Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with our consolidated audited financial statements and related notes included herein.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS — CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE
This report reviews our financial condition and results of operations, including our liquidity and capital resources. Historical information is presented and discussed, and where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance are also identified and discussed. Certain statements made in this report include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements instead of historical facts and may contain words like “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “project”, “budget”, “forecast”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “will”, “shall”, “may”, and other words, phrases, or expressions with similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the results contained in the forward-looking statements, and we cannot give assurances that such statements will prove to be correct. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. For more information about the risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could affect our future results, please refer to Item 1A, Risk Factors, included herein.
IMPORTANT INVESTOR INFORMATION
We file reports with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other reports as required. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. We are an electronic filer and the SEC maintains an internet site at www.sec.gov that contains these reports and other information filed electronically by us. We make available through our website, www.protective.com, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. We will furnish such documents to anyone who requests such copies in writing. Requests for copies should be directed to: Financial Information, Protective Life Corporation, P. O. Box 2606, Birmingham, Alabama 35202, Telephone (205) 268-3912, Fax (205) 268-3642.
We also make available to the public current information, including financial information, regarding the Company and our affiliates on the Financial Information page of our website, www.protective.com. We encourage investors, the media and others interested in us and our affiliates to review the information we post on our website. The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report filed with or furnished to the SEC.
OVERVIEW
Our Business
We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Protective Life Corporation (“PLC”). Founded in 1907, we are the largest operating subsidiary of PLC. On February 1, 2015, PLC became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited, a kabushiki kaisha organized under the laws of Japan (now known as Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc., “Dai-ichi Life”), when DL Investment (Delaware), Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life, merged with and into PLC (the “Merger”). Prior to February 1, 2015, PLC’s stock was publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Subsequent to the Merger date, PLC remained as an SEC registrant within the United States until January 23, 2020, when it suspended its reporting obligations with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Subsequent to the Merger date, the Company has continued to be an SEC registrant for financial reporting purposes in the United States. We provide financial services through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products. Unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refers to the consolidated group of Protective Life Insurance Company and our subsidiaries.
We have several operating segments, each having a strategic focus. An operating segment is distinguished by products, channels of distribution, and/or other strategic distinctions. We periodically evaluate our operating segments and make adjustments to our segment reporting as needed.
Our operating segments are Life Marketing, Acquisitions, Annuities, Stable Value Products, and Asset Protection. We have an additional reporting segment referred to as Corporate and Other.
•Life Marketing—We market fixed universal life (“UL”), indexed universal life (“IUL”), variable universal life (“VUL”), bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”), and level premium term insurance (“traditional”) products on a national basis primarily through networks of independent insurance agents and brokers, broker-dealers, financial institutions, independent distribution organizations, and affinity groups.
•Acquisitions—We focus on acquiring, converting, and/or servicing policies and contracts from other companies. This segment’s primary focus is on life insurance policies and annuity products that were sold to individuals. The level of the segment’s acquisition activity is predicated upon many factors, including available capital, operating capacity, potential return on capital, and market dynamics. Policies acquired through the Acquisitions segment are typically blocks of business where no new policies are being marketed, however, some recent acquisitions have included ongoing new business activities. Ongoing new product sales written by the Company from these acquisitions are included in the Life Marketing and/or Annuities segment. As a result, earnings and account values are expected to decline as the result of lapses, deaths, and other terminations of coverage unless new acquisitions are made.
•Annuities—We market fixed and variable annuity (“VA”) products. These products are primarily sold through broker-dealers, financial institutions, and independent agents and brokers.
•Stable Value Products—We sell fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, money market funds, bank trust departments, and other institutional investors. The segment also issues funding agreements to the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), and markets guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans. We also have an unregistered funding agreement-backed notes program which provides for offers of notes to both domestic and international institutional investors.
•Asset Protection—We market extended service contracts, guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”) products, credit life and disability insurance, and other specialized ancillary products to protect consumers’ investments in automobiles and recreational vehicles. GAP products are designed to cover the difference between the scheduled loan pay-off amount and an asset’s actual cash value in the case of a total loss. Each type of specialized ancillary product protects against damage or other loss to a particular aspect of the underlying asset.
•Corporate and Other—This segment primarily consists of net investment income on assets supporting our equity capital, unallocated corporate overhead, and expenses not attributable to the segments above. This segment includes earnings from several non-strategic or runoff lines of business, financing and investment related transactions, and the operations of several small subsidiaries.
RECENT SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS
Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company
On January 23, 2019, we entered into a Master Transaction Agreement (the “GWL&A Master Transaction Agreement”) with Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company (“GWL&A”), Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company of New York (“GWL&A of NY”), The Canada Life Assurance Company (“CLAC”), and The Great-West Life Assurance Company (“GWL” and, together with GWL&A, GWL&A of NY, and CLAC, the “Sellers”), pursuant to which we acquired via reinsurance (the “Transaction”) substantially all of the Sellers’ individual life insurance and annuity business (the “GW Individual Life Business”).
On June 3, 2019, the Company and PLAIC completed the Transaction (the “GWL&A Closing”). Pursuant to the GWL&A Master Transaction Agreement, the Company and Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“PLAIC”), entered into reinsurance agreements (the “GWL&A Reinsurance Agreements”) and related ancillary documents at the GWL&A Closing. On the terms and subject to the conditions of the GWL&A Reinsurance Agreements, the Sellers ceded to us and PLAIC, effective as of the date of the GWL&A Closing, substantially all of the insurance policies relating to the GW Individual Life Business. The aggregate ceding commission for the reinsurance of the GW Individual Life Business paid at the GWL&A Closing was $765.7 million, which amount is subject to adjustment in accordance with the GWL&A Master Transaction Agreement. All policies issued in states other than New York were ceded to us under reinsurance agreements between the applicable Seller and the Company, and all policies issued in New York were ceded to PLAIC under a reinsurance agreement between GWL&A of NY and PLAIC. The aggregate statutory reserves of the Sellers ceded to us and PLAIC as of the GWL&A Closing were approximately $20.4 billion, which amount was based on initial estimates and is subject to adjustment following the GWL&A Closing. To support its obligations under the GWL&A Reinsurance Agreements, we established trust accounts for the benefit of GWL&A, CLAC and GWL, and PLAIC established a trust account for the benefit of GWL&A of NY. The Sellers retained a block of participating policies, which are administered by PLC.
The GWL&A Master Transaction Agreement and other transaction documents contain certain customary representations and warranties made by each of the parties, and certain customary covenants regarding the Sellers and the GW Individual Life Business, and provide for indemnification, among other things, for breaches of those representations, warranties, and covenants.
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The factors which could affect our future results include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions and the following risks and uncertainties:
General
•exposure to risks related to natural and man-made disasters and catastrophes, such as diseases, epidemics, pandemics (including the novel coronavirus, COVID-19), malicious acts, cyber attacks, terrorist acts, and climate change, which could adversely affect our operations and results;
•a disruption or cyber attack affecting the electronic, communication and information technology systems or other technologies of the Company or those on whom the Company relies could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations;
•confidential information maintained in the systems of the Company or other parties upon which we rely could be compromised or misappropriated as a result of security breaches or other related lapses or incidents, damaging our business and reputation and adversely affecting our financial condition and results of operations;
•our results and financial condition may be negatively affected should actual experience differ from management’s models, assumptions, or estimates;
•compliance with existing and emerging privacy regulations could result in increased compliance costs and/or lead to changes in business practices and policies, and any failure to protect the confidentiality of consumer information could adversely affect our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations;
•we may not realize our anticipated financial results from our acquisitions strategy;
•we may experience competition in our Acquisitions segment;
•assets allocated to the MONY Closed Block benefit only the holders of certain policies; adverse performance of Closed Block assets or adverse experience of Closed Block liabilities may negatively affect us;
•we are dependent on the performance of others;
•our risk management policies, practices, and procedures could leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risks, which could negatively affect our business or result in losses;
•our strategies for mitigating risks arising from our day-to-day operations may prove ineffective resulting in a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition;
•events that damage our reputation or the reputation of our industry could adversely impact our business, results of operations, or financial condition;
•we may not be able to protect our intellectual property and may be subject to infringement claims;
•we may be required to establish a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and capital position;
Financial Environment
•interest rate fluctuations and sustained periods of low or high interest rates could negatively affect our interest earnings and spread income, or otherwise impact our business;
•our investments are subject to market and credit risks, which could be heightened during periods of extreme volatility or disruption in financial and credit markets;
•climate change may adversely affect our investment portfolio;
•elimination of London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) may adversely affect the interest rates on and value of certain derivatives and floating rate securities we hold and floating rate securities we have issued, the value and profitability of certain real estate lending and other activities we conduct, and any other assets or liabilities whose value is tied to LIBOR;
•credit market volatility or disruption could adversely impact our financial condition or results from operations;
•disruption of the capital and credit markets could negatively affect our ability to meet our liquidity and financial needs;
•equity market volatility could negatively impact our business;
•our use of derivative financial instruments within our risk management strategy may not be effective or sufficient;
•our ability to grow depends in large part upon the continued availability of capital;
•we could be forced to sell investments at a loss to cover policyholder withdrawals;
•difficult general economic conditions could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations;
•we could be adversely affected by an inability to access our credit facility;
•the amount of statutory capital or risk-based capital that we have and the amount of statutory capital or risk-based capital that we must hold to maintain our financial strength and credit ratings and meet other requirements can vary significantly from time to time and is sensitive to a number of factors outside of our control;
•we could be adversely affected by a ratings downgrade or other negative action by a rating organization;
•we operate as a holding company and depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us to meet our obligations;
•we could be adversely affected by an inability to access FHLB lending;
•our securities lending program may subject us to liquidity and other risks;
•our financial condition or results of operations could be adversely impacted if our assumptions regarding the fair value and future performance of our investments differ from actual experience;
•adverse actions of certain funds or their advisers could have a detrimental impact on our ability to sell our variable life and annuity products, or maintain current levels of assets in those products;
Industry and Regulation
•the business of our company is highly regulated and is subject to routine audits, examinations, and actions by regulators, law enforcement agencies, and self-regulatory organizations;
•we may be subject to regulations of, or regulations influenced by, international regulatory authorities or initiatives;
•NAIC actions, pronouncements and initiatives may affect our product profitability, reserve and capital requirements, financial condition or results of operations;
•our use of captive reinsurance companies to finance statutory reserves related to our term and universal life products and to reduce volatility affecting our variable annuity products, may be limited or adversely affected by regulatory action, pronouncements and interpretations;
•laws, regulations and initiatives related to unreported deaths and unclaimed property and death benefits may result in operational burdens, fines, unexpected payments or escheatments;
•we are subject to insurance guaranty fund laws, rules and regulations that could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations;
•we are subject to insurable interest laws, rules and regulations that could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations;
•the Healthcare Act and related regulations could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition;
•laws, rules and regulations promulgated in connection with the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition;
•new and amended regulations regarding the standard of care or standard of conduct applicable to investment professionals, insurance agencies, and financial institutions that recommend or sell annuities or life insurance products may have a material adverse impact on our ability to sell annuities and other products and to retain in-force business and on our financial condition or results of operations;
•we may be subject to regulation, investigations, enforcement actions, fines and penalties imposed by the SEC, FINRA and other federal and international regulators in connection with our business operations;
•changes to tax law, or interpretations of existing tax law could adversely affect our ability to compete with non-insurance products or reduce the demand for certain insurance products;
•financial services companies are frequently the targets of legal proceedings, including class action litigation, which could result in substantial judgments;
•the financial services and insurance industries are sometimes the target of law enforcement investigations and the focus of increased regulatory scrutiny;
•new accounting rules, changes to existing accounting rules, or the granting of permitted accounting practices to competitors could negatively impact us;
•if our business does not perform well, we may be required to recognize an impairment of our goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition;
•use of reinsurance introduces variability in our statements of income;
•our reinsurers could fail to meet assumed obligations, increase rates, terminate agreements or be subject to adverse developments that could affect us;
•our policy claims fluctuate from period to period resulting in earnings volatility;
•we operate in a mature, highly competitive industry, which could limit our ability to gain or maintain our position in the industry and negatively affect profitability;
•developments in technology may impact our business; and
•our ability to maintain competitive unit costs is dependent upon the level of new sales and persistency of existing business.
Recent Market Conditions
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan, China. The coronavirus has since spread, and infections have been found in multiple countries around the world, including the United States. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak to constitute a pandemic based on the global spread of the disease, the severity of illnesses it causes, and its effects on society. The extent of the impact of COVID-19 on our operational and financial performance will depend on certain developments, including the duration and continued spread of the outbreak, regulatory and private sector responses, which may be precautionary, and the impact on our customers, workforce, and vendors, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. The COVID-19 outbreak is disrupting supply chains and affecting production and sales across a range of industries, and it could materially adversely impact the mortality, morbidity, or other experience of the Company or its reinsurers or have a material adverse effect on lapses and surrenders of existing policies, as well as sales of new policies. The macroeconomic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak could also materially adversely affect the Company’s asset portfolio, as well as many other aspects of the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. At this point, the extent to which COVID-19 may result in short- or long-term interruptions in the Company’s business operations or impact our financial condition or results of operations is uncertain.
For more information about the risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could affect our future results, please see Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this report.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our accounting policies require the use of judgments relating to a variety of assumptions and estimates, including, but not limited to expectations of current and future mortality, morbidity, persistency, expenses, and interest rates, as well as expectations around the valuations of investments, securities, and certain intangible assets. Because of the inherent uncertainty when using the assumptions and estimates, the effect of certain accounting policies under different conditions or assumptions could be materially different from those reported in the consolidated financial statements. A discussion of our various critical accounting policies is presented below.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance defines fair value for accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and establishes a framework for measuring fair value as well as a fair value hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The term “fair value” in this document is defined in accordance with GAAP. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. For more information, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Available-for-sale securities and trading securities are recorded at fair value, which is primarily based on actively traded markets where prices are based on either direct market quotes or observed transactions. Liquidity is a significant factor in the determination of the fair value for these securities. Market price quotes may not be readily available for some positions or for some positions within a market sector where trading activity has slowed significantly or ceased. These situations are generally triggered by the market’s perception of credit uncertainty regarding a single company or a specific market sector. In these instances, fair value is determined based on limited available market information and other factors, principally from reviewing the issuer’s financial position, changes in credit ratings, and cash flows on the investments. As of December 31, 2019, $2.0 billion of available-for-sale and trading securities, excluding other long-term investments, were classified as Level 3 fair value assets.
For securities that are priced via non-binding independent broker quotations, we assess whether prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through an analysis using internal and external cash flow models developed based on spreads and, when available, market indices. We use a market-based cash flow analysis to validate the reasonableness of prices received from independent brokers. These analytics, which are updated daily, incorporate various metrics (yield curves, credit spreads, prepayment rates, etc.) to determine the valuation of such holdings. As a result of this analysis, if we determine that there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the analytics, the price received from the
independent broker is adjusted accordingly. As of December 31, 2019, we did not adjust any prices received from independent brokers.
Derivatives - We utilize a risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to certain risks, including but not limited to, interest rate risk, inflation risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, and equity market risk. Assessing the effectiveness of the hedging programs and evaluating the carrying values of the related derivatives often involve a variety of assumptions and estimates. Derivative financial instruments are valued using exchange prices, independent broker quotations, or pricing valuation models, which utilize market data inputs. The fair values of most of our derivatives are determined using exchange prices or independent broker quotes, but certain derivatives, including embedded derivatives, are valued based upon industry standard models which calculate the present-value of the projected cash flows of the derivatives using current and implied future market conditions. These models include market-observable estimates of volatility and interest rates in the determination of fair value. The use of different assumptions may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts, as well as the amount of reported net income. In addition, measurements of ineffectiveness of hedging relationships are subject to interpretations and estimations, and any differences may result in material changes to our results of operations. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities include adjustments for market liquidity, counterparty credit quality, and other deal specific factors, where appropriate. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities traded in the over-the-counter market are determined using quantitative models that require the use of multiple market inputs including interest rates, prices, and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves and volatility factors. The predominance of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources. Estimation risk is greater for derivative financial instruments that are either option-based or have longer maturity dates where observable market inputs are less readily available or are unobservable, in which case quantitative based extrapolations of rate, price, or index scenarios are used in determining fair values. As of December 31, 2019, the fair value of derivatives reported on our balance sheet in “other long-term investments” and “other liabilities” was $995.5 million and $1.5 billion, respectively. Of those derivative assets and liabilities, $209.8 million and $1.0 billion, respectively, were Level 3 fair values determined by quantitative models.
Evaluation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments - One of the significant estimates related to available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities is the evaluation of investments for other-than-temporary impairments. If a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale or held-to-maturity security is judged to be other-than-temporary, the security’s basis is adjusted, and an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized through a charge in the statement of income. The portion of this other-than-temporary impairment related to credit losses on a security is recognized in earnings, while the non-credit portion, representing the difference between fair value and the discounted expected future cash flows of the security, is recognized within other comprehensive income (loss). The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impaired investment becomes its new cost basis on the date an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized. For fixed maturities, we accrete the new cost basis to par or to the estimated future value over the expected remaining life of the security by adjusting the security’s future yields, assuming that future expected cash flows on the securities can be properly estimated.
Determining whether a decline in the current fair value of invested assets is other-than-temporary is both objective and subjective, and can involve a variety of assumptions and estimates, particularly for investments that are not actively traded in established markets. For example, assessing the value of certain investments requires that we perform an analysis of expected future cash flows, including rates of prepayments. Other investments, such as collateralized mortgage or bond obligations, represent selected tranches of a structured transaction, supported in the aggregate by underlying investments in a wide variety of issuers. Management considers a number of factors when determining the impairment status of individual securities. These include the economic condition of various industry segments and geographic locations and other areas of identified risks. Although it is possible for the impairment of one investment to affect other investments, we engage in ongoing risk management to safeguard against and limit any further risk to our investment portfolio. Special attention is given to correlative risks within specific industries, related parties, and business markets.
For certain securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, including other asset-backed securities, the ASC Investments-Other Topic requires us to periodically update our best estimate of cash flows over the life of the security. If the fair value of a securitized financial asset is less than its cost or amortized cost and there has been a decrease in the present value of the estimated cash flows since the last revised estimate, considering both timing and amount, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized. Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third party sources along with certain internal assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. Projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, we consider our intent and ability to retain a temporarily depressed security until recovery.
Each quarter we review investments with unrealized losses and test for other-than-temporary impairments. We analyze various factors to determine if any specific other-than-temporary asset impairments exist. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline, 4) an assessment of our intent to
sell the security (including a more likely than not assessment of whether we will be required to sell the security) before recovering the security’s amortized cost, 5) the duration of the decline, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security by security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the investment performance, collateral position, and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered, and in some cases, an analysis regarding our expectations for recovery of the security’s entire amortized cost basis through the receipt of future cash flows is performed. Once a determination has been made that a specific other-than-temporary impairment exists, the security’s basis is adjusted, and an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized. Other-than-temporary impairments to debt securities that we do not intend to sell and do not expect to be required to sell before recovering the security’s amortized cost are written down to discounted expected future cash flows (“post impairment cost”), and credit losses are recorded in earnings. The difference between the securities’ discounted expected future cash flows and the fair value of the securities on the impairment date is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) as a non-credit portion impairment. When calculating the post impairment cost for residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”), we consider all known market data related to cash flows to estimate future cash flows. When calculating the post impairment cost for corporate debt securities, we consider all contractual cash flows to estimate expected future cash flows. To calculate the post impairment cost, the expected future cash flows are discounted at the original purchase yield. Debt securities that we intend to sell or expect to be required to sell before recovery are written down to fair value with the change recognized in earnings.
Our specific accounting policies related to our invested assets are discussed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 5, Investment Operations, to the consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2019, we held $64.7 billion of available-for-sale investments, including $9.2 billion in investments with a gross unrealized loss of $325.7 million, and $2.8 billion of held-to-maturity investments with a gross unrecognized holding gain of $201.9 million.
Reinsurance - For each of our reinsurance contracts, we must determine if the contract provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk, in accordance with applicable accounting standards. We must review all contractual features, particularly those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which we are subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims. If we determine that the possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk will occur only under remote circumstances, we record the contract under a deposit method of accounting with the net amount payable/receivable reflected in other reinsurance assets or liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Fees earned on the contracts are reflected as other revenues, as opposed to premiums, in our consolidated statements of income.
Our reinsurance is ceded to a diverse group of reinsurers. The collectability of reinsurance is largely a function of the solvency of the individual reinsurers. We perform periodic credit reviews on our reinsurers, focusing on, among other things, financial capacity, stability, trends, and commitment to the reinsurance business. We also require assets in trust, letters of credit, or other acceptable collateral to support balances due from reinsurers not authorized to transact business in the applicable jurisdictions. Despite these measures, a reinsurer’s insolvency, inability, or unwillingness to make payments under the terms of a reinsurance contract could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. As of December 31, 2019, our third party reinsurance receivables amounted to $4.2 billion. These amounts include ceded reserve balances and ceded benefit payments.
We account for reinsurance as required by FASB guidance under the ASC Financial Services Topic as applicable. In accordance with this guidance, costs for reinsurance are amortized as a level percentage of premiums for traditional life products and a level percentage of estimated gross profits for universal life products. Accordingly, ceded reserve and deferred acquisition cost balances are established using methodologies consistent with those used in establishing direct policyholder reserves and deferred acquisition costs. Establishing these balances requires the use of various assumptions including investment returns, mortality, persistency, and expenses. The assumptions made for establishing ceded reserves and ceded deferred acquisition costs are consistent with those used for establishing direct policyholder reserves and deferred acquisition costs.
Assumptions are also made regarding future reinsurance premium rates and allowance rates. Assumptions made for mortality, persistency, and expenses are consistent with those used for establishing direct policyholder reserves and deferred acquisition costs. Assumptions made for future reinsurance premium and allowance rates are consistent with rates provided for in our various reinsurance agreements. For certain of our reinsurance agreements, premium and allowance rates may be changed by reinsurers on a prospective basis, assuming certain contractual conditions are met (primarily that rates are changed for all companies with which the reinsurer has similar agreements). To the extent that future rates are modified, these assumptions would be revised and both current and future results would be affected. For traditional life products, assumption changes generally do not affect current results. For universal life products, assumptions are periodically updated whenever actual experience and/or expectations for the future differ from that assumed. When assumptions are updated for universal life products, changes are reflected in the income statement as part of an “unlocking” process. During the year ended December 31,
2019, we adjusted our estimates of future reinsurance costs in both the Acquisitions and Life Marketing segments, resulting in an approximate $29.4 million unfavorable impact.
Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired - In conjunction with the Merger, a portion of the purchase price was allocated to the right to receive future gross profits from cash flows and earnings of the Company’s insurance policies and investment contracts as of the date of the Merger. We also estimate and record VOBA for businesses we acquire as part of purchase accounting. This intangible asset, called value of business acquired (“VOBA”), is based on the actuarially estimated present value of future cash flows from the Company’s insurance policies and investment contracts in-force on the date of the Merger. The estimated present value of future cash flows used in the calculation of the VOBA is based on certain assumptions, including mortality, persistency, expenses, and interest rates that the Company expects to experience in future years. The Company amortizes VOBA in proportion to gross premiums for traditional life products, or estimated gross margins (“EGMs”) for participating traditional life products within the MONY block. For interest sensitive products, the Company uses various amortization bases including expected gross profits (“EGPs”), revenues, or insurance in-force. VOBA amortization included accrued interest credited to account balances of up to approximately 7.08%. VOBA is subject to annual recoverability testing.
We incur significant costs in connection with acquiring new insurance business. Portions of these costs, which are determined to be incremental direct costs associated with successfully acquired policies and coinsurance of blocks of policies, are deferred and amortized over future periods. Some examples of acquisition costs that are subject to deferral include commissions, underwriting testing fees, certain direct underwriting costs, and premium taxes. The determination of which costs are deferrable must be made on a contract-level basis. (All other acquisition-related costs, including market research, administration, management of distribution and underwriting functions, and product development, are considered non-deferrable acquisition costs and must be expensed in the period incurred.) The recovery of the deferred costs is dependent on the future profitability of the related policies. The amount of future profit is dependent principally on investment returns, mortality, morbidity, persistency, and expenses to administer the business and certain economic variables, such as inflation. These costs are amortized over the expected lives of the contracts, based on the level and timing of either gross profits or gross premiums, depending on the type of contract. Revisions to estimates result in changes to the amounts expensed in the reporting period in which the revisions are made and could result in the impairment of the asset and a charge to income if estimated future profits are less than the unamortized deferred amounts. As of December 31, 2019, we had a deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and VOBA asset of $3.5 billion.
We periodically review, at least annually, and update as appropriate our key assumptions on certain life and annuity products including future mortality, expenses, lapses, premium persistency, investment yields, and interest spreads. Changes to these assumptions result in adjustments which increase or decrease DAC and VOBA amortization and/or benefits and expenses.
Goodwill - Accounting for goodwill requires an estimate of the future profitability of the associated lines of business within our operating segments to assess the recoverability of the capitalized goodwill. We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill at the segment (or reporting unit) level at least annually and between annual evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to: 1) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in business climate, 2) unanticipated competition, or 3) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. When evaluating whether goodwill is impaired, we first determine through qualitative analysis whether relevant events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that segment goodwill balances are impaired as of the testing date. If the qualitative analysis does not indicate that an impairment of segment goodwill is more likely than not then no other specific quantitative impairment testing is required.
If it is determined that it is more likely than not that impairment exists, we perform a quantitative assessment and compare our estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. We utilize a fair value measurement (which includes a discounted cash flows analysis) to assess the carrying value of the reporting units in consideration of the recoverability of the goodwill balance assigned to each reporting unit as of the measurement date. Our material goodwill balances are attributable to certain of our operating segments (which are each considered to be reporting units). The cash flows used to determine the fair value of our reporting units are dependent on a number of significant assumptions. Our estimates, which consider a market participant view of fair value, are subject to change given the inherent uncertainty in predicting future results and cash flows, which are impacted by such things as policyholder behavior, competitor pricing, capital limitations, new product introductions, and specific industry and market conditions.
The balance recognized as goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently as events or circumstances may warrant, including those circumstances which would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our reporting units below its carrying amount. During the fourth quarter of 2019, we performed our annual qualitative evaluation of goodwill based on the circumstances that existed as of October 1, 2019 and determined that there was
no indication that our segment goodwill was more likely than not impaired and no adjustment to impair goodwill was necessary. We have assessed whether events have occurred subsequent to October 1, 2019 that would impact our conclusion and no such events were identified. Refer to Note 1, Basis of Presentation, to the consolidated financial statements included in this report for further information. As of December 31, 2019, we had goodwill of $825.5 million.
Insurance Liabilities and Reserves - Establishing an adequate liability for our obligations to policyholders requires the use of assumptions. Estimating liabilities for future policy benefits on life and health insurance products requires the use of assumptions relative to future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency, premium payment patterns, and other assumptions based on our historical experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. Determining liabilities for our property and casualty insurance products also requires the use of assumptions, including the frequency and severity of claims, and the effectiveness of internal processes designed to reduce the level of claims. Our results depend significantly upon the extent to which our actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions that we used in determining our reserves and pricing our products. Our reserve assumptions and estimates require significant judgment and, therefore, are inherently uncertain. We cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts that we will pay for actual claims or the timing of those payments. As of December 31, 2019, we had total policy liabilities and accruals of $54.7 billion.
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits - We establish liabilities for guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) on our VA products. The methods used to estimate the liabilities employ assumptions about mortality and the performance of equity markets. We assume age-based mortality from the Ruark 2015 ALB adjusted table for company experience. Future declines in the equity market would increase our GMDB liability. Differences between the actual experience and the assumptions used result in variances in profit and could result in losses. A portion of our GMDB benefits are subject to a dollar-for-dollar reduction upon withdrawal of related annuity deposits on contracts issued prior to January 1, 2003. We reinsure certain risks associated with the GMDB to Shades Creek Captive Insurance Company (“Shades Creek”), a direct wholly owned insurance subsidiary of PLC. As of December 31, 2019, the GMDB liability, including the impact of reinsurance, was $30.2 million.
Guaranteed Living Withdrawal Benefits—We establish reserves for guaranteed living withdrawal benefits (“GLWB”) on our VA products. The GLWB is valued in accordance with FASB guidance under the ASC Derivatives and Hedging Topic which utilizes the valuation technique prescribed by the ASC Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic, which requires the embedded derivative to be recorded at fair value using current interest rates and implied volatilities for the equity indices. The fair value of the GLWB is impacted by equity market conditions and can result in the GLWB embedded derivative being in an overall net asset or net liability position. In times of favorable equity market conditions the likelihood and severity of claims is reduced and expected fee income increases. Since claims are generally expected later than fees, these favorable equity market conditions can result in the present value of fees being greater than the present value of claims, which results in a net GLWB embedded derivative asset. In times of unfavorable equity market conditions the likelihood and severity of claims is increased and expected fee income decreases and can result in the present value of claims exceeding the present value of fees resulting in a net GLWB embedded derivative liability. The methods used to estimate the embedded derivative employ assumptions about mortality, lapses, policyholder behavior, equity market returns, interest rates, and market volatility. We assume age-based mortality from the Ruark 2015 ALB table adjusted for company experience. Differences between the actual experience and the assumptions used result in variances in profit and could result in losses. As of December 31, 2019, our net GLWB liability held was $186.0 million.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Determining PLC’s obligations to employees under its pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans requires the use of assumptions. The calculation of the liability and expense related to PLC’s benefit plans incorporates the following significant assumptions:
•appropriate weighted average discount rate;
•estimated rate of increase in the compensation of employees; and
•expected long-term rate of return on the plan’s assets.
See Note 17, Employee Benefit Plans, to the consolidated financial statements included in this report for further information on this plan.
Deferred Taxes and Uncertain Tax Positions - Deferred federal income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities determined for financial reporting purposes and the basis determined for income tax purposes. Such temporary differences are principally related to net unrealized gains (losses), deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired, and future policy benefits and claims. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such differences reverse. On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Reform Act"). The legislation significantly changed U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering the corporate income tax rate. The Tax Reform Act permanently
reduces the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. Also on December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Reform Act. We recognized the provisional tax impacts related to the revaluation of deferred tax assets and included these amounts in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and disclosed such items which may have been recorded on a provisional basis. The final accounting was completed on December 22, 2018 and all adjustments to these provisional amounts are included in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.
We evaluate deferred tax assets for impairment quarterly at the taxpaying component level within each tax jurisdiction. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of such assets will not be realized as future reductions of current taxes. In determining the need for a valuation allowance we consider the reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. The determination of any valuation allowance requires management to make certain judgments and assumptions regarding future operations that are based on our historical experience and our expectations of future performance.
The ASC Income Taxes Topic prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of an expected or actual uncertain income tax return position and provides guidance on disclosure. Additionally, in order for us to recognize any degree of benefit in our financial statements from such a position, there must be a greater than 50 percent chance of success with the relevant taxing authority with regard to that position. In making this analysis, we assume that the taxing authority is fully informed of all of the facts regarding any issue. Our judgments and assumptions regarding uncertain tax positions are subject to change over time due to the enactment of new legislation, the issuance of revised or new regulations or rulings by the various tax authorities, and the issuance of new decisions by the courts.
Contingent Liabilities - The assessment of potential obligations for tax, regulatory, and litigation matters inherently involves a variety of estimates of potential future outcomes. We make such estimates after consultation with our advisors and a review of available facts. However, there can be no assurance that future outcomes will not differ from management’s assessments.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our management and Board of Directors analyzes and assesses the operating performance of each segment using “pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)” and “after-tax adjusted operating income (loss)”. Consistent with GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is our measure of segment performance. Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is calculated by adjusting “income (loss) before income tax”, by excluding the following items:
•realized gains and losses on investments and derivatives,
•changes in the GLWB embedded derivatives exclusive of the portion attributable to the economic cost of the GLWB,
•actual GLWB incurred claims, and
•the amortization of DAC, VOBA, and certain policy liabilities that is impacted by the exclusion of these items.
After-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is derived from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) with the inclusion of income tax expense or benefits associated with pre-tax adjusted operating income. Income tax expense or benefits is allocated to the items excluded from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) at the statutory federal income tax rate for the associated period. For periods ending on and prior to December 31, 2017 a rate of 35% was used. Beginning in 2018, a statutory federal income tax rate of 21% was used to allocate income tax expense or benefits to items excluded from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss). Income tax expense or benefits allocated to after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) can vary period to period based on changes in our effective income tax rate.
The items excluded from adjusted operating income (loss) are important to understanding the overall results of operations. Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) and after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) are not substitutes for income before income taxes or net income (loss), respectively. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Our belief is that pre-tax and after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) enhances management’s and the Board of Directors’ understanding of the ongoing operations, the underlying profitability of each segment, and helps facilitate the allocation of resources.
In determining the components of the pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) for each segment, premiums and policy fees, other income, benefits and settlement expenses, and amortization of DAC and VOBA are attributed directly to each operating segment. Net investment income is allocated based on directly related assets required for transacting the business of
that segment. Realized investment gains (losses) and other operating expenses are allocated to the segments in a manner that most appropriately reflects the operations of that segment. Investments and other assets are allocated based on policy liabilities net of associated policy assets, while DAC/VOBA and goodwill are shown in the segments to which they are attributable.
We periodically review and update as appropriate our key assumptions used to measure certain balances related to insurance products, including future mortality, expenses, lapses, premium persistency, benefit utilization, investment yields, interest rates, and separate account fund returns. Changes to these assumptions result in adjustments which increase or decrease DAC and VOBA amortization and/or benefits and expenses. Assumptions may be updated as part of our annual assumption review process, as well as during our quarterly update of historical business activity. This periodic review and updating of assumptions is collectively referred to as “unlocking.” When referring to unlocking the reference is to changes in all balance sheet components associated with these changes. The adjustments associated with unlocking can create significant variability from period to period in the profitability of certain of the Company’s operating segments.
The following table presents a summary of results and reconciles pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) to consolidated income before income tax and net income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-Tax Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life Marketing
|
$
|
(26,697)
|
|
|
$
|
(13,726)
|
|
|
$
|
55,152
|
|
Acquisitions
|
346,825
|
|
|
282,715
|
|
|
249,749
|
|
Annuities
|
145,578
|
|
|
129,155
|
|
|
171,269
|
|
Stable Value Products
|
93,183
|
|
|
102,328
|
|
|
105,261
|
|
Asset Protection
|
37,205
|
|
|
24,371
|
|
|
17,638
|
|
Corporate and Other
|
(161,248)
|
|
|
(156,722)
|
|
|
(189,645)
|
|
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
|
434,846
|
|
|
368,121
|
|
|
409,424
|
|
Realized gains (losses) on investments and derivatives
|
248,602
|
|
|
(120,533)
|
|
|
54,584
|
|
Income before income tax
|
683,448
|
|
|
247,588
|
|
|
464,008
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit)
|
130,464
|
|
|
53,661
|
|
|
(718,409)
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
552,984
|
|
|
$
|
193,927
|
|
|
$
|
1,182,417
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
|
$
|
434,846
|
|
|
$
|
368,121
|
|
|
$
|
409,424
|
|
Adjusted operating income tax (expense) benefit
|
(78,257)
|
|
|
(78,973)
|
|
|
737,513
|
|
After-tax adjusted operating income
|
356,589
|
|
|
289,148
|
|
|
1,146,937
|
|
Realized gains (losses) on investments and derivatives
|
248,602
|
|
|
(120,533)
|
|
|
54,584
|
|
Income tax (expense) benefit on adjustments
|
(52,207)
|
|
|
25,312
|
|
|
(19,104)
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
552,984
|
|
|
$
|
193,927
|
|
|
$
|
1,182,417
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative financial instruments
|
$
|
(131,459)
|
|
|
$
|
79,097
|
|
|
$
|
(137,041)
|
|
All other investments
|
342,998
|
|
|
(223,276)
|
|
|
121,087
|
|
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
|
(34,453)
|
|
|
(29,724)
|
|
|
(9,112)
|
|
Less: related amortization(1)
|
(23,021)
|
|
|
(11,856)
|
|
|
(39,480)
|
|
Less: VA GLWB economic cost
|
(48,495)
|
|
|
(41,514)
|
|
|
(40,170)
|
|
Realized gains (losses) on investments and derivatives
|
$
|
248,602
|
|
|
$
|
(120,533)
|
|
|
$
|
54,584
|
|
(1)Includes amortization of DAC/VOBA and benefits and settlement expenses that are impacted by realized gains (losses).
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2018
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $553.0 million which was an increase of $359.1 million. Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $434.8 million which was an increase of $66.7 million. The increase in pre-tax adjusted operating income consisted of a $64.1 million increase in the Acquisitions segment, a $16.4 million increase in the Annuities
segment, and a $12.8 million increase in the Asset Protection segment. These increases were partially offset by a change of $13.0 million in the Life Marketing segment, a $9.1 million decrease in the Stable Value Products segment, and a $4.5 million change in the Corporate and Other segment.
•Life Marketing segment pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $26.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, representing an increase in operating loss of $13.0 million from the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in operating loss was primarily due to the impact of unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the prior year. The segment recorded an unfavorable $40.1 million of unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to an unfavorable $28.9 million of unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2018.
•Acquisitions segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $346.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $64.1 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to the additions of the Liberty and GWL&A reinsurance transactions. The Liberty reinsurance transaction added $91.8 million of pre-tax adjusted operating income to the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $40.5 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The GWL&A reinsurance transaction added $55.9 million of pre-tax adjusted operating income for the year ended December 31, 2019. This was partly offset by the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business.
•Annuities segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $145.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $129.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $16.4 million, or 12.7%. This variance was primarily the result of favorable unlocking and higher spreads, partially offset by lower VA fee income, an unfavorable change in SPIA mortality, and higher expenses. Segment results were positively impacted by $5.5 million of favorable unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $25.0 million of unfavorable unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2018.
•Stable Value Products pre-tax adjusted operating income was $93.2 million, a decrease of $9.1 million, or 8.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in adjusted operating earnings primarily resulted from lower interest spreads driven by higher credited rates on newly issued contracts. Participating mortgage income for the year ended December 31, 2019, was $20.1 million as compared to $26.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income, decreased by 23 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2019, from the prior year, due primarily to an increase in credited interest.
•Asset Protection segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $37.2 million, representing an increase of $12.8 million, or 52.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. Earnings from the GAP product line increased $9.2 million primarily resulting from lower loss ratios. Service contract earnings increased $3.7 million primarily due to higher investment income and administrative fees, somewhat offset by higher expenses. Earnings from the credit insurance product lines decreased $0.1 million, primarily due to lower volume.
•The Corporate and Other segment pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $161.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to a pre-tax adjusted operating loss of $156.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in operating loss is primarily attributable to a decrease in investment income, partially offset by a decrease in corporate overhead expense.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018, as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2017
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $193.9 million which was a decrease of $988.5 million. The decrease in net income was primarily driven by an unfavorable change in income taxes of $772.1 million which was driven by the change in the corporate tax rate in 2017. Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $368.1 million which was a decrease of $41.3 million. The decrease in pre-tax adjusted operating income consisted of a $68.9 million decrease in the Life Marketing segment, a $42.1 million decrease in the Annuities segment, and a $2.9 million decrease in the Stable Value Product segment. These decreases were partially offset by a $33.0 million increase in the Acquisitions segment, a $32.9 million increase in the Corporate and Other segment, and a $6.7 million increase in the Asset Protection segment.
Net realized losses on investments and derivatives for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $120.5 million. These losses were primarily due to net impairments of $29.7 million, equity securities losses of $49.0 million, net losses of $19.1 million related to Modco trading portfolio activity and the associated embedded derivative, and net losses of $86.6 million on VA GLWB derivatives (after adjusting for economic cost and amortization). Our net impairments of $29.7 million were driven by impairments in the utility sector. The equity losses of $49.0 million were primarily driven by the overall decline in market prices during the period. The net losses on VA GLWB derivatives included a $25.8 million loss related to variations in actual
sub-account fund performance from the indices included in our hedging program and a $8.5 million loss from changes to policyholder assumptions which was partially offset by a $17.2 million gain related to an increase in our non-performance risk during the period.
•Life Marketing segment pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $13.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, representing a decrease of $68.9 million from the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of unlocking, higher reinsurance costs, and higher life claims for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the prior year. The segment recorded an unfavorable $28.9 million of unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to an unfavorable $4.0 million of unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2017.
•Acquisitions segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $282.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $33.0 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to the favorable impact of $51.3 million from the Liberty reinsurance transaction completed on May 1, 2018, partly offset by the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business.
•Annuities segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $129.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $171.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, a decrease of $42.1 million, or 24.6%. This variance was primarily the result of unfavorable unlocking, an unfavorable change in guaranteed benefit reserves, and lower VA fee income, partially offset by a favorable change in SPIA mortality. Segment results were negatively impacted by $25.0 million of unfavorable unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $16.5 million of favorable unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2017.
•Stable Value Products pre-tax adjusted operating income was $102.3 million and decreased $2.9 million, or 2.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease in adjusted operating earnings primarily resulted from lower interest spreads driven by higher credited rates on newly issued contracts. Participating mortgage income for the year ended December 31, 2018, was $26.3 million as compared to $33.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income, decreased by 20 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2018, from the prior year, due primarily to an increase in credited interest.
•Asset Protection segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $24.4 million, representing an increase of $6.7 million, or 38.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Service contract earnings increased $5.6 million primarily due to favorable loss ratios and higher investment income. Earnings from the GAP and credit insurance product lines increased $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively, primarily due to lower expenses, somewhat offset by lower volume and higher loss ratios.
