferred sales commission asset to the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset in the form of distribution fees over the remaining useful life of the deferred sales commission asset to determine whether impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the asset is written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. Impairment adjustments are recognized in operating income as a component of amortization of deferred sales commissions.

Income taxes

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities measured using rates expected to be in effect when such differences reverse. To the extent that deferred tax assets are considered more likely than not to be unrealizable, valuation allowances are provided.

 

The Company's effective tax rate reflects the statutory tax rates of the many jurisdictions in which it operates. Significant judgment is required in determining its effective tax rate and in evaluating its tax positions. In the ordinary course of business, many transactions occur for which the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Accounting standards governing the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return require that the tax effects of a position be recognized only if it is more likely than not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits as of the reporting date. The more-likely-than-not threshold must continue to be met in each reporting period to support continued recognition of the benefit. The difference between the tax benefit recognized in the financial statements for a tax position and the tax benefit claimed in the income tax return is referred to as an unrecognized tax benefit. Unrecognized tax benefits, as well as the related interest and penalties, are adjusted regularly to reflect changing facts and circumstances.  The Company classifies any interest or penalties incurred as a component of income tax expense.

Equipment and leasehold improvements

 

Equipment and other fixed assets are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from three to five years. Accelerated methods are used for income tax purposes. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the lease. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Equipment and leasehold improvements are tested for impairment whenever changes in facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.

 

Certain internal and external costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the software or three years beginning when the software project is complete and the application is put into production. These costs are included in equipment and leasehold improvements on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the Company's investment in the net assets of acquired companies over the fair value of the underlying identifiable net assets at the dates of acquisition. The Company attributes all goodwill associated with the acquisitions of Atlanta Capital Management LLC (“Atlanta Capital”) and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC (“Parametric”), which share similar economic characteristics, to one reporting unit. The Company attributes all goodwill associated with the acquisition of the Tax Advantaged Bond Strategies (“TABS”) business of M.D. Sass Investor Services and Fox Asset Management LLC (“Fox Asset Management”) to a second reporting unit.

 

Goodwill is not amortized but is tested annually for impairment in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year by comparing the fair value of the reporting units to their respective carrying amounts, including goodwill. The Company establishes fair value for the purpose of impairment testing by either using the income approach or by averaging fair value established using an income approach and fair value established using a market approach, depending on the reporting unit.

 

The income approach employs a discounted cash flow model that takes into account (1) assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value, (2) current period actual results, and (3) budgeted results for future periods that have been vetted by senior management at the reporting unit level. The discounted cash flow model incorporates the same fundamental pricing concepts used to calculate fair value in the acquisition due diligence process and a discount rate that takes into consideration the Company's estimated cost of capital adjusted for the uncertainty inherent in the acquisition.

 

The market approach employs market multiples for comparable publicly traded companies in the financial services industry obtained from industry sources, taking into consideration the nature, scope and size of the acquired reporting unit. Estimates of fair value are established using a multiple of assets under management and current and forward multiples of both revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), adjusted for size and performance level relative to peer companies. A weighted average calculation is then performed, giving greater weight to fair value calculated based on multiples of revenue and EBITDA and lesser weight to fair value calculated as a multiple of assets under management. Fair values calculated using one year, two year and trailing twelve-month revenue multiples and one year, two year and trailing twelve-month EBITDA multiples are each weighted 15 percent, while fair value calculated based on a multiple of assets under management is weighted 10 percent.

 

If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its calculated fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test will be performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any.

Intangible assets

 

Amortizing identifiable intangible assets generally represent the cost of client relationships, intellectual property and management contracts acquired. In valuing these assets, the Company makes assumptions regarding useful lives and projected growth rates, and significant judgment is required. The Company periodically reviews identifiable intangibles for impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. If the carrying amounts of the assets exceed their respective fair values, additional impairment tests are performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any.

 

Non-amortizing intangible assets generally represent the cost of mutual fund management contracts acquired. Non-amortizing intangible assets are tested for impairment in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year by comparing the fair value of the management contracts acquired to their carrying values. The Company establishes fair value for purposes of impairment testing using the income approach. If the carrying value of a management contract acquired exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to that excess.

Debt issuance costs

 

Deferred debt issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the related term of the debt and are included in other assets. The amortization of deferred debt issuance costs is included in interest expense.

