Goldman Sachs 2012 Annual Report Download - page 116

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In general, the firm accounts for investments acquired after
the fair value option became available, at fair value. In
certain cases, the firm applies the equity method of
accounting to new investments that are strategic in nature
or closely related to the firm’s principal business activities,
when the firm has a significant degree of involvement in the
cash flows or operations of the investee or when
cost-benefit considerations are less significant. See Note 12
for further information about equity-method investments.
Investment Funds. The firm has formed numerous
investment funds with third-party investors. These funds
are typically organized as limited partnerships or limited
liability companies for which the firm acts as general
partner or manager. Generally, the firm does not hold a
majority of the economic interests in these funds. These
funds are usually voting interest entities and generally are
not consolidated because third-party investors typically
have rights to terminate the funds or to remove the firm as
general partner or manager. Investments in these funds are
included in “Financial instruments owned, at fair value.”
See Notes 6, 18 and 22 for further information about
investments in funds.
Use of Estimates
Preparation of these consolidated financial statements
requires management to make certain estimates and
assumptions, the most important of which relate to fair
value measurements, accounting for goodwill and
identifiable intangible assets, and the provision for losses
that may arise from litigation, regulatory proceedings and
tax audits. These estimates and assumptions are based on
the best available information but actual results could be
materially different.
Revenue Recognition
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities at Fair Value.
Financial instruments owned, at fair value and Financial
instruments sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value are
recorded at fair value either under the fair value option or in
accordance with other U.S. GAAP. In addition, the firm has
elected to account for certain of its other financial assets
and financial liabilities at fair value by electing the fair value
option. The fair value of a financial instrument is the
amount 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. Financial assets are
marked to bid prices and financial liabilities are marked to
offer prices. Fair value measurements do not include
transaction costs. Fair value gains or losses are generally
included in “Market making” for positions in Institutional
Client Services and “Other principal transactions” for
positions in Investing & Lending. See Notes 5 through 8 for
further information about fair value measurements.
Investment Banking. Fees from financial advisory
assignments and underwriting revenues are recognized in
earnings when the services related to the underlying
transaction are completed under the terms of the
assignment. Expenses associated with such transactions are
deferred until the related revenue is recognized or the
assignment is otherwise concluded. Expenses associated
with financial advisory assignments are recorded as
non-compensation expenses, net of client reimbursements.
Underwriting revenues are presented net of
related expenses.
Investment Management. The firm earns management
fees and incentive fees for investment management services.
Management fees are calculated as a percentage of net asset
value, invested capital or commitments, and are recognized
over the period that the related service is provided.
Incentive fees are calculated as a percentage of a fund’s or
separately managed account’s return, or excess return
above a specified benchmark or other performance target.
Incentive fees are generally based on investment
performance over a 12-month period or over the life of a
fund. Fees that are based on performance over a 12-month
period are subject to adjustment prior to the end of the
measurement period. For fees that are based on investment
performance over the life of the fund, future investment
underperformance may require fees previously distributed
to the firm to be returned to the fund. Incentive fees are
recognized only when all material contingencies have been
resolved. Management and incentive fee revenues are
included in “Investment management” revenues.
Commissions and Fees. The firm earns “Commissions
and fees” from executing and clearing client transactions on
stock, options and futures markets. Commissions and fees
are recognized on the day the trade is executed.
114 Goldman Sachs 2012 Annual Report