•The Corporate and Other segment pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $156.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to a pre-tax adjusted operating loss of $189.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease in operating loss is primarily attributable to a decrease in corporate overhead expenses and an increase in investment income.
Life Marketing
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross premiums and policy fees
|
$
|
2,140,963
|
|
|
$
|
1,917,190
|
|
|
$
|
1,855,075
|
|
Reinsurance ceded
|
(1,035,432)
|
|
|
(873,962)
|
|
|
(843,164)
|
|
Net premiums and policy fees
|
1,105,531
|
|
|
1,043,228
|
|
|
1,011,911
|
|
Net investment income
|
571,654
|
|
|
552,697
|
|
|
550,714
|
|
Other income
|
2,954
|
|
|
3,158
|
|
|
2,599
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
1,680,139
|
|
|
1,599,083
|
|
|
1,565,224
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses)
|
14,479
|
|
|
(31,226)
|
|
|
(9,017)
|
|
Total revenues
|
1,694,618
|
|
|
1,567,857
|
|
|
1,556,207
|
|
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses
|
1,496,347
|
|
|
1,424,632
|
|
|
1,330,031
|
|
Amortization of DAC/VOBA
|
154,600
|
|
|
118,419
|
|
|
119,164
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
55,889
|
|
|
69,758
|
|
|
60,877
|
|
Operating benefits and expenses
|
1,706,836
|
|
|
1,612,809
|
|
|
1,510,072
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses related to realized gains (losses)
|
1,677
|
|
|
(12,631)
|
|
|
(10,893)
|
|
Amortization of DAC/VOBA related to realized gains (losses)
|
3,254
|
|
|
(1,502)
|
|
|
1,589
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
1,711,767
|
|
|
1,598,676
|
|
|
1,500,768
|
|
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX
|
(17,149)
|
|
|
(30,819)
|
|
|
55,439
|
|
Less: realized gains (losses)
|
14,479
|
|
|
(31,226)
|
|
|
(9,017)
|
|
Less: related benefits and settlement expenses
|
(1,677)
|
|
|
12,631
|
|
|
10,893
|
|
Less: related amortization of DAC/VOBA
|
(3,254)
|
|
|
1,502
|
|
|
(1,589)
|
|
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
|
$
|
(26,697)
|
|
|
$
|
(13,726)
|
|
|
$
|
55,152
|
|
The following table summarizes key data for the Life Marketing segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Sales By Product(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional
|
$
|
79,326
|
|
|
$
|
51,505
|
|
|
$
|
8,488
|
|
Universal life
|
84,396
|
|
|
116,746
|
|
|
163,651
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
163,722
|
|
|
$
|
168,251
|
|
|
$
|
172,139
|
|
Sales By Distribution Channel
|
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional brokerage
|
$
|
103,409
|
|
|
$
|
136,268
|
|
|
$
|
137,245
|
|
Institutional
|
52,164
|
|
|
23,076
|
|
|
26,069
|
|
Direct
|
8,149
|
|
|
8,907
|
|
|
8,825
|
|
|
$
|
163,722
|
|
|
$
|
168,251
|
|
|
$
|
172,139
|
|
Average Life Insurance In-force(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional
|
$
|
360,145,141
|
|
|
$
|
350,398,022
|
|
|
$
|
346,134,076
|
|
Universal life
|
287,343,602
|
|
|
278,191,468
|
|
|
253,282,098
|
|
|
$
|
647,488,743
|
|
|
$
|
628,589,490
|
|
|
$
|
599,416,174
|
|
Average Account Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
Universal life
|
$
|
7,791,409
|
|
|
$
|
7,752,076
|
|
|
$
|
7,626,868
|
|
Variable universal life
|
788,784
|
|
|
762,812
|
|
|
718,890
|
|
|
$
|
8,580,193
|
|
|
$
|
8,514,888
|
|
|
$
|
8,345,758
|
|
(1)Sales data for traditional life insurance is based on annualized premiums. Universal life sales are based on annualized planned premiums, or “target” premiums if lesser, plus 6% of amounts received in excess of target premiums and 10% of single premiums. “Target” premiums for universal life are those premiums upon which full first year commissions are paid.
(2)Amounts are not adjusted for reinsurance ceded.
Operating expenses detail
Other operating expenses for the segment were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
First year commissions
|
$
|
166,152
|
|
|
$
|
192,435
|
|
|
$
|
197,815
|
|
Renewal commissions
|
42,350
|
|
|
41,314
|
|
|
39,931
|
|
First year ceding allowances
|
(823)
|
|
|
(709)
|
|
|
(2,244)
|
|
Renewal ceding allowances
|
(197,295)
|
|
|
(175,261)
|
|
|
(185,255)
|
|
General & administrative
|
226,900
|
|
|
223,663
|
|
|
228,960
|
|
Taxes, licenses, and fees
|
40,496
|
|
|
39,044
|
|
|
36,045
|
|
Other operating expenses incurred
|
277,780
|
|
|
320,486
|
|
|
315,252
|
|
Less: commissions, allowances & expenses capitalized
|
(221,891)
|
|
|
(250,728)
|
|
|
(254,375)
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
$
|
55,889
|
|
|
$
|
69,758
|
|
|
$
|
60,877
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2018
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
Pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $26.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, representing an increase in operating loss of $13.0 million from the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in operating loss was primarily due to the impact of unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the prior year. The segment recorded an unfavorable $40.1 million of unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to an unfavorable $28.9 million of unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019, increased $81.1 million, or 5.1%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was driven by higher premiums and policy fees for traditional and universal life blocks of business as well as higher net investment income due to increases in net in-force reserves.
Net premiums and policy fees
Net premiums and policy fees increased by $62.3 million, or 6.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, due to an increase in policy fees associated with continued growth in universal life business, as well as increases in traditional life premiums.
Net investment income
Net investment income in the segment increased $19.0 million, or 3.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, driven by higher universal life investment income of $19.3 million due to growth in reserves in the block and higher yield.
Other income
Other income remained consistent for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses increased by $71.7 million, or 5.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, due primarily to an increase in universal life claims and reserves. For the year ended December 31, 2019, universal life unlocking increased policy benefits and settlement expenses $12.6 million, as compared to an increase of $23.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Amortization of DAC/VOBA
DAC/VOBA amortization increased $36.2 million, or 30.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, due to higher amortization in the traditional life block and unlocking in the universal life block. For the year ended December 31, 2019, universal life unlocking increased amortization $27.5 million, as compared to an increase of $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses decreased $13.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was driven by higher ceding allowances and lower commissions.
Sales
Sales for the segment decreased $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in traditional life sales of $27.8 million was primarily due to the introduction of new term products during 2019 which also led to the decrease in universal life sales of $32.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2017
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
Pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $13.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, representing a decrease of $68.9 million from the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of unlocking, higher reinsurance costs, and higher life claims for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the prior year. The segment recorded an unfavorable $28.9 million of unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to an unfavorable $4.0 million of unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018, increased $33.9 million, or 2.2%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was driven by higher premiums and policy fees.
Net premiums and policy fees
Net premiums and policy fees increased by $31.3 million, or 3.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, due to an increase in policy fees associated with continued growth in universal life business, as well as increases in traditional life premiums.
Net investment income
Net investment income in the segment increased $2.0 million, or 0.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, driven by higher universal life investment income of $8.8 million, offset by lower traditional life investment income of $5.7 million.
Other income
Other income remained consistent for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses increased by $94.6 million, or 7.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, driven by unlocking and an increase in claims. For the year ended December 31, 2018, universal life unlocking increased policy benefits and settlement expenses $23.6 million, as compared to an increase of $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Amortization of DAC/VOBA
DAC/VOBA amortization decreased $0.7 million, or 0.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, due to lower VOBA amortization in the traditional life blocks, partially offset by higher VOBA amortization in the universal life block. For the year ended December 31, 2018, universal life unlocking increased amortization $5.3 million, as compared to a decrease of $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses increased $8.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase was driven by lower ceding allowances and a decrease in commissions.
Sales
Sales for the segment decreased $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to lower sales in the universal life block, partly offset by higher traditional life sales. The change between products was due in part to a shift in sales focus from a product within the universal life block to a new term life product.
Reinsurance
Currently, the Life Marketing segment reinsures significant amounts of its life insurance in-force. Pursuant to the underlying reinsurance contracts, reinsurers pay allowances to the segment as a percentage of both first year and renewal premiums. Reinsurance allowances represent the amount the reinsurer is willing to pay for reimbursement of acquisition costs incurred by the direct writer of the business. A portion of reinsurance allowances received is deferred as part of DAC and a portion is recognized immediately as a reduction of other operating expenses. As the non-deferred portion of allowances reduces operating expenses in the period received, these amounts represent a net increase to operating income during that period.
Reinsurance allowances do not affect the methodology used to amortize DAC or the period over which such DAC is amortized. However, they do affect the amounts recognized as DAC amortization. DAC on universal life-type, limited-payment long duration, and investment contracts business is generally amortized based on the estimated gross profits of the policies in-force. Reinsurance allowances are considered in the determination of estimated gross profits, and therefore, impact DAC amortization on these lines of business. Deferred reinsurance allowances on level term business are recorded as ceded DAC, which is amortized over estimated ceded premiums of the policies in-force. Thus, deferred reinsurance allowances may impact DAC amortization. A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Impact of reinsurance
Reinsurance impacted the Life Marketing segment line items as shown in the following table:
Life Marketing Segment
Line Item Impact of Reinsurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reinsurance ceded
|
$
|
(1,035,432)
|
|
|
$
|
(873,962)
|
|
|
$
|
(843,164)
|
|
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses
|
(873,672)
|
|
|
(805,951)
|
|
|
(710,959)
|
|
Amortization of DAC/VOBA
|
(5,741)
|
|
|
(5,609)
|
|
|
(5,533)
|
|
Other operating expenses(1)
|
(191,477)
|
|
|
(168,583)
|
|
|
(180,435)
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
(1,070,890)
|
|
|
(980,143)
|
|
|
(896,927)
|
|
NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE
|
$
|
35,458
|
|
|
$
|
106,181
|
|
|
$
|
53,763
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowances received
|
$
|
(198,118)
|
|
|
$
|
(175,970)
|
|
|
$
|
(187,499)
|
|
Less: Amount deferred
|
6,641
|
|
|
7,387
|
|
|
7,064
|
|
Allowances recognized (ceded other operating expenses)(1)
|
$
|
(191,477)
|
|
|
$
|
(168,583)
|
|
|
$
|
(180,435)
|
|
(1)Other operating expenses ceded per the income statement are equal to reinsurance allowances recognized after capitalization.
The table above does not reflect the impact of reinsurance on our net investment income. By ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed, which will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on the business that we cede. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified. The impact of including foregone investment income would be to substantially reduce the favorable net impact of reinsurance reflected above. We estimate that the impact of foregone investment income would be to reduce the net impact of reinsurance presented in the table above by 225% to 635%. The Life Marketing segment’s reinsurance programs do not materially impact the “other income” line of our income statement.
As shown above, reinsurance generally has a favorable impact on the Life Marketing segment’s operating income results. The impact of reinsurance is largely due to our quota share coinsurance program in place prior to mid-2005. Under that program, generally 90% of the segment’s traditional new business was ceded to reinsurers. Since mid-2005, a much smaller percentage of overall term business has been ceded due to a change in reinsurance strategy on traditional business. In addition, since 2012, a much smaller percentage of the segment’s new universal life business has been ceded. As a result of that change, the relative impact of reinsurance on the Life Marketing segment’s overall results is expected to decrease over time. While the significance of reinsurance is expected to decline over time, the overall impact of reinsurance for a given period may fluctuate due to variations in mortality and unlocking of balances.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2018
The higher ceded premium and policy fees for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, was caused primarily by higher ceded traditional life premiums of $158.6 million. Ceded traditional life premiums for the year ended December 31, 2019, increased from the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to post level term activity.
Ceded benefits and settlement expenses were higher for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, due to higher ceded reserves, offset in part by lower ceded claims. Traditional ceded benefits increased $126.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to $182.8 million of higher ceded reserves offset by $55.5 million lower ceded claims. Universal life ceded benefits decreased $58.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, due to $43.0 million lower ceded claims and unlocking.
Ceded amortization of DAC and VOBA increased slightly for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.
Ceded other operating expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to higher ceding allowances on the universal life block, and a settlement in the prior year that reduced traditional life ceding allowances by approximately $6.2 million. Ceded other operating expenses reflect the impact of reinsurance allowances, net of amounts deferred.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2017
The higher ceded premium and policy fees for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, was caused primarily by higher universal life policy fees of $66.0 million, partially offset by lower ceded traditional life premiums of $35.3 million.
Ceded benefits and settlement expenses were higher for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, due to higher ceded claims, partly offset by lower ceded traditional life reserves. Universal life and traditional life ceded claims were $99.4 million and $11.5 million higher, respectively, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Traditional life ceded reserves decreased $28.4 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017.
Ceded amortization of DAC and VOBA increased slightly for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017.
Ceded other operating expenses reflect the impact of reinsurance allowances net of amounts deferred.
Acquisitions
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross premiums and policy fees
|
$
|
1,465,990
|
|
|
$
|
1,270,045
|
|
|
$
|
1,113,355
|
|
Reinsurance ceded
|
(293,433)
|
|
|
(317,730)
|
|
|
(328,167)
|
|
Net premiums and policy fees
|
1,172,557
|
|
|
952,315
|
|
|
785,188
|
|
Net investment income
|
1,532,605
|
|
|
1,108,218
|
|
|
752,520
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses)
|
(6,562)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other income
|
109,617
|
|
|
14,313
|
|
|
11,423
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
2,808,217
|
|
|
2,074,846
|
|
|
1,549,131
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses)
|
93,433
|
|
|
(47,651)
|
|
|
19,952
|
|
Total revenues
|
2,901,650
|
|
|
2,027,195
|
|
|
1,569,083
|
|
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses
|
2,227,528
|
|
|
1,629,590
|
|
|
1,195,105
|
|
Amortization of VOBA
|
1,695
|
|
|
18,843
|
|
|
(6,330)
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
232,169
|
|
|
143,698
|
|
|
110,607
|
|
Operating benefits and expenses
|
2,461,392
|
|
|
1,792,131
|
|
|
1,299,382
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses related to realized gains (losses)
|
9,173
|
|
|
7,107
|
|
|
8,979
|
|
Amortization of VOBA related to realized gains (losses)
|
8,998
|
|
|
(153)
|
|
|
(609)
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
2,479,563
|
|
|
1,799,085
|
|
|
1,307,752
|
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX
|
422,087
|
|
|
228,110
|
|
|
261,331
|
|
Less: realized gains (losses)
|
93,433
|
|
|
(47,651)
|
|
|
19,952
|
|
Less: related benefits and settlement expenses
|
(9,173)
|
|
|
(7,107)
|
|
|
(8,979)
|
|
Less: related amortization of VOBA
|
(8,998)
|
|
|
153
|
|
|
609
|
|
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME
|
$
|
346,825
|
|
|
$
|
282,715
|
|
|
$
|
249,749
|
|
The following table summarizes key data for the Acquisitions segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Average Life Insurance In-Force(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional
|
$
|
247,992,309
|
|
|
$
|
226,695,252
|
|
|
$
|
227,487,175
|
|
Universal life
|
54,704,009
|
|
|
30,153,143
|
|
|
27,473,477
|
|
|
$
|
302,696,318
|
|
|
$
|
256,848,395
|
|
|
$
|
254,960,652
|
|
Average Account Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
Universal life
|
$
|
13,546,951
|
|
|
$
|
6,643,469
|
|
|
$
|
4,199,568
|
|
Fixed annuity(2)
|
12,194,616
|
|
|
8,736,331
|
|
|
3,538,204
|
|
Variable annuity
|
1,103,581
|
|
|
1,176,023
|
|
|
1,189,695
|
|
|
$
|
26,845,148
|
|
|
$
|
16,555,823
|
|
|
$
|
8,927,467
|
|
Interest Spread - Fixed Annuities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income yield
|
4.41
|
%
|
|
4.18
|
%
|
|
4.07
|
%
|
Interest credited to policyholders
|
3.72
|
|
|
3.55
|
|
|
3.28
|
|
Interest spread(3)
|
0.69
|
%
|
|
0.63
|
%
|
|
0.79
|
%
|
(1)Amounts are not adjusted for reinsurance ceded.
(2)Includes general account balances held within variable annuity products and is net of coinsurance ceded.
(3)Earned rates exclude portfolios supporting modified coinsurance and crediting rates exclude 100% cessions.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2018
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $346.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $64.1 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to the additions of the Liberty and GWL&A reinsurance transactions. The Liberty reinsurance transaction added $91.8 million of pre-tax adjusted operating income for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $40.5 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The GWL&A reinsurance transaction added $55.9 million of pre-tax adjusted operating income for the year ended December 31, 2019. This was partly offset by the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business.
Operating revenues
Net premiums and policy fees increased $220.2 million, or 23.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to the premiums associated with the Liberty and GWL&A reinsurance transactions more than offsetting the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business. Net investment income increased $424.4 million, or 38.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to the Liberty and GWL&A reinsurance transactions. The Liberty reinsurance transaction added $569.0 million of net investment income for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $194.6 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The GWL&A reinsurance transaction added $240.2 million of net investment income for the year ended December 31, 2019. This was partly offset by the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business. Other income increased $95.3 million as compared to the prior year. This was primarily due to the GWL&A reinsurance transaction which added $90.3 million as compared to the prior year.
Total benefits and expenses
Total benefits and expenses increased $680.5 million, or 37.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to the Liberty and GWL&A reinsurance transactions. The Liberty reinsurance transaction added $782.2 million of benefits and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $253.9 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The GWL&A reinsurance transaction added $441.0 million of benefits and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019. This was partly offset by the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $282.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $33.0 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to the favorable impact of $51.3 million from the Liberty reinsurance transaction completed on May 1, 2018, partly offset by the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business.
Operating revenues
Net premiums and policy fees increased $167.1 million, or 21.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to the premiums associated with the Liberty reinsurance transaction more than offsetting the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business. Net investment income increased $355.7 million, 47.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, due to the $374.4 million impact of the Liberty reinsurance transaction, partly offset by the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business.
Total benefits and expenses
Total benefits and expenses increased $491.3 million, or 37.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily due to the Liberty reinsurance transaction, which increased benefits and expenses $528.3 million. This was partly offset by the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business.
Reinsurance
The Acquisitions segment currently reinsures portions of both its life and annuity in-force. The cost of reinsurance to the segment is reflected in the chart shown below. A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Impact of reinsurance
Reinsurance impacted the Acquisitions segment line items as shown in the following table:
Acquisitions Segment
Line Item Impact of Reinsurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reinsurance ceded
|
$
|
(293,433)
|
|
|
$
|
(317,730)
|
|
|
$
|
(328,167)
|
|
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses
|
(260,905)
|
|
|
(267,998)
|
|
|
(275,698)
|
|
Amortization of VOBA
|
(971)
|
|
|
(635)
|
|
|
(580)
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
(32,495)
|
|
|
(35,940)
|
|
|
(40,005)
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
(294,371)
|
|
|
(304,573)
|
|
|
(316,283)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE(1)
|
$
|
938
|
|
|
$
|
(13,157)
|
|
|
$
|
(11,884)
|
|
(1)Assumes no investment income on reinsurance. Foregone investment income would substantially reduce the favorable impact of reinsurance.
The segment’s reinsurance programs do not materially impact the other income line of the income statement. In addition, net investment income generally has no direct impact on reinsurance cost. However, by ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded to the assuming companies. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business assumed from the Company. For business ceded under modified coinsurance arrangements, the amount of investment income attributable to the assuming company is included as part of the overall change in policy reserves and, as such, is reflected in benefit and settlement expenses. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified as it is not fully reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
The net impact of reinsurance was more favorable by $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to lower revenue partly offset by lower ceded benefits and expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2019, ceded revenues decreased by $24.3 million, while ceded benefits and expenses decreased by $10.2 million primarily due to lower benefit and settlement expenses.
The net impact of reinsurance was less favorable by $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to lower ceded benefits and expenses partly offset by lower ceded revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2018, ceded revenues decreased by $10.4 million, while ceded benefits and expenses decreased by $11.7 million primarily due to lower benefit and settlement expenses.
Annuities
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross premiums and policy fees
|
$
|
137,624
|
|
|
$
|
148,033
|
|
|
$
|
152,701
|
|
Reinsurance ceded
|
(71,880)
|
|
|
(76,712)
|
|
|
(79,084)
|
|
Net premiums and policy fees
|
65,744
|
|
|
71,321
|
|
|
73,617
|
|
Net investment income
|
367,650
|
|
|
335,382
|
|
|
316,582
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses)
|
(41,933)
|
|
|
(41,514)
|
|
|
(40,170)
|
|
Other income
|
161,401
|
|
|
165,444
|
|
|
168,046
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
552,862
|
|
|
530,633
|
|
|
518,075
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses)
|
70,992
|
|
|
(52,519)
|
|
|
(31,228)
|
|
Total revenues
|
623,854
|
|
|
478,114
|
|
|
486,847
|
|
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses
|
257,578
|
|
|
224,437
|
|
|
212,228
|
|
Amortization of DAC/VOBA
|
(2,994)
|
|
|
28,426
|
|
|
(11,829)
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
152,700
|
|
|
148,615
|
|
|
146,407
|
|
Operating benefits and expenses
|
407,284
|
|
|
401,478
|
|
|
346,806
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses related to realized gains (losses)
|
9,790
|
|
|
(525)
|
|
|
4,096
|
|
Amortization of DAC/VOBA related to realized gains (losses)
|
(55,913)
|
|
|
(4,152)
|
|
|
(42,642)
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
361,161
|
|
|
396,801
|
|
|
308,260
|
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX
|
262,693
|
|
|
81,313
|
|
|
178,587
|
|
Less: realized investment gains (losses)
|
70,992
|
|
|
(52,519)
|
|
|
(31,228)
|
|
Less: related benefits and settlement expenses
|
(9,790)
|
|
|
525
|
|
|
(4,096)
|
|
Less: related amortization of DAC/VOBA
|
55,913
|
|
|
4,152
|
|
|
42,642
|
|
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME
|
$
|
145,578
|
|
|
$
|
129,155
|
|
|
$
|
171,269
|
|
The following table summarizes key data for the Annuities segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Sales(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed annuity
|
$
|
1,847,938
|
|
|
$
|
2,139,616
|
|
|
$
|
1,130,843
|
|
Variable annuity
|
210,793
|
|
|
298,314
|
|
|
426,353
|
|
|
$
|
2,058,731
|
|
|
$
|
2,437,930
|
|
|
$
|
1,557,196
|
|
Average Account Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed annuity(2)
|
$
|
9,850,893
|
|
|
$
|
9,018,539
|
|
|
$
|
8,245,382
|
|
Variable annuity
|
12,061,202
|
|
|
12,820,420
|
|
|
13,050,411
|
|
|
$
|
21,912,095
|
|
|
$
|
21,838,959
|
|
|
$
|
21,295,793
|
|
Interest Spread—Fixed Annuities(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income yield
|
3.67
|
%
|
|
3.64
|
%
|
|
3.67
|
%
|
Interest credited to policyholders
|
2.55
|
|
|
2.50
|
|
|
2.54
|
|
Interest spread(3)
|
1.12
|
%
|
|
1.14
|
%
|
|
1.13
|
%
|
(1)Sales are measured based on the amount of purchase payments received less surrenders occurring within twelve months of the purchase payments.
(2)Includes general account balances held within VA products.
(3)Interest spread on average general account values.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
GMDB—Net amount at risk(1)
|
$
|
66,596
|
|
|
$
|
152,047
|
|
GMDB Reserves
|
25,504
|
|
|
29,619
|
|
GLWB and GMAB Reserves
|
154,558
|
|
|
43,307
|
|
Account value subject to GLWB rider
|
8,403,428
|
|
|
8,399,300
|
|
GLWB Benefit Base
|
9,850,644
|
|
|
10,265,545
|
|
GMAB Benefit Base
|
—
|
|
|
1,238
|
|
S&P 500® Index
|
3,231
|
|
|
2,507
|
|
(1)Guaranteed benefits in excess of contract holder account balance.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2018
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $145.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $129.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $16.4 million, or 12.7%. This variance was primarily the result of favorable unlocking and higher spreads, partially offset by lower VA fee income, an unfavorable change in SPIA mortality, and higher expenses. Segment results were positively impacted by $5.5 million of favorable unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $25.0 million of unfavorable unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Operating revenues
Segment operating revenues increased $22.2 million, or 4.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to higher investment income, partially offset by lower VA fee income. The higher investment income related to growth in fixed account value and lower VA fee income related to a decline in variable account value. Average fixed account balances increased 9.2% and average variable account balances decreased 5.9% for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses increased $33.1 million, or 14.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was primarily the result of higher credited interest, an unfavorable change in SPIA mortality, and unfavorable unlocking. Included in benefits and settlement expenses was $10.5 million of unfavorable unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $3.4 million of unfavorable unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
DAC and VOBA amortization favorably changed by $31.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The favorable change in DAC and VOBA amortization was primarily due to favorable unlocking. DAC and VOBA unlocking was $16.0 million favorable for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $21.6 million unfavorable for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses increased $4.1 million, or 2.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was the result of higher non-deferred acquisition costs and maintenance and overhead, partially offset by lower non-deferred commission expenses.
Sales
Total sales decreased $379.2 million, or 15.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. Sales of variable annuities decreased $87.5 million, or 29.3% for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to the relative competitiveness of our product within the market. Sales of fixed annuities decreased by $291.7 million, or 13.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to a decrease in single premium deferred annuities (“SPDA”) sales and fixed indexed annuities (“FIA”) sales, partially offset by an increase in SPIA sales.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2017
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $129.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $171.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, a decrease of $42.1 million, or 24.6%. This variance was primarily the result of unfavorable unlocking, an unfavorable change in guaranteed benefit reserves, and lower VA fee income, partially offset by a favorable change in SPIA mortality. Segment results were negatively impacted by $25.0 million of unfavorable unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $16.5 million of favorable unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Operating revenues
Segment operating revenues increased $12.6 million, or 2.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to higher investment income, partially offset by lower policy fees and other income from the VA line of business. Average fixed account balances increased 9.4% and average variable account balances decreased 1.8% for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses increased $12.2 million, or 5.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was primarily the result of higher credited interest, an unfavorable change in guaranteed benefit reserves, and unfavorable unlocking, partially offset by a favorable change in SPIA mortality. Included in benefits and settlement expenses was $3.4 million of unfavorable unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $0.2 million of favorable unlocking for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
DAC and VOBA amortization unfavorably changed by $40.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. The unfavorable changes in DAC and VOBA amortization were primarily due to an unfavorable change in unlocking which was $21.6 million unfavorable for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $16.3 million favorable for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses increased $2.2 million, or 1.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was the result of higher non-deferred acquisition costs, partially offset by lower non-deferred maintenance and overhead, and commission expenses.
Sales
Total sales increased $880.7 million, or 56.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Sales of variable annuities decreased $128.0 million, or 30.0% for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to the relative competitiveness of our product within the market. Sales of fixed annuities increased by $1.0 billion, or 89.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to an increase in SPDA sales.
Reinsurance
The Annuity segment reinsures certain risks associated with the GLWB and GMDB riders to Shades Creek, a subsidiary of PLC. The cost of reinsurance to the segment is reflected in the chart shown below. A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Impact of reinsurance
Reinsurance impacted the Annuities segment line items as shown in the following table:
Annuities Segment
Line Item Impact of Reinsurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reinsurance ceded
|
$
|
(71,880)
|
|
|
$
|
(76,712)
|
|
|
$
|
(79,084)
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses)
|
41,638
|
|
|
43,498
|
|
|
44,657
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
(30,242)
|
|
|
(33,214)
|
|
|
(34,427)
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses)
|
194,758
|
|
|
(24,487)
|
|
|
81,431
|
|
Total revenues
|
164,516
|
|
|
(57,701)
|
|
|
47,004
|
|
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses
|
338
|
|
|
(2,792)
|
|
|
(305)
|
|
Amortization of DAC/VOBA
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
(1,552)
|
|
|
(1,695)
|
|
|
(1,825)
|
|
Operating benefits and expenses
|
(1,214)
|
|
|
(4,487)
|
|
|
(2,130)
|
|
Amortization of DAC/VOBA related to realized gains (losses)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total benefit and expenses
|
(1,214)
|
|
|
(4,487)
|
|
|
(2,130)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE
|
$
|
165,730
|
|
|
$
|
(53,214)
|
|
|
$
|
49,134
|
|
The table above does not reflect the impact of reinsurance on our net investment income. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming company has been quantified and is immaterial. The Annuities segment’s reinsurance programs do not materially impact the “other income” line of our income statement.
The net impact of reinsurance was more favorable by $218.9 million for the year December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to realized losses on derivatives that were ceded.
The net impact of reinsurance was less favorable by $102.3 million for the year December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to a change in realized gains/losses on derivatives that were ceded.
Stable Value Products
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
$
|
243,775
|
|
|
$
|
217,778
|
|
|
$
|
186,576
|
|
Other income
|
12
|
|
|
296
|
|
|
24
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
243,787
|
|
|
218,074
|
|
|
186,600
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses)
|
2,800
|
|
|
1,427
|
|
|
3,406
|
|
Total revenues
|
246,587
|
|
|
219,501
|
|
|
190,006
|
|
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses
|
144,448
|
|
|
109,747
|
|
|
74,578
|
|
Amortization of DAC
|
3,382
|
|
|
3,201
|
|
|
2,354
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
2,774
|
|
|
2,798
|
|
|
4,407
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
150,604
|
|
|
115,746
|
|
|
81,339
|
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX
|
95,983
|
|
|
103,755
|
|
|
108,667
|
|
Less: realized gains (losses)
|
2,800
|
|
|
1,427
|
|
|
3,406
|
|
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME
|
$
|
93,183
|
|
|
$
|
102,328
|
|
|
$
|
105,261
|
|
The following table summarizes key data for the Stable Value Products segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Sales(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
GIC
|
$
|
8,000
|
|
|
$
|
88,500
|
|
|
$
|
115,500
|
|
GFA
|
1,350,000
|
|
|
1,250,000
|
|
|
1,650,000
|
|
|
$
|
1,358,000
|
|
|
$
|
1,338,500
|
|
|
$
|
1,765,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Account Values
|
$
|
5,607,828
|
|
|
$
|
4,946,953
|
|
|
$
|
4,143,568
|
|
Ending Account Values
|
$
|
5,443,752
|
|
|
$
|
5,234,731
|
|
|
$
|
4,698,371
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Spread
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income yield
|
4.34
|
%
|
|
4.40
|
%
|
|
4.50
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest credited
|
2.57
|
|
|
2.21
|
|
|
1.79
|
|
Operating expenses
|
0.11
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
|
0.16
|
|
Operating spread
|
1.66
|
%
|
|
2.07
|
%
|
|
2.55
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted operating spread(2)
|
1.31
|
%
|
|
1.54
|
%
|
|
1.74
|
%
|
(1)Sales are measured at the time the purchase payments are received.
(2)Excludes participating mortgage loan income.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2018
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $93.2 million and decreased $9.1 million, or 8.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in adjusted operating earnings primarily
resulted from lower interest spreads driven by higher credited rates on newly issued contracts. Participating mortgage income for the year ended December 31, 2019, was $20.1 million as compared to $26.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income, decreased by 23 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2019, from the prior year, due primarily to an increase in credited interest.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2017
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $102.3 million and decreased $2.9 million, or 2.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease in adjusted operating earnings primarily resulted from lower interest spreads driven by higher credited rates on newly issued contracts. Participating mortgage income for the year ended December 31, 2018, was $26.3 million as compared to $33.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income, decreased by 20 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2018, from the prior year, due primarily to an increase in credited interest.
Asset Protection
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross premiums and policy fees
|
$
|
299,765
|
|
|
$
|
308,527
|
|
|
$
|
322,416
|
|
Reinsurance ceded
|
(116,320)
|
|
|
(114,591)
|
|
|
(116,602)
|
|
Net premiums and policy fees
|
183,445
|
|
|
193,936
|
|
|
205,814
|
|
Net investment income
|
28,291
|
|
|
25,070
|
|
|
22,298
|
|
Other income
|
142,160
|
|
|
136,495
|
|
|
142,338
|
|
Realized gains (losses)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
353,896
|
|
|
355,501
|
|
|
370,449
|
|
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses
|
92,655
|
|
|
111,249
|
|
|
124,487
|
|
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
|
62,631
|
|
|
62,984
|
|
|
17,746
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
161,405
|
|
|
156,897
|
|
|
210,579
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
316,691
|
|
|
331,130
|
|
|
352,812
|
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX
|
37,205
|
|
|
24,371
|
|
|
17,637
|
|
Less: realized gains (losses) - investments
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME
|
$
|
37,205
|
|
|
$
|
24,371
|
|
|
$
|
17,638
|
|
The following table summarizes key data for the Asset Protection segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Sales(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit insurance
|
$
|
8,675
|
|
|
$
|
11,782
|
|
|
$
|
15,292
|
|
Service contracts
|
393,893
|
|
|
370,540
|
|
|
379,048
|
|
GAP
|
78,291
|
|
|
66,748
|
|
|
109,532
|
|
|
$
|
480,859
|
|
|
$
|
449,070
|
|
|
$
|
503,872
|
|
Loss Ratios(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit insurance
|
24.6
|
%
|
|
27.2
|
%
|
|
20.5
|
%
|
Service contracts
|
37.3
|
|
|
34.5
|
|
|
37.3
|
|
GAP
|
126.0
|
|
|
140.5
|
|
|
124.9
|
|
(1)Sales are based on the amount of single premiums and fees received
(2)Incurred claims as a percentage of earned premiums
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2018
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $37.2 million, representing an increase of $12.8 million, or 52.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. Earnings from the GAP product line increased $9.2 million primarily resulting from lower loss ratios. Service contract earnings increased $3.7 million, primarily due to higher investment income and administrative fees, somewhat offset by higher expenses. Earnings from the credit insurance product lines decreased $0.1 million primarily due to lower volume.
Net premiums and policy fees
Net premiums and policy fees decreased $10.5 million, or 5.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. GAP premiums decreased $14.2 million due to previously discontinuing the relationship with two significant distribution partners and the related impact on earned premiums. Credit insurance premiums decreased $2.3 million as a result of lower sales. This was partly offset by an increase in service contract premiums of $6.0 million resulting from higher volume.
Other income
Other income increased $5.7 million, or 4.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. Other income from the service contract product line increased $6.1 million due to higher sales. Other income from the credit product line increased $0.3 million. This was partly offset by a decrease of $0.7 million from the GAP product line due to previously discontinuing the relationship with two significant distribution partners.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses decreased $18.6 million, or 16.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. GAP claims decreased $24.0 million due to lower volume as the result of discontinuing the relationship with two significant distribution partners and lower loss ratios. Credit insurance claims decreased $0.8 million due to lower loss ratios and lower volume. Service contract claims increased $6.2 million primarily due to higher volume and higher loss ratios.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA and Other Operating Expenses
Amortization of DAC and VOBA decreased $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. Other operating expenses increased $4.5 million primarily due to higher volume in the service contract product line.
Sales
Total segment sales increased $31.8 million, or 7.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. Service contract sales increased $23.4 million due to higher volume. GAP sales increased $11.5 million as the result of lower cancels from discontinuing the relationship with two significant distribution partners. Credit insurance sales decreased $3.1 million due to decreasing demand for the product.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2017
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $24.4 million, representing an increase of $6.7 million, or 38.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Service contract earnings increased $5.6 million primarily due to favorable loss ratios and higher investment income. Earnings from the GAP and credit insurance product lines increased $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively, primarily due to lower expenses, somewhat offset by lower volume and higher loss ratios.
Net premiums and policy fees
Net premiums and policy fees decreased $11.9 million, or 5.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. GAP premiums decreased $14.3 million and credit insurance premiums decreased $2.7 million as a result of lower sales. The decrease was partly offset by an increase in service contract premiums of $5.1 million.
Other income
Other income decreased $5.8 million, or 4.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. The change was primarily due to lower volume and the impact of an accounting change implemented in conjunction with the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses decreased $13.2 million, or 10.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. GAP claims decreased $11.1 million due to lower volume. Service contract claims decreased $2.1 million primarily due to lower loss ratios. Credit insurance claims were consistent with the prior year.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA and Other Operating Expenses
Amortization of DAC and VOBA increased $45.2 million and other operating expenses decreased $53.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. The changes were primarily due to the impact of an accounting change implemented in conjunction with the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09.
Sales
Total segment sales decreased $54.8 million, or 10.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Service contract sales decreased $8.5 million due to lower volume resulting from the impact of previous price increases. GAP sales decreased $42.8 million due to discontinuing the relationship with a significant distribution partner. Credit insurance sales decreased $3.5 million due to decreasing demand for the product.
Reinsurance
The majority of the Asset Protection segment’s reinsurance activity relates to the cession of single premium credit life and credit accident and health insurance, vehicle service contracts, and guaranteed asset protection insurance to wholly owned subsidiaries of PLC. The business ceded to PLC’s subsidiaries is then retroceded to producer affiliated reinsurance companies (“PARCs”). These arrangements are coinsurance contracts ceding the business on a first dollar quota share basis generally at 100% to limit the segment’s exposure and allow the PARCs to share in the underwriting income of the product. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Asset Protection segment from obligations to policyholders. The Asset Protection segment also carries a catastrophic reinsurance policy for the GAP program. Losses incurred as a result of the recent hurricanes are covered under this policy. The Asset Protection segment believes losses from these catastrophes, net of reinsurance, will have an immaterial impact on the segment’s results of operations. A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Reinsurance impacted the Asset Protection segment line items as shown in the following table:
Asset Protection Segment
Line Item Impact of Reinsurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reinsurance ceded
|
$
|
(116,320)
|
|
|
$
|
(114,591)
|
|
|
$
|
(116,602)
|
|
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses
|
(80,654)
|
|
|
(74,165)
|
|
|
(72,559)
|
|
Amortization of DAC/VOBA
|
(3,628)
|
|
|
(3,060)
|
|
|
(2,170)
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
(4,300)
|
|
|
(4,465)
|
|
|
(5,475)
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
(88,582)
|
|
|
(81,690)
|
|
|
(80,204)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE(1)
|
$
|
(27,738)
|
|
|
$
|
(32,901)
|
|
|
$
|
(36,398)
|
|
(1)Assumes no investment income on reinsurance. Foregone investment income would substantially change the impact of reinsurance.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2018
Reinsurance premiums ceded increased $1.7 million, or 1.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. GAP ceded premiums increased $2.5 million, or 10.1%. Service contract ceded premiums increased $0.8 million, or 1.0%. Ceded premiums in the credit line decreased $1.6 million, or 13.8%.
Benefits and settlement expenses ceded increased $6.5 million, or 8.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily due to higher ceded losses in the service contract product line.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA ceded increased $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, as the result of changes in ceded activity in the service contract and GAP product lines. Other operating expenses ceded decreased $0.2 million, or 3.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the
year ended December 31, 2018 due to lower ceded expenses in the credit product line, somewhat offset by higher ceded expenses in the GAP product line.
Net investment income has no direct impact on reinsurance cost. However, by ceding business to the assuming companies, the Asset Protection segment forgoes investment income on the assets backing the reserves ceded. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the assets backing reserves assumed which generally will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business ceded. The net investment income impact to the Asset Protection segment and the assuming companies has not been quantified as it is not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2017
Reinsurance premiums ceded decreased $2.0 million, or 1.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Service contract ceded premiums increased $0.3 million, or 0.3%. GAP ceded premiums decreased $1.0 million, or 3.8%. Ceded premiums in the credit line decreased $1.3 million, or 9.8%.
Benefits and settlement expenses ceded increased $1.6 million, or 2.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Service contracts ceded claims increased $4.8 million due to higher ceded loss ratios. The increase was partially offset by a $3.1 million decrease in ceded claims in the GAP product line as a result of Hurricane Harvey claims incurred in 2017 and a $0.1 million decrease in ceded claims in the credit product line.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA ceded increased $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, as the result of ceded activity in all product lines. Other operating expenses ceded decreased $1.0 million, or 18.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017 as the result of ceded activity in all product lines.
Net investment income has no direct impact on reinsurance cost. However, by ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which generally will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business we cede. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified as it is not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
Corporate and Other
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross premiums and policy fees
|
$
|
11,860
|
|
|
$
|
12,713
|
|
|
$
|
12,815
|
|
Reinsurance ceded
|
(139)
|
|
|
(515)
|
|
|
(79)
|
|
Net premiums and policy fees
|
11,721
|
|
|
12,198
|
|
|
12,736
|
|
Net investment income
|
74,855
|
|
|
99,757
|
|
|
94,366
|
|
Other income
|
1,011
|
|
|
1,313
|
|
|
981
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
87,587
|
|
|
113,268
|
|
|
108,083
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses)
|
43,877
|
|
|
(2,420)
|
|
|
31,992
|
|
Total revenues
|
131,464
|
|
|
110,848
|
|
|
140,075
|
|
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses
|
16,866
|
|
|
17,646
|
|
|
16,394
|
|
Amortization of DAC/VOBA
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
231,969
|
|
|
252,344
|
|
|
281,334
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
248,835
|
|
|
269,990
|
|
|
297,728
|
|
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX
|
(117,371)
|
|
|
(159,142)
|
|
|
(157,653)
|
|
Less: realized investment gains (losses)
|
43,877
|
|
|
(2,420)
|
|
|
31,992
|
|
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
|
$
|
(161,248)
|
|
|
$
|
(156,722)
|
|
|
$
|
(189,645)
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2018
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
Pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $161.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to a pre-tax adjusted operating loss of $156.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in operating loss is primarily attributable to a decrease in investment income, partially offset by a decrease in corporate overhead expense.