Appropriated retained earnings (deficit)

 

In conjunction with the adoption of provisions of a new consolidation standard on November 1, 2010, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to appropriated retained earnings (deficit) of $30.7 million, equal to the difference between the fair value of the consolidated CLO's assets and the fair value of its liabilities that can be attributed to external investors. This amount was recorded as appropriated retained earnings since the CLO's external note holders, not the Company, will receive the benefits or absorb the losses associated with their proportionate share of the CLO's assets and liabilities. In fiscal 2012 and 2011, the net changes in the fair value of the CLO's assets and liabilities that can be attributed to those note holders have been recorded as net income attributable to non-controlling and other beneficial interests and as an adjustment to appropriated retained earnings (deficit).

Revenue recognition

 

Investment advisory and administrative fees

Investment advisory and administrative fees for the funds and investment advisory fees for separate accounts managed by the Company are recorded in revenue as the services are performed. Such fees are primarily based on predetermined percentages of the market values of the assets under management. The Company's fund investment advisory and administrative fees are calculated principally as a percentage of average daily net assets. The Company's separate account investment advisory fees are calculated as a percentage of either beginning, average or ending monthly or quarterly net assets. Investment advisory and administrative fees for the funds are earned daily and paid monthly; investment advisory fees for separate accounts are earned daily and paid either monthly or quarterly. The Company may waive certain fees for investment and administrative services at its discretion.

 

The Company has contractual arrangements with third parties to provide certain fund-related services, including sub-advisory and distribution-related services. Management's determination of whether revenue should be reported gross based on the amount paid by the funds or net of payments to third-party service providers is based on management's assessment of whether the Company is acting as the principal service provider or is acting as an agent. The primary factors considered in assessing the nature of the Company's role include; (1) whether the Company is responsible for the fulfillment of the obligation, including the acceptability of the services provided; (2) whether the Company has reasonable latitude to establish the price of the service provided; (3) whether the Company has the discretion to select the service provider; and (4) whether the Company assumes credit risk in the arrangement.

 

Pursuant to management's assessment of the criteria described above, investment advisory and administrative fees are recorded gross of any sub-advisory payments, with the corresponding fees paid to any sub-advisor based on the terms of those arrangements included in fund expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Distribution, underwriter and service fees

Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (“EVD”) currently sells Eaton Vance open-end mutual funds under four primary pricing structures: front-end load commission (“Class A”); level-load commission (“Class C”); institutional no-load (“Class I”) and retirement plan no-load (“Class R”). Distribution and service fees for all share classes, as further described below, are calculated as a percentage of average daily assets and recorded in revenue as earned, gross of any third-party distribution and service fee payments made. Both distribution and service fees are earned daily and paid monthly. The expenses associated with third-party distribution and service fee arrangements are recorded in distribution and service fee expense, respectively, as the services are provided by the third party. These expenses are also paid monthly.

 

For Class A shares, the shareholder pays an underwriter commission to EVD of up to 75 basis points of the dollar value of the shares sold. Underwriter commissions are recorded in revenue at the time of sale. Under certain conditions, the Company may waive the front-end sales load on Class A shares and sell the shares at net asset value. EVD does not receive underwriter commissions on such sales. In addition, for most Class A shares EVD generally receives (and then pays to authorized firms after one year) distribution and service fees of up to 30 basis points of average net assets annually.

 

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company suspended sales of Class B shares. Additional investment in this share class is limited to exchanges and the reinvestment of distributions by existing Class B shareholders. EVD continues to recover dealer commissions previously paid on behalf of Class B shareholders through distribution fees limited to an annual rate of 75 basis points annually of the average net assets of the Class B shares. In addition, EVD receives, and then pays to authorized firms a service fee not to exceed 25 basis points annually of average net assets. Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares after eight years of ownership.

 

For Class C shares, the shareholder pays no front-end commissions and no contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions after the first year. EVD pays a commission and the projected first year's service fees to the dealer at the time of sale, which together are capitalized and amortized over the first year. EVD receives distribution fees and service fees similar to those for Class B shares at an annual rate of up to 75 basis points and 25 basis points, respectively, of average net assets of the Class. EVD pays both the distribution fee and service fee to the dealer after one year.

 

Class I shares are offered at net asset value and are not subject to any sales charges, underwriter commissions, distribution fees or service fees.