Operating revenues
Net investment income for the segment decreased $24.9 million, or 25.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in net investment income was primarily due to a decrease in invested assets.
Total benefits and expenses
Total benefits and expenses decreased $21.2 million, or 7.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in total benefits and expenses is primarily attributable to a decrease in corporate overhead expense and a decrease in interest expense.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2017
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
Pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $156.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to a pre-tax adjusted operating loss of $189.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease in operating loss is primarily attributable to a decrease in corporate overhead expenses and an increase in investment income.
Operating revenues
Net investment income for the segment increased $5.4 million, or 5.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in net investment income was primarily due to an increase in invested assets and investment yields.
Total benefits and expenses
Total benefits and expenses decreased $27.7 million or 9.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Other operating expenses were higher during the year ended December 31, 2017 as certain compensation expenses were elevated due to the positive impact on performance metrics as a result of tax reform. This decrease was partially offset by increased interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2018.
CONSOLIDATED INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 2019, our investment portfolio was approximately $84.3 billion. The types of assets in which we may invest are influenced by various state insurance laws which prescribe qualified investment assets. Within the parameters of these laws, we invest in assets giving consideration to such factors as liquidity and capital needs, investment quality, investment return, matching of assets and liabilities, and the overall composition of the investment portfolio by asset type and credit exposure.
Within our fixed maturity investments, we maintain portfolios classified as “available-for-sale”, “trading”, and “held-to-maturity”. We purchase our available-for-sale investments with the intent to hold to maturity by purchasing investments that match future cash flow needs. However, we may sell any of our available-for-sale and trading investments to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. Accordingly, we classified $63.5 billion, or 92.2%, of our fixed maturities as “available-for-sale” as of December 31, 2019. These securities are carried at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in fair value for our available-for-sale portfolio, net of tax and the related impact on certain insurance assets and liabilities are recorded directly to shareowner’s equity. Declines in fair value that are other-than-temporary are recorded as realized losses in the consolidated statements of income, net of any applicable non-credit component of the loss, which is recorded as an adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss).
Trading securities are carried at fair value and changes in fair value are recorded on the income statement as they occur. Our trading portfolio accounted for $2.5 billion, or 3.7%, of our fixed maturities and $91.2 million of short-term investments as of December 31, 2019. Changes in fair value on the Modco trading portfolio, including gains and losses from sales, was passed to third party reinsurers through the contractual terms of the related reinsurance arrangements. Partially offsetting these amounts are corresponding changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative associated with the underlying reinsurance arrangement.
Fixed maturities with respect to which we have both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-maturity”. We classified $2.8 billion, or 4.1%, of our fixed maturities as “held-to-maturity” as of December 31, 2019. These securities are carried at amortized cost on our consolidated balance sheets.
Fair values for private, non-traded securities are determined as follows: 1) we obtain estimates from independent pricing services and 2) we estimate fair value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or issues of other issuers with similar terms and risk characteristics. We analyze the independent pricing services valuation methodologies and related inputs, including an assessment of the observability of market inputs. Upon obtaining this information related to fair value, management makes a determination as to the appropriate valuation amount. For more information about the fair values of our investments please refer to Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to the financial statements.
The following table presents the reported values of our invested assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Publicly issued bonds (amortized cost: 2019 - $42,681,872; 2018 - $40,324,531)
|
$
|
44,737,950
|
|
|
53.1
|
%
|
|
$
|
38,180,736
|
|
|
58.1
|
%
|
Privately issued bonds (amortized cost: 2019 - $23,310,601; 2018 - $16,436,455)
|
24,030,426
|
|
|
28.5
|
|
|
16,037,885
|
|
|
24.4
|
|
Redeemable preferred stocks (amortized cost: 2019 - $100,068; 2018 - $105,639)
|
99,497
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
94,079
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
Fixed maturities
|
68,867,873
|
|
|
81.7
|
|
|
54,312,700
|
|
|
82.6
|
|
Equity securities (cost: 2019 - $534,463; 2018 - $589,221)
|
553,720
|
|
|
0.7
|
|
|
557,708
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
Mortgage loans
|
9,379,401
|
|
|
11.1
|
|
|
7,724,733
|
|
|
11.8
|
|
Investment real estate
|
10,321
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6,816
|
|
|
—
|
|
Policy loans
|
1,675,121
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
1,695,886
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
Other long-term investments
|
2,479,520
|
|
|
2.9
|
|
|
798,342
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
Short-term investments
|
1,320,864
|
|
|
1.6
|
|
|
666,301
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
Total investments
|
$
|
84,286,820
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
65,762,486
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
Included in the preceding table are $2.5 billion and $2.4 billion of fixed maturities and $91.2 million and $30.9 million of short-term investments classified as trading securities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. All of the fixed
maturities in the trading portfolio are invested assets that are held pursuant to Modco arrangements under which the economic risks and benefits of the investments are passed to third party reinsurers.
Fixed Maturity Investments
As of December 31, 2019, our fixed maturity investment holdings were approximately $68.9 billion. The approximate percentage distribution of our fixed maturity investments by quality rating is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AAA
|
|
$
|
9,371,614
|
|
|
13.6
|
%
|
|
$
|
6,811,487
|
|
|
12.5
|
%
|
AA
|
|
7,587,879
|
|
|
11.0
|
|
|
6,196,062
|
|
|
11.4
|
|
A
|
|
22,861,846
|
|
|
33.2
|
|
|
17,582,219
|
|
|
32.4
|
|
BBB
|
|
24,484,792
|
|
|
35.6
|
|
|
19,380,611
|
|
|
35.7
|
|
Below investment grade
|
|
1,737,861
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
|
1,708,847
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
Not rated(1)
|
|
2,823,881
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
|
2,633,474
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
|
$
|
68,867,873
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
54,312,700
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
(1) Our “not rated” securities are $2.8 billion or 4.1% of our fixed maturity investments, of held-to-maturity securities issued by affiliates of the Company which are considered variable interest entities (“VIE’s”) and are discussed in Note 5, Investment Operations, to the consolidated financial statements. We are not the primary beneficiary of these entities and thus these securities are not eliminated in consolidation. These securities are collateralized by non-recourse funding obligations issued by captive insurance companies that are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.
We use various Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations’ (“NRSRO”) ratings when classifying securities by quality ratings. When the various NRSRO ratings are not consistent for a security, we use the second-highest convention in assigning the rating. When there are no such published ratings, we assign a rating based on the statutory accounting rating system if such ratings are available.
The distribution of our fixed maturity investments by type is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
Type
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Corporate securities
|
|
$
|
48,400,037
|
|
|
$
|
37,625,411
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
|
6,140,862
|
|
|
3,844,827
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
|
2,840,952
|
|
|
2,455,312
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
|
1,924,596
|
|
|
1,551,800
|
|
U.S. government-related securities
|
|
1,079,463
|
|
|
1,674,299
|
|
Other government-related securities
|
|
625,944
|
|
|
558,244
|
|
States, municipals, and political subdivisions
|
|
4,932,641
|
|
|
3,875,254
|
|
Redeemable preferred stocks
|
|
99,497
|
|
|
94,079
|
|
Securities issued by affiliates
|
|
2,823,881
|
|
|
2,633,474
|
|
Total fixed income portfolio
|
|
$
|
68,867,873
|
|
|
$
|
54,312,700
|
|
We periodically update our industry segmentation based on an industry accepted index. Updates to this index can result in a change in segmentation for certain securities between periods.
The industry segment composition of our fixed maturity securities is presented in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of
December 31, 2019
|
|
% Fair
Value
|
|
As of
December 31, 2018
|
|
% Fair
Value
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banking
|
$
|
6,403,157
|
|
|
9.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
5,201,916
|
|
|
9.6
|
%
|
Other finance
|
969,368
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
255,445
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
Electric utility
|
5,447,830
|
|
|
7.9
|
|
|
4,547,998
|
|
|
8.4
|
|
Energy
|
4,939,246
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
|
4,058,561
|
|
|
7.5
|
|
Natural gas
|
1,120,052
|
|
|
1.6
|
|
|
829,685
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
Insurance
|
4,969,799
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
|
3,901,365
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
Communications
|
2,654,395
|
|
|
3.9
|
|
|
2,083,723
|
|
|
3.8
|
|
Basic industrial
|
2,176,559
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
|
1,739,119
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
Consumer noncyclical
|
6,492,483
|
|
|
9.4
|
|
|
5,198,741
|
|
|
9.6
|
|
Consumer cyclical
|
2,597,772
|
|
|
3.8
|
|
|
1,841,391
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
Finance companies
|
228,037
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
190,712
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
Capital goods
|
3,425,996
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
2,705,035
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
Transportation
|
2,128,364
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
1,662,502
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
Other industrial
|
646,210
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
382,138
|
|
|
0.7
|
|
Brokerage
|
1,347,694
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
990,628
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
Technology
|
2,383,634
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
1,891,176
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
Real estate
|
531,000
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
|
206,795
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
Other utility
|
37,938
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
32,560
|
|
|
—
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
2,840,952
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
|
2,455,312
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
1,924,596
|
|
|
2.8
|
|
|
1,551,800
|
|
|
2.9
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities
|
5,265,776
|
|
|
7.6
|
|
|
3,008,465
|
|
|
5.5
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed agency securities
|
875,086
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
836,362
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
U.S. government-related securities
|
1,079,463
|
|
|
1.6
|
|
|
1,674,299
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
Other government-related securities
|
625,944
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
558,244
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
State, municipals, and political subdivisions
|
4,932,641
|
|
|
7.1
|
|
|
3,875,254
|
|
|
7.1
|
|
Securities issued by affiliates
|
2,823,881
|
|
|
4.0
|
|
|
2,633,474
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
Total
|
$
|
68,867,873
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
54,312,700
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
The total Modco trading portfolio fixed maturities by rating is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
Rating
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
AAA
|
$
|
280,067
|
|
|
$
|
301,155
|
|
AA
|
309,165
|
|
|
299,438
|
|
A
|
834,808
|
|
|
798,691
|
|
BBB
|
979,157
|
|
|
872,613
|
|
Below investment grade
|
124,370
|
|
|
144,295
|
|
Total Modco trading fixed maturities
|
$
|
2,527,567
|
|
|
$
|
2,416,192
|
|
A portion of our bond portfolio is invested in RMBS, CMBS, and ABS. ABS are securities that are backed by a pool of assets. These holdings as of December 31, 2019, were approximately $10.9 billion. Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are constructed from pools of mortgages and may have cash flow volatility as a result of changes in the rate at which prepayments of principal occur with respect to the underlying loans. Excluding limitations on access to lending and other extraordinary
economic conditions, prepayments of principal on the underlying loans can be expected to accelerate with decreases in market interest rates and diminish with increases in interest rates.
The following tables include the percentage of our collateral grouped by rating category and categorize the estimated fair value by year of security origination for our Prime, Non-Prime, Commercial, and Other asset-backed securities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prime(1)
|
|
|
|
Non-Prime(1)
|
|
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
|
Other asset-backed
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Amortized
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Cost
|
|
Value
|
|
Cost
|
|
Value
|
|
Cost
|
|
Value
|
|
Cost
|
|
Value
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating $
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AAA
|
|
$
|
5,182.1
|
|
|
$
|
5,080.1
|
|
|
$
|
3.1
|
|
|
$
|
3.1
|
|
|
$
|
1,680.7
|
|
|
$
|
1,650.3
|
|
|
$
|
649.3
|
|
|
$
|
636.6
|
|
|
$
|
7,515.2
|
|
|
$
|
7,370.1
|
|
AA
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
578.1
|
|
|
570.0
|
|
|
250.0
|
|
|
240.5
|
|
|
829.7
|
|
|
812.1
|
|
A
|
|
869.5
|
|
|
851.8
|
|
|
9.9
|
|
|
9.9
|
|
|
503.5
|
|
|
490.7
|
|
|
854.1
|
|
|
860.5
|
|
|
2,237.0
|
|
|
2,212.9
|
|
BBB
|
|
3.8
|
|
|
|
3.9
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
78.6
|
|
|
78.9
|
|
|
140.3
|
|
|
138.3
|
|
|
224.0
|
|
|
222.4
|
|
Below
|
|
32.6
|
|
|
|
33.0
|
|
|
37.0
|
|
|
37.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
30.9
|
|
|
31.5
|
|
|
100.5
|
|
|
101.5
|
|
|
|
$
|
6,089.5
|
|
|
$
|
5,970.3
|
|
|
$
|
51.4
|
|
|
$
|
51.4
|
|
|
$
|
2,840.9
|
|
|
$
|
2,789.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,924.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,907.4
|
|
|
$
|
10,906.4
|
|
|
$
|
10,719.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating %
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AAA
|
|
85.1
|
%
|
|
85.0
|
%
|
|
6.0
|
%
|
|
6.0
|
%
|
|
59.1
|
%
|
|
59.2
|
%
|
|
33.7
|
%
|
|
33.4
|
%
|
|
68.9
|
%
|
|
68.8
|
%
|
AA
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
20.4
|
|
|
20.4
|
|
|
13.0
|
|
|
12.6
|
|
|
7.6
|
|
|
7.6
|
|
A
|
|
14.3
|
|
|
14.3
|
|
|
19.2
|
|
|
19.2
|
|
|
17.7
|
|
|
17.6
|
|
|
44.4
|
|
|
45.1
|
|
|
20.5
|
|
|
20.6
|
|
BBB
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
|
2.8
|
|
|
2.8
|
|
|
7.3
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
Below
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
72.0
|
|
|
72.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.6
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Fair Value of Security by Year of Security Origination
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015 and prior
|
|
$
|
1,788.0
|
|
|
$
|
1,752.3
|
|
|
$
|
48.3
|
|
|
$
|
48.3
|
|
|
$
|
1,885.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,855.1
|
|
|
$
|
1,032.0
|
|
|
$
|
1,008.3
|
|
|
$
|
4,753.9
|
|
|
$
|
4,664.0
|
|
2016
|
|
371.6
|
|
|
360.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
492.9
|
|
|
486.3
|
|
|
128.6
|
|
|
130.2
|
|
|
993.1
|
|
|
976.6
|
|
2017
|
|
843.6
|
|
|
822.8
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
256.9
|
|
|
251.6
|
|
|
481.9
|
|
|
485.6
|
|
|
1,585.5
|
|
|
1,563.1
|
|
2018
|
|
1,374.2
|
|
|
1,332.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
147.1
|
|
|
139.1
|
|
|
198.0
|
|
|
199.1
|
|
|
1,719.3
|
|
|
1,670.5
|
|
2019
|
|
1,712.1
|
|
|
1,702.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
58.4
|
|
|
57.8
|
|
|
84.1
|
|
|
84.2
|
|
|
1,854.6
|
|
|
1,844.8
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
6,089.5
|
|
|
$
|
5,970.3
|
|
|
$
|
51.4
|
|
|
$
|
51.4
|
|
|
$
|
2,840.9
|
|
|
$
|
2,789.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,924.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,907.4
|
|
|
$
|
10,906.4
|
|
|
$
|
10,719.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Included in Residential Mortgage-Backed securities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prime(1)
|
|
|
|
Non-Prime(1)
|
|
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
|
Other asset-backed
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Amortized
|
|
Fair
|
|
Amortized
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Cost
|
|
Value
|
|
Cost
|
|
Value
|
|
Cost
|
|
Value
|
|
Cost
|
|
Value
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating $
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AAA
|
|
$
|
2,891.9
|
|
|
$
|
2,921.8
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,396.7
|
|
|
$
|
1,425.1
|
|
|
$
|
533.3
|
|
|
$
|
536.3
|
|
|
$
|
4,821.9
|
|
|
$
|
4,883.2
|
|
AA
|
|
2.9
|
|
|
2.9
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
527.0
|
|
|
545.8
|
|
|
209.8
|
|
|
207.2
|
|
|
739.9
|
|
|
756.1
|
|
A
|
|
837.9
|
|
|
846.6
|
|
|
19.0
|
|
|
19.0
|
|
|
493.0
|
|
|
499.1
|
|
|
671.1
|
|
|
687.5
|
|
|
2,021.0
|
|
|
2,052.2
|
|
BBB
|
|
3.7
|
|
|
3.7
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
38.6
|
|
|
38.5
|
|
|
99.5
|
|
|
100.4
|
|
|
144.9
|
|
|
145.7
|
|
Below
|
|
22.4
|
|
|
22.4
|
|
|
63.7
|
|
|
63.7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
38.1
|
|
|
38.6
|
|
|
124.2
|
|
|
124.7
|
|
|
|
$
|
3,758.8
|
|
|
$
|
3,797.4
|
|
|
$
|
86.0
|
|
|
$
|
86.0
|
|
|
$
|
2,455.3
|
|
|
$
|
2,508.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,551.8
|
|
|
$
|
1,570.0
|
|
|
$
|
7,851.9
|
|
|
$
|
7,961.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating %
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AAA
|
|
76.9
|
%
|
|
76.9
|
%
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
56.8
|
%
|
|
56.8
|
%
|
|
34.4
|
%
|
|
34.1
|
%
|
|
61.4
|
%
|
|
61.3
|
%
|
AA
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
21.5
|
|
|
21.8
|
|
|
13.5
|
|
|
13.2
|
|
|
9.4
|
|
|
9.5
|
|
A
|
|
22.3
|
|
|
22.3
|
|
|
22.1
|
|
|
22.1
|
|
|
20.1
|
|
|
19.9
|
|
|
43.2
|
|
|
43.8
|
|
|
25.7
|
|
|
25.8
|
|
BBB
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
|
1.6
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
6.4
|
|
|
6.4
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
Below
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
74.0
|
|
|
74.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
|
1.6
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Fair Value of Security by Year of Security Origination
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014 and prior
|
|
$
|
1,113.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,120.9
|
|
|
$
|
86.0
|
|
|
$
|
86.0
|
|
|
$
|
1,501.8
|
|
|
$
|
1,530.0
|
|
|
$
|
729.0
|
|
|
$
|
730.7
|
|
|
$
|
3,430.3
|
|
|
$
|
3,467.6
|
|
2015
|
|
579.1
|
|
|
586.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
297.7
|
|
|
302.0
|
|
|
64.4
|
|
|
66.2
|
|
|
941.2
|
|
|
954.7
|
|
2016
|
|
332.8
|
|
|
340.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
422.1
|
|
|
440.3
|
|
|
227.5
|
|
|
230.0
|
|
|
982.4
|
|
|
1,010.4
|
|
2017
|
|
666.6
|
|
|
689.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
123.0
|
|
|
126.4
|
|
|
406.1
|
|
|
415.5
|
|
|
1,195.7
|
|
|
1,231.0
|
|
2018
|
|
1,066.8
|
|
|
1,060.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
110.7
|
|
|
109.8
|
|
|
124.8
|
|
|
127.6
|
|
|
1,302.3
|
|
|
1,298.2
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
3,758.8
|
|
|
$
|
3,797.4
|
|
|
$
|
86.0
|
|
|
$
|
86.0
|
|
|
$
|
2,455.3
|
|
|
$
|
2,508.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,551.8
|
|
|
$
|
1,570.0
|
|
|
$
|
7,851.9
|
|
|
$
|
7,961.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Included in Residential Mortgage-Backed securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The majority of our RMBS holdings as of December 31, 2019 were super senior or senior bonds in the capital structure. Our total non-agency portfolio has a weighted-average life of 4.36 years. The following table categorizes the weighted-average life for our non-agency portfolio, by category of material holdings, as of December 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-Average
|
Non-agency portfolio
|
|
Life
|
Prime
|
|
4.38
|
Alt-A
|
|
5.48
|
Sub-prime
|
|
3.13
|
Mortgage Loans
We invest a portion of our investment portfolio in commercial mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2019, our mortgage loan holdings were approximately $9.4 billion. We have specialized in making loans on either credit-oriented commercial properties or credit-anchored strip shopping centers and apartments. Our underwriting procedures relative to our commercial loan portfolio are based, in our view, on a conservative and disciplined approach. We concentrate on a small number of commercial real estate asset types associated with the necessities of life (retail, multi-family, senior living, professional office buildings, and warehouses). We believe that these asset types tend to weather economic downturns better than other commercial asset classes in which we have chosen not to participate. We believe this disciplined approach has helped to maintain a relatively low delinquency and foreclosure rate throughout our history. The majority of our mortgage loans portfolio was underwritten and funded by us. From time to time, we may acquire loans in conjunction with an acquisition.
Our commercial mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, and net of an allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Amortization of premiums and discounts is recorded using the effective yield method. Interest income, amortization of premiums and discounts, and prepayment fees are reported in net investment income.
Certain of the mortgage loans have call options that occur within the next 10 years. However, if interest rates were to significantly increase, we may be unable to exercise the call options on our existing mortgage loans commensurate with the significantly increased market rates. As of December 31, 2019, assuming the loans are called at their next call dates, approximately $134.0 million will be due in 2020, $683.1 million in 2021 through 2025, and $58.2 million in 2026 through 2029.
We offer a type of commercial mortgage loan under which we will permit a loan-to-value ratio of up to 85% in exchange for a participating interest in the cash flows from the underlying real estate. As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, approximately $717.0 million and $700.6 million, respectively, of our total mortgage loans principal balance have this participation feature. Cash flows received as a result of this participation feature are recorded as interest income when received. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, we recognized, $23.4 million, $29.4 million, and $37.2 million, respectively, of participating mortgage loan income.
The following table includes a breakdown of our commercial mortgage loan portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial Mortgage Loan Portfolio Profile
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
|
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
|
|
Total number of loans
|
|
|
1,832
|
|
|
1,732
|
|
Total amortized cost
|
|
|
9,379,401
|
|
|
7,724,733
|
|
Total unpaid principal balance
|
|
|
9,271,041
|
|
|
7,602,389
|
|
Current allowance for loan losses
|
|
|
(4,884)
|
|
|
(1,296)
|
|
Average loan size
|
|
|
5,061
|
|
|
4,389
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average amortization
|
|
20.6 years
|
|
22.5 years
|
Weighted-average coupon
|
|
|
4.48
|
%
|
|
4.60
|
%
|
Weighted-average LTV
|
|
|
53.80
|
%
|
|
55.39
|
%
|
Weighted-average debt coverage ratio
|
|
|
1.73
|
|
|
1.55
|
|
We record mortgage loans net of an allowance for credit losses. This allowance is calculated through analysis of specific loans that have indicators of potential impairment based on current information and events. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there was an allowance for mortgage loan credit losses of $4.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively. While our mortgage loans do not have quoted market values, as of December 31, 2019, we estimated the fair value of our mortgage loans to be $9.6 billion (using an internal fair value model which calculates the value of most loans by using the loan’s discounted cash flows to the loan’s call or maturity date), which was approximately 2.19% more than the amortized cost, less any related loan loss reserve.
At the time of origination, our mortgage lending criteria targets that the loan-to-value ratio on each mortgage is 75% or less. We target projected rental payments from credit anchors (i.e., excluding rental payments from smaller local tenants) of 70% of the property’s projected operating expenses and debt service.
As of December 31, 2019, approximately $3.0 million of invested assets consisted of nonperforming mortgage loans, restructured mortgage loans, or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. We do not expect these investments to adversely affect our liquidity or ability to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2019, certain mortgage loan transactions occurred that would have been accounted for as troubled debt restructurings. For all mortgage loans, the impact of troubled debt restructurings is reflected in our investment balance and in the allowance for mortgage loan credit losses. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized four troubled debt restructurings as a result of granting concessions to borrowers which included loan terms unavailable from other lenders. These concessions were the result of agreements between the creditor and the debtor. We did not identify any loans whose principal was permanently impaired during the year ended December 31, 2019.
It is our policy to cease to carry accrued interest on loans that are over 90 days delinquent. For loans less than 90 days delinquent, interest is accrued unless it is determined that the accrued interest is not collectible. If a loan becomes over 90 days delinquent, it is our general policy to initiate foreclosure proceedings unless a workout arrangement to bring the loan current is in place.
Unrealized Gains and Losses — Available-for-Sale Securities
The information presented below relates to investments at a certain point in time and is not necessarily indicative of the status of the portfolio at any time after December 31, 2019. Information about unrealized gains and losses is subject to rapidly changing conditions, including volatility of financial markets and changes in interest rates. Management considers a number of factors in determining if an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary, including the expected cash to be collected and the intent, likelihood, and/or ability to hold the security until recovery. Consistent with our long-standing practice, we do not utilize a “bright line test” to determine other-than-temporary impairments. On a quarterly basis, we perform an analysis on every security with an unrealized loss to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. This analysis includes reviewing several metrics including collateral, expected cash flows, ratings, and liquidity. Furthermore, since the timing of recognizing realized gains and losses is largely based on management’s decisions as to the timing and selection of investments to be sold, the tables and information provided below should be considered within the context of the overall unrealized gain/(loss) position of the portfolio. We had an overall net unrealized gain of $2.8 billion, prior to income tax and the related impact of certain insurance assets and liabilities offsets, as of December 31, 2019, and an overall net unrealized loss of $2.6 billion as of December 31, 2018.
For fixed maturity held that are in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2019, the fair value, amortized cost, unrealized loss, and total time period that the security has been in an unrealized loss position are presented in the table below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
% Fair
Value
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
% Amortized
Cost
|
|
Unrealized
Loss
|
|
% Unrealized
Loss
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
<= 90 days
|
$
|
4,592,798
|
|
|
50.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
4,656,345
|
|
|
49.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
(63,547)
|
|
|
19.5
|
%
|
>90 days but <= 180 days
|
529,414
|
|
|
5.8
|
|
|
544,606
|
|
|
5.7
|
|
|
(15,192)
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
>180 days but <= 270 days
|
87,466
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
91,144
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
(3,678)
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
>270 days but <= 1 year
|
135,518
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
138,901
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
(3,383)
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
>1 year but <= 2 years
|
779,839
|
|
|
8.5
|
|
|
816,876
|
|
|
8.6
|
|
|
(37,037)
|
|
|
11.4
|
|
>2 years but <= 3 years
|
384,399
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
|
399,988
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
|
(15,589)
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
>3 years but <= 4 years
|
947,384
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
|
968,425
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
|
(21,041)
|
|
|
6.5
|
|
>4 years but <= 5 years
|
1,714,837
|
|
|
18.7
|
|
|
1,881,030
|
|
|
19.8
|
|
|
(166,193)
|
|
|
51.0
|
|
>5 years
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
$
|
9,171,655
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
9,497,315
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
(325,660)
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
The range of maturity dates for securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2019 varies, with 18.3% maturing in less than 5 years, 13.8% maturing between 5 and 10 years, and 67.9% maturing after 10 years. The following table shows the credit rating of securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S&P or Equivalent
Designation
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
% Fair
Value
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
% Amortized Cost
|
|
Unrealized
Loss
|
|
% Unrealized Loss
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AAA/AA/A
|
|
$
|
5,146,987
|
|
|
56.1
|
%
|
|
$
|
5,238,319
|
|
|
55.2
|
%
|
|
$
|
(91,332)
|
|
|
28.0
|
%
|
BBB
|
|
3,305,210
|
|
|
36.0
|
|
|
3,439,501
|
|
|
36.2
|
|
|
(134,291)
|
|
|
41.3
|
|
Investment grade
|
|
8,452,197
|
|
|
92.1
|
|
|
8,677,820
|
|
|
91.4
|
|
|
(225,623)
|
|
|
69.3
|
|
BB
|
|
395,915
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
432,030
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
|
(36,115)
|
|
|
11.1
|
|
B
|
|
107,216
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
124,576
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
(17,360)
|
|
|
5.3
|
|
CCC or lower
|
|
216,327
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
|
262,889
|
|
|
2.8
|
|
|
(46,562)
|
|
|
14.3
|
|
Below investment grade
|
|
719,458
|
|
|
7.9
|
|
|
819,495
|
|
|
8.6
|
|
|
(100,037)
|
|
|
30.7
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
9,171,655
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
9,497,315
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
(325,660)
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
As of December 31, 2019, the Barclays Investment Grade Index was priced at 93.0 basis points versus a 10 year average of 140.0 basis points. Similarly, the Barclays High Yield Index was priced at 336.0 basis points versus a 10 year average of 481.0 basis points. As of December 31, 2019, the five, ten, and thirty-year U.S. Treasury obligations were trading at levels of 1.7%, 1.9%, and 2.4%, as compared to 10 year averages of 1.6%, 2.4%, and 3.2%, respectively.
As of December 31, 2019, 69.3% of the unrealized loss was associated with securities that were rated investment grade. We have examined the performance of the underlying collateral and cash flows and expect that our investments will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms. Factors such as credit enhancements within the deal structures and the underlying collateral performance/characteristics support the recoverability of the investments. Based on the factors discussed, we do not consider these unrealized loss positions to be other-than-temporary. However, from time to time, we may sell securities in the ordinary course of managing our portfolio to meet diversification, credit quality, yield enhancement, asset/liability management, and liquidity requirements.
Expectations that investments in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on assumptions that a market participant would use in determining the current fair value. It is reasonably possible that the underlying collateral of these investments will perform worse than current market expectations and that such an event may lead to adverse changes in the cash flows on our holdings of these types of securities. This could lead to potential future write-downs within our portfolio of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Expectations that our investments in corporate securities and/or debt obligations will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on evidence gathered through our normal credit surveillance process. Although we do not anticipate such events, it is reasonably possible that issuers of our investments in corporate securities will perform worse than current expectations. Such events may lead us to recognize potential future write-downs within our portfolio of corporate securities. It is also possible that such unanticipated events would lead us to dispose of those certain holdings and recognize the effects of any such market movements in our financial statements.
As of December 31, 2019, we held a total of 876 positions that were in an unrealized loss position. Included in that amount were 66 positions of below investment grade securities with a fair value of $719.5 million that were in an unrealized loss position. Total unrealized losses related to below investment grade securities were $100.0 million, $92.1 million of which had been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months. Below investment grade securities in an unrealized loss position were 0.9% of invested assets.
As of December 31, 2019, securities in an unrealized loss position that were rated as below investment grade represented 7.9% of the total fair value and 30.7% of the total unrealized loss. We have the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity. After a review of each security and its expected cash flows, we believe the decline in fair value to be temporary.
The following table includes the fair value, amortized cost, unrealized loss, and total time period that the security has been in an unrealized loss position for all below investment grade securities as of December 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
% Fair
Value
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
% Amortized
Cost
|
|
Unrealized
Loss
|
|
% Unrealized
Loss
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
<= 90 days
|
$
|
113,113
|
|
|
15.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
117,880
|
|
|
14.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
(4,767)
|
|
|
4.7
|
%
|
>90 days but <= 180 days
|
13,162
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
14,458
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
(1,296)
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
>180 days but <= 270 days
|
47,181
|
|
|
6.6
|
|
|
49,076
|
|
|
6.0
|
|
|
(1,895)
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
>270 days but <= 1 year
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
>1 year but <= 2 years
|
78,746
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
|
84,440
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
|
(5,694)
|
|
|
5.7
|
|
>2 years but <= 3 years
|
132,775
|
|
|
18.5
|
|
|
144,790
|
|
|
17.7
|
|
|
(12,015)
|
|
|
12.0
|
|
>3 years but <= 4 years
|
35,659
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
37,721
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
|
(2,062)
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
>4 years but <= 5 years
|
298,822
|
|
|
41.5
|
|
|
371,130
|
|
|
45.3
|
|
|
(72,308)
|
|
|
72.3
|
|
>5 years
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
$
|
719,458
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
819,495
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
(100,037)
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
We have no material concentrations of issuers or guarantors of fixed maturity securities. The industry segment composition of all securities in an unrealized loss position held as of December 31, 2019 is presented in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
% Fair
Value
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
% Amortized
Cost
|
|
Unrealized
Loss
|
|
% Unrealized
Loss
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banking
|
$
|
343,955
|
|
|
3.8
|
%
|
|
$
|
349,861
|
|
|
3.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
(5,906)
|
|
|
1.8
|
%
|
Other finance
|
134,604
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
142,979
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
(8,375)
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
Electric utility
|
1,600,110
|
|
|
17.4
|
|
|
1,661,652
|
|
|
17.5
|
|
|
(61,542)
|
|
|
18.9
|
|
Energy
|
747,114
|
|
|
8.1
|
|
|
824,578
|
|
|
8.7
|
|
|
(77,464)
|
|
|
23.8
|
|
Natural gas
|
277,024
|
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
283,821
|
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
(6,797)
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
Insurance
|
435,074
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
|
453,430
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
(18,356)
|
|
|
5.6
|
|
Communications
|
265,373
|
|
|
2.9
|
|
|
281,086
|
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
(15,713)
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
Basic industrial
|
292,054
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
|
299,647
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
|
(7,593)
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
Consumer noncyclical
|
768,446
|
|
|
8.4
|
|
|
814,268
|
|
|
8.6
|
|
|
(45,822)
|
|
|
14.1
|
|
Consumer cyclical
|
313,898
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
330,322
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
(16,424)
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
Finance companies
|
23,371
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
24,132
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
(761)
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
Capital goods
|
226,853
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
|
233,706
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
|
(6,853)
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
Transportation
|
317,788
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
326,209
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
(8,421)
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
Other industrial
|
112,940
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
115,200
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
(2,260)
|
|
|
0.7
|
|
Brokerage
|
98,572
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
|
101,330
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
|
(2,758)
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
Technology
|
116,155
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
123,424
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
(7,269)
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
Real estate
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other utility
|
6,495
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6,764
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(269)
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
487,511
|
|
|
5.3
|
|
|
490,803
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
|
(3,292)
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
696,605
|
|
|
7.6
|
|
|
711,531
|
|
|
7.5
|
|
|
(14,926)
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities
|
938,299
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
|
943,696
|
|
|
9.9
|
|
|
(5,397)
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed agency securities
|
133,877
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
134,802
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
(925)
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
U.S. government-related securities
|
736,968
|
|
|
8.0
|
|
|
742,284
|
|
|
7.8
|
|
|
(5,316)
|
|
|
1.6
|
|
Other government-related securities
|
29,192
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
31,183
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
(1,991)
|
|
|
0.6
|
|
States, municipals, and political subdivisions
|
69,377
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
|
70,607
|
|
|
0.7
|
|
|
(1,230)
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
Total
|
$
|
9,171,655
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
9,497,315
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
(325,660)
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
We have no material concentrations of issuers or guarantors of fixed maturity securities. The industry segment composition of all securities in an unrealized loss position held as of December 31, 2018 is presented in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
% Fair
Value
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
% Amortized
Cost
|
|
Unrealized
Loss
|
|
% Unrealized
Loss
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banking
|
$
|
4,396,876
|
|
|
10.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
4,601,424
|
|
|
10.8
|
%
|
|
$
|
(204,548)
|
|
|
7.3
|
%
|
Other finance
|
106,041
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
111,260
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
(5,219)
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
Electric utility
|
4,067,195
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
|
4,423,607
|
|
|
10.4
|
|
|
(356,412)
|
|
|
13.0
|
|
Energy
|
3,375,774
|
|
|
8.5
|
|
|
3,674,053
|
|
|
8.6
|
|
|
(298,279)
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
Natural gas
|
723,330
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
782,418
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
(59,088)
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
Insurance
|
3,404,781
|
|
|
8.6
|
|
|
3,683,699
|
|
|
8.7
|
|
|
(278,918)
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Communications
|
1,831,159
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
|
2,027,570
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
(196,411)
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
Basic industrial
|
1,389,231
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
1,504,195
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
(114,964)
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
Consumer noncyclical
|
4,238,899
|
|
|
10.7
|
|
|
4,610,843
|
|
|
10.8
|
|
|
(371,944)
|
|
|
13.6
|
|
Consumer cyclical
|
1,383,892
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
1,487,892
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
(104,000)
|
|
|
3.8
|
|
Finance companies
|
142,317
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
153,477
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
(11,160)
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
Capital goods
|
2,253,972
|
|
|
5.7
|
|
|
2,401,711
|
|
|
5.6
|
|
|
(147,739)
|
|
|
5.4
|
|
Transportation
|
1,387,012
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
1,482,184
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
(95,172)
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
Other industrial
|
191,055
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
203,221
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
(12,166)
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
Brokerage
|
801,822
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
842,210
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
(40,388)
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
Technology
|
1,347,590
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
1,438,149
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
(90,559)
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
Real estate
|
73,098
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
74,323
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
(1,225)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other utility
|
18,440
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
20,048
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
(1,608)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
1,825,110
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
|
1,882,110
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
|
(57,000)
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
836,141
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
|
871,539
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
(35,398)
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities
|
1,740,878
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
|
1,789,956
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
|
(49,078)
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed agency securities
|
539,896
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
552,753
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
(12,857)
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
U.S. government-related securities
|
1,215,944
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
1,261,666
|
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
(45,722)
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
Other government-related securities
|
355,842
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
389,632
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
(33,790)
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
States, municipals, and political subdivisions
|
2,133,413
|
|
|
5.4
|
|
|
2,252,315
|
|
|
5.3
|
|
|
(118,902)
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Total
|
$
|
39,779,708
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
42,522,255
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
(2,742,547)
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
Risk Management and Impairment Review
We monitor the overall credit quality of our portfolio within established guidelines. The following table includes our available-for-sale fixed maturities by credit rating as of December 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating
|
Fair Value
|
|
Percent of
Fair Value
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
AAA
|
$
|
9,091,547
|
|
|
14.3
|
%
|
AA
|
7,278,714
|
|
|
11.5
|
|
A
|
22,027,038
|
|
|
34.7
|
|
BBB
|
23,505,635
|
|
|
37.0
|
|
Investment grade
|
61,902,934
|
|
|
97.5
|
|
BB
|
1,194,241
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
B
|
192,120
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
CCC or lower
|
227,130
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
Below investment grade
|
1,613,491
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
Total
|
$
|
63,516,425
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
Not included in the table above are $2.4 billion of investment grade and $124.4 million of below investment grade fixed maturities classified as trading securities and $2.8 billion of fixed maturities classified as held-to-maturity.
Limiting bond exposure to any creditor group is another way we manage credit risk. We held no credit default swaps on the positions listed below as of December 31, 2019. The following table summarizes our ten largest maturity exposures to an individual creditor group as of December 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value of
|
|
|
|
|
Creditor
|
Funded
Securities
|
|
Unfunded
Exposures
|
|
Total
Fair Value
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
Berkshire Hathaway Inc
|
$
|
292.4
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
292.4
|
|
Comcast Corp
|
266.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
266.8
|
|
UnitedHealth Group Inc
|
266.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
266.8
|
|
Duke Energy Corp
|
264.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
264.5
|
|
Apple Inc
|
260.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
260.3
|
|
Microsoft Corp
|
256.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
256.2
|
|
Exelon Corp
|
255.7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
255.7
|
|
HSBC Holdings PLC
|
248.9
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
253.7
|
|
Verizon Communications Inc
|
252.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
252.1
|
|
JP Morgan Chase & Co
|
250.6
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
250.9
|
|
Total
|
$
|
2,614.3
|
|
|
$
|
5.1
|
|
|
$
|
2,619.4
|
|
Determining whether a decline in the current fair value of invested assets is an other-than-temporary decline in value is both objective and subjective, and can involve a variety of assumptions and estimates, particularly for investments that are not actively traded in established markets. We review our positions on a monthly basis for possible credit concerns and review our current exposure, credit enhancement, and delinquency experience.
Management considers a number of factors when determining the impairment status of individual securities. These include the economic condition of various industry segments and geographic locations and other areas of identified risks. Since it is possible for the impairment of one investment to affect other investments, we engage in ongoing risk management to safeguard against and limit any further risk to our investment portfolio. Special attention is given to correlative risks within specific industries, related parties, and business markets.
For certain securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, including RMBS, CMBS, and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”), GAAP requires us to periodically update our best estimate of cash flows over the life of the security. If the fair value of a securitized financial asset is less than its cost or
amortized cost and there has been a decrease in the present value of the expected cash flows since the last revised estimate, considering both timing and amount, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized. Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third party sources along with certain internal assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. Projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, we consider our intent and ability to retain a temporarily depressed security until recovery.
Securities in an unrealized loss position are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment is present based on certain quantitative and qualitative factors. We consider a number of factors in determining whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline, 4) an assessment of our intent to sell the security (including a more likely than not assessment of whether we will be required to sell the security) before recovering the security’s amortized cost, 5) the time period during which the decline has occurred, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security-by-security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the investment performance, collateral position, and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered, along with an analysis regarding our expectations for recovery of the security’s entire amortized cost basis through the receipt of future cash flows. Based on our analysis, for the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized approximately $34.5 million of credit related impairments on investment securities in an unrealized loss position that were other-than-temporarily impaired resulting in a charge to earnings.
There are certain risks and uncertainties associated with determining whether declines in fair values are other-than-temporary. These include significant changes in general economic conditions and business markets, trends in certain industry segments, interest rate fluctuations, rating agency actions, changes in significant accounting estimates and assumptions, commission of fraud, and legislative actions. We continuously monitor these factors as they relate to the investment portfolio in determining the status of each investment.
We have deposits with certain financial institutions which exceed federally insured limits. We have reviewed the creditworthiness of these financial institutions and believe that there is minimal risk of a material loss.