 

Class R shares are offered at net asset value with no front-end sales charge. Class R shares pay distribution and service fees each up to 25 basis points of average net assets of the Class annually. EVD pays the service fee to the dealer after one year.

Advertising and promotion

 

The Company expenses all advertising and promotional costs as incurred. Advertising costs incurred were not material to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in the fiscal years ended October 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010.

Leases

 

The Company leases office space under various leasing arrangements. As the leases expire, it can be expected that in the normal course of business they will be renewed or replaced. Most lease agreements contain renewal options, rent escalation clauses and/or other inducements provided by the landlord. Rent expense is recorded on a straight-line basis, including escalations and inducements, over the lease term.

Earnings per share

 

Earnings per basic and diluted share are calculated under the two-class method. Pursuant to the two-class method, the Company's unvested restricted stock awards with non-forfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities. Under the two-class method, earnings per basic share is calculated by dividing net income available to Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The two-class method includes an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each participating security according to dividends declared and undistributed earnings for the period. Net income available to Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders is reduced by the amount allocated to participating restricted shares to arrive at the earnings allocated to common stock shareholders for purposes of calculating earnings per share.  Dividends declared per share on the unvested restricted shares are equal to the dividends declared per common share. Earnings per diluted share is computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effect of any potential common shares outstanding during the period using the more dilutive of the treasury method or two-class method.

Stock-based compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation expense using the fair value method. Under the fair value method, stock-based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock-based awards measured at grant date, is recognized over the relevant service period and is adjusted each period for anticipated forfeitures. The fair value of each option award is estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model incorporates assumptions as to dividend yield, volatility, an appropriate risk-free interest rate and the expected life of the option. Stock-based compensation expense for employees who are not retirement eligible is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service or vesting period of the option (generally five years). Prior to October 24, 2012, the Company immediately recognized compensation expense at grant date for all awards granted to retirement-eligible employees, as defined. On October 24, 2012, the Company modified its stock-based compensation plans to remove the provision regarding retirement eligible employees on grants made subsequent to that date, with the effect that immediate expense recognition is no longer applicable.

 

Tax benefits realized upon the exercise of stock options that are in excess of the expense previously recognized for reporting purposes are recorded in shareholders' equity and reflected as a financing activity in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. If the tax benefit realized is less than the expense previously recorded, the shortfall is recorded in shareholders' equity. To the extent the expense exceeds available windfall tax benefits, it is recorded in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Income and reflected as an operating activity on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Foreign currency translation

 

Substantially all of the Company's foreign subsidiaries have a functional currency that is something other than the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates as of the end of each accounting period. Related revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates in effect during the accounting period. Net translation exchange gains and losses are excluded from income and recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are reflected in gains and other investment income as they occur.

Comprehensive income

 

The Company reports all changes in comprehensive income in its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income includes net income, the amortization of losses on certain derivatives, unrealized holding gains and losses on investment securities classified as available-for-sale and foreign currency translation adjustments, in each case net of tax.

Non-controlling interests

 

Non-redeemable non-controlling interests consist entirely of unvested interests granted to employees of our majority-owned subsidiaries under subsidiary-specific long-term equity plans. These grants become subject to holder put rights upon vesting and are reclassified to temporary equity as vesting occurs.

 

Non-controlling interests redeemable at fair value consist of interests in our consolidated sponsored funds and certain vested interests held by employees of our majority-owned subsidiaries under subsidiary-specific long-term equity plans. The Company's non-controlling interests redeemable at fair value are recorded in temporary equity at estimated redemption value and changes in the estimated redemption value of these interests are recognized as increases or decreases to additional paid-in capital.

 

Non-controlling interests redeemable at other than fair value consist of certain other interests in our majority-owned subsidiaries. These interests in our majority-owned subsidiaries are subject to holder put rights at established multiples of earnings before interest and taxes and, as such, are considered redeemable at other than fair value. The Company's non-controlling interests redeemable at other than fair value are recorded in temporary equity at estimated redemption value.

 

Loss contingencies

 

The Company continuously reviews any investor, employee or vendor complaints and pending or threatened litigation. The likelihood that a loss contingency exists is evaluated under the criteria of applicable accounting standards through consultation with legal counsel, and a loss contingency is recorded, inclusive of legal costs, if the contingency is probable and reasonably estimable at the date of the financial statements. There are no losses of this nature that are currently deemed probable and reasonably estimable, and, thus, none have been recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.