Certain European countries have experienced varying degrees of financial stress, which could have a detrimental impact on regional or global economic conditions and on sovereign and non sovereign obligations. The chart shown below includes our non-sovereign fair value exposures in these countries as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, we had no material unfunded exposure and had no material direct sovereign fair value exposure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Gross
|
|
Non-sovereign Debt
|
|
|
|
Funded
|
Financial Instrument and Country
|
Financial
|
|
Non-financial
|
|
Exposure
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
Securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
United Kingdom
|
$
|
1,079.4
|
|
|
$
|
1,357.3
|
|
|
$
|
2,436.7
|
|
France
|
424.6
|
|
|
516.5
|
|
|
941.1
|
|
Germany
|
132.2
|
|
|
654.6
|
|
|
786.8
|
|
Netherlands
|
347.1
|
|
|
336.5
|
|
|
683.6
|
|
Switzerland
|
392.5
|
|
|
223.7
|
|
|
616.2
|
|
Spain
|
118.3
|
|
|
387.1
|
|
|
505.4
|
|
Ireland
|
59.4
|
|
|
128.9
|
|
|
188.3
|
|
Belgium
|
—
|
|
|
183.3
|
|
|
183.3
|
|
Norway
|
4.1
|
|
|
146.4
|
|
|
150.5
|
|
Finland
|
147.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
147.6
|
|
Italy
|
—
|
|
|
139.3
|
|
|
139.3
|
|
Sweden
|
37.3
|
|
|
56.5
|
|
|
93.8
|
|
Denmark
|
39.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
39.9
|
|
Luxembourg
|
—
|
|
|
31.7
|
|
|
31.7
|
|
Portugal
|
—
|
|
|
8.3
|
|
|
8.3
|
|
Total securities
|
2,782.4
|
|
|
4,170.1
|
|
|
6,952.5
|
|
Derivatives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
United Kingdom
|
108.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
108.4
|
|
Germany
|
41.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
41.0
|
|
Switzerland
|
24.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
24.8
|
|
France
|
14.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
14.2
|
|
Total derivatives
|
188.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
188.4
|
|
Total securities and derivatives
|
$
|
2,970.8
|
|
|
$
|
4,170.1
|
|
|
$
|
7,140.9
|
|
Realized Gains and Losses
The following table sets forth realized investment gains and losses for the periods shown:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturity gains - sales
|
$
|
61,608
|
|
|
$
|
28,034
|
|
|
$
|
18,790
|
|
Fixed maturity losses - sales
|
(13,897)
|
|
|
(18,183)
|
|
|
(6,007)
|
|
Equity gains and losses
|
46,989
|
|
|
(49,275)
|
|
|
(2,330)
|
|
Impairments on fixed maturity securities
|
(34,453)
|
|
|
(29,724)
|
|
|
(9,112)
|
|
Modco trading portfolio
|
247,331
|
|
|
(185,900)
|
|
|
119,206
|
|
Other
|
967
|
|
|
2,048
|
|
|
(8,572)
|
|
Total realized gains (losses) - investments
|
$
|
308,545
|
|
|
$
|
(253,000)
|
|
|
$
|
111,975
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives related to VA contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate futures
|
$
|
(20,012)
|
|
|
$
|
(25,473)
|
|
|
$
|
26,015
|
|
Equity futures
|
5,069
|
|
|
(88,208)
|
|
|
(91,776)
|
|
Currency futures
|
3,095
|
|
|
10,275
|
|
|
(23,176)
|
|
Equity options
|
(149,700)
|
|
|
38,083
|
|
|
(94,791)
|
|
Currency options
|
(94)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Interest rate swaptions
|
—
|
|
|
(14)
|
|
|
(2,490)
|
|
Interest rate swaps
|
229,641
|
|
|
(45,185)
|
|
|
27,981
|
|
Total return swaps
|
(78,014)
|
|
|
77,225
|
|
|
(32,240)
|
|
Embedded derivative - GLWB
|
(107,108)
|
|
|
(27,761)
|
|
|
(8,526)
|
|
Funds withheld derivative
|
145,140
|
|
|
(25,541)
|
|
|
138,228
|
|
Total derivatives related to VA contracts
|
28,017
|
|
|
(86,599)
|
|
|
(60,775)
|
|
Derivatives related to FIA contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embedded derivative
|
(85,573)
|
|
|
35,397
|
|
|
(55,878)
|
|
Equity futures
|
1,717
|
|
|
330
|
|
|
642
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity options
|
84,079
|
|
|
(38,885)
|
|
|
44,585
|
|
Total derivatives related to FIA contracts
|
223
|
|
|
(3,158)
|
|
|
(10,651)
|
|
Derivatives related to IUL contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embedded derivative
|
(12,894)
|
|
|
9,062
|
|
|
(14,117)
|
|
Equity futures
|
420
|
|
|
261
|
|
|
(818)
|
|
Equity options
|
14,882
|
|
|
(6,338)
|
|
|
9,580
|
|
Total derivatives related to IUL contracts
|
2,408
|
|
|
2,985
|
|
|
(5,355)
|
|
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties
|
(187,004)
|
|
|
166,757
|
|
|
(103,009)
|
|
Derivatives with PLC(1)
|
27,038
|
|
|
(902)
|
|
|
42,699
|
|
Other derivatives
|
(2,141)
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
50
|
|
Total realized gains (losses) - derivatives
|
(131,459)
|
|
|
79,097
|
|
|
(137,041)
|
|
Total realized investment gains (losses)
|
$
|
177,086
|
|
|
$
|
(173,903)
|
|
|
$
|
(25,066)
|
|
(1)These derivatives include an interest support, a yearly renewable term (“YRT”) premium support, and portfolio maintenance agreements between certain of our subsidiaries and PLC.
Realized gains and losses on investments reflect portfolio management activities designed to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities and to enhance long-term investment portfolio performance. The net realized investment gains (losses), excluding impairments, equities, and Modco trading portfolio activity during the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily reflects the normal operation of our asset/liability program within the context of the changing interest rate and spread environment, as well as tax planning strategies designed to utilize capital loss carryforwards.
Realized losses include other-than-temporary impairments and actual sales of investments. These other-than-temporary impairments resulted from our analysis of circumstances and our belief that credit events, loss severity, changes in credit enhancement, and/or other adverse conditions of the respective issuers have caused, or will lead to, a deficiency in the contractual cash flows related to these investments. These other-than-temporary impairments are presented in the chart below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Other MBS
|
$
|
(95)
|
|
|
$
|
(169)
|
|
|
$
|
(81)
|
|
Corporate securities
|
(34,358)
|
|
|
(29,555)
|
|
|
(8,031)
|
|
Other
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,000)
|
|
Total
|
$
|
(34,453)
|
|
|
$
|
(29,724)
|
|
|
$
|
(9,112)
|
|
As previously discussed, management considers several factors when determining other-than-temporary impairments. Although we purchase securities with the intent to hold them until maturity, we may change our position as a result of a change in circumstances. Any such decision is consistent with our classification of all but a specific portion of our investment portfolio as available-for-sale. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we sold securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $542.7 million. For such securities, the proceeds, realized loss, and total time period that the security had been in an unrealized loss position are presented in the table below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
|
|
% Proceeds
|
|
Realized Loss
|
|
% Realized Loss
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
<= 90 days
|
$
|
397,082
|
|
|
73.2
|
%
|
|
$
|
(4,009)
|
|
|
28.9
|
%
|
>90 days but <= 180 days
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
>180 days but <= 270 days
|
13,797
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
|
(1,348)
|
|
|
9.7
|
|
>270 days but <= 1 year
|
5,862
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
|
(743)
|
|
|
5.3
|
|
>1 year
|
125,992
|
|
|
23.2
|
|
|
(7,797)
|
|
|
56.1
|
|
Total
|
$
|
542,733
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
(13,897)
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
For the year ended December 31, 2019, we sold securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value (proceeds) of $542.7 million. The loss realized on the sale of these securities was $13.9 million. We made the decision to exit these holdings in conjunction with our overall asset liability management process.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, we sold securities in an unrealized gain position with a fair value of $2.5 billion. The gain realized on the sale of these securities was $61.6 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, net gains of $247.3 million related to changes in fair value on our Modco trading portfolios were included in realized gains and losses. Of this amount, approximately $13.1 million of gains were realized through the sale of certain securities, which will be recovered by our reinsurance partners over time through the reinsurance settlement process for this block of business. The Modco embedded derivative associated with the trading portfolios had realized pre-tax losses of $187.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2019. The losses were due to decreasing treasury yields and credit spreads tightening.
Realized investment gains and losses related to equity securities are primarily driven by changes in fair value due to market fluctuations as changes in fair value of equity securities are recorded in net income. During 2019, both common and preferred equity markets experienced significant volatility and declining prices during the fourth quarter. The realized losses during the period on our equity securities were primarily the result of these market declines.
Realized investment gains and losses related to derivatives represent changes in their fair value during the period and termination gains/(losses) on those derivatives that were closed during the period.
We use various derivative instruments to manage risks related to certain life insurance and annuity products. We can use these derivatives as economic hedges against risks inherent in the products. These risks have a direct impact on the cost of these products and are correlated with the equity markets, interest rates, foreign currency levels, and overall volatility. The hedged risks are recorded through the recognition of embedded derivatives associated with the products. These products include the GLWB rider associated with the variable annuity, fixed indexed annuity products, structured annuity products, and indexed universal life products. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we experienced net realized gains on derivatives related to VA contracts of approximately $28.0 million. These net gains on derivatives related to VA contracts were affected by capital market impacts, changes in the our non-performance risk, variations in actual sub-account fund performance from the indices
included in our hedging program, as well as updates to certain policyholder assumptions during the year ended December 31, 2019.
The Funds Withheld derivative associated with Shades Creek had pre-tax realized gains of $145.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Certain of our subsidiaries have derivatives with PLC. These derivatives consist of an interest support agreement, two YRT premium support agreements, and three portfolio maintenance agreements with PLC. We recognized gains of $25.0 million related to the interest support agreement for the year ended December 31, 2019. We recognized gains of $1.8 million related to the YRT premium support agreements for the year ended December 31, 2019.
We entered into two separate portfolio maintenance agreements in October 2012 and one portfolio maintenance agreement in January 2016. We recognized pre-tax gains of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
We also use various swaps and other types of derivatives to mitigate risk related to other exposures. These contracts generated losses of $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
Our primary sources of funding are from our insurance operations and revenues from investments. These sources of cash support our operations and are used to pay dividends to PLC.
The states in which we and our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled impose certain restrictions on the ability to pay dividends. These restrictions are based in part on the prior year’s statutory income and/or surplus.
Other capital resources
Our primary sources of capital are from retained income from our insurance operations and capital infusions from our parent, PLC. Additionally, we have access to the Credit Facility discussed below.
On May 3, 2018, we amended the Credit Facility (as amended the “Credit Facility”). We have the ability to borrow under a Credit Facility arrangement on an unsecured basis up to an aggregated principal amount of $1.0 billion. We have the right in certain circumstances to request that the commitment under the Credit Facility be increased up to a maximum principal amount of $1.5 billion. We are not aware of any non-compliance with the financial debt covenants of the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2019. PLC did not have an outstanding balance on the Credit Facility of December 31, 2019.
Liquidity
Liquidity refers to a company’s ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet its needs. We meet our liquidity requirements primarily through positive cash flows from our operating subsidiaries. Primary sources of cash from the operating subsidiaries are premiums, deposits for policyholder accounts, investment sales and maturities, and investment income. Primary uses of cash include benefit payments, withdrawals from policyholder accounts, investment purchases, policy acquisition costs, interest payments, and other operating expenses. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity to fund our cash needs under normal operating scenarios.
In the event of significant unanticipated cash requirements beyond our normal liquidity needs, we have additional sources of liquidity available depending on market conditions and the amount and timing of the liquidity need. These additional sources of liquidity include cash flows from operations, the sale of liquid assets, accessing our credit facility, and other sources described herein. Our decision to sell investment assets could be impacted by accounting rules, including rules relating to the likelihood of a requirement to sell securities before recovery of our cost basis. Under stressful market and economic conditions, liquidity may broadly deteriorate, which could negatively impact our ability to sell investment assets. If we require on short notice significant amounts of cash in excess of normal requirements, we may have difficulty selling investment assets in a timely manner, be forced to sell them for less than we otherwise would have been able to realize, or both.
The liquidity requirements primarily relate to the liabilities associated with our various insurance and investment products, operating expenses, and income taxes. Liabilities arising from insurance and investment products include the payment of policyholder benefits, as well as cash payments in connection with policy surrenders and withdrawals, policy loans, and obligations to redeem funding agreements.
We maintain investment strategies intended to provide adequate funds to pay benefits and expected surrenders, withdrawals, loans, and redemption obligations without forced sales of investments. In addition, we hold highly liquid, high-quality short-term investment securities and other liquid investment grade fixed maturity securities to fund our expected
operating expenses, surrenders, and withdrawals. We were committed as of December 31, 2019, to fund mortgage loans in the amount of $757.4 million.
Our cash flows from operations are used to fund an investment portfolio that provides for future benefit payments. We employ a formal asset/liability program to manage the cash flows of our investment portfolio relative to our long-term benefit obligations. As of December 31, 2019, we held cash and short-term investments of $1.5 billion.
The following chart includes the cash flows provided by or used in operating, investing, and financing activities for the following periods:
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For The Year Ended December 31,
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2019
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2018
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2017
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(Dollars In Thousands)
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Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
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$
|
119,730
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$
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(32,988)
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$
|
173,695
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Net cash used in investing activities
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(2,301,560)
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|
|
(1,863,432)
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|
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(2,536,181)
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Net cash provided by financing activities
|
2,202,182
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|
|
1,868,965
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|
|
2,326,902
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Total
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$
|
20,352
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|
|
$
|
(27,455)
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|
|
$
|
(35,584)
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|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2018
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - Cash flows from operating activities are affected by the timing of premiums received, fees received, investment income, and expenses paid. Principal sources of cash include sales of our products and services. Due to the nature of our business and the fact that many of the products we sell produce financing and investing cash flows it is important to consider cash flows generated by investing and financing activities in conjunction with those generated by operating activities.
Net cash used in investing activities - Changes in cash from investing activities primarily related to our investment portfolio. We had payments for business acquisition of $815.6 million, net of cash acquired, for the GWL&A acquisition for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to cash received of $38.5 million for the Liberty transaction for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Net cash provided by financing activities - Changes in cash from financing activities included $159.8 million of outflows from secured financing liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $522.4 million of outflows for the year ended December 31, 2018 and $1.3 billion inflows of investment product and universal life net activity as compared to $2.3 billion in the prior year. Net issuance of non-recourse funding obligations equaled $195.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to net repayment of $63.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company received a capital contribution from its parent of $850.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2019.
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2017
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - Cash flows from operating activities are affected by the timing of premiums received, fees received, investment income, and expenses paid. Principal sources of cash include sales of our products and services. Due to the nature of our business and the fact that many of the products we sell produce financing and investing cash flows it is important to consider cash flows generated by investing and financing activities in conjunction with those generated by operating activities.
Net cash used in investing activities - Changes in cash from investing activities primarily related to our investment portfolio.
Net cash provided by financing activities - Changes in cash from financing activities included $522.4 million of outflows from secured financing liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the $220.0 million of inflows for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $2.3 billion inflows of investment product and universal life net activity as compared to $2.4 billion in the prior year. Net repayment of non-recourse funding obligations equaled $63.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to net repayment of $16.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. Net activity related to the subordinated debt resulted in inflows of $110.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company did not pay a dividend during the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to a dividend of $259.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2017.
The Company and certain of our subsidiaries, are members of the FHLB of Cincinnati and the FHLB of New York. FHLB advances provide an attractive funding source for short-term borrowing and for the sale of funding agreements. Membership in the FHLB requires that we purchase FHLB capital stock based on a minimum requirement and a percentage of
the dollar amount of advances outstanding. Our borrowing capacity is determined by criteria established by each respective bank. In addition, our obligations under the advances must be collateralized. We maintain control over any such pledged assets, including the right of substitution. As of December 31, 2019, we had $1.2 billion of funding agreement-related advances and accrued interest outstanding under the FHLB program.
While we anticipate that the cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries will be sufficient to meet our investment commitments and operating cash needs in a normal credit market environment, we recognize that investment commitments scheduled to be funded may, from time to time, exceed the funds then available. Therefore, we have established repurchase agreement programs for the Company and its subsidiaries to provide liquidity when needed. We expect that the rate received on its investments will equal or exceed its borrowing rate. Under this program, we may, from time to time, sell an investment security at a specific price and agree to repurchase that security at another specified price at a later date. These borrowings are typically for a term less than 90 days. The fair value of securities to be repurchased is monitored and collateral levels are adjusted where appropriate to protect the counterparty against credit exposure. Cash received is invested in fixed maturity securities, and the agreements provided for net settlement in the event of default or on termination of the agreements. As of December 31, 2019, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $282.2 million and the repurchase obligation of $270.0 million was included in our consolidated balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 163 basis points). During the year ended December 31, 2019, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $900.0 million. The average daily balance was $212.2 million (at an average borrowing rate of 214 basis points) during the year ended December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2018, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $451.9 million and the repurchase obligation of $418.1 million was included in our consolidated balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 245 basis points). During the year ended December 31, 2018, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $885.0 million. The average daily balance was $511.4 million (at an average borrowing rate of 184 basis points) during the year ended December 31, 2018.
We participate in securities lending, primarily as an investment yield enhancement, whereby securities that are held as investments are loaned out to third parties for short periods of time. We require collateral at least equal to 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities to be separately maintained. The loaned securities’ fair value is monitored on a daily basis and collateral is adjusted accordingly. We maintain ownership of the securities at all times and are entitled to receive from the borrower any payments for interest received on such securities during the loan term. Securities lending transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings. As of December 31, 2019, securities with a fair value of $62.8 million were loaned under this program. As collateral for the loaned securities, we receive cash, which is primarily reinvested in short-term repurchase agreements, which are also collateralized by U.S. Government or U.S. Government Agency securities, and government money market funds. These investments are recorded in “short-term investments” with a corresponding liability recorded in “secured financing liabilities” to account for its obligation to return the collateral. As of December 31, 2019, the fair value of the collateral related to this program was $65.5 million and we had an obligation to return $65.5 million of collateral to the securities borrowers.
Statutory Capital
A life insurance company’s statutory capital is computed according to rules prescribed by the NAIC, as modified by state law. Generally speaking, other states in which a company does business defer to the interpretation of the domiciliary state with respect to NAIC rules, unless inconsistent with the other state’s regulations. Statutory accounting rules are different from GAAP and are intended to reflect a more conservative view, for example, requiring immediate expensing of policy acquisition costs. The NAIC’s risk-based capital requirements require insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based capital formula. The achievement of long-term growth will require growth in the statutory capital of our insurance subsidiaries. The subsidiaries may secure additional statutory capital through various sources, such as retained statutory earnings or our equity contributions. In general, dividends up to specified levels are considered ordinary and may be paid without prior approval of the insurance commissioner of the state of domicile. Dividends in larger amounts are considered extraordinary and are subject to affirmative prior approval by such commissioner. The maximum amount that would qualify as an ordinary dividend from our insurance subsidiaries in 2020 is approximately $138.4 million.
State insurance regulators and the NAIC have adopted risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements for life insurance companies to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to investment and insurance risks. The requirements provide a means of measuring the minimum amount of statutory surplus appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations based on its size and risk profile. A company’s risk-based statutory surplus is calculated by applying factors and performing calculations relating to various asset, premium, claim, expense, and reserve items. Regulators can then measure the adequacy of a company’s statutory surplus by comparing it to RBC. We manage our capital consumption by using the ratio of our total adjusted capital, as defined by the insurance regulators, to our company action level RBC (known as the RBC ratio), also as defined by insurance regulators. As of December 31, 2019, our total adjusted capital
and company action level RBC were approximately $5.4 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, providing an RBC ratio of approximately 479%.
Statutory reserves established for VA contracts are sensitive to changes in the equity markets and are affected by the level of account values relative to the level of any guarantees and product design. As a result, the relationship between reserve changes and equity market performance may be non-linear during any given reporting period. Market conditions greatly influence the capital required due to their impact on the valuation of reserves and derivative investments mitigating the risk in these reserves. Risk mitigation activities may result in material and sometimes counterintuitive impacts on statutory surplus and RBC ratio. Notably, as changes in these market and non-market factors occur, both our potential obligation and the related statutory reserves and/or required capital can vary at a non-linear rate.
Our statutory surplus is impacted by credit spreads as a result of accounting for the assets and liabilities on our fixed MVA annuities. Statutory separate account assets supporting the fixed MVA annuities are recorded at fair value. In determining the statutory reserve for the fixed MVA annuities, we are required to use current crediting rates based on U.S. Treasuries. In many capital market scenarios, current crediting rates based on U.S. Treasuries are highly correlated with market rates implicit in the fair value of statutory separate account assets. As a result, the change in the statutory reserve from period to period will likely substantially offset the change in the fair value of the statutory separate account assets. However, in periods of volatile credit markets, actual credit spreads on investment assets may increase or decrease sharply for certain sub-sectors of the overall credit market, resulting in statutory separate account asset market value gains or losses. As actual credit spreads are not fully reflected in current crediting rates based on U.S. Treasuries, the calculation of statutory reserves will not substantially offset the change in fair value of the statutory separate account assets resulting in a change in statutory surplus. The result of this mismatch had a positive impact to our statutory surplus of approximately $12 million on a pre-tax basis for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to a negative impact to our statutory surplus of approximately $67 million on a pre-tax basis for the year ended December 31, 2018.
We cede material amounts of insurance and transfer related assets to other insurance companies through reinsurance. However, notwithstanding the transfer of related assets, we remain liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer fail to meet the obligations that it assumed. We evaluate the financial condition of our reinsurers and monitor the associated concentration of credit risk. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we ceded premiums to third party reinsurers amounting to $1.5 billion. In addition, we had receivables from reinsurers amounting to $4.2 billion as of December 31, 2019. We review reinsurance receivable amounts for collectability and establish bad debt reserves if deemed appropriate. For additional information related to our reinsurance exposure, see Note 13, Reinsurance to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Scottish Re (U.S.), Inc. ("SRUS") was placed in rehabilitation on March 6, 2019 by the State of Delaware. Under the related order, the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Delaware has been appointed the receiver of SRUS and provided with authority to conduct and continue the business of SRUS in the interest of its cedents, creditors, and stockholder. The order was accompanied by an injunction requiring the continued payment of reinsurance premiums to SRUS and temporarily prohibiting cedents, including the Company, from offsetting premiums payable against receivables from SRUS. On June 20, 2019, the Delaware Court of Chancery entered an order approving a Revised Offset Plan, which allows cedents, including the Company, to offset premiums under certain circumstances.
As of December 31, 2019, we had outstanding claims receivable from SRUS of $15.2 million, other exposures associated with GAAP reinsurance receivables of approximately $118.4 million, and statutory reserve credit of approximately $134.7 million. We continue to monitor SRUS and the actions of the receiver through discussions with legal counsel and review of publicly available information. We have considered the possible impact of an adverse outcome of the rehabilitation process and believe an adverse outcome would not have a material adverse impact on our operations, liquidity or financial condition.
Captive Reinsurance Companies
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to a regulation entitled “Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation,” commonly known as “Regulation XXX,” and a supporting guideline entitled “The Application of the Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation,” commonly known as “Guideline AXXX.” The regulation and supporting guideline require insurers to establish statutory reserves for term and universal life insurance policies with long-term premium guarantees that are consistent with the statutory reserves required for other individual life insurance policies with similar guarantees. Many market participants believe that these levels of reserves are non-economic. We use captive reinsurance companies to implement reinsurance and capital management actions to satisfy these reserve requirements by financing the non-economic reserves either through the issuance of non-recourse funding obligations by the captives or obtaining Letters of Credit from third-party financial institutions.
Our captive reinsurance companies assume business from affiliates only. Our captives are capitalized to a level we believe is sufficient to support the contractual risks and other general obligations of the respective captive entity. All of our captive reinsurance companies are wholly owned subsidiaries and are located domestically. The captive insurance companies are subject to regulations in the state of domicile.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), through various committees, subgroups and dedicated task forces, is reviewing the use of captives and special purpose vehicles used to transfer insurance risk in relation to existing state laws and regulations, and several committees have adopted or exposed for comment white papers and reports that, if or when implemented, could impose additional requirements on the use of captives and other reinsurers. The Financial Condition (E) Committee of the NAIC established a Variable Annuity Issues Working Group to examine company use of variable annuity captives. The Committee has proposed changes in the regulation of variable annuities and variable annuity captives, which could adversely affect our future financial condition and results of operations if adopted.
The NAIC has adopted Actuarial Guideline XLVIII (“AG48”) and the substantially similar “Term and Universal Life Insurance Reserve Financing Model Regulation” (the “Reserve Model”) which establish national standards for new reserve financing arrangements for term life insurance and universal life insurance with secondary guarantees. AG48 and the Reserve Model govern collateral requirements for captive reinsurance arrangements. In order to obtain reserve credit, AG48 and the Reserve Model require a minimum level of funds, consisting of primary and other securities, to be held by or on behalf of ceding insurers as security under each captive life reinsurance treaty. As a result of AG48 and the Reserve Model, the implementation of new captive structures in the future may be less capital efficient, lead to lower product returns and/or increased product pricing or result in reduced sales of certain products. In some circumstances, AG48 and the Reserve Model could impact the Company’s ability to engage in certain reinsurance transactions with non-affiliates.
We also use a captive reinsurance company to reinsure risks associated with GLWB and GMDB riders which helps us to manage those risks on an economic basis. In an effort to mitigate the equity market risks relative to our RBC ratio, we reinsure these risks to Shades Creek. The purpose of Shades Creek is to reduce the volatility in RBC due to non-economic variables included within the RBC calculation.
During 2012, PLC entered into an intercompany capital support agreement with Shades Creek. The agreement provides through a guarantee that PLC will contribute assets or purchase surplus notes (or cause an affiliate or third party to contribute assets or purchase surplus notes) in amounts necessary for Shades Creek’s regulatory capital levels to equal or exceed minimum thresholds as defined by the agreement. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, Shades Creek maintained capital levels in excess of the required minimum thresholds. The maximum potential future payment amount which could be required under the capital support agreement will be dependent on numerous factors, including the performance of equity markets, the level of interest rates, performance of associated hedges, and related policyholder behavior.
For additional information regarding risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could affect our use of captive reinsurers, please see Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this report.
Ratings
Various Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“rating organizations”) review the financial performance and condition of insurers, including us and our subsidiaries, and publish their financial strength ratings as indicators of an insurer’s ability to meet policyholder and contract holder obligations. These ratings are important to maintaining public confidence in an insurer’s products, its ability to market its products and its competitive position. The following table summarizes the current financial strength ratings of the Company and our significant member companies from the major independent rating organizations:
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Ratings
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A.M. Best
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Fitch
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Standard &
Poor’s
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Moody’s
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Insurance company financial strength rating:
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Protective Life Insurance Company
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A+
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A+
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AA-
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A1
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West Coast Life Insurance Company
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A+
|
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A+
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AA-
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|
A1
|
Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company
|
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A+
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|
A+
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AA-
|
|
—
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|
Protective Property & Casualty Insurance Company
|
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A
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—
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—
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|
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—
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MONY Life Insurance Company
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A+
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A+
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A+
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A1
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Our ratings are subject to review and change by the rating organizations at any time and without notice. A downgrade or other negative action by a rating organization with respect to our financial strength ratings or those of our insurance subsidiaries could adversely affect sales, relationships with distributors, the level of policy surrenders and withdrawals, competitive position in the marketplace, and the cost or availability of reinsurance. The rating agencies may take various actions, positive or negative, with respect to the debt and financial strength ratings of PLC and its subsidiaries, including as a result of PLC’s status as a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life.
Rating organizations also publish credit ratings for the issuers of debt securities, including PLC. Credit ratings are indicators of a debt issuer’s ability to meet the terms of debt obligations in a timely manner. These ratings are important in the debt issuer’s overall ability to access credit markets and other types of liquidity. Ratings are not recommendations to buy our securities or products. A downgrade or other negative action by a rating organization with respect to PLC’s credit rating could limit its access to capital markets, increase the cost of issuing debt, and a downgrade of sufficient magnitude, combined with other negative factors, could require PLC to post collateral. The rating agencies may take various actions, positive or negative, with respect to PLC’s debt ratings, including as a result of its status as a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life.
LIABILITIES
Many of our products contain surrender charges and other features that are designed to reward persistency and penalize the early withdrawal of funds. Certain stable value and annuity contracts have market-value adjustments that protect us against investment losses if interest rates are higher at the time of surrender than at the time of issue.
As of December 31, 2019, we had policy liabilities and accruals of approximately $54.7 billion. Our interest-sensitive life insurance policies have a weighted average minimum credited interest rate of approximately 3.46%.
Contractual Obligations
We enter into various obligations to third parties in the ordinary course of our operations. However, we do not believe that our cash flow requirements can be assessed solely based upon an analysis of these obligations. The most significant factors affecting our future cash flows are our ability to earn and collect cash from our customers, and the cash flows arising from our investment program. Future cash outflows, whether they are contractual obligations or not, will also vary based upon our future needs. Although some outflows are fixed, others depend on future events. Examples of fixed obligations include our obligations to pay principal and interest on fixed-rate borrowings. Examples of obligations that will vary include obligations to pay interest on variable-rate borrowings and insurance liabilities that depend on future interest rates, market performance, or surrender provisions. Many of our obligations are linked to cash-generating contracts. In addition, our operations involve significant expenditures that are not based upon contractual obligations. These include expenditures for income taxes and payroll.
As of December 31, 2019, we carried a $1.8 million liability for uncertain tax positions. These amounts are not included in the long-term contractual obligations table because of the difficulty in making reasonably reliable estimates of the occurrence or timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities.
The table below sets forth future maturities of our contractual obligations.
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Payments due by period
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Total
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Less than 1 year
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1-3 years
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3-5 years
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More than 5 years
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(Dollars In Thousands)
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Non-recourse funding obligations(1)
|
$
|
4,718,288
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|
|
$
|
332,258
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|
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$
|
683,705
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|
$
|
550,724
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|
|
$
|
3,151,601
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Subordinated debt
|
181,592
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|
|
3,905
|
|
|
7,810
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|
|
7,810
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|
|
162,067
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Stable value products(2)
|
5,749,397
|
|
|
1,891,028
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|
|
2,653,797
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|
|
1,074,082
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|
|
130,490
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Operating leases(3)
|
20,709
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|
|
5,429
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|
|
7,656
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|
|
6,128
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|
|
1,496
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Mortgage loan and investment commitments
|
840,103
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|
|
592,514
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|
|
247,589
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|
|
—
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|
|
—
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|
Secured financing liabilities(4)
|
335,480
|
|
|
335,480
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
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|
|
—
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|
Policyholder obligations(5)
|
69,028,701
|
|
|
4,312,312
|
|
|
8,147,065
|
|
|
6,634,326
|
|
|
49,934,998
|
|
Total
|
$
|
80,874,270
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|
|
$
|
7,472,926
|
|
|
$
|
11,747,622
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|
|
$
|
8,273,070
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|
|
$
|
53,380,652
|
|
(1)Non-recourse funding obligations include all undiscounted principal amounts owed and expected future interest payments due over the term of the notes. Of the total undiscounted cash flows, $1.7 billion relates to the Golden Gate V transaction. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate V receives from notes issued by a nonconsolidated variable interest entity. Additionally, $2.6 billion relates to the Golden Gate transaction. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate receives from notes issued by nonconsolidated entity and third parties. The remaining amounts are associated with the Golden Gate II notes held by third parties as well as certain obligations assumed with the acquisition of MONY Life Insurance Company.
(2)Anticipated stable value products cash flows including interest.
(3)Includes all lease payments required under operating lease agreements.
(4)Represents secured borrowings and accrued interest as part of our repurchase program as well as liabilities associated with securities lending transactions.
(5)Estimated contractual policyholder obligations are based on mortality, morbidity, and lapse assumptions comparable to our historical experience, modified for recent observed trends. These obligations are based on current balance sheet values and include expected interest crediting, but do not incorporate an expectation of future market growth, or future deposits. Due to the significance of the assumptions used, the amounts presented could materially differ from actual results. As variable separate account obligations are legally insulated from general account obligations, the variable separate account obligations will be fully funded by cash flows from variable separate account assets. We expect to fully fund the general account obligations from cash flows from general account investments.
Employee Benefit Plans
PLC sponsors a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan (“Qualified Pension Plan”) covering substantially all of PLC’s and the Company’s employees. In addition, PLC sponsors an unfunded, nonqualified excess benefit pension plan (“Nonqualified Excess Pension Plan”) and provides other postretirement benefits to eligible employees.
PLC reports the net funded status of its pension and other postretirement plans in the consolidated balance sheet. The net funded status represents the differences between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation.
PLC’s funding policy is to contribute amounts to the Qualified Pension Plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) plus such additional amounts as it may determine to be appropriate from time to time. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future. PLC may also make additional contributions in future periods to maintain an adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) of at least 80% and to avoid certain Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) reporting triggers.
PLC has not yet determined the total amount it will fund during 2020, but may contribute an amount that would eliminate the PBGC variable-rate premiums payable in 2020. PLC currently estimates that amount will be between $10 million and $25 million.
For a complete discussion of PLC's benefit plans, additional information related to the funded status of its benefit plans, and its funding policy, see Note 17, Employee Benefit Plans, to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We have entered into operating leases that do not result in an obligation being recorded on the balance sheet. Refer to Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies, of the consolidated financial statements for more information.
MARKET RISK EXPOSURES
Our financial position and earnings are subject to various market risks including changes in interest rates, the yield curve, spreads between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, foreign currency rates, used vehicle prices, equity price risks
and issuer defaults. We analyze and manage the risks arising from market exposures of financial instruments, as well as other risks, through an integrated asset/liability management process. The primary focus of our asset/liability program is the management of interest rate risk within the insurance operations. Our asset/liability management programs and procedures involve the monitoring of asset and liability durations for various product lines; cash flow testing under various interest rate scenarios; and the continuous rebalancing of assets and liabilities with respect to yield, credit and market risk, and cash flow characteristics to maintain an appropriate balance between risk and profitability for each product category, and for us as a whole.
It is our policy to maintain asset and liability durations within one year of one another, although, from time to time, a broader interval may be allowed.
We are exposed to credit risk within our investment portfolio and through derivative counterparties. Credit risk relates to the uncertainty of an obligor’s continued ability to make timely payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the instrument or contract. We manage credit risk through established investment policies which attempt to address quality of obligors and counterparties, credit concentration limits, diversification requirements, and acceptable risk levels under expected and stressed scenarios. Derivative counterparty credit risk is measured as the amount owed to us, net of collateral held, based upon current market conditions. In addition, we periodically assess exposure related to potential payment obligations between us and our counterparties. We minimize the credit risk in derivative financial instruments by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties (A-rated or higher at the time we enter into the contract), and we maintain credit support annexes with certain of those counterparties.
We utilize a risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to certain risks, including but not limited to, interest rate risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, and equity market risk. These strategies are developed through our analysis of data from financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources, and are then incorporated into our risk management program. See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments, to the consolidated financial statements included in this report for additional information on our financial instruments.
Derivative instruments expose us to credit and market risk and could result in material changes from period to period. We attempt to minimize our credit risk by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties. We manage the market risk by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degrees of risk that may be undertaken. We monitor our use of derivatives in connection with our overall asset/liability management programs and risk management strategies. In addition, all derivative programs are monitored by our risk management department.
Derivative instruments that are used as part of our interest rate risk management strategy include interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, interest rate caps, and interest rate swaptions.
Derivative instruments that are used as part of the Company’s foreign currency exchange risk management strategy include foreign currency swaps, foreign currency futures, foreign currency options, foreign equity futures, and foreign equity options.
We may use the following types of derivative contracts to mitigate our exposure to certain guaranteed benefits related to VA contracts, fixed indexed annuities, and indexed universal life:
•Foreign Currency Futures
•Foreign Currency Options
•Variance Swaps
•Interest Rate Futures
•Equity Options
•Equity Futures
•Credit Derivatives
•Interest Rate Swaps
•Interest Rate Swaptions
•Volatility Futures
•Volatility Options
•Funds Withheld Agreement
•Total Return Swaps
Other Derivatives
Certain of our subsidiaries have derivatives with PLC. These derivatives consist of an interest support agreement, YRT premium support arrangements, and portfolio maintenance agreements with PLC.
We have a funds withheld account that consists of various derivative instruments held by us that is used to hedge the GLWB and GMDB riders. The economic performance of derivatives in the funds withheld account is ceded to Shades Creek. The funds withheld account is accounted for as a derivative financial instrument.
We believe that our asset/liability management programs and procedures and certain product features provide protection against the effects of changes in interest rates under various scenarios. Additionally, we believe our asset/liability management programs and procedures provide sufficient liquidity to enable us to fulfill our obligation to pay benefits under our various insurance and deposit contracts. However, our asset/liability management programs and procedures incorporate assumptions about the relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates (i.e., the slope of the yield curve), relationships between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, market liquidity, spread movements, implied volatility, policyholder behavior, and other factors, and the effectiveness of our asset/liability management programs and procedures may be negatively affected whenever actual results differ from those assumptions.
The following table sets forth the estimated fair values of our fixed maturity investments and mortgage loans resulting from a hypothetical immediate 100 basis point increase in interest rates from levels prevailing as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the percent change in fair value the following estimated fair values would represent:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percent Change
|
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities
|
|
$
|
60,430.3
|
|
|
|
(8.5)
|
%
|
Mortgage loans
|
|
9,066.9
|
|
|
|
(5.4)
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities
|
|
$
|
49,935.1
|
|
|
|
(8.1)
|
%
|
Mortgage loans
|
|
7,035.1
|
|
|
|
(5.5)
|
|
Estimated fair values from the hypothetical increase in rates were derived from the durations of our fixed maturities and mortgage loans. Duration measures the change in fair value resulting from a change in interest rates. While these estimated fair values provide an indication of how sensitive the fair values of our fixed maturities and mortgage loans are to changes in interest rates, they do not represent management’s view of future fair value changes or the potential impact of fluctuations in credit spreads. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
In the ordinary course of our commercial mortgage lending operations, we may commit to provide a mortgage loan before the property to be mortgaged has been built or acquired. The mortgage loan commitment is a contractual obligation to fund a mortgage loan when called upon by the borrower. The commitment is not recognized in our financial statements until the commitment is actually funded. The mortgage loan commitment contains terms, including the rate of interest, which may be different than prevailing interest rates.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had outstanding mortgage loan commitments of $757.4 million at an average rate of 3.99% and $685.3 million at an average rate of 4.4%, respectively, with estimated fair values of $783.4 million and $671.3 million, respectively (using discounted cash flows from the first call date). The following table sets forth the estimated fair value of our mortgage loan commitments resulting from a hypothetical immediate 100 basis point increase in interest rate levels prevailing as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the percent change in fair value that the following estimated fair values would represent:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percent Change
|
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
2019
|
|
$
|
741.4
|
|
|
(5.4)
|
%
|
2018
|
|
$
|
638.8
|
|
|
(4.8)
|
%
|
The estimated fair values from the hypothetical increase in rates were derived from the durations of our outstanding mortgage loan commitments. While these estimated fair values provide an indication of how sensitive the fair value of our outstanding commitments are to changes in interest rates, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates.
As previously discussed, we utilize a risk management strategy that involves the use of derivative financial instruments. Derivative instruments expose us to credit and market risk and could result in material changes from period to
period. We minimize our credit risk by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties. We manage the market risk by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degrees of risk that may be undertaken. We monitor our use of derivatives in connection with our overall asset/liability management programs and procedures.
As of December 31, 2019, total derivative contracts with a notional amount of $32.9 billion were in a $856.0 million net loss position. Included in the $32.9 billion is a notional amount of $3.5 billion in a $199.6 million net loss position that relates to our Modco trading portfolio. Also included in the total, is $1.8 billion in a $70.6 million net loss position that relates to our funds withheld derivative, $4.0 billion in a $186.0 million net loss position that relates to our GLWB embedded derivatives, $2.9 billion in a $332.9 million net loss position that relates to our FIA embedded derivatives, and $301.6 million in a $151.8 million net loss position that relates to our IUL embedded derivatives, and $199.4 million in a $53.2 million net loss position that relates to our other derivatives.
As of December 31, 2018, total derivative contracts with a notional amount of $31.5 billion were in a $491.2 million net loss position. Included in the $31.5 billion is a notional amount of $2.4 billion in a $25.8 million net loss position that relates to our Modco trading portfolio. Also included in the total, is $2.0 billion in a $95.1 million net loss position that relates to our funds withheld derivative, $6.0 billion in a $43.3 million net loss position that relates to our GLWB embedded derivatives, $2.6 billion in a $217.3 million net loss position that relates to our FIA embedded derivatives, and $233.5 million in a $90.2 million net loss position that relates to our IUL embedded derivatives, and $3.3 million in a $0.3 million net loss position that relates to our other derivatives.
We recognized losses of $131.5 million, gains of $79.1 million, and losses of $137.0 million related to derivative financial instruments for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
The following table sets forth the notional amount and fair value of our interest rate risk related derivative financial instruments and the estimated fair value resulting from a hypothetical immediate plus and minus 100 basis points change in interest rates from levels prevailing as of December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Resulting
From an Immediate
+/– 100 bps Change
in the Underlying
Reference Interest
Rates(1)(2)
|
|
|
|
Notional
Amount
|
|
Fair Value
as of
December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
+100 bps
|
|
–100 bps
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Futures
|
$
|
1,565.3
|
|
|
$
|
(2.8)
|
|
|
$
|
(9.1)
|
|
|
$
|
9.9
|
|
Rec floating pay fixed swaps
|
400.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10.0
|
|
|
(11.6)
|
|
Rec fixed pay floating swaps
|
2,228.0
|
|
|
98.7
|
|
|
(198.8)
|
|
|
450.6
|
|
GLWB embedded derivative
|
4,040.4
|
|
|
(186.0)
|
|
|
(28.8)
|
|
|
(387.2)
|
|
Total
|
$
|
8,233.7
|
|
|
$
|
(90.1)
|
|
|
$
|
(226.7)
|
|
|
$
|
61.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Futures
|
$
|
1,149.9
|
|
|
$
|
(9.8)
|
|
|
$
|
13.1
|
|
|
$
|
(33.3)
|
|
Rec floating pay fixed swaps
|
400.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
12.9
|
|
|
(14.5)
|
|
Rec fixed pay floating swaps
|
2,240.5
|
|
|
17.1
|
|
|
(223.0)
|
|
|
302.0
|
|
GLWB embedded derivative
|
5,991.2
|
|
|
(43.3)
|
|
|
65.0
|
|
|
(185.5)
|
|
Total
|
$
|
9,781.6
|
|
|
$
|
(36.0)
|
|
|
$
|
(132.0)
|
|
|
$
|
68.7
|
|
(1)Interest rate change scenario subject to floor, based on treasury rates as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
(2)Includes an effect for inflation.
The following table sets forth the notional amount and fair value of our equity risk related derivative financial instruments and the estimated fair value resulting from a hypothetical immediate plus and minus ten percentage point change in equity level from levels prevailing as of December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notional
Amount
|
|
Fair Value
as of
December 31,
|
|
Fair Value
Resulting From an
Immediate
+/– 10% Change
in the Underlying
Reference Index
Equity Level
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
+10%
|
|
–10%
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Futures
|
$
|
334.6
|
|
|
$
|
(0.3)
|
|
|
$
|
(16.3)
|
|
|
$
|
15.8
|
|
Options
|
11,513.4
|
|
|
246.8
|
|
|
239.2
|
|
|
267.7
|
|
Rec floating pay asset swaps
|
711.7
|
|
|
(1.9)
|
|
|
(71.7)
|
|
|
67.9
|
|
Rec asset pay floating swaps
|
137.8
|
|
|
(0.4)
|
|
|
9.4
|
|
|
(8.0)
|
|
GLWB embedded derivative
|
4,040.4
|
|
|
(186.0)
|
|
|
(133.6)
|
|
|
(249.1)
|
|
FIA embedded derivative
|
2,892.8
|
|
|
(332.9)
|
|
|
(360.0)
|
|
|
(293.9)
|
|
IUL embedded derivative
|
301.6
|
|
|
(151.8)
|
|
|
(155.4)
|
|
|
(139.1)
|
|
Total
|
$
|
19,932.3
|
|
|
$
|
(426.5)
|
|
|
$
|
(488.4)
|
|
|
$
|
(338.7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Futures
|
$
|
672.0
|
|
|
$
|
(33.3)
|
|
|
$
|
27.0
|
|
|
$
|
(93.5)
|
|
Options
|
9,823.9
|
|
|
186.0
|
|
|
179.2
|
|
|
240.3
|
|
Rec floating pay asset swaps
|
768.2
|
|
|
(23.1)
|
|
|
(102.3)
|
|
|
56.2
|
|
Rec asset pay floating swaps
|
138.1
|
|
|
4.0
|
|
|
18.2
|
|
|
(10.2)
|
|
GLWB embedded derivative
|
5,991.2
|
|
|
(43.3)
|
|
|
(31.7)
|
|
|
(55.9)
|
|
FIA embedded derivative
|
2,576.1
|
|
|
(217.3)
|
|
|
(261.2)
|
|
|
(212.7)
|
|
IUL embedded derivative
|
233.6
|
|
|
(90.2)
|
|
|
(96.4)
|
|
|
(87.4)
|
|
Total
|
$
|
20,203.1
|
|
|
$
|
(217.2)
|
|
|
$
|
(267.2)
|
|
|
$
|
(163.2)
|
|
The following table sets forth the notional amount and fair value of our currency risk related derivative financial instruments and the estimated fair value resulting from a hypothetical immediate plus and minus ten percentage point change in currency level from levels prevailing as of December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value
Resulting From an
Immediate
+/– 10% Change
in the Underlying
Reference in
Currency Level
|
|
|
|
Notional
Amount
|
|
Fair Value
as of
December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
+10%
|
|
–10%
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Futures
|
$
|
264.9
|
|
|
$
|
(1.7)
|
|
|
$
|
(28.3)
|
|
|
$
|
24.9
|
|
Rec fixed pay fixed swaps
|
117.2
|
|
|
(11.4)
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
(23.7)
|
|
|
$
|
382.1
|
|
|
$
|
(13.1)
|
|
|
$
|
(27.3)
|
|
|
$
|
1.2
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Futures
|
$
|
202.7
|
|
|
$
|
(2.2)
|
|
|
$
|
(22.6)
|
|
|
$
|
18.2
|
|
Rec fixed pay fixed swaps
|
117.2
|
|
|
(0.9)
|
|
|
11.6
|
|
|
(13.4)
|
|
|
$
|
319.9
|
|
|
$
|
(3.1)
|
|
|
$
|
(11.0)
|
|
|
$
|
4.8
|
|
Estimated gains and losses were derived using pricing models specific to derivative financial instruments. While these estimated gains and losses provide an indication of how sensitive our derivative financial instruments are to changes in interest rates, volatility, equity levels, and credit spreads, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates.
Our stable value contract and annuity products tend to be more sensitive to market risks than our non-annuity products. As such, many of these products contain surrender charges and other features that reward persistency and penalize the early withdrawal of funds. Certain stable value and annuity contracts have market-value adjustments that protect us against investment losses if interest rates are higher at the time of surrender than at the time of issue. Additionally, approximately $5.1 billion of our stable value contracts have no early termination rights.
As of December 31, 2019, we had $5.4 billion of stable value product account balances with an estimated fair value of $5.6 billion (using discounted cash flows) and $14.3 billion of annuity account balances with an estimated fair value of $16.0 billion (using discounted cash flows). As of December 31, 2018, we had $5.2 billion of stable value product account balances with an estimated fair value of $5.2 billion (using discounted cash flows) and $13.7 billion of annuity account balances with an estimated fair value of $13.3 billion (using discounted cash flows).
The following table sets forth the estimated fair values of our stable value and annuity account balances resulting from a hypothetical immediate plus and minus 100 basis points change in interest rates from levels prevailing and the percent change in fair value that the following estimated fair values would represent:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value
as of
December 31,
|
|
Fair Value
Resulting From an
Immediate
+/– 100 bps Change
in the Underlying
Reference
Interest Rates
|
|
|
|
|
|
+100 bps
|
|
–100 bps
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stable value product account balances
|
$
|
5,551.2
|
|
|
$
|
5,449.1
|
|
|
$
|
5,653.3
|
|
Annuity account balances
|
15,973.1
|
|
|
15,737.3
|
|
|
16,209.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stable value product account balances
|
$
|
5,200.7
|
|
|
$
|
5,106.1
|
|
|
$
|
5,295.4
|
|
Annuity account balances
|
13,272.2
|
|
|
13,018.3
|
|
|
13,419.2
|
|
Estimated fair values from the hypothetical changes in interest rates were derived from the durations of our stable value and annuity account balances. While these estimated fair values provide an indication of how sensitive the fair values of our stable value and annuity account balances are to changes in interest rates, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates.
Certain of our liabilities relate to products whose profitability could be significantly affected by changes in interest rates. In addition to traditional whole life and term insurance, many universal life policies with secondary guarantees that insurance coverage will remain in force (subject to the payment of specified premiums) have such characteristics. These products do not allow us to adjust policyholder premiums after a policy is issued, and most of these products do not have significant account values upon which we credit interest. If interest rates fall, these products could have both decreased interest earnings and increased amortization of deferred acquisition costs and VOBA, and the converse could occur if interest rates rise.
Impact of Continued Low Interest Rate Environment
Significant changes in interest rates expose us to the risk of not realizing anticipated spreads between the interest rate earned on investments and the interest rate credited to in-force policies and contracts. In addition, certain of our insurance and investment products guarantee a minimum guaranteed interest rate (“MGIR”). In periods of prolonged low interest rates, the interest spread earned may be negatively impacted to the extent our ability to reduce policyholder crediting rates is limited by the guaranteed minimum credited interest rates. Additionally, those policies without account values may exhibit lower profitability in periods of prolonged low interest rates due to reduced investment income.
The tables below present account values by range of current minimum guaranteed interest rates and current crediting rates for our universal life and deferred fixed annuity products:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credited Rate Summary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate
Account Value
|
|
At
MGIR
|
|
1 - 50 bps
above
MGIR
|
|
More than
50 bps
above MGIR
|
|
Total
|
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Universal Life Insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2%
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
78
|
|
|
$
|
1,735
|
|
|
$
|
1,813
|
|
>2% - 3%
|
|
4,119
|
|
|
1,401
|
|
|
1,608
|
|
|
7,128
|
|
>3% - 4%
|
|
9,157
|
|
|
567
|
|
|
507
|
|
|
10,231
|
|
>4% - 5%
|
|
2,439
|
|
|
443
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
2,883
|
|
>5% - 6%
|
|
326
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
326
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
16,041
|
|
|
2,489
|
|
|
3,851
|
|
|
22,381
|
|
Fixed Annuities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1%
|
|
$
|
225
|
|
|
$
|
493
|
|
|
$
|
2,020
|
|
|
$
|
2,738
|
|
>1% - 2%
|
|
443
|
|
|
227
|
|
|
1,897
|
|
|
2,567
|
|
>2% - 3%
|
|
1,518
|
|
|
83
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
1,603
|
|
>3% - 4%
|
|
282
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
285
|
|
>4% - 5%
|
|
251
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
251
|
|
>5% - 6%
|
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
2,721
|
|
|
806
|
|
|
3,919
|
|
|
7,446
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
18,762
|
|
|
$
|
3,295
|
|
|
$
|
7,770
|
|
|
$
|
29,827
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Total
|
|
63
|
%
|
|
11
|
%
|
|
26
|
%
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Rate Summary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate
Account Value
|
|
At
MGIR
|
|
1 - 50 bps
above
MGIR
|
|
More than
50 bps
above MGIR
|
|
Total
|
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Universal Life Insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
>2% - 3%
|
|
$
|
2,392
|
|
|
$
|
1,322
|
|
|
$
|
2,031
|
|
|
$
|
5,745
|
|
>3% - 4%
|
|
4,512
|
|
|
924
|
|
|
499
|
|
|
5,935
|
|
>4% - 5%
|
|
2,445
|
|
|
435
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
2,881
|
|
>5% - 6%
|
|
188
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
188
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
9,537
|
|
|
2,681
|
|
|
2,531
|
|
|
14,749
|
|
Fixed Annuities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1%
|
|
$
|
341
|
|
|
$
|
584
|
|
|
$
|
2,278
|
|
|
$
|
3,203
|
|
>1% - 2%
|
|
370
|
|
|
165
|
|
|
1,145
|
|
|
1,680
|
|
>2% - 3%
|
|
1,686
|
|
|
102
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
1,791
|
|
>3% - 4%
|
|
261
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
265
|
|
>4% - 5%
|
|
260
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
260
|
|
>5% - 6%
|
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
2,920
|
|
|
855
|
|
|
3,426
|
|
|
7,201
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
12,457
|
|
|
$
|
3,536
|
|
|
$
|
5,957
|
|
|
$
|
21,950
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Total
|
|
57
|
%
|
|
16
|
%
|
|
27
|
%
|
|
100
|
%
|
We are active in mitigating the impact of a continued low interest rate environment through product design, as well as adjusting crediting rates on current in-force policies and contracts. We also manage interest rate and reinvestment risks through our asset/liability management process. Our asset/liability management programs and procedures involve the monitoring of asset and liability durations; cash flow testing under various interest rate scenarios; and the regular rebalancing of assets and liabilities with respect to yield, credit and market risk, and cash flow characteristics. These programs also incorporate the use of derivative financial instruments primarily to reduce our exposure to interest rate risk, inflation risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, and equity market risk.
Employee Benefit Plans
Pursuant to the accounting guidance related to PLC’s obligations to employees under its pension plan and other postretirement benefit plans, PLC is required to make a number of assumptions to estimate related liabilities and expenses. PLC’s most significant assumptions are those for the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return.
Discount Rate Assumption
The assumed discount rates used to determine the benefit obligations were based on an analysis of future benefits expected to be paid under the plans. The assumed discount rate reflects the interest rate at which an amount that is invested in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments on the measurement date would provide the future cash flows necessary to pay benefits when they come due.
The following presents PLC’s estimates of the hypothetical impact to the December 31, 2019 benefit obligation and to the 2018 benefit cost, associated with sensitivities related to the discount rate assumption:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
|
|
Other
Postretirement
Benefit Plans(1)
|
|
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease) in Benefit Obligation:
|
|
|
|
100 basis point increase
|
$
|
(31,467)
|
|
|
$
|
(4,548)
|
|
100 basis point decrease
|
37,848
|
|
|
5,411
|
|
Increase (Decrease) in Benefit Cost:
|
|
|
|
100 basis point increase
|
$
|
(530)
|
|
|
$
|
(125)
|
|
100 basis point decrease
|
3,105
|
|
|
160
|
|
(1)Includes excess pension plan, retiree medical plan, and postretirement life insurance plan.
Long-term Rate of Return Assumption
To determine an appropriate long-term rate of return assumption for PLC’s defined benefit pension plan, PLC received evaluations of market performance based on PLC’s asset allocation as provided by external consultants.
For PLC’s postretirement life insurance plan, PLC utilized 25 year average and annualized return results on the Barclay’s short treasury index to determine an appropriate long-term rate of return assumption.
The following presents PLC’s estimates of the hypothetical impact to the 2019 benefit cost, associated with sensitivities related to the long-term rate of return assumption:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
|
|
Postretirement
Life Insurance Plan
|
|
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease) in Benefit Cost:
|
|
|
|
100 basis point increase
|
$
|
(2,740)
|
|
|
$
|
(46)
|
|
100 basis point decrease
|
2,739
|
|
|
46
|
|
IMPACT OF INFLATION
Inflation increases the need for life insurance. Many policyholders who once had adequate insurance programs may increase their life insurance coverage to provide the same relative financial benefit and protection. Higher interest rates may result in higher sales of certain of our investment products.
The higher interest rates that have traditionally accompanied inflation could also affect our operations. Policy loans increase as policy loan interest rates become relatively more attractive. As interest rates increase, disintermediation of stable value and annuity account balances and individual life policy cash values may increase. The fair value of our fixed-rate, long-term investments may decrease, we may be unable to implement fully the interest rate reset and call provisions of our mortgage loans, and our ability to make attractive mortgage loans, including participating mortgage loans, may decrease. In addition, participating mortgage loan income may decrease. The difference between the interest rate earned on investments and the interest rate credited to life insurance and investment products may also be adversely affected by rising interest rates. During the periods covered by this report, we believe inflation has not had a material impact on our business.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included in this report for information regarding recently issued accounting standards.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The information required by this item is included in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following financial statements are located in this report on the pages indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For supplemental quarterly financial information, please see Note 24, Consolidated Quarterly Results-Unaudited of the notes to consolidated financial statements included herein.
PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums and policy fees
|
$
|
4,056,202
|
|
|
$
|
3,656,508
|
|
|
$
|
3,456,362
|
|
Reinsurance ceded
|
(1,517,204)
|
|
|
(1,383,510)
|
|
|
(1,367,096)
|
|
Net of reinsurance ceded
|
2,538,998
|
|
|
2,272,998
|
|
|
2,089,266
|
|
Net investment income
|
2,818,830
|
|
|
2,338,902
|
|
|
1,923,056
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses)
|
211,539
|
|
|
(144,179)
|
|
|
(15,954)
|
|
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
|
(67,161)
|
|
|
(56,578)
|
|
|
(1,332)
|
|
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)
|
32,708
|
|
|
26,854
|
|
|
(7,780)
|
|
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
|
(34,453)
|
|
|
(29,724)
|
|
|
(9,112)
|
|
Other income
|
417,155
|
|
|
321,019
|
|
|
325,411
|
|
Total revenues
|
5,952,069
|
|
|
4,759,016
|
|
|
4,312,667
|
|
Benefits and expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (2019 - $1,244,379; 2018 - $1,185,929; 2017 - $1,235,227)
|
4,256,062
|
|
|
3,511,252
|
|
|
2,955,005
|
|
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
|
175,653
|
|
|
226,066
|
|
|
79,443
|
|
Other operating expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (2019 - $229,851; 2018 - $210,816; 2017 - $226,578)
|
836,906
|
|
|
774,110
|
|
|
814,211
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
5,268,621
|
|
|
4,511,428
|
|
|
3,848,659
|
|
Income before income tax
|
683,448
|
|
|
247,588
|
|
|
464,008
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
390,314
|
|
|
123,624
|
|
|
36,565
|
|
Deferred
|
(259,850)
|
|
|
(69,963)
|
|
|
(754,974)
|
|
Total income tax expense (benefit)
|
130,464
|
|
|
53,661
|
|
|
(718,409)
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
552,984
|
|
|
$
|
193,927
|
|
|
$
|
1,182,417
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
112
PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
552,984
|
|
|
$
|
193,927
|
|
|
$
|
1,182,417
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax: (2019 - $753,312; 2018 - $(375,256); 2017 - $332,593)
|
2,833,888
|
|
|
(1,411,674)
|
|
|
705,859
|
|
Reclassification adjustment for investment amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (2019 - $(2,784); 2018 - $4,174; 2017 - $(397))
|
(10,474)
|
|
|
15,699
|
|
|
(944)
|
|
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (2019 - $(950); 2018 - $(5,517); 2017 - $762)
|
(3,574)
|
|
|
(20,751)
|
|
|
391
|
|
Change in accumulated (loss) gain - derivatives, net of income tax: (2019 - $(2,600); 2018 - $(501); 2017 - $(303))
|
(9,781)
|
|
|
(1,884)
|
|
|
(563)
|
|
Reclassification adjustment for derivative amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (2019 - $479; 2018 - $301; 2017 - $243)
|
1,799
|
|
|
1,130
|
|
|
451
|
|
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
|
2,811,858
|
|
|
(1,417,480)
|
|
|
705,194
|
|
Total comprehensive income (loss)
|
$
|
3,364,842
|
|
|
$
|
(1,223,553)
|
|
|
$
|
1,887,611
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
113
PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2019 - $63,268,660; 2018 - $54,233,151)
|
$
|
66,043,992
|
|
|
$
|
51,679,226
|
|
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost (fair value: 2019 - $3,025,790; 2018 - $2,547,210)
|
2,823,881
|
|
|
2,633,474
|
|
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2019 - $534,463; 2018 - $589,221)
|
553,720
|
|
|
557,708
|
|
Mortgage loans (related to securitizations: 2019 - $—; 2018 - $134)
|
9,379,401
|
|
|
7,724,733
|
|
Investment real estate, net of accumulated depreciation (2019 - $203; 2018 - $251)
|
10,321
|
|
|
6,816
|
|
Policy loans
|
1,675,121
|
|
|
1,695,886
|
|
Other long-term investments
|
2,479,520
|
|
|
798,342
|
|
Short-term investments
|
1,320,864
|
|
|
666,301
|
|
Total investments
|
84,286,820
|
|
|
65,762,486
|
|
Cash
|
171,752
|
|
|
151,400
|
|
Accrued investment income
|
715,388
|
|
|
633,087
|
|
Accounts and premiums receivable
|
174,202
|
|
|
97,033
|
|
Reinsurance receivables
|
4,181,100
|
|
|
4,486,029
|
|
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
|
3,519,555
|
|
|
3,026,330
|
|
Goodwill
|
825,511
|
|
|
825,511
|
|
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization (2019 - $253,759; 2018 - $197,368)
|
583,426
|
|
|
612,854
|
|
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation (2019 - $49,357; 2018 - $30,989)
|
211,745
|
|
|
183,843
|
|
Other assets
|
499,309
|
|
|
377,845
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets related to separate accounts
|
|
|
|
Variable annuity
|
12,730,090
|
|
|
12,288,919
|
|
Variable universal life
|
1,135,666
|
|
|
937,732
|
|
Reinsurance assumed
|
11,443,105
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
120,477,669
|
|
|
$
|
89,383,069
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
114
PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
Future policy benefits and claims
|
$
|
53,943,962
|
|
|
$
|
41,900,618
|
|
Unearned premiums
|
794,832
|
|
|
769,620
|
|
Total policy liabilities and accruals
|
54,738,794
|
|
|
42,670,238
|
|
Stable value product account balances
|
5,443,752
|
|
|
5,234,731
|
|
Annuity account balances
|
14,289,907
|
|
|
13,720,081
|
|
Other policyholders’ funds
|
1,576,856
|
|
|
1,128,379
|
|
Other liabilities
|
2,977,278
|
|
|
1,939,718
|
|
Income tax payable
|
34,224
|
|
|
27,189
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
1,371,970
|
|
|
898,339
|
|
Debt
|
968
|
|
|
1,319
|
|
Subordinated debt
|
110,000
|
|
|
110,000
|
|
Non-recourse funding obligations
|
3,082,753
|
|
|
2,888,329
|
|
Secured financing liabilities
|
335,480
|
|
|
495,307
|
|
Liabilities related to separate accounts
|
|
|
|
Variable annuity
|
12,730,090
|
|
|
12,288,919
|
|
Variable universal life
|
1,135,666
|
|
|
937,732
|
|
Reinsurance assumed
|
11,443,105
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total liabilities
|
109,270,843
|
|
|
82,340,281
|
|
Commitments and contingencies - Note 15
|
|
|
|
Shareowner’s equity
|
|
|
|
Preferred Stock; $1 par value, shares authorized: 2,000; Liquidation preference: $2,000
|
2
|
|
|
2
|
|
Common Stock, $1 par value, shares authorized and issued: 2019 and 2018 - 5,000,000
|
5,000
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
Additional paid-in-capital
|
8,260,537
|
|
|
7,410,537
|
|
Retained earnings
|
1,533,645
|
|
|
1,031,465
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax: (2019 - $(383,311); 2018 - $(367,217))
|
1,441,978
|
|
|
(1,381,436)
|
|
Net unrealized losses relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (2019 - $(7,004); 2018 - $(6,054))
|
(26,347)
|
|
|
(22,773)
|
|
Accumulated gain (loss) - derivatives, net of income tax: (2019 - $(2,123); 2018 - $(2))
|
(7,989)
|
|
|
(7)
|
|
Total shareowner’s equity
|
11,206,826
|
|
|
7,042,788
|
|
Total liabilities and shareowner’s equity
|
$
|
120,477,669
|
|
|
$
|
89,383,069
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
115
PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREOWNER’S EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Stock
|
|
Common
Stock
|
|
Additional
Paid-In-
Capital
|
|
Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
|
|
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
|
|
Total Shareowner’s Equity
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2016
|
$
|
2
|
|
|
$
|
5,000
|
|
|
$
|
7,422,407
|
|
|
$
|
(32,695)
|
|
|
$
|
(655,040)
|
|
|
$
|
6,739,674
|
|
Net income for 2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,182,417
|
|
|
|
|
1,182,417
|
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
705,194
|
|
|
705,194
|
|
Comprehensive income for 2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,887,611
|
|
Cumulative effect adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,338
|
|
|
(26,338)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Dividends paid to the parent company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(259,089)
|
|
|
|
|
(259,089)
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
|
|
|
(43,911)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(43,911)
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2017
|
$
|
2
|
|
|
$
|
5,000
|
|
|
$
|
7,378,496
|
|
|
$
|
916,971
|
|
|
$
|
23,816
|
|
|
$
|
8,324,285
|
|
Net income for 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
193,927
|
|
|
|
|
193,927
|
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,417,480)
|
|
|
(1,417,480)
|
|
Comprehensive loss for 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,223,553)
|
|
Cumulative effect adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(79,433)
|
|
|
(10,552)
|
|
|
(89,985)
|
|
Prior period adjustment
|
|
|
|
|
32,041
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,041
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2018
|
$
|
2
|
|
|
$
|
5,000
|
|
|
$
|
7,410,537
|
|
|
$
|
1,031,465
|
|
|
$
|
(1,404,216)
|
|
|
$
|
7,042,788
|
|
Net income for 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
552,984
|
|
|
|
|
552,984
|
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,811,858
|
|
|
2,811,858
|
|
Comprehensive income for 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,364,842
|
|
Cumulative effect adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(50,804)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(50,804)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital contributions from parent
|
|
|
|
|
850,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
850,000
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2019
|
$
|
2
|
|
|
$
|
5,000
|
|
|
$
|
8,260,537
|
|
|
$
|
1,533,645
|
|
|
$
|
1,407,642
|
|
|
$
|
11,206,826
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
116
PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
552,984
|
|
|
$
|
193,927
|
|
|
$
|
1,182,417
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized investment losses (gains)
|
(177,086)
|
|
|
173,903
|
|
|
25,066
|
|
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
|
175,653
|
|
|
226,066
|
|
|
79,443
|
|
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs
|
(407,556)
|
|
|
(446,594)
|
|
|
(335,603)
|
|
Depreciation and amortization expense
|
74,216
|
|
|
67,125
|
|
|
61,740
|
|
Deferred income tax
|
(259,850)
|
|
|
(69,963)
|
|
|
(754,974)
|
|
Accrued income tax
|
7,035
|
|
|
104,175
|
|
|
19,377
|
|
Interest credited to universal life and investment products
|
1,342,563
|
|
|
963,471
|
|
|
692,993
|
|
Policy fees assessed on universal life and investment products
|
(1,729,044)
|
|
|
(1,553,994)
|
|
|
(1,354,685)
|
|
Change in reinsurance receivables
|
304,929
|
|
|
315,134
|
|
|
269,294
|
|
Change in accrued investment income and other receivables
|
(45,117)
|
|
|
50,112
|
|
|
(19,148)
|
|
Change in policy liabilities and other policyholders’ funds of traditional life and health products
|
(543,963)
|
|
|
(550,367)
|
|
|
(331,880)
|
|
Trading securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturities and principal reductions of investments
|
113,543
|
|
|
155,692
|
|
|
165,575
|
|
Sale of investments
|
399,288
|
|
|
493,141
|
|
|
281,441
|
|
Cost of investments acquired
|
(368,369)
|
|
|
(589,379)
|
|
|
(355,410)
|
|
Other net change in trading securities
|
(47,635)
|
|
|
38,346
|
|
|
9,151
|
|
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on investments and mortgage loans
|
319,467
|
|
|
308,407
|
|
|
319,264
|
|
Change in other liabilities
|
408,700
|
|
|
103,465
|
|
|
265,595
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other, net
|
(28)
|
|
|
(15,655)
|
|
|
(45,961)
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
119,730
|
|
|
(32,988)
|
|
|
173,695
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
117
PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturities and principal reductions of investments, available-for-sale
|
1,980,966
|
|
|
1,189,366
|
|
|
695,349
|
|
Sale of investments, available-for-sale
|
4,242,259
|
|
|
2,573,826
|
|
|
1,801,173
|
|
Cost of investments acquired, available-for-sale
|
(6,421,411)
|
|
|
(4,865,104)
|
|
|
(4,013,245)
|
|
Change in investments, held-to-maturity
|
(195,000)
|
|
|
81,000
|
|
|
47,000
|
|
Mortgage loans:
|
|
|
|
|
|
New lendings
|
(1,322,981)
|
|
|
(1,589,459)
|
|
|
(1,671,929)
|
|
Repayments
|
1,016,899
|
|
|
1,068,552
|
|
|
923,347
|
|
Change in investment real estate, net
|
(3,366)
|
|
|
978
|
|
|
(104)
|
|
Change in policy loans, net
|
64,767
|
|
|
51,218
|
|
|
34,625
|
|
Change in other long-term investments, net
|
(35,536)
|
|
|
(169,293)
|
|
|
(91,934)
|
|
Change in short-term investments, net
|
(594,314)
|
|
|
(164,384)
|
|
|
(207,722)
|
|
Net unsettled security transactions
|
(184,963)
|
|
|
13,384
|
|
|
(19,023)
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
(33,306)
|
|
|
(91,972)
|
|
|
(33,718)
|
|
Cash received (paid) related to reinsurance transactions
|
(815,574)
|
|
|
38,456
|
|
|
—
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
(2,301,560)
|
|
|
(1,863,432)
|
|
|
(2,536,181)
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings under subordinated debt
|
—
|
|
|
110,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
Issuance (repayment) of non-recourse funding obligations
|
195,000
|
|
|
(63,890)
|
|
|
(16,070)
|
|
Secured financing liabilities
|
(159,826)
|
|
|
(522,442)
|
|
|
220,028
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Contributions from parent/Dividends/Return of capital to the parent company
|
850,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(303,000)
|
|
Investment product and universal life deposits
|
5,183,845
|
|
|
5,650,100
|
|
|
4,683,121
|
|
Investment product and universal life withdrawals
|
(3,865,961)
|
|
|
(3,304,415)
|
|
|
(2,256,981)
|
|
Other financing activities, net
|
(876)
|
|
|
(388)
|
|
|
(196)
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
2,202,182
|
|
|
1,868,965
|
|
|
2,326,902
|
|
Change in cash
|
20,352
|
|
|
(27,455)
|
|
|
(35,584)
|
|
Cash at beginning of period
|
151,400
|
|
|
178,855
|
|
|
214,439
|
|
Cash at end of period
|
$
|
171,752
|
|
|
$
|
151,400
|
|
|
$
|
178,855
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
118
PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Basis of Presentation
Protective Life Insurance Company (the “Company”), a stock life insurance company, was founded in 1907. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Protective Life Corporation (“PLC”), an insurance holding company. On February 1, 2015, PLC became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited, a kabushiki kaisha organized under the laws of Japan (now known as Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc., “Dai-ichi Life”), when DL Investment (Delaware), Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life, merged with and into PLC (the “Merger”). Prior to February 1, 2015, PLC’s stock was publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Subsequent to the Merger date, PLC remained as an SEC registrant within the United States until January 23, 2020, when it suspended its reporting obligations with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Subsequent to the Merger date, the Company has continued to be an SEC registrant for financial reporting purposes in the United States. The Company markets individual life insurance, credit life and disability insurance, guaranteed investment contracts, guaranteed funding agreements, fixed and variable annuities, and extended service contracts throughout the United States. The Company also maintains a separate segment devoted to the acquisition of insurance policies from other companies. PLC is a holding company with subsidiaries that provide financial services through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Such accounting principles differ from statutory reporting practices used by insurance companies in reporting to state regulatory authorities (see also Note 22, Statutory Reporting Practices and Other Regulatory Matters).
The operating results of companies in the insurance industry have historically been subject to significant fluctuations due to changing competition, economic conditions, interest rates, investment performance, insurance ratings, claims, persistency, and other factors.
During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company recorded an adjustment related to prior periods to correct an error pertaining to the tax deductibility of certain deferred compensation following the Dai-ichi acquisition and application of purchase accounting in 2015. The adjustment resulted in a $32.0 million increase to goodwill, with a corresponding increase in additional paid-in-capital. The Company concluded that the adjustment was not quantitatively or qualitatively material to previously reported annual or interim periods or the current interim period. As a result, this adjustment was recorded by the Company within the presented annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.
During the second quarter of 2019, the Company recorded an adjustment related to prior periods to correct an error pertaining to the deferred policy acquisitions costs (“DAC”) tax reimbursements paid under reinsurance agreements the Company entered in previous years. The adjustment resulted in an $8.96 million increase to accounts and premiums receivable on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, with a corresponding increase to other income. The Company concluded that the adjustment was not quantitatively or qualitatively material to previously reported periods or the second quarter of 2019 interim period. As a result, this adjustment was recorded by the Company within the consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended June 30, 2019.
Entities Included
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Protective Life Insurance Company and its affiliate companies in which the Company holds a majority voting or economic interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates include those used in determining deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and related amortization periods, goodwill recoverability, value of business acquired (“VOBA”), investments and certain derivatives fair values, other-than-temporary impairments, future policy benefits, pension and other postretirement benefits, provisions for income taxes, reserves for contingent liabilities, reinsurance risk transfer assessments, and reserves for losses in connection with unresolved legal matters.
Significant Accounting Policies
Valuation of Investment Securities
The Company determines the appropriate classification of investment securities at the time of purchase and periodically re-evaluates such designations. Investment securities are classified as either trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity securities. Investment securities classified as trading are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in realized gains (losses). Investment securities purchased for long term investment purposes are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value with changes in unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Investment securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity and are reported at amortized cost. Interest income on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities includes the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts and are recorded in investment income.
The fair value of fixed maturity, short-term, and equity securities is determined by management after considering one of three primary sources of information: third party pricing services, non-binding independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. Security pricing is applied using a “waterfall” approach whereby publicly available prices are first sought from third party pricing services, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers for non-binding prices, or lastly, securities are priced using a pricing matrix. Typical inputs used by these three pricing methods include, but are not limited to: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for available-for-sale and trading fixed maturities, third party pricing services derive the majority of security prices from observable market inputs such as recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information as outlined above. If there are no recent reported trades, the third party pricing services and brokers may use matrix or model processes to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Certain securities are priced via independent non-binding broker quotations. Where multiple broker quotes are obtained, the Company reviews the quotes and selects the quote that provides the best estimate of the price a market participant would pay for these specific assets in an arm's length transaction. A pricing matrix is used to price securities for which the Company is unable to obtain or effectively rely on either a price from a third party service or an independent broker quotation. Included in the pricing of other asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are estimates of the rate of future prepayments of principal and underlying collateral support over the remaining life of the securities. Such estimates are derived based on the characteristics of the underlying structure and rates of prepayments previously experienced at the interest rate levels projected for the underlying collateral. The basis for the cost of securities sold was determined at the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) level on a first in first out basis. The committee supplies a unique nine-character identification, called a CUSIP number, for each class of security approved for trading in the U.S., to facilitate clearing and settlement. These numbers are used when any buy and sell orders are recorded.
Each quarter the Company reviews investments with unrealized losses and tests for other-than-temporary impairments. The Company analyzes various factors to determine if any specific other-than-temporary asset impairments exist. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline, 4) an assessment of the Company’s intent to sell the security (including a more likely than not assessment of whether the Company will be required to sell the security) before recovering the security’s amortized cost, 5) the duration of the decline, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security by security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the investment performance, collateral position, and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered, and in some cases, an analysis regarding the Company’s expectations for recovery of the security’s entire amortized cost basis through the receipt of future cash flows is performed. Once a determination has been made that a specific other-than-temporary impairment exists, the security’s basis is adjusted and an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized. Other-than-temporary impairments to debt securities that the Company does not intend to sell and does not expect to be required to sell before recovering the security’s amortized cost are written down to discounted expected future cash flows (“post impairment cost”) and credit losses are recorded in earnings. The difference between the securities’ discounted expected future cash flows and the fair value of the securities on the impairment date is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) as a non-credit portion impairment. When calculating the post impairment cost for residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”), the Company considers all known market data related to cash flows to estimate future cash flows. When calculating the post impairment cost for corporate debt securities, the Company considers all contractual cash flows to estimate expected future cash flows. To calculate the post impairment cost, the expected future cash flows are discounted at the original purchase yield. Debt securities that the Company intends to sell or expects to be required to sell before recovery are written down to fair value with the change recognized in earnings.
Cash
Cash includes all demand deposits reduced by the amount of outstanding checks and drafts. As a result of the Company’s cash management system, checks issued from a particular bank but not yet presented for payment may create negative book cash balances with the bank at certain reporting dates. Such negative balances are included in other liabilities and were $183.7 million as of December 31, 2019 and $153.3 million as of December 31, 2018, respectively. The Company has deposits with certain financial institutions which exceed federally insured limits. The Company has reviewed the creditworthiness of these financial institutions and believes there is minimal risk of a material loss.
Policy Loans
Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances. Interest income is recorded as earned using the contractual interest rate. Generally, accrued interest is capitalized on the policy’s anniversary date. Any unpaid principal and accrued interest is deducted from the cash surrender value or the death benefit prior to settlement of the insurance policy.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
The incremental direct costs associated with successfully acquired insurance policies, are deferred to the extent such costs are deemed recoverable from future profits. Such costs include commissions and other costs of acquiring traditional life and health insurance, credit insurance, universal life insurance, and investment products. DAC are subject to recoverability testing at the end of each accounting period. Traditional life and health insurance acquisition costs are amortized over the premium-payment period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of annual premium income to the present value of the total anticipated premium income. Credit insurance acquisition costs are being amortized in proportion to earned premium. Acquisition costs for universal life and investment products are amortized over the lives of the policies in relation to the present value of estimated gross profits before amortization. Acquisition costs for stable value contracts are amortized over the term of the contracts using the effective yield method.
The Company makes certain assumptions regarding the mortality, persistency, expenses, and interest rates (equal to the rate used to compute liabilities for future policy benefits, currently 1.00% to 7.08%) the Company expects to experience in future periods when determining the present value of estimated gross profits. These assumptions are best estimates and are periodically updated whenever actual experience and/or expectations for the future change from that assumed. Additionally, these costs have been adjusted by an amount equal to the amortization that would have been recorded if unrealized gains or losses on investments associated with our universal life and investment products had been realized.
Value of Businesses Acquired
In conjunction with the Merger and the acquisition of insurance policies or investment contracts, a portion of the purchase price is allocated to the right to receive future gross profits from cash flows and earnings of associated insurance policies and investment contracts. This intangible asset, called VOBA, is based on the actuarially estimated present value of future cash flows from associated insurance policies and investment contracts acquired. The estimated present value of future cash flows used in the calculation of the VOBA is based on certain assumptions, including mortality, persistency, expenses, and interest rates that the Company believes to be those of a market participant. The Company amortizes VOBA in proportion to gross premiums for traditional life products, or estimated gross margins (“EGMs”) for participating traditional life products within the MONY Life Insurance Company (“MONY”) block. For interest sensitive products, the Company uses various amortization bases including expected gross profits (“EGPs”), revenues, account values, or insurance in-force. VOBA is subject to annual recoverability testing.
Included within the deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired line of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are amounts related to certain contracts or blocks of business that have negative VOBA. These amounts are presented on a net basis with positive VOBA amounts within this line on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Negative VOBA is amortized over the life of the related policies based on the amount of insurance in-force (for life insurance) or account values (for annuities). Such amortization is recorded in the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired line of the Company’s consolidated statements of income on a net basis with any positive VOBA amortization.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Amortizable intangible assets primarily consist of distribution relationships, trade names, technology, and software. Intangible assets with indefinite lives, primarily insurance licenses, are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis
or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Software is generally amortized over a three - five year useful life.
Intangible assets recognized by the Company included the following (excluding goodwill):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
Useful Life
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
(In Years)
|
Distribution relationships
|
$
|
366,423
|
|
|
$
|
377,441
|
|
|
14-22
|
Trade names
|
71,918
|
|
|
78,629
|
|
|
13-17
|
Technology
|
85,454
|
|
|
93,433
|
|
|
7-14
|
Other
|
27,631
|
|
|
31,351
|
|
|
|
Total intangible assets subject to amortization
|
551,426
|
|
|
580,854
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance licenses
|
32,000
|
|
|
32,000
|
|
|
Indefinite
|
Total intangible assets
|
$
|
583,426
|
|
|
$
|
612,854
|
|
|
|
Identified intangible assets were valued using the excess earnings method, relief from royalty method or cost approach, as appropriate.
Amortizable intangible assets will be amortized straight line over their assigned useful lives. The following is a schedule of future estimated aggregate amortization expense:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
2020
|
|
$
|
54,350
|
|
2021
|
|
51,746
|
|
2022
|
|
48,206
|
|
2023
|
|
46,519
|
|
2024
|
|
45,406
|
|
Property and Equipment
In conjunction with the Merger, property and equipment was recorded at fair value as of the Merger date and will be depreciated from this basis in future periods based on the respective estimated useful lives. Real estate assets were recorded at appraised values as of the acquisition date. The Company has estimated the remaining useful life of the home office building, as of the date of the Merger, to be 25 years. Land is not depreciated.
The Company depreciates its assets using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company’s furniture is depreciated over a ten year useful life, office equipment and machines are depreciated over a five year useful life, and computers are depreciated over a four year useful life. Major repairs or improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Other repairs are expensed as incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of property and equipment sold or retired are removed from the accounts, and resulting gains or losses are included in income.
In 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU” or “Update”) No. 2016-02 - Leases which addressed certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases. The Update required all leases with terms greater than 12 months to be recorded on the balance sheet in the form of a lease asset and liability. The Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption, January 1, 2019, establishing a right of use asset and lease liability of $18.2 million on its consolidated balance sheet reflected in the property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and other liabilities line items, respectively.
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Home office building
|
$
|
153,456
|
|
|
$
|
144,669
|
|
Data processing equipment
|
37,303
|
|
|
28,793
|
|
Capital leases
|
24,941
|
|
|
1,863
|
|
Other, principally furniture and equipment
|
20,482
|
|
|
14,587
|
|
Total property and equipment subject to depreciation
|
236,182
|
|
|
189,912
|
|
Accumulated depreciation
|
(49,357)
|
|
|
(30,989)
|
|
Land
|
24,920
|
|
|
24,920
|
|
Total property and equipment
|
$
|
211,745
|
|
|
$
|
183,843
|
|
Separate Accounts
The separate account assets represent funds for which the Company does not bear the investment risk. These assets are carried at fair value and are equal to the separate account liabilities, which represent the policyholder’s equity in those assets. The investment income and investment gains and losses on the separate account assets accrue directly to the policyholder. These amounts are reported separately as assets and liabilities related to separate accounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Amounts assessed against policy account balances for the costs of insurance, policy administration, and other services are included in premiums and policy fees in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Fees are generally based on the daily net assets of the policyholder’s account value and recognized as revenue when assessed. Beginning in 2019, assets and liabilities related to separate accounts include balances related to separate accounts assumed through reinsurance. These balances relate to variable annuity and variable life policies that we have reinsured on a modified coinsurance basis.
Stable Value Product Account Balances
The Stable Value Products segment sells fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to qualified institutional investors. The segment also issues funding agreements to the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), and markets guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans. GICs are contracts which specify a return on deposits for a specified period and often provide flexibility for withdrawals at book value in keeping with the benefits provided by the plan.
The Company records its stable value contract liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets in stable value product account balances at the deposit amount plus accrued interest, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount. Interest on the contracts is accrued based upon contract terms. Any premium or discount is amortized using the effective yield method.
The segment’s products complement the Company’s overall asset/liability management in that the terms may be tailored to the needs of the Company as the seller of the contracts. Stable value product account balances include GICs and funding agreements the Company has issued. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had $3,876.6 million and $4,083.8 million, respectively, of stable value product account balances marketed through structured programs. Most of the Company’s outstanding GICs and funding agreements have maturities of one to twelve years.
As of December 31, 2019, future maturities of stable value products were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year of Maturity
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
2020
|
|
$
|
1,765.2
|
|
2021 - 2022
|
|
2,535.1
|
|
2023 - 2024
|
|
1,029.1
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
114.0
|
|
Derivative Financial Instruments
GAAP requires that all derivative instruments be recognized in the balance sheet at fair value. The Company records its derivative financial instruments in the consolidated balance sheet in other long-term investments and other liabilities. The change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments is reported either in the statement of income or in the statement of
other comprehensive income (loss), depending upon whether the derivative instrument qualified for and also has been properly identified as being part of a hedging relationship, and also on the type of hedging relationship that exists. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of their gain or loss is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged item impacts earnings. Any remaining gain or loss, the ineffective portion, is recognized in current earnings. For fair value hedge derivatives, their gain or loss as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings. Effectiveness of the Company’s hedge relationships is assessed on a quarterly basis. The Company reports changes in fair values of derivatives that are not part of a qualifying hedge relationship in earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are recognized in current earnings are reported in Realized investment gains (losses). For additional information, see Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments.
Insurance Liabilities and Reserves
Establishing an adequate liability for the Company’s obligations to policyholders requires the use of certain assumptions. Estimating liabilities for future policy benefits on life and health insurance products requires the use of assumptions relative to future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency, and other assumptions based on the Company’s historical experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. Determining liabilities for the Company’s property and casualty insurance products also requires the use of assumptions, including the projected levels of used vehicle prices, the frequency and severity of claims, and the effectiveness of internal processes designed to reduce the level of claims. The Company’s results depend significantly upon the extent to which its actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions the Company used in determining its reserves and pricing its products. The Company’s reserve assumptions and estimates require significant judgment and, therefore, are inherently uncertain. The Company cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts that it will pay for actual claims or the timing of those payments.
Guaranteed Living Withdrawal Benefits
The Company also establishes reserves for guaranteed living withdrawal benefits (“GLWB”) on its variable annuity (“VA”) products. The GLWB is valued in accordance with FASB guidance under the ASC Derivatives and Hedging Topic which utilizes the valuation technique prescribed by the ASC Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic, which requires the embedded derivative to be recorded at fair value using current interest rates and implied volatilities for the equity indices. The fair value of the GLWB is impacted by equity market conditions and can result in the GLWB embedded derivative being in an overall net asset or net liability position. In times of favorable equity market conditions the likelihood and severity of claims is reduced and expected fee income increases. Since claims are generally expected later than fees, these favorable equity market conditions can result in the present value of fees being greater than the present value of claims, which results in a net GLWB embedded derivative asset. In times of unfavorable equity market conditions the likelihood and severity of claims is increased and expected fee income decreases and can result in the present value of claims exceeding the present value of fees resulting in a net GLWB embedded derivative liability. The methods used to estimate the embedded derivative employ assumptions about mortality, lapses, policyholder behavior, equity market returns, interest rates, and market volatility. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the Ruark 2015 ALB table adjusted for company experience. Differences between the actual experience and the assumptions used result in variances in profit and could result in losses. The Company reinsures certain risks associated with the GLWB to Shades Creek Captive Insurance (“Shades Creek”), a direct wholly owned insurance subsidiary of PLC. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s net GLWB liability held, including the impact of reinsurance, was $186.0 million and $43.3 million, respectively.
Goodwill
The balance recognized as goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently as events or circumstances may warrant, including those circumstances which would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the Company’s reporting units below its carrying amount. Accounting for goodwill requires an estimate of the future profitability of the associated lines of business within the Company’s operating segments to assess the recoverability of the capitalized goodwill. The Company’s material goodwill balances are attributable to certain of its operating segments (which are each considered to be reporting units). The Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill at the segment (or reporting unit) level at least annually and between annual evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to: 1) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in business climate, 2) unanticipated competition, or 3) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. When evaluating whether goodwill is impaired, the Company first determines through qualitative analysis whether relevant events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that segment goodwill balances are impaired as of the testing date. If the qualitative analysis does not indicate that an impairment of segment goodwill is more likely than not then no other specific quantitative impairment testing is required.
If it is determined that it is more likely than not that impairment exists, the Company performs a quantitative assessment and compares its estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company utilizes a fair value measurement (which includes a discounted cash flows analysis) to assess the carrying value of the reporting units in consideration of the recoverability of the goodwill balance assigned to each reporting unit as of the measurement date. The cash flows used to determine the fair value of the Company’s reporting units are dependent on a number of significant assumptions. The Company’s estimates, which consider a market participant view of fair value, are subject to change given the inherent uncertainty in predicting future results and cash flows, which are impacted by such things as policyholder behavior, competitor pricing, capital limitations, new product introductions, and specific industry and market conditions.
Income Taxes
The Company's income tax returns are included in PLC's consolidated U.S. income tax return.
On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”). Further information on the tax impacts of the Tax Reform Act is included in Note 19, Income Taxes.
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Generally, most items in pretax book income are also included in taxable income in the same year. However, some items are recognized for book purposes and for tax purposes in different years or are never recognized for either book or tax purposes. Those differences that will never be recognized for either book or tax purposes are permanent differences (e.g., the investment income not subject to tax). As a result, the effective tax rate reflected in the financial statements may differ from the statutory rate reflected in the tax return. Those differences that are reported in different years for book and tax purposes are temporary and will reverse over time (e.g., the valuation of future policy benefits). These temporary differences are accounted for in the intervening periods as deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets generally represent revenue that is taxable before it is recognized in financial income and expenses that are deductible after they are recognized in financial income. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent revenues that are taxable after they are recognized in financial income or expenses or losses that are deductible before they are recognized in financial income. Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) are presented net of tax, and it is the Company's policy to use the aggregate portfolio approach to clear the disproportionate tax effects that remain in AOCI as a result of tax rate changes and certain other events. Under the aggregate portfolio approach, disproportionate tax effects are cleared only when the portfolio of investments that gave rise to the deferred tax item is sold or otherwise disposed of in its entirety.
The application of GAAP requires the Company to evaluate the recoverability of the Company’s deferred tax assets and establish a valuation allowance, if necessary, to reduce the Company’s deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Considerable judgment is required in determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary, and if so, the amount of such valuation allowance. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance the Company may consider many factors, including: (1) the nature of the deferred tax assets and liabilities; (2) whether they are ordinary or capital; (3) in which tax jurisdictions they were generated and the timing of their reversal; (4) taxable income in prior carryback years as well as projected taxable earnings exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; (5) the length of time that carryovers can be utilized in the various taxing jurisdictions; (6) any unique tax rules that would impact the utilization of the deferred tax assets; and (7) any tax planning strategies that the Company would employ to avoid a tax benefit from expiring unused. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, will be realized.
GAAP prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on tax returns. The application of this guidance is a two-step process, the first step being recognition. The Company determines whether it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. If a tax position does not meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in the financial statements. The second step is measurement. The Company measures the tax position as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. This measurement considers the amounts and probabilities of the outcomes that could be realized upon ultimate settlement using the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date.
The Company’s liability for income taxes includes the liability for unrecognized tax benefits which relate to tax years still subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or other taxing jurisdictions. Audit periods remain open for review until the statute of limitations expires. Generally, for tax years which produce net operating losses, capital losses or tax credit carryforwards, the statute of limitations does not close until the expiration of the statute of limitations for the tax year in
which they are fully utilized. The completion of review or the expiration of the statute of limitations for a given audit period could result in an adjustment to the liability for income taxes. The Company classifies all interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties as income tax expense. See Note 19, Income Taxes, for additional information regarding income taxes.
Variable Interest Entities
The Company holds certain investments in entities in which its ownership interests could possibly be considered variable interests under Topic 810 of the FASB ASC (excluding debt and equity securities held as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity). The Company reviews the characteristics of each of these applicable entities and compares those characteristics to applicable criteria to determine whether the entity is a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). If the entity is determined to be a VIE, the Company then performs a detailed review to determine whether the interest would be considered a variable interest under the guidance. The Company then performs a qualitative review of all variable interests with the entity and determines whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. ASC 810 provides that an entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE if the entity has 1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and 2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE, which is recorded on the balance sheet as fixed maturities at amortized cost. For more information on the Company’s investment in a VIE refer to Note 5, Investment Operations, to the consolidated financial statements.
Policyholder Liabilities, Revenues, and Benefits Expense
Future Policy Benefits and Claims
Future policy benefit liabilities for the years indicated are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
|
Total Policy Liabilities
and Accruals
|
|
|
|
Reinsurance
Receivable
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life and annuity benefit reserves
|
|
$
|
52,478,019
|
|
|
$
|
40,883,229
|
|
|
$
|
3,279,374
|
|
|
$
|
3,573,500
|
|
Unpaid life claim liabilities
|
|
810,585
|
|
|
654,077
|
|
|
373,942
|
|
|
383,620
|
|
Life and annuity future policy benefits
|
|
53,288,604
|
|
|
41,537,306
|
|
|
3,653,316
|
|
|
3,957,120
|
|
Other policy benefits reserves
|
|
422,579
|
|
|
142,855
|
|
|
69,316
|
|
|
80,688
|
|
Other policy benefits unpaid claim liabilities
|
|
232,779
|
|
|
220,457
|
|
|
170,603
|
|
|
175,591
|
|
Future policy benefits and claims and associated reinsurance receivable
|
|
$
|
53,943,962
|
|
|
$
|
41,900,618
|
|
|
$
|
3,893,235
|
|
|
$
|
4,213,399
|
|
Unearned premiums
|
|
794,832
|
|
|
769,620
|
|
|
287,865
|
|
|
272,630
|
|
Total policy liabilities and accruals and associated reinsurance receivable
|
|
$
|
54,738,794
|
|
|
$
|
42,670,238
|
|
|
$
|
4,181,100
|
|
|
$
|
4,486,029
|
|
Liabilities for life and annuity benefit reserves consist of liabilities for traditional life insurance, cash values associated with universal life insurance, immediate annuity benefit reserves, and other benefits associated with life and annuity benefits. The unpaid life claim liabilities consist of current pending claims as well as an estimate of incurred but not reported life insurance claims.
Other policy benefit reserves consist of certain health insurance policies that are in runoff. The unpaid claim liabilities associated with other policy benefits includes current pending claims, the present value of estimated future claim payments for policies currently receiving benefits and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported.
Traditional Life, Health, and Credit Insurance Products
Traditional life insurance products consist principally of those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, and they include whole life insurance policies, term and term-like life insurance policies, limited payment life insurance policies, and certain annuities with life contingencies. In accordance with ASC 805, the liabilities for future policy benefits on traditional life insurance products, when combined with the associated VOBA, were recorded at fair value on the date of the Merger. These values, subsequent to the Merger, are computed using assumptions that include interest rates, mortality, lapse rates, expense estimates, and other assumptions based on the Company’s experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation.
Liabilities for future policy benefits on traditional life insurance products have been computed using a net level method including assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, persistency, and other assumptions based on the Company’s experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. Reserve investment yield assumptions on December 31, 2019, range from approximately 2.50% to 5.50%. The liability for future policy benefits and claims on traditional life, health, and credit insurance products includes estimated unpaid claims that have been reported to us and claims incurred but not yet reported. Policy claims are charged to expense in the period in which the claims are incurred.
Traditional life insurance premiums are recognized as revenue when due. Health and credit insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the terms of the policies. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so that profits are recognized over the life of the contracts. This is accomplished by means of the provision for liabilities for future policy benefits and the amortization of DAC and VOBA. Gross premiums in excess of net premiums related to immediate annuities are deferred and recognized over the life of the policy.
Universal Life and Investment Products
Universal life and investment products include universal life insurance, guaranteed investment contracts, guaranteed funding agreements, deferred annuities, and annuities without life contingencies. Premiums and policy fees for universal life and investment products consist of fees that have been assessed against policy account balances for the costs of insurance, policy administration, and surrenders. Such fees are recognized when assessed and earned. Benefit reserves for universal life and investment products represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges plus certain deferred policy initiation fees that are recognized in income over the term of the policies. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances and interest credited to policy account balances. Interest rates credited to universal life products ranged from 1.0% to 8.75% and investment products ranged from 0.18% to 11.25% in 2019.
The Company establishes liabilities for fixed indexed annuity (“FIA”) products. These products are deferred fixed annuities with a guaranteed minimum interest rate plus a contingent return based on equity market performance. The FIA product is considered a hybrid financial instrument under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”) Topic 815 - Derivatives and Hedging which allows the Company to make the election to value the liabilities of these FIA products at fair value. This election was made for the FIA products issued prior to 2010 as the policies were issued. These products are no longer being marketed. The future changes in the fair value of the liability for these FIA products are recorded in Benefit and settlement expenses with the liability being recorded in Annuity account balances. For more information regarding the determination of fair value of annuity account balances please refer to Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Premiums and policy fees for these FIA products consist of fees that have been assessed against the policy account balances for surrenders. Such fees are recognized when assessed and earned.
The Company currently markets a deferred fixed annuity with a guaranteed minimum interest rate plus a contingent return based on equity market performance and the products are considered hybrid financial instruments under the FASB’s ASC Topic 815 - Derivatives and Hedging. The Company did not elect to value these FIA products at fair value. As a result, the Company accounts for the provision that provides for a contingent return based on equity market performance as an embedded derivative. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and recorded at fair value in Other liabilities. Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative are recorded in Realized investment gains (losses). For more information regarding the determination of fair value of the FIA embedded derivative refer to Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The host contract is accounted for as a UL - Type insurance contract in accordance with ASC Topic 944 -Financial Services-Insurance and is recorded in Annuity account balances with any discount to the minimum account value being accreted using the effective yield method.
The Company markets universal life products with a guaranteed minimum interest rate plus a contingent return based on equity market performance and the products are considered hybrid financial instruments under the FASB’s ASC Topic 815 - Derivatives and Hedging. The Company did not elect to value these indexed universal life (“IUL”) products at fair value prior to the Merger date. As a result, the Company accounts for the provision that provides for a contingent return based on equity market performance as an embedded derivative. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and recorded at fair value in Other liabilities. Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative are recorded in Realized investment gains (losses). For more information regarding the determination of fair value of the IUL embedded derivative refer to Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The host contract is accounted for as a debt instrument in accordance with ASC Topic 944 - Financial Services - Insurance and is recorded in Future policy benefits and claims with any discount to the minimum account value being accreted using the effective yield method. Benefits and settlement expenses include accrued interest and benefit claims incurred during the period.
The Company’s accounting policies with respect to variable universal life (“VUL”) and VA are identical to those noted above for universal life and investment products except that policy account balances (excluding account balances that earn a fixed rate) are valued at fair value and reported as components of assets and liabilities related to separate accounts.
The Company establishes liabilities for guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) on its VA products. The methods used to estimate the liabilities employ assumptions about mortality and the performance of equity markets. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the Ruark 2015 ALB table adjusted for company experience. Future declines in the equity market would increase the Company’s GMDB liability. Differences between the actual experience and the assumptions used result in variances in profit and could result in losses. Our GMDB, as of December 31, 2019, is subject to a dollar-for-dollar reduction upon withdrawal of related annuity deposits on contracts issued prior to January 1, 2003. The Company reinsures certain risks associated with the GMDB to Shades Creek. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the GMDB reserve, including the impact of reinsurance, was $30.2 million and $34.7 million.
Property and Casualty Insurance Products
Property and casualty insurance products include service contract business, surety bonds, and guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”). Premiums and fees associated with service contracts and GAP products are recognized based on expected claim patterns. For all other products, premiums are generally recognized over the terms of the contract on a pro-rata basis. Commissions and fee income associated with other products are recognized as earned when the related services are provided to the customer. Unearned premium reserves are maintained for the portion of the premiums that is related to the unexpired period of the policy. Such reserves are computed by pro rata methods or methods related to anticipated claims. Benefit reserves are recorded when insured events occur. Benefit reserves include case basis reserves for known but unpaid claims as of the balance sheet date as well as incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves for claims where the insured event has occurred but has not been reported to the Company as of the balance sheet date. The case basis reserves and IBNR are calculated based on historical experience and on assumptions relating to claim severity and frequency, the level of used vehicle prices, and other factors. These assumptions are modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends.
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In consideration of the amendments in this Update, the Company revised its recognition pattern for administrative fees associated with certain vehicle service and GAP products. Previously, these fees were recognized based on the work effort involved in satisfying the Company’s contract obligations. The Company has recognized these fees on a claims occurrence basis in future periods. To reflect this change in accounting principle, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment as of January 1, 2018 that resulted in a decrease in retained earnings of $90.0 million. The pre-tax impact to each affected line item on the Company’s financial statements is reflected in the table below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
As Reported
|
|
Previous Accounting
Method
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
Financial Statement Line Item:
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet
|
|
|
|
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
|
$
|
3,026.3
|
|
|
$
|
2,887.3
|
|
Other liabilities
|
$
|
1,939.7
|
|
|
$
|
1,683.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
As Reported
|
|
Previous Accounting
Method
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
Financial Statement Line Item:
|
|
|
|
Statements of Income
|
|
|
|
Other income
|
$
|
321.0
|
|
|
$
|
322.1
|
|
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
|
$
|
226.1
|
|
|
$
|
178.1
|
|
Other operating expenses, net of reinsurance ceded
|
$
|
774.1
|
|
|
$
|
825.1
|
|
Reinsurance
The Company uses reinsurance extensively in certain of its segments and accounts for reinsurance and the recognition of the impact of reinsurance costs in accordance with the ASC Financial Services - Insurance Topic. The following summarizes some of the key aspects of the Company’s accounting policies for reinsurance.
Reinsurance Accounting Methodology—Ceded premiums of the Company’s traditional life insurance products are treated as an offset to direct premium and policy fee revenue and are recognized when due to the assuming company. Ceded claims are treated as an offset to direct benefits and settlement expenses and are recognized when the claim is incurred on a direct basis. Ceded policy reserve changes are also treated as an offset to benefits and settlement expenses and are recognized during the applicable financial reporting period. Expense allowances paid by the assuming companies which are allocable to the current period are treated as an offset to other operating expenses. Since reinsurance treaties typically provide for allowance percentages that decrease over the lifetime of a policy, allowances in excess of the “ultimate” or final level allowance are capitalized. Amortization of capitalized reinsurance expense allowances representing recovery of acquisition costs is treated as an offset to direct amortization of DAC or VOBA. Amortization of deferred expense allowances is calculated as a level percentage of expected premiums in all durations given expected future lapses and mortality and accretion due to interest.
The Company utilizes reinsurance on certain short duration insurance contracts (primarily issued through the Asset Protection segment). As part of these reinsurance transactions the Company receives reinsurance allowances which reimburse the Company for acquisition costs such as commissions and premium taxes. A ceding fee is also collected to cover other administrative costs and profits for the Company. As a component of reinsurance costs, reinsurance allowances are accounted for in accordance with the relevant provisions of ASC Financial Services—Insurance Topic, which state that reinsurance costs should be amortized over the contract period of the reinsurance if the contract is short-duration. Accordingly, reinsurance allowances received related to short-duration contracts are capitalized and charged to expense in proportion to premiums earned. Ceded unamortized acquisition costs are netted with direct unamortized acquisition costs in the balance sheet.
Ceded premiums and policy fees on the Company’s fixed universal life (“UL”), VUL, bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”), and annuity products reduce premiums and policy fees recognized by the Company. Ceded claims are treated as an offset to direct benefits and settlement expenses and are recognized when the claim is incurred on a direct basis. Ceded policy reserve changes are also treated as an offset to benefits and settlement expenses and are recognized during the applicable valuation period.
Since reinsurance treaties typically provide for allowance percentages that decrease over the lifetime of a policy, allowances in excess of the “ultimate” or final level allowance are capitalized. Amortization of capitalized reinsurance expense allowances are amortized based on future expected gross profits. Assumptions regarding mortality, lapses, and interest rates are continuously reviewed and may be periodically changed. These changes will result in “unlocking” that changes the balance in the ceded deferred acquisition cost and can affect the amortization of DAC and VOBA. Ceded unearned revenue liabilities are also amortized based on expected gross profits. Assumptions are based on the best current estimate of expected mortality, lapses and interest spread.
The Company has also assumed certain policy risks written by other insurance companies through reinsurance agreements. Premiums and policy fees as well as Benefits and settlement expenses include amounts assumed under reinsurance agreements and are net of reinsurance ceded. Assumed reinsurance is accounted for in accordance with ASC Financial Services—Insurance Topic.
Reinsurance Allowances—Long-Duration Contracts—Reinsurance allowances are intended to reimburse the ceding company for some portion of the ceding company’s commissions, expenses, and taxes. The amount and timing of reinsurance allowances (both first year and renewal allowances) are contractually determined by the applicable reinsurance contract and do not necessarily bear a relationship to the amount and incidence of expenses actually paid by the ceding company in any given year.
Ultimate reinsurance allowances are defined as the lowest allowance percentage paid by the reinsurer in any policy duration over the lifetime of a universal life policy (or through the end of the level term period for a traditional life policy). Ultimate reinsurance allowances are determined during the negotiation of each reinsurance agreement and will differ between agreements.
The Company determines its “cost of reinsurance” to include amounts paid to the reinsurer (ceded premiums) net of amounts reimbursed by the reinsurer (in the form of allowances). As noted within ASC Financial Services—Insurance Topic, “The difference, if any, between amounts paid for a reinsurance contract and the amount of the liabilities for policy benefits relating to the underlying reinsured contracts is part of the estimated cost to be amortized”. The Company’s policy is to amortize the cost of reinsurance over the life of the underlying reinsured contracts (for long-duration policies) in a manner consistent with the way in which benefits and expenses on the underlying contracts are recognized. For the Company’s long-duration contracts, it is the Company’s practice to defer reinsurance allowances as a component of the cost of reinsurance and
recognize the portion related to the recovery of acquisition costs as a reduction of applicable unamortized acquisition costs in such a manner that net acquisition costs are capitalized and charged to expense in proportion to net revenue recognized. The remaining balance of reinsurance allowances are included as a component of the cost of reinsurance and those allowances which are allocable to the current period are recorded as an offset to operating expenses in the current period consistent with the recognition of benefits and expenses on the underlying reinsured contracts. This practice is consistent with the Company’s practice of capitalizing direct expenses (e.g. commissions), and results in the recognition of reinsurance allowances on a systematic basis over the life of the reinsured policies on a basis consistent with the way in which acquisition costs on the underlying reinsured contracts would be recognized. In some cases reinsurance allowances allocable to the current period may exceed non-deferred direct costs, which may cause net other operating expenses (related to specific contracts) to be negative.
Amortization of Reinsurance Allowances—Reinsurance allowances do not affect the methodology used to amortize DAC and VOBA, or the period over which such DAC and VOBA are amortized. Reinsurance allowances offset the direct expenses capitalized, reducing the net amount that is capitalized. DAC and VOBA on traditional life policies are amortized based on the pattern of estimated gross premiums of the policies in force. Reinsurance allowances do not affect the gross premiums, so therefore they do not impact traditional life amortization patterns. DAC and VOBA on universal life products are amortized based on the pattern of estimated gross profits of the policies in force. Reinsurance allowances are considered in the determination of estimated gross profits, and therefore do impact amortization patterns.
Reinsurance Assets and Liabilities—Claim liabilities and policy benefits are calculated consistently for all policies, regardless of whether or not the policy is reinsured. Once the claim liabilities and policy benefits for the underlying policies are estimated, the amounts recoverable from the reinsurers are estimated based on a number of factors including the terms of the reinsurance contracts, historical payment patterns of reinsurance partners, and the financial strength and credit worthiness of reinsurance partners and recorded as Reinsurance receivables on the balance sheet. The reinsurance receivables as of the Merger date, were recorded in the balance sheet using current accounting policies and the most current assumptions. As of the Merger date, the Company also calculated the ceded VOBA associated with the reinsured policies. The reinsurance receivables combined with the associated ceded VOBA represent the fair value of the reinsurance assets as of the Merger date.
Liabilities for unpaid reinsurance claims are produced from claims and reinsurance system records, which contain the relevant terms of the individual reinsurance contracts. The Company monitors claims due from reinsurers to ensure that balances are settled on a timely basis. Incurred but not reported claims are reviewed to ensure that appropriate amounts are ceded.
The Company analyzes and monitors the credit worthiness of each of its reinsurance partners to minimize collection issues. For newly executed reinsurance contracts with reinsurance companies that do not meet predetermined standards, the Company requires collateral such as assets held in trusts or letters of credit.
Components of Reinsurance Cost—The following income statement lines are affected by reinsurance cost:
Premiums and policy fees (“reinsurance ceded” on the Company’s financial statements) represent consideration paid to the assuming company for accepting the ceding company’s risks. Ceded premiums and policy fees increase reinsurance cost.
Benefits and settlement expenses include incurred claim amounts ceded and changes in ceded policy reserves. Ceded benefits and settlement expenses decrease reinsurance cost.
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition cost and VOBA reflects the amortization of capitalized reinsurance allowances representing recovery of acquisition costs. Ceded amortization decreases reinsurance cost.
Other expenses include reinsurance allowances paid by assuming companies to the Company less amounts representing recovery of acquisition costs. Reinsurance allowances decrease reinsurance cost.
The Company’s reinsurance programs do not materially impact the other income line of the Company’s income statement. In addition, net investment income generally has no direct impact on the Company’s reinsurance cost. However, it should be noted that by ceding business to the assuming companies, the Company forgoes investment income on the reserves ceded to the assuming companies. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business assumed from the Company.
Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted
ASU No. 2016-02 - Leases. The amendments in this Update address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases. The most significant change relates to the accounting model used by lessees. The Update requires all leases with terms greater than 12 months to be recorded on the balance sheet in the form of a lease asset and liability. The lease asset and liability are measured at the present value of the minimum lease payments less any upfront payments or fees. The amendments in the Update became effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December
15, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis. The Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption, January 1, 2019, establishing a right of use asset and lease liability of $18.2 million on its consolidated balance sheet reflected in the property and equipment and other liabilities, net of accumulated depreciation line items, respectively.
ASU No. 2017-08 - Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in this Update require that premiums on callable debt securities be amortized to the first call date. This is a change from previous guidance, under which premiums are amortized to the maturity date of the security. The amendments became effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment as of the adoption date, January 1, 2019, resulting in a $50.8 million reduction to retained earnings, net of income tax.
ASU No. 2017-12 - Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this Update are designed to permit hedge accounting to be applied to a broader range of hedging strategies as well as to more closely align hedge accounting and risk management objectives. Specific provisions include requiring changes in the fair value of a hedging instrument be recorded in the same income statement line as the hedged item when it affects earnings. In addition, after a hedge has initially qualified as an effective hedge, the Update permits the use of a qualitative hedge effectiveness test in subsequent periods. The amendments in this Update became effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. At adoption, January 1, 2019, this standard did not have an impact on the Company's operations or financial results.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
ASU No. 2016-13 - Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments in this Update introduce a new current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model for certain financial assets, including mortgage loans and reinsurance receivables. The new model will not apply to debt securities classified as available-for-sale. For assets within the scope of the new model, an entity will recognize as an allowance against earnings its estimate of the contractual cash flows not expected to be collected on day one of the asset’s acquisition. The allowance may be reversed through earnings if a security recovers in value. This differs from the current impairment model, which requires recognition of credit losses when they have been incurred and recognizes a security’s subsequent recovery in value in other comprehensive income. The Update also makes targeted changes to the current impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities, which comprise the majority of the Company’s invested assets. Similar to the CECL model, credit loss impairments will be recorded in an allowance against earnings that may be reversed for subsequent recoveries in value. The amendments in this Update, along with related amendments in ASU No. 2018-19, ASU No. 2019-04, and ASU No. 2019-11 - Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis. A vendor-provided credit loss model will be used to measure the allowance for the majority of the Company’s commercial mortgage loans and unfunded mortgage loan commitments, and the Company will use an internally-developed model to measure the allowance for amounts recoverable from reinsurers. The Company has completed the development and testing of the models to calculate the allowance for credit losses for these assets, and implemented new processes and controls with respect to the measurement and recognition of the allowance and related disclosures. Based on current estimates, the Company expects that the cumulative effect adjustment reported in its first quarter 2020 financial statements will reflect a reduction in retained earnings of approximately $172.0 million, excluding the offsetting impact to deferred taxes, DAC, VOBA, and other items.
ASU No. 2018-12 - Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts. The amendments in this Update are designed to make improvements to the existing recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure requirements for certain long-duration contracts issued by an insurance company. The new amendments require insurance entities to provide a more current measure of the liability for future policy benefits for traditional and limited-payment contracts by regularly refining the liability for actual past experience and updated future assumptions. This differs from current requirements where assumptions are locked-in at contract issuance for these contract types. In addition, the updated liability will be discounted using an upper-medium grade (low-credit-risk) fixed income instrument yield that reflects the characteristics of the liability which differs from currently used rates based on the invested assets supporting the liability. In addition, the amendments introduce new requirements to assess market-based insurance contract options and guarantees for Market Risk Benefits and measure them at fair value. This Update also requires insurance entities to amortize deferred acquisition costs on a constant-level basis over the expected life of the contract. Finally this Update requires new disclosures including liability rollforwards and information about significant inputs, judgments, assumptions, and methods used in the measurement. The amendments in this Update were originally effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2020. However, in November 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU No. 2019-09 – Financial Services – Insurance (Topic 944): Effective Date which extended the implementation deadline by one year
to periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company is currently reviewing its policies, processes, and applicable systems to determine the impact this standard will have on its operations and financial results.
ASU No. 2019-12 – Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The amendments in this Update remove certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 related to intraperiod tax allocations, interim tax calculations, and outside basis differences. The amendments also clarify and amend guidance in certain other areas of Topic 740 in order to eliminate diversity in practice. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is reviewing its accounting policies and processes to ensure compliance with the revised guidance, upon adoption.
3. SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS
On May 1, 2018, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“Lincoln Life”) completed the acquisition (the “Closing”) of Liberty Mutual Group Inc.’s (“Liberty Mutual”) Group Benefits Business and Individual Life and Annuity Business (the “Liberty Individual Life Business”) through the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston (“Liberty”). In connection with the Closing and pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, dated January 18, 2018 (the “Liberty Master Transaction Agreement”) the Company and Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“PLAIC”), a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into reinsurance agreements (the “Reinsurance Agreements”) and related ancillary documents (including administrative services agreements and transition services agreements) providing for the reinsurance and administration of the Liberty Individual Life Business.
Pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreements, Liberty ceded to the Company and PLAIC the insurance policies related to the Life Business on a 100% coinsurance basis. The aggregate ceding commission for the reinsurance of the Life Business was $422.4 million, which is the purchase price.
All policies issued in states other than New York were ceded to the Company under a reinsurance agreement between Liberty and the Company, and all policies issued in New York were ceded to PLAIC under a reinsurance agreement between Liberty and PLAIC. The aggregate statutory reserves of Liberty ceded to the Company and PLAIC as of the closing of the Transaction were approximately $13.2 billion, which amount was based on initial estimates. The final reserve amount determined on a GAAP basis, as adjusted during the measurement period, was $13.7 billion. Pursuant to the terms of the Liberty Reinsurance Agreements, each of the Company and PLAIC are required to maintain assets in trust for the benefit of Liberty to secure their respective obligations to Liberty under the Liberty Reinsurance Agreements. The trust accounts were initially funded by each of the Company and PLAIC principally with the investment assets that were received from Liberty. Additionally, the Company and PLAIC have each agreed to provide, on behalf of Liberty, administration and policyholder servicing of the Life Business reinsured by it pursuant to administrative services agreements between Liberty and each of the Company and PLAIC.
The terms of the Reinsurance Agreements resulted in an acquisition of the Life Business by the Company in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations.
The following table details the purchase consideration and allocation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Life Business reinsurance transaction as of the transaction date.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value
As of
May 1, 2018
|
|
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
Assets
|
|
Fixed maturities
|
$
|
12,588,512
|
|
Mortgage loans
|
435,405
|
|
Policy loans
|
131,489
|
|
Total investments
|
13,155,406
|
|
Cash
|
38,457
|
|
Accrued investment income
|
152,030
|
|
Reinsurance receivables
|
272
|
|
Value of business acquired
|
374,739
|
|
Other assets
|
916
|
|
Total assets
|
13,721,820
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
Future policy benefits and claims
|
$
|
11,750,196
|
|
Unearned premiums
|
—
|
|
Total policy liabilities and accruals
|
11,750,196
|
|
Annuity account balances
|
1,864,141
|
|
Other policyholders’ funds
|
41,936
|
|
Other liabilities
|
65,547
|
|
Total liabilities
|
13,721,820
|
|
Net assets acquired
|
$
|
—
|
|
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations assumes that the aforementioned transactions of the Life Business were completed as of January 1, 2017. The unaudited pro forma condensed results of operations are presented solely for information purposes and are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated condensed results of operations that might have been achieved had the transaction been completed as of the date indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended
December 31, 2018
|
|
For The Year Ended
December 31, 2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
$
|
5,082,755
|
|
|
$
|
5,548,132
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
240,071
|
|
|
$
|
1,309,876
|
|
The amount of revenue and income before income tax of the Life Business since the transaction date, May 1, 2018, included in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2018, amounted to $578.0 million and $49.8 million, respectively. Also, included in the income before income tax for the year ended December 31, 2018, is approximately $5.5 million of non-recurring transaction costs.
Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company
On January 23, 2019, the Company entered into a Master Transaction Agreement (the “GWL&A Master Transaction Agreement”) with Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company (“GWL&A”), Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company of New York (“GWL&A of NY”), The Canada Life Assurance Company (“CLAC”) and The Great-West Life Assurance Company (“GWL” and, together with GWL&A, GWL&A of NY and CLAC, the “Sellers”), pursuant to which the Company will acquire via reinsurance (the “Transaction”) substantially all of the Sellers’ individual life insurance and annuity business (the “GW Individual Life Business”).
On June 3, 2019, the Company and PLAIC completed the Transaction (the “GWL&A Closing”). Pursuant to the GWL&A Master Transaction Agreement, the Company and PLAIC entered into reinsurance agreements (the “GWL&A Reinsurance Agreements”) and related ancillary documents at the GWL&A Closing. On the terms and subject to the conditions
of the GWL&A Reinsurance Agreements, the Sellers ceded to the Company and PLAIC, effective as of the date of the GWL&A Closing, substantially all of the insurance policies related to the Individual Life Business on a 100% indemnity basis net of reinsurance recoveries. The aggregate ceding commission for the reinsurance of the Individual Life Business paid at the GWL&A Closing was $765.7 million, which amount is subject to adjustment in accordance with the GWL&A Master Transaction Agreement. All policies issued in states other than New York were ceded to the Company under reinsurance agreements between the applicable Seller and the Company, and all policies issued in New York were ceded to PLAIC under a reinsurance agreement between GWL&A of NY and PLAIC. The aggregate statutory reserves of the Sellers ceded to the Company and PLAIC as of the GWL&A Closing were approximately $20.4 billion, which amount was based on initial estimates and is subject to adjustment following the GWL&A Closing. To support its obligations under the GWL&A Reinsurance Agreements, the Company established trust accounts for the benefit of GWL&A, CLAC and GWL, and PLAIC established a trust account for the benefit of GWL&A of NY. The Sellers retained a block of participating policies, which will be administered by PLC.
As of the purchase date, the Company recorded an estimate in the amount of $49.5 million related to contingent consideration. The final ceding commission will be adjusted based on any changes in contingent consideration. These amounts are accrued within other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated condensed balance sheet.
The contingent consideration is comprised of a holdback provision and a post-closing sales adjustment. The holdback amount is related to the performance of certain blocks of business for a specified period of time after the close of the transaction. The range of amounts payable to Great West under this provision is $0 - $40 million. The Company established a liability of $37.6 million as of the transaction date, which represents the Company's best estimate of the present value of future payments.
Great West is also entitled to a payment for certain post-closing sales occurring between June 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. The liability as of December 31, 2019 was $0.5 million, which represents the Company's best estimate of the present value of future payments.
The GWL&A Master Transaction Agreement and other transaction documents contain certain customary representations and warranties made by each of the parties, and certain customary covenants regarding the Sellers and the Individual Life Business, and provide for indemnification, among other things, for breaches of those representations, warranties, and covenants. The terms of the GWL&A Reinsurance Agreements resulted in an acquisition of the Individual Life Business by PLC in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations.
The following table details the preliminary allocation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Individual Life Business reinsurance transaction as of the date of the GWL&A Closing. The Company has not completed the process of determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, but will do so in the twelve month measurement period subsequent to the date of the GWL&A Closing. These estimates are provisional and subject to adjustment. Any adjustments to these fair value estimates will be reflected, retroactively, as of the date of the acquisition, and may result in adjustments to the value of business acquired.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value
as of
June 1, 2019
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
Fixed maturities
|
|
$
|
8,697,966
|
|
Mortgage loans
|
|
1,386,228
|
|
Policy loans
|
|
44,002
|
|
Other long-term investments
|
|
1,521,965
|
|
Total investments
|
|
11,650,161
|
|
Cash
|
|
34,835
|
|
Accrued investment income
|
|
101,452
|
|
Accounts and premiums receivable
|
|
62
|
|
Premium due and deferred
|
|
1,642
|
|
Value of business acquired
|
|
514,124
|
|
Other intangibles
|
|
21,300
|
|
Other assets
|
|
5,525
|
|
Assets related to separate accounts
|
|
9,583,217
|
|
Total assets
|
|
21,912,318
|
|
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
Future policy benefits and claims
|
|
$
|
11,000,822
|
|
Annuity account balances
|
|
220,064
|
|
Other policyholders’ funds
|
|
220,117
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
75,456
|
|
Liabilities related to separate accounts
|
|
9,583,217
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
21,099,676
|
|
NET ASSETS ACQUIRED
|
|
$
|
812,642
|
|
Assets related to separate accounts and liabilities related to separate accounts represent amounts receivable and payable for variable annuity and variable universal life products reinsured on a modified co-insurance basis.
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations assumes that the aforementioned transactions of the Individual Life Business were completed as of January 1, 2018. The unaudited pro forma condensed results of operations are presented solely for information purposes and are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated condensed results of operations that might have been achieved had the transaction been completed as of the date indicated:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended
December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
6,322,962
|
|
|
$
|
5,592,419
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
570,079
|
|
|
$
|
253,238
|
|
The amount of revenue and income before income tax of the GW Individual Life Business since the transaction date, June 1, 2019, included in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2019, amounted to $539.8 million and $98.8 million, respectively. The Company incurred approximately $12.2 million of non-recurring transaction costs for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Intangible assets recognized by the Company included the following (excluding goodwill):
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Fair Value on Acquisition Date
|
|
Estimated Useful Life
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
(In Years)
|
|
Distribution relationships
|
|
$
|
15,000
|
|
|
18
|
Technology
|
|
6,300
|
|
|
10
|
Total intangible assets
|
|
$
|
21,300
|
|
|
|
Amortizable intangible assets will be amortized on a straight line basis over their assigned useful lives. The following is a schedule of future estimated aggregate amortization expense:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
2020
|
|
$
|
1,463
|
|
2021
|
|
1,463
|
|
2022
|
|
1,463
|
|
2023
|
|
1,463
|
|
2024
|
|
1,463
|
|
Based on the balance recorded as of June 1, 2019, the expected amortization of value of business acquired ("VOBA") for the next five years is as follows:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
2020
|
|
$
|
(19,741)
|
|
2021
|
|
(12,153)
|
|
2022
|
|
(5,090)
|
|
2023
|
|
1,143
|
|
2024
|
|
6,184
|
|
VOBA is calculated at a product level and can either be positive or negative depending on the underlying fair values of the associated product lines. VOBA is amortized in accordance with ASC 944-805-35-1, which requires that the amortization should be on a basis consistent with the related reinsurance liability. As such, the net amortization related to a specific transaction in a given year can be either positive or negative as amortization patterns differ between the product lines.
4. MONY CLOSED BLOCK OF BUSINESS
In 1998, MONY Life Insurance Company (“MONY”) converted from a mutual insurance company to a stock corporation (“demutualization”). In connection with its demutualization, an accounting mechanism known as a closed block (the “Closed Block”) was established for certain individuals’ participating policies in force as of the date of demutualization. Assets, liabilities, and earnings of the Closed Block are specifically identified to support its participating policyholders. The Company acquired the Closed Block in conjunction with the acquisition of MONY in 2013.
Assets allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of each Closed Block’s policyholders and will not revert to the benefit of MONY or the Company. No reallocation, transfer, borrowing or lending of assets can be made between the Closed Block and other portions of MONY’s general account, any of MONY’s separate accounts or any affiliate of MONY without the approval of the Superintendent of The New York State Department of Financial Services (the “Superintendent”). Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities held in the general account.
The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets (adjusted to exclude the impact of related amounts in AOCI) at the acquisition date of October 1, 2013, represented the estimated maximum future post-tax earnings from the Closed Block that would be recognized in income from continuing operations over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force. In connection with the acquisition of MONY, the Company developed an actuarial calculation of the
expected timing of MONY’s Closed Block’s earnings as of October 1, 2013. Pursuant to the acquisition of the Company by Dai-ichi Life, this actuarial calculation of the expected timing of MONY’s Closed Block earnings was recalculated and reset as February 1, 2015, along with the establishment of a policyholder dividend obligation as of such date.
If the actual cumulative earnings from the Closed Block are greater than the expected cumulative earnings, only the expected earnings will be recognized in the Company’s net income. Actual cumulative earnings in excess of expected cumulative earnings at any point in time are recorded as a policyholder dividend obligation because they will ultimately be paid to Closed Block policyholders as an additional policyholder dividend, unless offset by future performance that is less favorable than originally expected. If a policyholder dividend obligation has been previously established and the actual Closed Block earnings in a subsequent period are less than the expected earnings for that period, the policyholder dividend obligation would be reduced (but not below zero). If, over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force, the actual cumulative earnings of the Closed Block are less than the expected cumulative earnings, only actual earnings would be recognized in income from continuing operations. If the Closed Block has insufficient funds to make guaranteed policy benefit payments, such payments will be made from assets outside the Closed Block.
Many expenses related to Closed Block operations, including amortization of VOBA, are charged to operations outside of the Closed Block; accordingly, net revenues of the Closed Block do not represent the actual profitability of the Closed Block operations. Operating costs and expenses outside of the Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business outside of the Closed Block.
Summarized financial information for the Closed Block as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Closed block liabilities
|
|
|
|
Future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and other policyholder liabilities
|
$
|
5,836,815
|
|
|
$
|
5,679,732
|
|
Policyholder dividend obligation
|
278,505
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other liabilities
|
11,247
|
|
|
22,505
|
|
Total closed block liabilities
|
6,126,567
|
|
|
5,702,237
|
|
Closed block assets
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value
|
4,682,731
|
|
|
4,257,437
|
|
Mortgage loans on real estate
|
72,829
|
|
|
75,838
|
|
Policy loans
|
640,134
|
|
|
672,213
|
|
Cash and other invested assets
|
44,877
|
|
|
116,225
|
|
Other assets
|
107,177
|
|
|
136,388
|
|
Total closed block assets
|
5,547,748
|
|
|
5,258,101
|
|
Excess of reported closed block liabilities over closed block assets
|
578,819
|
|
|
444,136
|
|
Portion of above representing accumulated other comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized investments gains (losses) net of policyholder dividend obligation: $167,285 and $(141,128); and net of income tax: $(35,130) and $61,676
|
—
|
|
|
(120,528)
|
|
Future earnings to be recognized from closed block assets and closed block liabilities
|
$
|
578,819
|
|
|
$
|
323,608
|
|
Reconciliation of the policyholder dividend obligation is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
Policyholder dividend obligation, beginning balance
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
160,712
|
|
Applicable to net revenue (losses)
|
(29,908)
|
|
|
(33,014)
|
|
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated to policyholder dividend obligation
|
308,413
|
|
|
(127,698)
|
|
Policyholder dividend obligation, ending balance
|
$
|
278,505
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Closed Block revenues and expenses were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums and other income
|
$
|
162,288
|
|
|
$
|
171,117
|
|
|
$
|
180,097
|
|
Net investment income
|
206,523
|
|
|
202,282
|
|
|
203,964
|
|
Net investment gains
|
(1,603)
|
|
|
(1,970)
|
|
|
910
|
|
Total revenues
|
367,208
|
|
|
371,429
|
|
|
384,971
|
|
Benefits and other deductions
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses
|
336,736
|
|
|
337,352
|
|
|
335,200
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
1,161
|
|
|
714
|
|
|
1,940
|
|
Total benefits and other deductions
|
337,897
|
|
|
338,066
|
|
|
337,140
|
|
Net revenues before income taxes
|
29,311
|
|
|
33,363
|
|
|
47,831
|
|
Income tax expense
|
6,081
|
|
|
7,006
|
|
|
27,718
|
|
Net revenues
|
$
|
23,230
|
|
|
$
|
26,357
|
|
|
$
|
20,113
|
|
5. INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Investment income is recognized when earned, net of applicable management or other fees. Investment income on fixed maturity securities includes coupon interest, amortization of any premium and accretion of any discount. Investment income on equity securities includes dividend income and preferred coupons interest.
Investment income on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities is initially based upon yield, cash flow and prepayment assumptions at the date of purchase. Subsequent revisions in those assumptions are recorded using the retrospective or prospective method. Under the retrospective method used primarily for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities of high credit quality which cannot be contractually prepaid in such a manner that we would not recover a substantial portion of the initial investment, amortized cost of the security is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the revised assumptions been in place at the date of purchase. The adjustments to amortized cost are recorded as a charge or credit to net investment income. Under the prospective method, which is used for all other mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, future cash flows are estimated and interest income is recognized going forward using the new internal rate of return.
Major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities
|
$
|
2,465,902
|
|
|
$
|
2,043,183
|
|
|
$
|
1,610,768
|
|
Equity securities
|
30,647
|
|
|
35,282
|
|
|
40,506
|
|
Mortgage loans
|
388,656
|
|
|
322,206
|
|
|
298,387
|
|
Investment real estate
|
1,045
|
|
|
1,778
|
|
|
2,405
|
|
Short-term investments
|
118,172
|
|
|
103,676
|
|
|
114,280
|
|
|
3,004,422
|
|
|
2,506,125
|
|
|
2,066,346
|
|
Investment expenses
|
185,592
|
|
|
167,223
|
|
|
143,290
|
|
Net investment income
|
$
|
2,818,830
|
|
|
$
|
2,338,902
|
|
|
$
|
1,923,056
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses) includes realized gains and losses from the sales of investments, write-downs for other-than-temporary impairments of investments, changes in fair value of equity securities, certain derivative and embedded derivative gains and losses, gains and losses on reinsurance-related embedded derivatives and trading securities. Realized gains and losses on investments are calculated on the basis of specific identification on the trade date.
Net realized investment gains (losses) for all other investments are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities
|
$
|
47,711
|
|
|
$
|
9,851
|
|
|
$
|
12,783
|
|
Equity securities gains and losses(1)
|
46,989
|
|
|
(49,275)
|
|
|
(2,330)
|
|
Modco trading portfolio
|
247,331
|
|
|
(185,900)
|
|
|
119,206
|
|
Other investments
|
967
|
|
|
2,048
|
|
|
(8,572)
|
|
Realized gains (losses) - all other investments
|
342,998
|
|
|
(223,276)
|
|
|
121,087
|
|
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives
|
(131,459)
|
|
|
79,097
|
|
|
(137,041)
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses)
|
$
|
211,539
|
|
|
$
|
(144,179)
|
|
|
$
|
(15,954)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
|
$
|
(34,453)
|
|
|
$
|
(29,724)
|
|
|
$
|
(9,112)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Beginning January 1, 2018, all changes in the fair value of equity securities are recorded as a realized gain (loss) as a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross realized gains and gross realized losses on investments available-for-sale (fixed maturities and short-term investments) are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Gross realized gains
|
$
|
61,608
|
|
|
$
|
28,034
|
|
|
$
|
18,868
|
|
Gross realized losses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairments losses
|
$
|
(34,453)
|
|
|
$
|
(29,724)
|
|
|
$
|
(9,112)
|
|
Other realized losses
|
$
|
(13,897)
|
|
|
$
|
(18,183)
|
|
|
$
|
(8,257)
|
|
The chart below summarizes the fair value proceeds and the gains (losses) realized on securities the Company sold that were in an unrealized gain position and an unrealized loss position.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Securities in an unrealized gain position:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value proceeds
|
$
|
2,511,764
|
|
|
$
|
1,291,826
|
|
|
$
|
879,181
|
|
Gains realized
|
$
|
61,608
|
|
|
$
|
28,034
|
|
|
$
|
18,868
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities in an unrealized loss
position(1):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value proceeds
|
$
|
542,733
|
|
|
$
|
472,371
|
|
|
$
|
185,157
|
|
Losses realized
|
$
|
(13,897)
|
|
|
$
|
(18,183)
|
|
|
$
|
(8,257)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) The Company made the decision to exit these holdings in conjunction with its overall asset liability management process.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The chart below summarizes the realized gains (losses) on equity securities sold during the period and equity securities still held at the reporting date.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities
|
$
|
46,989
|
|
|
$
|
(49,275)
|
|
Less: net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities sold during the period
|
$
|
(3,225)
|
|
|
$
|
(6,165)
|
|
Gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities still held
|
$
|
50,214
|
|
|
$
|
(43,110)
|
|
The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investments classified as available-for-sale are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
|
|
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI(1)
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
$
|
5,812,170
|
|
|
$
|
125,493
|
|
|
$
|
(6,322)
|
|
|
$
|
5,931,341
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
2,588,575
|
|
|
54,385
|
|
|
(3,292)
|
|
|
2,639,668
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
1,764,120
|
|
|
32,041
|
|
|
(14,926)
|
|
|
1,781,235
|
|
|
(7)
|
|
U.S. government-related securities
|
1,032,048
|
|
|
5,664
|
|
|
(5,316)
|
|
|
1,032,396
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other government-related securities
|
548,136
|
|
|
51,024
|
|
|
(1,991)
|
|
|
597,169
|
|
|
—
|
|
States, municipals, and political subdivisions
|
4,415,008
|
|
|
225,072
|
|
|
(1,230)
|
|
|
4,638,850
|
|
|
1,236
|
|
Corporate securities
|
44,493,799
|
|
|
2,603,636
|
|
|
(288,334)
|
|
|
46,809,101
|
|
|
(34,580)
|
|
Redeemable preferred stocks
|
87,237
|
|
|
3,677
|
|
|
(4,249)
|
|
|
86,665
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
60,741,093
|
|
|
3,100,992
|
|
|
(325,660)
|
|
|
63,516,425
|
|
|
(33,351)
|
|
Short-term investments
|
1,229,651
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,229,651
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
61,970,744
|
|
|
$
|
3,100,992
|
|
|
$
|
(325,660)
|
|
|
$
|
64,746,076
|
|
|
$
|
(33,351)
|
|
As of December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
$
|
3,641,678
|
|
|
$
|
23,248
|
|
|
$
|
(61,935)
|
|
|
$
|
3,602,991
|
|
|
$
|
(18)
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
2,319,476
|
|
|
3,911
|
|
|
(57,000)
|
|
|
2,266,387
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
1,410,059
|
|
|
17,232
|
|
|
(35,398)
|
|
|
1,391,893
|
|
|
—
|
|
U.S. government-related securities
|
1,658,433
|
|
|
1,794
|
|
|
(45,722)
|
|
|
1,614,505
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other government-related securities
|
543,534
|
|
|
4,292
|
|
|
(33,790)
|
|
|
514,036
|
|
|
—
|
|
States, municipals, and political subdivisions
|
3,682,037
|
|
|
25,706
|
|
|
(118,902)
|
|
|
3,588,841
|
|
|
876
|
|
Corporate securities
|
38,467,380
|
|
|
112,438
|
|
|
(2,378,240)
|
|
|
36,201,578
|
|
|
(29,685)
|
|
Redeemable preferred stocks
|
94,362
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(11,560)
|
|
|
82,802
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
51,816,959
|
|
|
188,621
|
|
|
(2,742,547)
|
|
|
49,263,033
|
|
|
(28,827)
|
|
Short-term investments
|
635,375
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
635,375
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
52,452,334
|
|
|
$
|
188,621
|
|
|
$
|
(2,742,547)
|
|
|
$
|
49,898,408
|
|
|
$
|
(28,827)
|
|
(1)These amounts are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above.
The Company holds certain investments pursuant to certain modified coinsurance (“Modco”) arrangements. The fixed maturities, equity securities, and short-term investments held as part of these arrangements are classified as trading securities. The fair value of the investments held pursuant to these Modco arrangements are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Fixed maturities:
|
|
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
|
$
|
209,521
|
|
|
$
|
241,836
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
|
201,284
|
|
|
188,925
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
|
143,361
|
|
|
159,907
|
|
U.S. government-related securities
|
|
47,067
|
|
|
59,794
|
|
Other government-related securities
|
|
28,775
|
|
|
44,207
|
|
States, municipals, and political subdivisions
|
|
293,791
|
|
|
286,413
|
|
Corporate securities
|
|
1,590,936
|
|
|
1,423,833
|
|
Redeemable preferred stocks
|
|
12,832
|
|
|
11,277
|
|
|
|
2,527,567
|
|
|
2,416,192
|
|
Equity securities
|
|
6,656
|
|
|
9,892
|
|
Short-term investments
|
|
91,213
|
|
|
30,926
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,625,436
|
|
|
$
|
2,457,010
|
|
The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity fixed maturities as of December 31, 2019, by expected maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities of securities without a single maturity date are allocated based on estimated rates of prepayment that may differ from actual rates of prepayment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale
|
|
|
|
Held-to-maturity
|
|
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due in one year or less
|
$
|
1,833,383
|
|
|
$
|
1,832,073
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Due after one year through five years
|
10,513,141
|
|
|
10,732,319
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Due after five years through ten years
|
13,423,688
|
|
|
14,018,121
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Due after ten years
|
34,970,881
|
|
|
36,933,912
|
|
|
2,823,881
|
|
|
3,025,790
|
|
|
$
|
60,741,093
|
|
|
$
|
63,516,425
|
|
|
$
|
2,823,881
|
|
|
$
|
3,025,790
|
|
The chart below summarizes the Company’s other-than-temporary impairments of investments. All of the impairments were related to fixed maturities or equity securities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed Maturities
|
|
Equity Securities
|
|
Total Securities
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other-than-temporary impairments
|
$
|
(67,161)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(67,161)
|
|
|
|
Non-credit impairment losses recorded in other comprehensive income
|
32,708
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
32,708
|
|
|
|
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
|
$
|
(34,453)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(34,453)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other-than-temporary impairments
|
$
|
(56,578)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(56,578)
|
|
|
|
Non-credit impairment losses recorded in other comprehensive income
|
26,854
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
26,854
|
|
|
|
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
|
$
|
(29,724)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(29,724)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other-than-temporary impairments
|
$
|
(1,332)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(1,332)
|
|
|
|
Non-credit impairment losses recorded in other comprehensive income
|
(7,780)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(7,780)
|
|
|
|
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
|
$
|
(9,112)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(9,112)
|
|
|
|
There were no other-than-temporary impairments related to fixed maturities or equity securities that the Company intended to sell or expected to be required to sell for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
The following chart is a rollforward of available-for-sale credit losses on fixed maturities held by the Company for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning balance
|
$
|
24,868
|
|
|
$
|
3,268
|
|
|
$
|
12,685
|
|
Additions for newly impaired securities
|
30,299
|
|
|
24,858
|
|
|
734
|
|
Additions for previously impaired securities
|
3,553
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
3,175
|
|
Reductions for previously impaired securities due to a change in expected cash flows
|
(21,332)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(12,726)
|
|
Reductions for previously impaired securities that were sold in the current period
|
(7,294)
|
|
|
(3,270)
|
|
|
(600)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ending balance
|
$
|
30,094
|
|
|
$
|
24,868
|
|
|
$
|
3,268
|
|
The following table includes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Than 12 Months
|
|
|
|
12 Months or More
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Unrealized
Loss
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Unrealized
Loss
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Unrealized
Loss
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
$
|
851,333
|
|
|
$
|
(4,231)
|
|
|
$
|
220,843
|
|
|
$
|
(2,091)
|
|
|
$
|
1,072,176
|
|
|
$
|
(6,322)
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
371,945
|
|
|
(1,721)
|
|
|
115,566
|
|
|
(1,571)
|
|
|
487,511
|
|
|
(3,292)
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
482,547
|
|
|
(6,516)
|
|
|
214,058
|
|
|
(8,410)
|
|
|
696,605
|
|
|
(14,926)
|
|
U.S. government-related securities
|
383,451
|
|
|
(3,373)
|
|
|
353,517
|
|
|
(1,943)
|
|
|
736,968
|
|
|
(5,316)
|
|
Other government-related securities
|
22,962
|
|
|
(669)
|
|
|
6,230
|
|
|
(1,322)
|
|
|
29,192
|
|
|
(1,991)
|
|
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
|
56,470
|
|
|
(1,001)
|
|
|
12,907
|
|
|
(229)
|
|
|
69,377
|
|
|
(1,230)
|
|
Corporate securities
|
3,176,489
|
|
|
(68,289)
|
|
|
2,886,648
|
|
|
(220,045)
|
|
|
6,063,137
|
|
|
(288,334)
|
|
Redeemable preferred stocks
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
16,689
|
|
|
(4,249)
|
|
|
16,689
|
|
|
(4,249)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
5,345,197
|
|
|
$
|
(85,800)
|
|
|
$
|
3,826,458
|
|
|
$
|
(239,860)
|
|
|
$
|
9,171,655
|
|
|
$
|
(325,660)
|
|
RMBS and CMBS had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $2.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2019. Factors such as the credit enhancement within the deal structure, the average life of the securities, and the performance of the underlying collateral support the recoverability of these investments.
The other asset-backed securities have a gross unrealized loss greater than twelve months of $8.4 million as of December 31, 2019. This category predominately includes student-loan backed auction rate securities, the underlying collateral, of which is at least 97% guaranteed by the Federal Family Education Loan Program (“FFELP”). At this time, the Company has no reason to believe that the U.S. Department of Education would not honor the FFELP guarantee, if it were necessary.
The U.S. government-related securities and the other government-related securities had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $1.9 million and $1.3 million as of December 31, 2019, respectively. These declines were related to changes in interest rates.
The states, municipalities, and political subdivisions categories had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2019. The aggregate decline in fair value of these securities was deemed temporary due to positive factors supporting the recoverability of the respective investments. Positive factors considered include credit ratings, the financial health of the issuer, the continued access of the issuer to capital markets, and other pertinent information.
The corporate securities category has gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $220.0 million as of December 31, 2019. The aggregate decline in fair value of these securities was deemed temporary due to positive factors supporting the recoverability of the respective investments. Positive factors considered include credit ratings, the financial
health of the issuer, the continued access of the issuer to capital markets, interest rate movement, and other pertinent information.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company had a total of 876 positions that were in an unrealized loss position, but the Company does not consider these unrealized loss positions to be other-than-temporary. This is based on the aggregate factors discussed previously and because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments until the fair values recover, and the Company does not intend to sell or expect to be required to sell the securities before recovering the Company’s amortized cost of the securities.
The following table includes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2018:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Than 12 Months
|
|
|
|
12 Months or More
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Unrealized
Loss
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Unrealized
Loss
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Unrealized
Loss
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
$
|
1,485,009
|
|
|
$
|
(31,302)
|
|
|
$
|
795,765
|
|
|
$
|
(30,633)
|
|
|
$
|
2,280,774
|
|
|
$
|
(61,935)
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
419,420
|
|
|
(7,398)
|
|
|
1,405,690
|
|
|
(49,602)
|
|
|
1,825,110
|
|
|
(57,000)
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
687,271
|
|
|
(30,963)
|
|
|
148,871
|
|
|
(4,435)
|
|
|
836,142
|
|
|
(35,398)
|
|
U.S. government-related securities
|
130,290
|
|
|
(4,668)
|
|
|
1,085,654
|
|
|
(41,054)
|
|
|
1,215,944
|
|
|
(45,722)
|
|
Other government-related securities
|
224,273
|
|
|
(15,207)
|
|
|
131,569
|
|
|
(18,583)
|
|
|
355,842
|
|
|
(33,790)
|
|
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions
|
1,004,262
|
|
|
(27,180)
|
|
|
1,129,152
|
|
|
(91,722)
|
|
|
2,133,414
|
|
|
(118,902)
|
|
Corporate securities
|
18,225,656
|
|
|
(966,825)
|
|
|
12,824,024
|
|
|
(1,411,415)
|
|
|
31,049,680
|
|
|
(2,378,240)
|
|
Redeemable preferred stocks
|
41,147
|
|
|
(4,467)
|
|
|
41,655
|
|
|
(7,093)
|
|
|
82,802
|
|
|
(11,560)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
22,217,328
|
|
|
$
|
(1,088,010)
|
|
|
$
|
17,562,380
|
|
|
$
|
(1,654,537)
|
|
|
$
|
39,779,708
|
|
|
$
|
(2,742,547)
|
|
As of December 31, 2019, the Company had securities in its available-for-sale portfolio which were rated below investment grade with a fair value of $1.6 billion and had an amortized cost of $1.7 billion. In addition, included in the Company’s trading portfolio, the Company held $124.4 million of securities which were rated below investment grade. Approximately $227.0 million of the below investment grade securities held by the Company were not publicly traded.
The change in unrealized gains (losses), net of income tax, on fixed maturities classified as available-for-sale is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities
|
$
|
4,210,114
|
|
|
$
|
(2,032,573)
|
|
|
$
|
1,083,865
|
|
The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investments classified as held-to-maturity as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Gains
|
|
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Losses
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI
|
As of December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities issued by affiliates:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Red Mountain LLC
|
|
$
|
795,881
|
|
|
$
|
81,022
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
876,903
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Steel City LLC
|
|
2,028,000
|
|
|
120,887
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,148,887
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,823,881
|
|
|
$
|
201,909
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
3,025,790
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Gains
|
|
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Losses
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI
|
As of December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities issued by affiliates:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Red Mountain LLC
|
|
$
|
750,474
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(81,657)
|
|
|
$
|
668,817
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Steel City LLC
|
|
1,883,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(4,607)
|
|
|
1,878,393
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,633,474
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(86,264)
|
|
|
$
|
2,547,210
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairments on held-to-maturity securities.
The Company’s held-to-maturity securities had $201.9 million of gross unrecognized holding gains as of December 31, 2019. These held-to-maturity securities are issued by affiliates of the Company which are considered VIE’s. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of these entities and thus the securities are not eliminated in consolidation. These securities are collateralized by non-recourse funding obligations issued by captive insurance companies that are affiliates of the Company.
The Company’s held-to-maturity securities had $86.3 million of gross unrecognized holding losses as of December 31, 2018. The Company does not consider these unrecognized holding losses to be other-than-temporary based on certain positive factors associated with the securities which include credit ratings of the guarantor, financial health of the issuer and guarantor, continued access of the issuer to capital markets and other pertinent information.
The Company held $155.1 million and $140.5 million of non-income producing securities for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Included in the Company’s invested assets are $1.7 billion of policy loans as of December 31, 2019. The interest rates on standard policy loans range from 3.0% to 8.0%. The collateral loans on life insurance policies have an interest rate of 13.64%.
Variable Interest Entities
The Company holds certain investments in entities in which its ownership interests could possibly be considered variable interests under Topic 810 of the FASB ASC (excluding debt and equity securities held as trading, available for sale, or held to maturity). The Company reviews the characteristics of each of these applicable entities and compares those characteristics to applicable criteria to determine whether the entity is a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). If the entity is determined to be a VIE, the Company then performs a detailed review to determine whether the interest would be considered a variable interest under the guidance. The Company then performs a qualitative review of all variable interests with the entity and determines whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. ASC 810 provides that an entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE if the entity has 1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and 2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Based on this analysis, the Company had an interest in one wholly owned subsidiary, Red Mountain, LLC (“Red Mountain”), that was determined to be a VIE as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
The activity most significant to Red Mountain is the issuance of a note in connection with a financing transaction involving Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate V”) and the Company in which Golden Gate V issued non-recourse funding obligations to Red Mountain and Red Mountain issued the note to Golden Gate V. Credit enhancement on the Red Mountain Note is provided by an unrelated third party. For details of this transaction, see Note 14, Debt and Other Obligations. The Company has the power, via its 100% ownership, to direct the activities of the VIE, but does not have the obligation to absorb losses related to the primary risks or sources of variability to the VIE. The variability of loss would be borne primarily by the third party in its function as provider of credit enhancement on the Red Mountain Note. Accordingly, it was determined that the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company’s risk of loss related to the VIE is limited to its investment of $10,000. Additionally, PLC, the holding company, has guaranteed Red Mountain’s payment obligation for the credit enhancement fee to the unrelated third party provider. As of December 31, 2019, no payments have been made or required related to this guarantee.
6. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company determined the fair value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in FASB guidance referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Company has adopted the provisions from the FASB guidance that is referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic for non-financial assets and liabilities (such as property and equipment, goodwill, and other intangible assets) that are required to be measured at fair value on a periodic basis. The effect on the Company’s periodic fair value measurements for non-financial assets and liabilities was not material.
The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three level hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are categorized as follows:
•Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.
•Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active or significant inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include the following:
a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets;
c) Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable; and
d) Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means.
•Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. They reflect management’s own estimates about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measurement Category
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
4
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
5,931,341
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
5,931,341
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
4
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,629,639
|
|
|
10,029
|
|
|
2,639,668
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
4
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,360,016
|
|
|
421,219
|
|
|
1,781,235
|
|
U.S. government-related securities
|
4
|
|
662,581
|
|
|
369,815
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,032,396
|
|
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions
|
4
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,638,850
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,638,850
|
|
Other government-related securities
|
4
|
|
—
|
|
|
597,169
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
597,169
|
|
Corporate securities
|
4
|
|
—
|
|
|
45,435,387
|
|
|
1,373,714
|
|
|
46,809,101
|
|
Redeemable preferred stocks
|
4
|
|
69,976
|
|
|
16,689
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
86,665
|
|
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
|
|
|
732,557
|
|
|
60,978,906
|
|
|
1,804,962
|
|
|
63,516,425
|
|
Fixed maturity securities - trading
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
3
|
|
—
|
|
|
209,521
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
209,521
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
3
|
|
—
|
|
|
201,284
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
201,284
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
3
|
|
—
|
|
|
77,954
|
|
|
65,407
|
|
|
143,361
|
|
U.S. government-related securities
|
3
|
|
24,810
|
|
|
22,257
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
47,067
|
|
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions
|
3
|
|
—
|
|
|
293,791
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
293,791
|
|
Other government-related securities
|
3
|
|
—
|
|
|
28,775
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
28,775
|
|
Corporate securities
|
3
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,579,565
|
|
|
11,371
|
|
|
1,590,936
|
|
Redeemable preferred stocks
|
3
|
|
12,832
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
12,832
|
|
Total fixed maturity securities - trading
|
|
|
37,642
|
|
|
2,413,147
|
|
|
76,778
|
|
|
2,527,567
|
|
Total fixed maturity securities
|
|
|
770,199
|
|
|
63,392,053
|
|
|
1,881,740
|
|
|
66,043,992
|
|
Equity securities
|
3
|
|
480,750
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
72,970
|
|
|
553,720
|
|
Other long-term investments (1)
|
3&4
|
|
52,225
|
|
|
733,425
|
|
|
209,843
|
|
|
995,493
|
|
Short-term investments
|
3
|
|
1,255,384
|
|
|
65,480
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,320,864
|
|
Total investments
|
|
|
2,558,558
|
|
|
64,190,958
|
|
|
2,164,553
|
|
|
68,914,069
|
|
Cash
|
3
|
|
171,752
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
171,752
|
|
Assets related to separate accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable annuity
|
3
|
|
12,730,090
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
12,730,090
|
|
Variable universal life
|
3
|
|
1,135,666
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,135,666
|
|
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
|
|
|
$
|
16,596,066
|
|
|
$
|
64,190,958
|
|
|
$
|
2,164,553
|
|
|
$
|
82,951,577
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annuity account balances(2)
|
3
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
69,728
|
|
|
$
|
69,728
|
|
Other liabilities(1)
|
3&4
|
|
19,561
|
|
|
509,645
|
|
|
1,017,972
|
|
|
1,547,178
|
|
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
|
|
|
$
|
19,561
|
|
|
$
|
509,645
|
|
|
$
|
1,087,700
|
|
|
$
|
1,616,906
|
|
(1)Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
(3)Fair Value through Net Income.
(4)Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income.
The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measurement
Category
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
4
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
3,602,991
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
3,602,991
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
4
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,266,387
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,266,387
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
4
|
|
—
|
|
|
970,251
|
|
|
421,642
|
|
|
1,391,893
|
|
U.S. government-related securities
|
4
|
|
985,485
|
|
|
629,020
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,614,505
|
|
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions
|
4
|
|
—
|
|
|
3,588,841
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3,588,841
|
|
Other government-related securities
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
514,036
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
514,036
|
|
Corporate securities
|
4
|
|
—
|
|
|
35,563,302
|
|
|
638,276
|
|
|
36,201,578
|
|
Redeemable preferred stocks
|
4
|
|
65,536
|
|
|
17,266
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
82,802
|
|
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
|
|
|
1,051,021
|
|
|
47,152,094
|
|
|
1,059,918
|
|
|
49,263,033
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturity securities - trading
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
3
|
|
—
|
|
|
241,836
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
241,836
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
3
|
|
—
|
|
|
188,925
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
188,925
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
3
|
|
—
|
|
|
133,851
|
|
|
26,056
|
|
|
159,907
|
|
U.S. government-related securities
|
3
|
|
27,453
|
|
|
32,341
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
59,794
|
|
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions
|
3
|
|
—
|
|
|
286,413
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
286,413
|
|
Other government-related securities
|
3
|
|
—
|
|
|
44,207
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
44,207
|
|
Corporate securities
|
3
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,417,591
|
|
|
6,242
|
|
|
1,423,833
|
|
Redeemable preferred stocks
|
3
|
|
11,277
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
11,277
|
|
Total fixed maturity securities - trading
|
|
|
38,730
|
|
|
2,345,164
|
|
|
32,298
|
|
|
2,416,192
|
|
Total fixed maturity securities
|
|
|
1,089,751
|
|
|
49,497,258
|
|
|
1,092,216
|
|
|
51,679,225
|
|
Equity securities
|
3
|
|
494,287
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
63,421
|
|
|
557,708
|
|
Other long-term investments (1)
|
3&4
|
|
83,047
|
|
|
180,438
|
|
|
151,342
|
|
|
414,827
|
|
Short-term investments
|
3
|
|
589,084
|
|
|
77,217
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
666,301
|
|
Total investments
|
|
|
2,256,169
|
|
|
49,754,913
|
|
|
1,306,979
|
|
|
53,318,061
|
|
Cash
|
3
|
|
151,400
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
151,400
|
|
Assets related to separate accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable annuity
|
3
|
|
12,288,919
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
12,288,919
|
|
Variable universal life
|
3
|
|
937,732
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
937,732
|
|
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
|
|
|
$
|
15,634,220
|
|
|
$
|
49,754,913
|
|
|
$
|
1,306,979
|
|
|
$
|
66,696,112
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annuity account balances (2)
|
3
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
76,119
|
|
|
$
|
76,119
|
|
Other liabilities (1)
|
3&4
|
|
56,018
|
|
|
164,643
|
|
|
438,127
|
|
|
658,788
|
|
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
|
|
|
$
|
56,018
|
|
|
$
|
164,643
|
|
|
$
|
514,246
|
|
|
$
|
734,907
|
|
(1)Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
(3)Fair Value through Net Income.
(4)Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income.
Determination of Fair Values
The valuation methodologies used to determine the fair values of assets and liabilities reflect market participant assumptions and are based on the application of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable market inputs over unobservable inputs. The Company determines the fair values of certain financial assets and financial liabilities based on quoted market prices, where available. The Company also determines certain fair values based on future cash flows discounted at the appropriate current market rate. Fair values reflect adjustments for counterparty credit quality, the Company’s credit standing, liquidity, and where appropriate, risk margins on unobservable parameters. The following is a discussion of the methodologies used to determine fair values for the financial instruments as listed in the above table.
The fair value of fixed maturity, short-term, and equity securities is determined by management after considering one of three primary sources of information: third party pricing services, non-binding independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. Security pricing is applied using a ‘‘waterfall’’ approach whereby publicly available prices are first sought from third party pricing services, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers for non-binding prices, or lastly, securities are priced using a pricing matrix. Typical inputs used by these three pricing methods include, but are not limited to: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. Third party pricing services price 92.3% of the Company’s available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for available-for-sale and trading fixed maturities, third party pricing services derive the majority of security prices from observable market inputs such as recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information outlined above. If there are no recent reported trades, the third party pricing services and brokers may use matrix or model processes to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Certain securities are priced via independent non-binding broker quotations. When using non-binding independent broker quotations, when available the Company obtains two quotes per security. Where multiple broker quotes are obtained, the Company reviews the quotes and selects the quote that provides the best estimate of the price a market participant would pay for these specific assets in an arm’s length transaction. A pricing matrix is used to price securities for which the Company is unable to obtain or effectively rely on either a price from a third party pricing service or an independent broker quotation.
The pricing matrix used by the Company begins with current spread levels to determine the market price for the security. The credit spreads, assigned by brokers, incorporate the issuer’s credit rating, liquidity discounts, weighted- average of contracted cash flows, risk premium, if warranted, due to the issuer’s industry, and the security’s time to maturity. The Company uses credit ratings provided by nationally recognized rating agencies.
For securities that are priced via non-binding independent broker quotations, the Company assesses whether prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value. The Company’s assessment incorporates various metrics (yield curves, credit spreads, prepayment rates, etc.) along with other information available to the Company from both internal and external sources to determine the valuation of such holdings. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the analytics, the price received from the independent broker is adjusted accordingly. The Company did not adjust any quotes or prices received from brokers during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
The Company has analyzed the third party pricing services’ valuation methodologies and related inputs and has also evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs that is in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC. Based on this evaluation and investment class analysis, each price was classified into Level 1, 2, or 3. Most prices provided by third party pricing services are classified into Level 2 because the significant inputs used in pricing the securities are market observable and the observable inputs are corroborated by the Company. Since the matrix pricing of certain debt securities includes significant non-observable inputs, they are classified as Level 3.
Asset-Backed Securities
This category mainly consists of residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”). As of December 31, 2019, the Company held $10.4 billion of ABS classified as Level 2. These securities are priced from information provided by a third party pricing service and independent broker quotes. The third party pricing services and brokers mainly value securities using both a market and income approach to valuation. As part of this valuation process they consider the following characteristics of the item being measured to be relevant inputs: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) types of underlying assets, 4) weighted-average coupon rate of the underlying assets, 5) weighted-average years to maturity of the underlying assets, 6) seniority level of the tranches owned, and 7) credit ratings of the securities.
After reviewing these characteristics of the ABS, the third party pricing service and brokers use certain inputs to determine the value of the security. For ABS classified as Level 2, the valuation would consist of predominantly market observable inputs such as, but not limited to: 1) monthly principal and interest payments on the underlying assets, 2) average life of the security, 3) prepayment speeds, 4) credit spreads, 5) treasury and swap yield curves, and 6) discount margin. The Company reviews the methodologies and valuation techniques (including the ability to observe inputs) in assessing the information received from external pricing services and in consideration of the fair value presentation.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company held $496.6 million of Level 3 ABS, which included $431.2 million of other asset-backed securities classified as available-for-sale and $65.4 million of other asset-backed securities classified as trading. These securities are predominantly ARS whose underlying collateral is at least 97% guaranteed by the FFELP. As a result of the ARS market collapse during 2008, the Company prices its ARS using an income approach valuation model. As part of the valuation process the Company reviews the following characteristics of the ARS in determining the relevant inputs: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) types of underlying assets, 4) weighted-average coupon rate of the underlying assets, 5) weighted-average years to maturity of the underlying assets, 6) seniority level of the tranches owned, 7) credit ratings of the securities, 8) liquidity premium, and 9) paydown rate. In periods where market activity increases and there are transactions at a price that is not the result of a distressed or forced sale we consider those prices as part of our valuation. If the market activity during a period is solely the result of the issuer redeeming positions we consider those transactions in our valuation, but still consider them to be level three measurements due to the nature of the transaction.
Corporate Securities, Redeemable Preferred Stocks, U.S. Government-Related Securities, States, Municipals, and Political Subdivisions, and Other Government Related Securities
As of December 31, 2019, the Company classified approximately $53.0 billion of corporate securities, redeemable preferred stocks, U.S. government-related securities, states, municipals, and political subdivisions, and other government-related securities as Level 2. The fair value of the Level 2 securities is predominantly priced by broker quotes and a third party pricing service. The Company has reviewed the valuation techniques of the brokers and third party pricing service and has determined that such techniques used Level 2 market observable inputs. The following characteristics of the securities are considered to be the primary relevant inputs to the valuation: 1) weighted- average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) seniority, and 4) credit ratings. The Company reviews the methodologies and valuation techniques (including the ability to observe inputs) in assessing the information received from external pricing services and in consideration of the fair value presentation.
The brokers and third party pricing service utilize valuation models that consist of a hybrid methodology that utilizes a cash flow analysis and market approach to valuation. The pricing models utilize the following inputs: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) treasury yield curve, 3) credit spreads from new issue and secondary trading markets, 4) dealer quotes with adjustments for issues with early redemption features, 5) liquidity premiums present on private placements, and 6) discount margins from dealers in the new issue market.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company classified approximately $1.4 billion of corporate securities as Level 3 valuations. Level 3 securities primarily represent investments in illiquid bonds for which no price is readily available. To determine a price, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model with both observable and unobservable inputs. These inputs are entered into an industry standard pricing model to determine the final price of the security. These inputs include: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) coupon rate, 3) sector and issuer level spread over treasury, 4) underlying collateral, 5) credit ratings, 6) maturity, 7) embedded options, 8) recent new issuance, 9) comparative bond analysis, and 10) an illiquidity premium.
Equities
As of December 31, 2019, the Company held approximately $73.0 million of equity securities classified as Level 3. Of this total, $73.0 million represents FHLB stock. The Company believes that the cost of the FHLB stock approximates fair value.
Other Long-Term Investments and Other Liabilities
Derivative Financial Instruments
Other long-term investments and other liabilities include free-standing and embedded derivative financial instruments. Refer to Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information related to derivatives. Derivative financial instruments are valued using exchange prices, independent broker quotations, or pricing valuation models, which utilize market data inputs. Excluding embedded derivatives, as of December 31, 2019, 85.9% of derivatives based upon notional values were priced using exchange prices or independent broker quotations. Inputs used to value derivatives include, but are not limited to, interest swap rates, credit spreads, interest rate and equity market volatility indices, equity index levels, and treasury rates. The Company performs monthly analysis on derivative valuations that includes both quantitative and qualitative analyses.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 1 generally include futures and options, which are traded on active exchange markets.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 2 primarily include swaps, options, and swaptions, which are traded over-the-counter. Level 2 also includes certain centrally cleared derivatives. These derivative valuations are determined using independent broker quotations, which are corroborated with observable market inputs.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 3 were embedded derivatives and include at least one significant non-observable input. A derivative instrument containing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs will be classified as a Level 3 financial instrument in its entirety if it has at least one significant Level 3 input.
The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets and liabilities. However, the derivative instruments may not be classified within the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated assets and liabilities. Therefore, the changes in fair value on derivatives reported in Level 3 may not reflect the offsetting impact of the changes in fair value of the associated assets and liabilities.
The embedded derivatives are carried at fair value in other long-term investments and other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The changes in fair value are recorded in earnings as Realized investment gains (losses). Refer to Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments for more information related to each embedded derivatives gains and losses.
The fair value of the GLWB embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using multiple risk neutral stochastic equity scenarios and policyholder behavior assumptions. The risk neutral scenarios are generated using the current swap curve and projected equity volatilities and correlations. The projected equity volatilities are based on a blend of historical volatility and near- term equity market implied volatilities. The equity correlations are based on historical price observations. For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and utilization assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the Ruark 2015 ALB table with attained age factors varying from 87% - 100% based on company experience. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk). For expected lapse and utilization, assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary, using an internal predictive model developed by the Company. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the GLWB embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis.
The balance of the FIA embedded derivative is impacted by policyholder cash flows associated with the FIA product that are allocated to the embedded derivative in addition to changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative during the reporting period. The fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using current index values and volatility, the hedge budget used to price the product, and policyholder assumptions (both elective and non-elective). For policyholder behavior assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the 2015 Ruark ALB mortality table, with attained age factors varying from 87% - 100% based on company experience. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR up to one year and constant maturity treasury rates plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk) thereafter. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the FIA embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3.
The balance of the indexed universal life (“IUL”) embedded derivative is impacted by policyholder cash flows associated with the IUL product that are allocated to the embedded derivative in addition to changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative during the reporting period. The fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using current index values and volatility, the hedge budget used to price the product, and policyholder assumptions (both elective and non-elective). For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and withdrawal assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the SOA 2015 VBT Primary Tables, with attained age factors varying from 37% - 156% based on company experience. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR up to one year and constant maturity treasury rates plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk) thereafter. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the IUL embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3.
The Company has assumed and ceded certain blocks of policies under modified coinsurance agreements in which the investment results of the underlying portfolios inure directly to the reinsurers. Funds withheld arrangements related to such agreements contain embedded derivatives that are reported at fair value. Changes in their fair value are reported in earnings. The fair value of embedded derivatives related to funds withheld under modified coinsurance agreements are a function of the unrealized gains or losses on the underlying assets and are calculated in a manner consistent with the terms of the agreements.
The investments supporting certain of these agreements are designated as “trading securities”; therefore changes in their fair value are also reported in earnings. As of December 31, 2019, the fair value of the embedded derivatives associated with modified coinsurance agreements was a net liability of $199.6 million. The fair value of embedded derivatives is estimated based on market standard valuation methodology and is considered a Level 3 valuation.
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have entered into interest support, yearly renewable term (“YRT”) premium support, and portfolio maintenance agreements with PLC. These agreements meet the definition of a derivative and are accounted for at fair value and are considered Level 3 valuations. The fair value of these derivatives as of December 31, 2019, was $115.4 million and is included in Other long-term investments. For information regarding realized gains on these derivatives please refer to Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments.
The Interest Support Agreement provides that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate II if actual investment income on certain of Golden Gate II’s asset portfolios falls below a calculated investment income amount as defined in the Interest Support Agreement. The calculated investment income amount is a level of investment income deemed to be sufficient to support certain of Golden Gate II’s obligations under a reinsurance agreement with the Company, dated July 1, 2007. The derivative is valued using an internal valuation model that assumes a conservative projection of investment income under an adverse interest rate scenario and the probability that the expectation falls below the calculated investment income amount. This derivative had a fair value of $61.6 million as of December 31, 2019, however, interest support agreement obligations to Golden Gate II of approximately $4.9 million have been collateralized by PLC. Re-evaluation, if necessary, of the adjustments of any support agreement collateralization amounts occur annually during the first quarter pursuant to the terms of the support agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2019, Golden Gate II recognized $1.0 million in gains related to payments made under this agreement.
The YRT Premium support agreements provide that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate and Golden Gate II in the event that YRT premium rates increase. The derivatives are valued using an internal valuation model. The valuation model is a probability weighted discounted cash flow model. The value is primarily a function of the likelihood and severity of future YRT premium increases. The fair value of these derivatives as of December 31, 2019, was $51.1 million. As of December 31, 2019, Golden Gate II recognized $0.7 million in gains related to payments made under this agreement.
The portfolio maintenance agreements provide that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate, Golden Gate V, and West Coast Life Insurance Company (“WCL”) in the event of other-than-temporary impairments on investments that exceed defined thresholds. The derivatives are valued using an internal discounted cash flow model. The significant unobservable inputs are the projected probability and severity of credit losses used to project future cash flows on the investment portfolios. The fair value of the portfolio maintenance agreements as of December 31, 2019, was $2.7 million. As of December 31, 2019, no payments have been triggered under this agreement.
The Funds Withheld derivative results from a reinsurance agreement with Shades Creek where the economic performance of certain hedging instruments held by the Company is ceded to Shades Creek. The value of the Funds Withheld derivative is directly tied to the value of the hedging instruments held in the funds withheld account. The hedging instruments predominantly consist of derivative instruments the fair values of which are classified as a Level 2 measurement; as such, the fair value of the Funds Withheld derivative has been classified as a Level 2 measurement. The fair value of the Funds Withheld derivative as of December 31, 2019, was a liability of $70.6 million.
Annuity Account Balances
The Company records a certain legacy block of FIA reserves at fair value. Based on the characteristics of these reserves, the Company believes that the fund value approximates fair value. The fair value measurement of these reserves is considered a Level 3 valuation due to the unobservable nature of the fund values. The Level 3 fair value as of December 31, 2019 is $69.7 million.
Separate Accounts
Separate account assets are invested in open-ended mutual funds and are included in Level 1.
Valuation of Level 3 Financial Instruments
The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments:
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|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
Fair Value
As of
December 31, 2019
|
|
Valuation
Technique
|
|
Unobservable
Input
|
|
Range
(Weighted Average)
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
$
|
10,029
|
|
|
Discounted cash flow
|
|
Spread over treasury
|
|
2.5%
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
421,219
|
|
|
Liquidation
|
|
Liquidation value
|
|
$95.39 -$99.99 ($97.95)
|
|
|
|
Discounted cash flow
|
|
Liquidity premium
|
|
0.34% - 2.28% (1.44%)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paydown Rate
|
|
8.99% - 12.45% (11.28%)
|
Corporate securities
|
1,373,714
|
|
|
Discounted cash flow
|
|
Spread over treasury
|
|
0.00% - 4.03% (1.60%)
|
Liabilities:(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embedded derivatives—GLWB(2)
|
$
|
186,038
|
|
|
Actuarial cash flow model
|
|
Mortality
|
|
87% to 100% of
Ruark 2015 ALB Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lapse
|
|
Ruark Predictive Model
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utilization
|
|
99%. 10% of policies have a one-time over-utilization of 400%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonperformance risk
|
|
0.12% - 0.82%
|
Embedded derivative—FIA
|
336,826
|
|
|
Actuarial cash flow model
|
|
Expenses
|
|
$195 per policy
|
|
|
|
|
|
Withdrawal rate
|
|
0.4%-1.2% prior to age 70 RMD for ages 70+
or WB withdrawal rate
Assume underutilized RMD
for nonWB policies age 70-81
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortality
|
|
87% to 100% of Ruark 2015 ALB table
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lapse
|
|
0.5% - 50.0%, depending on duration/surrender charge period.
Dynamically adjusted for WB
moneyness and projected market
rates vs credited rates.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonperformance risk
|
|
0.12% - 0.82%
|
Embedded derivative—IUL
|
151,765
|
|
|
Actuarial cash flow model
|
|
Mortality
|
|
37% - 156% of 2015
VBT Primary Tables
94% - 248% of duration
8 point in scale 2015
VBT Primary Tables,
depending on type
of business
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lapse
|
|
0.5% - 10%, depending on duration/distribution channel and smoking class
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonperformance risk
|
|
0.21% - 0.82%
|
(1)Excludes modified coinsurance arrangements.
(2)The fair value for the GLWB embedded derivative is presented as a net liability.
The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and those which book value approximates fair value.
The Company has considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of December 31, 2019, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $76.8 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2019 . Of the $76.8 million, $65.4 million are other asset-backed securities, and $11.4 million are corporate securities.
In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2019, the Company held $73.0 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value which are predominantly FHLB stock.
The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value As of December 31, 2018
|
|
Valuation
Technique
|
|
Unobservable
Input
|
|
Range
(Weighted Average)
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
$
|
421,458
|
|
|
Liquidation
|
|
Liquidation value
|
|
$85.75 - $99.99 ($95.36)
|
|
|
|
Discounted cash flow
|
|
Liquidity premium
|
|
0.02% - 1.25% (0.64%)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paydown rate
|
|
10.96% - 13.11% (12.03%)
|
Corporate securities
|
631,068
|
|
|
Discounted cash flow
|
|
Spread over treasury
|
|
0.84% - 3.00% (1.84%)
|
Liabilities:(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embedded derivatives—GLWB(2)
|
$
|
43,307
|
|
|
Actuarial cash flow model
|
|
Mortality
|
|
87% to 100% of Ruark 2015 ALB Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lapse
|
|
Ruark Predictive Model
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utilization
|
|
99%. 10% of policies have a one-time over-utilization of 400%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonperformance risk
|
|
0.21% - 1.16%
|
Embedded derivative—FIA
|
217,288
|
|
|
Actuarial cash flow model
|
|
Expenses
|
|
$145 per policy
|
|
|
|
|
|
Withdrawal rate
|
|
1.5% prior to age 70, 100% of the RMD for ages 70+
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortality
|
|
87% to 100% of Ruark 2015 ALB table
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lapse
|
|
1.0% - 30.0%, depending on duration/surrender charge period
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonperformance risk
|
|
0.21% - 1.16%
|
Embedded derivative—IUL
|
90,231
|
|
|
Actuarial cash flow model
|
|
Mortality
|
|
37% - 577% of 2015 VBT Primary Tables
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lapse
|
|
0.5% - 10.0%, depending on duration/distribution channel and smoking class
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonperformance risk
|
|
0.21% - 1.16%
|
(1)Excludes modified coinsurance arrangements.
(2)The fair value for the GLWB embedded derivative is presented as a net liability.
The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and those which book value approximates fair value.
The Company has considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of December 31, 2018, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $39.7 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2018. Of the $39.7 million, $26.2 million are other asset backed securities, and $13.5 million are corporate securities.
In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2018, the Company held $63.4 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value which are predominantly FHLB stock.
The asset-backed securities classified as Level 3 are predominantly ARS. A change in the paydown rate (the projected annual rate of principal reduction) of the ARS can significantly impact the fair value of these securities. A decrease in the paydown rate would increase the projected weighted average life of the ARS and increase the sensitivity of the ARS’ fair value to changes in interest rates. An increase in the liquidity premium would result in a decrease in the fair value of the securities, while a decrease in the liquidity premium would increase the fair value of these securities. The liquidation value for these securities are sensitive to the issuer’s available cash flows and ability to redeem the securities, as well as the current holders’ willingness to liquidate at the specified price.
The fair value of corporate bonds classified as Level 3 is sensitive to changes in the interest rate spread over the corresponding U.S. Treasury rate. This spread represents a risk premium that is impacted by company specific and market factors. An increase in the spread can be caused by a perceived increase in credit risk of a specific issuer and/or an increase in the overall market risk premium associated with similar securities. The fair values of corporate bonds are sensitive to changes in
spread. When holding the treasury rate constant, the fair value of corporate bonds increases when spreads decrease, and decreases when spreads increase.
The fair value of the GLWB embedded derivative is sensitive to changes in the discount rate which includes the Company’s nonperformance risk, volatility, lapse, and mortality assumptions. The volatility assumption is an observable input as it is based on market inputs. The Company’s nonperformance risk, lapse, and mortality are unobservable. An increase in the three unobservable assumptions would result in a decrease in the fair value of the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumptions the fair value would increase. The fair value is also dependent on the assumed policyholder utilization of the GLWB where an increase in assumed utilization would result in an increase in the fair value of the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumption, the fair value would decrease.
The fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is sensitive to non-performance risk, which is unobservable. The value of the liability increases with decreases in the discount rate and non-performance risk and decreases with increases in the discount rate and nonperformance risk. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and the liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.
The fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is sensitive to non-performance risk, which is unobservable. The value of the liability increases with decreases in the discount rate and non-performance risk and decreases with increases in the discount rate and non-performance risk. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and the liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the year ended December 31, 2019, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Gains
|
|
|
|
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Losses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Gains (losses) included in Earnings related to Instruments still held at
the
Reporting
Date
|
|
Beginning
Balance
|
|
Included in
Earnings
|
|
Included In Other
Comprehensive
Income
|
|
Included in
Earnings
|
|
Included in Other
Comprehensive
Income
|
|
Purchases
|
|
Sales
|
|
Issuances
|
|
Settlements
|
|
Transfers
in/out of
Level 3
|
|
Other
|
|
Ending
Balance
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
730
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(91)
|
|
|
9,359
|
|
|
(46)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
95
|
|
|
(18)
|
|
|
10,029
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
421,642
|
|
|
904
|
|
|
26,034
|
|
|
(71)
|
|
|
(8,075)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(20,031)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
816
|
|
|
421,219
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate securities
|
638,276
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
72,881
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(14,827)
|
|
|
752,929
|
|
|
(179,604)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
106,368
|
|
|
(2,391)
|
|
|
1,373,714
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
|
1,059,918
|
|
|
986
|
|
|
99,645
|
|
|
(71)
|
|
|
(22,993)
|
|
|
762,288
|
|
|
(199,681)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
106,463
|
|
|
(1,593)
|
|
|
1,804,962
|
|
|
—
|
|
Fixed maturity securities - trading
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
26,056
|
|
|
9,295
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3,695)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
32,182
|
|
|
(24,496)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
26,267
|
|
|
(202)
|
|
|
65,407
|
|
|
1,829
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate securities
|
6,242
|
|
|
239
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(35)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,700
|
|
|
(1,035)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,363
|
|
|
(103)
|
|
|
11,371
|
|
|
35
|
|
Total fixed maturity securities - trading
|
32,298
|
|
|
9,534
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3,730)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
33,882
|
|
|
(25,531)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
30,630
|
|
|
(305)
|
|
|
76,778
|
|
|
1,864
|
|
Total fixed maturity securities
|
1,092,216
|
|
|
10,520
|
|
|
99,645
|
|
|
(3,801)
|
|
|
(22,993)
|
|
|
796,170
|
|
|
(225,212)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
137,093
|
|
|
(1,898)
|
|
|
1,881,740
|
|
|
1,864
|
|
Equity securities
|
63,421
|
|
|
(1,829)
|
|
|
(244)
|
|
|
(18)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
9,567
|
|
|
2,073
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
72,970
|
|
|
426
|
|
Other long-term investments(1)
|
151,342
|
|
|
90,078
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(31,448)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,579
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,708)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
209,843
|
|
|
56,922
|
|
Short-term investments
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total investments
|
1,306,979
|
|
|
98,769
|
|
|
99,401
|
|
|
(35,267)
|
|
|
(22,993)
|
|
|
807,316
|
|
|
(223,139)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,708)
|
|
|
137,093
|
|
|
(1,898)
|
|
|
2,164,553
|
|
|
59,212
|
|
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
|
$
|
1,306,979
|
|
|
$
|
98,769
|
|
|
$
|
99,401
|
|
|
$
|
(35,267)
|
|
|
$
|
(22,993)
|
|
|
$
|
807,316
|
|
|
$
|
(223,139)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(1,708)
|
|
|
$
|
137,093
|
|
|
$
|
(1,898)
|
|
|
$
|
2,164,553
|
|
|
$
|
59,212
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annuity account balances(2)
|
$
|
76,119
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(2,550)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
365
|
|
|
$
|
9,306
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
69,728
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Other liabilities(1)
|
438,127
|
|
|
108,438
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(617,395)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
70,888
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,017,972
|
|
|
(508,957)
|
|
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
|
$
|
514,246
|
|
|
$
|
108,438
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(619,945)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
70,888
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
365
|
|
|
$
|
9,306
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,087,700
|
|
|
$
|
(508,957)
|
|
(1)Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, $195.4 million of securities were transferred into Level 3.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, $58.4 million of securities were transferred into Level 2. This amount was transferred from Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available in previous periods but were priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of December 31, 2019.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, there were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, no securities were transferred from Level 1.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the year ended December 31, 2018, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Gains (losses)
included in
Earnings
related to
Instruments
still held at
the Reporting
Date
|
|
|
|
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Gains
|
|
|
|
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Losses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning
Balance
|
|
Included in
Earnings
|
|
Included in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
|
|
Included in
Earnings
|
|
Included in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
|
|
Purchases
|
|
Sales
|
|
Issuances
|
|
Settlements
|
|
Transfers
in/out of
Level 3
|
|
Other
|
|
Ending
Balance
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential mortgage-backed securities
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(995)
|
|
|
$
|
22,225
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(21,281)
|
|
|
$
|
51
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,497)
|
|
|
48,621
|
|
|
(292)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(45,832)
|
|
|
(50)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
504,365
|
|
|
3,716
|
|
|
16,503
|
|
|
(159)
|
|
|
(25,578)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(80,050)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
222
|
|
|
2,623
|
|
|
421,642
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate securities
|
626,901
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
12,537
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(29,017)
|
|
|
108,491
|
|
|
(97,676)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
20,721
|
|
|
(3,681)
|
|
|
638,276
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total fixed maturity securities— available-for-sale
|
1,131,266
|
|
|
3,716
|
|
|
29,090
|
|
|
(159)
|
|
|
(58,087)
|
|
|
179,337
|
|
|
(178,018)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(46,170)
|
|
|
(1,057)
|
|
|
1,059,918
|
|
|
—
|
|
Fixed maturity securities—trading
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other asset-backed securities
|
35,222
|
|
|
464
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3,798)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
8,728
|
|
|
(14,511)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
164
|
|
|
(213)
|
|
|
26,056
|
|
|
(3,179)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate securities
|
5,442
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(145)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
999
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(99)
|
|
|
6,242
|
|
|
(101)
|
|
Total fixed maturity securities—trading
|
40,664
|
|
|
509
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3,943)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
9,727
|
|
|
(14,511)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
164
|
|
|
(312)
|
|
|
32,298
|
|
|
(3,280)
|
|
Total fixed maturity securities
|
1,171,930
|
|
|
4,225
|
|
|
29,090
|
|
|
(4,102)
|
|
|
(58,087)
|
|
|
189,064
|
|
|
(192,529)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(46,006)
|
|
|
(1,369)
|
|
|
1,092,216
|
|
|
(3,280)
|
|
Equity securities
|
65,518
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(30)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
(2,103)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
63,421
|
|
|
282
|
|
Other long-term investments(1)
|
160,466
|
|
|
39,118
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(47,615)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(627)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
151,342
|
|
|
(9,124)
|
|
Short-term investments
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total investments
|
1,397,914
|
|
|
43,344
|
|
|
29,090
|
|
|
(51,747)
|
|
|
(58,087)
|
|
|
189,100
|
|
|
(194,632)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(627)
|
|
|
(46,006)
|
|
|
(1,370)
|
|
|
1,306,979
|
|
|
(12,122)
|
|
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
|
$
|
1,397,914
|
|
|
$
|
43,344
|
|
|
$
|
29,090
|
|
|
$
|
(51,747)
|
|
|
$
|
(58,087)
|
|
|
$
|
189,100
|
|
|
$
|
(194,632)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(627)
|
|
|
$
|
(46,006)
|
|
|
$
|
(1,370)
|
|
|
$
|
1,306,979
|
|
|
$
|
(12,122)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annuity account balances(2)
|
$
|
83,472
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(3,505)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
623
|
|
|
$
|
11,481
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
76,119
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Other liabilities(1)
|
597,562
|
|
|
299,366
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(139,931)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
438,127
|
|
|
159,435
|
|
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
|
$
|
681,034
|
|
|
$
|
299,366
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(143,436)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
623
|
|
|
$
|
11,481
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
514,246
|
|
|
$
|
159,435
|
|
(1)Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, $39.7 million of securities were transferred into Level 3.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, $85.7 million of securities were transferred into Level 2. This amount was transferred from Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available in previous periods but were priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of December 31, 2018.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, no securities were transferred out of Level 1.
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities are primarily reported in either realized investment gains (losses) within the consolidated statements of income (loss) or other comprehensive income (loss) within shareowner’s equity based on the appropriate accounting treatment for the item.
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net, represent the activity that occurred during the period that results in a change of the asset or liability but does not represent changes in fair value for the instruments held at the beginning of the period. Such activity primarily relates to purchases and sales of fixed maturity securities and issuances and settlements of fixed indexed annuities.
The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Changes in the observability of the valuation attributes may result in a reclassification of certain financial assets or liabilities. Such reclassifications are reported as transfers in and out of Level 3 at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur. The asset
transfers in the table(s) above primarily related to positions moved from Level 3 to Level 2 as the Company determined that certain inputs were observable.
The amount of total gains (losses) for assets and liabilities still held as of the reporting date primarily represents changes in fair value of trading securities and certain derivatives that exist as of the reporting date and the change in fair value of fixed indexed annuities.
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of the periods shown below are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
Fair Value
Level
|
|
Carrying
Amounts
|
|
Fair
Values
|
|
Carrying
Amounts
|
|
Fair
Values
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage loans on real estate
|
3
|
|
|
$
|
9,379,401
|
|
|
$
|
9,584,487
|
|
|
$
|
7,724,733
|
|
|
$
|
7,447,702
|
|
Policy loans
|
3
|
|
|
1,675,121
|
|
|
1,675,121
|
|
|
1,695,886
|
|
|
1,695,886
|
|
Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity(1)
|
3
|
|
|
2,823,881
|
|
|
3,025,790
|
|
|
2,633,474
|
|
|
2,547,210
|
|
Other long-term investments(2)
|
3
|
|
|
1,216,996
|
|
|
1,246,889
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stable value product account balances
|
3
|
|
|
$
|
5,443,752
|
|
|
$
|
5,551,195
|
|
|
$
|
5,234,731
|
|
|
$
|
5,200,723
|
|
Future policy benefits and claims(3)
|
3
|
|
|
1,701,324
|
|
|
1,705,235
|
|
|
1,671,414
|
|
|
1,671,434
|
|
Other policyholders’ funds(4)
|
3
|
|
|
127,084
|
|
|
130,259
|
|
|
131,150
|
|
|
131,782
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt:(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-recourse funding obligations(6)
|
3
|
|
|
$
|
3,082,753
|
|
|
$
|
3,298,580
|
|
|
$
|
2,888,329
|
|
|
$
|
2,801,399
|
|
Subordinated funding obligations
|
3
|
|
|
110,000
|
|
|
113,286
|
|
|
110,000
|
|
|
95,476
|
|
Except as noted below, fair values were estimated using quoted market prices.
(1)Securities purchased from unconsolidated subsidiaries, Red Mountain LLC and Steel City LLC.
(2)Other long-term investments represents a modco receivable, which is related to invested assets such as fixed income and structured securities, which are legally owned by the ceding company. The fair value is determined in a manner consistent with other similar invested assets held by the Company.
(3)Single premium immediate annuity without life contingencies.
(4)Supplementary contracts without life contingencies.
(5)Excludes capital lease obligations of $1.0 million and $1.3 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(6)As of December 31, 2019, carrying amount $2.8 billion and a fair value of $3.0 billion related to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V. As of December 31, 2018, carrying amount of $2.6 billion and fair value of $2.5 billion related to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V.
Fair Value Measurements
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
The Company estimates the fair value of mortgage loans using an internally developed model. This model includes inputs derived by the Company based on assumed discount rates relative to the Company’s current mortgage loan lending rate and an expected cash flow analysis based on a review of the mortgage loan terms. The model also contains the Company’s determined representative risk adjustment assumptions related to credit and liquidity risks.
Policy Loans
The Company believes the fair value of policy loans approximates book value. Policy loans are funds provided to policyholders in return for a claim on the policy. The funds provided are limited to the cash surrender value of the underlying policy. The nature of policy loans is to have a negligible default risk as the loans are fully collateralized by the value of the policy. Policy loans do not have a stated maturity and the balances and accrued interest are repaid either by the policyholder or with proceeds from the policy. Due to the collateralized nature of policy loans and unpredictable timing of repayments, the Company believes the carrying value of policy loans approximates fair value.
Fixed Maturities, Held-to-Maturity
The Company estimates the fair value of its fixed maturity, held-to-maturity securities using internal discounted cash flow models. The discount rates used in the model are based on a current market yield for similar financial instruments.
Other Long-Term Investments
In addition to free-standing and embedded derivative financial instruments discussed above, other long-term investments includes approximately $1.2 billion of amounts receivable under certain modified coinsurance agreements. These amounts represent funds withheld in connection with certain reinsurance agreements in which the Company acts as the reinsurer. Under the terms of these agreements, assets equal to statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned by the ceding company, and any excess or shortfall is settled periodically. In some cases, these modified coinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives which are discussed in more detail above. The fair value of amounts receivable under modified coinsurance agreements, including the embedded derivative component, correspond to the fair value of the underlying assets withheld.
Stable Value Product and Other Investment Contract Balances
The Company estimates the fair value of stable value product account balances and other investment contract balances (included in Future policy benefits and claims as well as Other policyholders’ funds line items on our consolidated balance sheet) using models based on discounted expected cash flows. The discount rates used in the models are based on a current market rate for similar financial instruments.
Funding Obligations
The Company estimates the fair value of its subordinated and non-recourse funding obligations using internal discounted cash flow models. The discount rates used in the model are based on a current market yield for similar financial instruments.
7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Types of Derivative Instruments and Derivative Strategies
The Company utilizes a risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to certain risks, including but not limited to, interest rate risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, and equity market risk. These strategies are developed through the Company’s analysis of data from financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources, and are then incorporated into the Company’s risk management program.
Derivative instruments expose the Company to credit and market risk and could result in material changes from period to period. The Company attempts to minimize its credit in connection with its overall asset/liability management programs and risk management strategies. In addition, all derivative programs are monitored by our risk management department.
Derivatives Related to Interest Rate Risk Management
Derivative instruments that are used as part of the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy include interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, interest rate caps, and interest rate swaptions.
Derivatives Related to Foreign Currency Exchange Risk Management
Derivative instruments that are used as part of the Company’s foreign currency exchange risk management strategy include foreign currency swaps, foreign currency futures, foreign equity futures, and foreign equity options.
Derivatives Related to Risk Mitigation of Certain Annuity Contracts
The Company may use the following types of derivative contracts to mitigate its exposure to certain guaranteed benefits related to VA contracts, fixed indexed annuities, and indexed universal life contracts:
•Foreign Currency Futures
•Variance Swaps
•Interest Rate Futures
•Equity Options
•Equity Futures
•Credit derivatives
•Interest Rate Swaps
•Interest Rate Swaptions
•Volatility Futures
•Volatility Options
•Funds Withheld Agreement
•Total Return Swaps
•Foreign Currency Options
Other Derivatives
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have derivatives with PLC. These derivatives consist of an interest support agreement, YRT premium support agreements, and portfolio maintenance agreements with PLC.
The Company has a funds withheld account that consists of various derivative instruments held by us that is used to hedge the GLWB and GMDB riders. The economic performance of derivatives in the funds withheld account is ceded to Shades Creek. The funds withheld account is accounted for as a derivative financial instrument.
Accounting for Derivative Instruments
GAAP requires that all derivatives be recognized in the balance sheet at fair value. The Company records its derivative financial instruments in the consolidated balance sheet in other long-term investments and other liabilities. The change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments is reported either in the statement of income or in other comprehensive income (loss), depending upon whether it qualified for and also has been properly identified as being part of a hedging relationship, and also on the type of hedging relationship that exists.
It is the Company's policy not to offset assets and liabilities associated with open derivative contracts. However, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) rules characterize variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. As a result, derivative assets and liabilities associated with centrally cleared derivatives for which the CME serves as the central clearing party are presented as if these derivatives had been settled as of the reporting date.
For a derivative financial instrument to be accounted for as an accounting hedge, it must be identified and documented as such on the date of designation. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of their realized gain or loss is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged item impacts earnings. Any remaining gain or loss, the ineffective portion, is recognized in current earnings. For fair value hedge derivatives, their gain or loss as well as the offsetting loss or gain attributable to the hedged risk of the hedged item is recognized in current earnings. Effectiveness of the Company’s hedge relationships is assessed on a quarterly basis.
The Company reports changes in fair values of derivatives that are not part of a qualifying hedge relationship through earnings in the period of change. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are recognized in current earnings are reported in Realized investment gains (losses).
Derivative Instruments Designated and Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
Cash-Flow Hedges
•To hedge a fixed rate note denominated in a foreign currency, the Company entered into a fixed-to-fixed foreign currency swap in order to hedge the foreign currency exchange risk associated with the note. The cash flows received on the swap are identical to the cash flow paid on the note.
•To hedge a floating rate note, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to exchange the floating rate on the note for a fixed rate in order to hedge the interest rate risk associated with the note. The cash flows received on the swap are identical to the cash flow variability paid on the note.
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
The Company uses various other derivative instruments for risk management purposes that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized in earnings during the period of change.
Derivatives Related to Variable Annuity Contracts
•The Company uses equity futures, equity options, total return swaps, interest rate futures, interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, currency futures, currency options, volatility futures, volatility options, and variance swaps to mitigate the risk related to certain guaranteed minimum benefits, including GLWB, within its VA products. In general, the cost of such benefits varies with the level of equity and interest rate markets, foreign currency levels, and overall volatility.
•The Company markets certain VA products with a GLWB rider. The GLWB component is considered an embedded derivative, not considered to be clearly and closely related to the host contract.
•The Company has a funds withheld account that consists of various derivative instruments held by the Company that are used to hedge the GLWB and GMDB riders. The economic performance of derivatives in the funds withheld account is ceded to Shades Creek. The funds withheld account is accounted for as a derivative financial instrument.
Derivatives Related to Fixed Annuity Contracts
•The Company uses equity futures and options to mitigate the risk within its fixed indexed annuity products. In general, the cost of such benefits varies with the level of equity and overall volatility.
•The Company markets certain fixed indexed annuity products. The FIA component is considered an embedded derivative as it is, not considered to be clearly and closely related to the host contract.
Derivatives Related to Indexed Universal Life Contracts
•The Company uses equity futures and options to mitigate the risk within its indexed universal life products. In general, the cost of such benefits varies with the level of equity markets.
•The Company markets certain IUL products. The IUL component is considered an embedded derivative as it is, not considered to be clearly and closely related to the host contract.
Other Derivatives
•The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have an interest support agreement, YRT premium support agreements, and portfolio maintenance agreements with PLC.
•The Company uses various swaps and other types of derivatives to manage risk related to other exposures.
•The Company is involved in various modified coinsurance arrangements and funds withheld which contain embedded derivatives. Changes in their fair value are recorded in current period earnings. The investment portfolios that support the related modified coinsurance reserves and funds withheld arrangements had fair value changes which substantially offset the gains or losses on these embedded derivatives.
The following table sets forth realized investments gains and losses for the periods shown:
Realized investment gains (losses) - derivative financial instruments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives related to VA contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate futures
|
$
|
(20,012)
|
|
|
$
|
(25,473)
|
|
|
$
|
26,015
|
|
Equity futures
|
5,069
|
|
|
(88,208)
|
|
|
(91,776)
|
|
Currency futures
|
3,095
|
|
|
10,275
|
|
|
(23,176)
|
|
Equity options
|
(149,700)
|
|
|
38,083
|
|
|
(94,791)
|
|
Currency options
|
(94)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Interest rate swaptions
|
—
|
|
|
(14)
|
|
|
(2,490)
|
|
Interest rate swaps
|
229,641
|
|
|
(45,185)
|
|
|
27,981
|
|
Total return swaps
|
(78,014)
|
|
|
77,225
|
|
|
(32,240)
|
|
Embedded derivative - GLWB
|
(107,108)
|
|
|
(27,761)
|
|
|
(8,526)
|
|
Funds withheld derivative
|
145,140
|
|
|
(25,541)
|
|
|
138,228
|
|
Total derivatives related to VA contracts
|
28,017
|
|
|
(86,599)
|
|
|
(60,775)
|
|
Derivatives related to FIA contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embedded derivative
|
(85,573)
|
|
|
35,397
|
|
|
(55,878)
|
|
Equity futures
|
1,717
|
|
|
330
|
|
|
642
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity options
|
84,079
|
|
|
(38,885)
|
|
|
44,585
|
|
Total derivatives related to FIA contracts
|
223
|
|
|
(3,158)
|
|
|
(10,651)
|
|
Derivatives related to IUL contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embedded derivative
|
(12,894)
|
|
|
9,062
|
|
|
(14,117)
|
|
Equity futures
|
420
|
|
|
261
|
|
|
(818)
|
|
Equity options
|
14,882
|
|
|
(6,338)
|
|
|
9,580
|
|
Total derivatives related to IUL contracts
|
2,408
|
|
|
2,985
|
|
|
(5,355)
|
|
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties
|
(187,004)
|
|
|
166,757
|
|
|
(103,009)
|
|
Derivatives with PLC(1)
|
27,038
|
|
|
(902)
|
|
|
42,699
|
|
Other derivatives
|
(2,141)
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
50
|
|
Total realized gains (losses) - derivatives
|
$
|
(131,459)
|
|
|
$
|
79,097
|
|
|
$
|
(137,041)
|
|
(1)These derivatives include an interest support, YRT premium support, and portfolio maintenance agreements between certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and PLC.
The following tables present the components of the gain or loss on derivatives that qualify as a cash flow hedging relationship:
Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in Cash Flow Relationship
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivatives
|
|
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss)
|
|
Amount and Location of (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives
|
|
(Effective Portion)
|
|
(Effective Portion)
|
|
(Ineffective Portion)
|
|
|
|
Benefits and settlement
expenses
|
|
Realized investment
gains (losses)
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency swaps
|
$
|
(9,638)
|
|
|
$
|
(1,031)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Interest rate swaps
|
(2,743)
|
|
|
(1,247)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
$
|
(12,381)
|
|
|
$
|
(2,278)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency swaps
|
$
|
(812)
|
|
|
$
|
(798)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Interest rate swaps
|
(1,574)
|
|
|
(633)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
$
|
(2,386)
|
|
|
$
|
(1,431)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency swaps
|
$
|
(867)
|
|
|
$
|
(694)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Total
|
$
|
(867)
|
|
|
$
|
(694)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Based on expected cash flows of the underlying hedged items, the Company expects to reclassify $2.7 million out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings during the next twelve months.
The table below presents information about the nature and accounting treatment of the Company’s primary derivative financial instruments and the location in and effect on the consolidated financial statements for the periods presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
Notional
Amount
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Notional
Amount
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate swaps
|
$
|
2,228,000
|
|
|
$
|
98,655
|
|
|
$
|
1,515,500
|
|
|
$
|
28,501
|
|
Total return swaps
|
269,772
|
|
|
941
|
|
|
138,070
|
|
|
3,971
|
|
Derivatives with PLC(1)
|
2,830,889
|
|
|
115,379
|
|
|
2,856,351
|
|
|
90,049
|
|
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties
|
1,280,189
|
|
|
31,926
|
|
|
585,294
|
|
|
7,072
|
|
Embedded derivative - GLWB
|
1,147,436
|
|
|
62,538
|
|
|
1,919,861
|
|
|
54,221
|
|
Interest rate futures
|
896,073
|
|
|
7,557
|
|
|
286,208
|
|
|
10,302
|
|
Equity futures
|
159,901
|
|
|
2,109
|
|
|
12,633
|
|
|
483
|
|
Currency futures
|
72,593
|
|
|
131
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Equity options
|
6,685,670
|
|
|
676,257
|
|
|
5,624,081
|
|
|
220,092
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
157
|
|
|
136
|
|
|
$
|
15,570,523
|
|
|
$
|
995,493
|
|
|
$
|
12,938,155
|
|
|
$
|
414,827
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow hedges:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate swaps
|
$
|
350,000
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
350,000
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Foreign currency swaps
|
117,178
|
|
|
11,373
|
|
|
117,178
|
|
|
904
|
|
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate swaps
|
50,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
775,000
|
|
|
11,367
|
|
Total return swaps
|
579,675
|
|
|
3,229
|
|
|
768,177
|
|
|
23,054
|
|
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties
|
2,263,685
|
|
|
231,516
|
|
|
1,795,287
|
|
|
32,828
|
|
Funds withheld derivative
|
1,845,649
|
|
|
70,583
|
|
|
1,992,562
|
|
|
95,142
|
|
Embedded derivative - GLWB
|
2,892,926
|
|
|
248,577
|
|
|
4,071,322
|
|
|
97,528
|
|
Embedded derivative - FIA
|
2,892,803
|
|
|
332,869
|
|
|
2,576,033
|
|
|
217,288
|
|
Embedded derivative - IUL
|
301,598
|
|
|
151,765
|
|
|
233,550
|
|
|
90,231
|
|
Interest rate futures
|
669,223
|
|
|
10,375
|
|
|
863,706
|
|
|
20,100
|
|
Equity futures
|
174,743
|
|
|
2,376
|
|
|
659,357
|
|
|
33,753
|
|
Currency futures
|
192,306
|
|
|
1,836
|
|
|
202,747
|
|
|
2,163
|
|
Equity options
|
4,827,714
|
|
|
429,434
|
|
|
4,199,687
|
|
|
34,178
|
|
Other
|
199,387
|
|
|
53,245
|
|
|
3,288
|
|
|
252
|
|
|
$
|
17,356,887
|
|
|
$
|
1,547,178
|
|
|
$
|
18,607,894
|
|
|
$
|
658,788
|
|
(1)These derivatives include an interest support, YRT premium support, and portfolio maintenance agreements between certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and PLC.
8. OFFSETTING OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Certain of the Company’s derivative instruments are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide for the net settlement of all derivative contracts between the Company and a counterparty in the event of default or upon the occurrence of certain termination events. Collateral support agreements associated with each master netting arrangement provide that the Company will receive or pledge financial collateral in the event either minimum thresholds, or in certain cases ratings levels, have been reached. Additionally, certain of the Company’s repurchase agreements provide for net settlement on termination of the agreement. Refer to Note 14, Debt and Other Obligations for details of the Company’s repurchase agreement programs.
Collateral received includes both cash and non-cash collateral. Cash collateral received by the Company is recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as “cash”, with a corresponding amount recorded in “other liabilities” to represent the Company’s obligation to return the collateral. Non-cash collateral received by the Company is not recognized on the consolidated balance sheet unless the Company exercises its right to sell or re-pledge the underlying asset. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the fair value of non-cash collateral received was $21.3 million and $45.0 million, respectively.
The tables below present the derivative instruments by assets and liabilities for the Company as of December 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
|
|
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
|
|
Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
the Statement of
Financial
Position
|
|
Gross Amounts
Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial
Instruments
|
|
Collateral
Received
|
|
Net Amount
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offsetting of Derivative Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Free-Standing derivatives
|
$
|
785,650
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
785,650
|
|
|
$
|
452,562
|
|
|
$
|
215,587
|
|
|
$
|
117,501
|
|
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
|
785,650
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
785,650
|
|
|
452,562
|
|
|
215,587
|
|
|
117,501
|
|
Derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties
|
31,926
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
31,926
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
31,926
|
|
Embedded derivative - GLWB
|
62,538
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
62,538
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
62,538
|
|
Derivatives with PLC
|
115,379
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
115,379
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
115,379
|
|
Other
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
|
209,843
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
209,843
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
209,843
|
|
Total derivatives
|
995,493
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
995,493
|
|
|
452,562
|
|
|
215,587
|
|
|
327,344
|
|
Total Assets
|
$
|
995,493
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
995,493
|
|
|
$
|
452,562
|
|
|
$
|
215,587
|
|
|
$
|
327,344
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
|
|
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
|
|
Net Amounts
of Liabilities
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
|
|
Gross Amounts
Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial
Instruments
|
|
Collateral
Posted
|
|
Net Amount
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Free-Standing derivatives
|
$
|
458,623
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
458,623
|
|
|
$
|
452,562
|
|
|
$
|
4,791
|
|
|
$
|
1,270
|
|
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
|
458,623
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
458,623
|
|
|
452,562
|
|
|
4,791
|
|
|
1,270
|
|
Derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties
|
231,516
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
231,516
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
231,516
|
|
Funds withheld derivative
|
70,583
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
70,583
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
70,583
|
|
Embedded derivative - GLWB
|
248,577
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
248,577
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
248,577
|
|
Embedded derivative - FIA
|
332,869
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
332,869
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
332,869
|
|
Embedded derivative - IUL
|
151,765
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
151,765
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
151,765
|
|
Other
|
53,245
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
53,245
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
53,245
|
|
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
|
1,088,555
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,088,555
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,088,555
|
|
Total derivatives
|
1,547,178
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,547,178
|
|
|
452,562
|
|
|
4,791
|
|
|
1,089,825
|
|
Repurchase agreements(1)
|
270,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
270,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
270,000
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
$
|
1,817,178
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,817,178
|
|
|
$
|
452,562
|
|
|
$
|
4,791
|
|
|
$
|
1,359,825
|
|
(1)Borrowings under repurchase agreements are for a term less than 90 days.
The tables below present the derivative instruments by assets and liabilities for the Company as of December 31, 2018.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
Amounts
of
Recognized
Assets
|
|
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
|
|
Net
Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
|
|
Gross Amounts
Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial
Instruments
|
|
Collateral
Received
|
|
Net Amount
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offsetting of Derivative Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Free-Standing derivatives
|
$
|
263,349
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
263,349
|
|
|
$
|
70,322
|
|
|
$
|
99,199
|
|
|
$
|
93,828
|
|
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
|
263,349
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
263,349
|
|
|
70,322
|
|
|
99,199
|
|
|
93,828
|
|
Derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties
|
7,072
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
7,072
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
7,072
|
|
Embedded derivative - GLWB
|
54,221
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
54,221
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
54,221
|
|
Derivatives with PLC
|
90,049
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
90,049
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
90,049
|
|
Other
|
136
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
136
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
136
|
|
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
|
151,478
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
151,478
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
151,478
|
|
Total derivatives
|
414,827
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
414,827
|
|
|
70,322
|
|
|
99,199
|
|
|
245,306
|
|
Total Assets
|
$
|
414,827
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
414,827
|
|
|
$
|
70,322
|
|
|
$
|
99,199
|
|
|
$
|
245,306
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
Amounts
of
Recognized
Liabilities
|
|
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
|
|
Net
Amounts
of Liabilities
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
|
|
Gross Amounts
Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial
Instruments
|
|
Collateral
Posted
|
|
Net Amount
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Free-Standing derivatives
|
$
|
125,519
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
125,519
|
|
|
$
|
70,322
|
|
|
$
|
47,856
|
|
|
$
|
7,341
|
|
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
|
125,519
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
125,519
|
|
|
70,322
|
|
|
47,856
|
|
|
7,341
|
|
Derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties
|
32,828
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
32,828
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
32,828
|
|
Funds withheld derivative
|
95,142
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
95,142
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
95,142
|
|
Embedded derivative - GLWB
|
97,528
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
97,528
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
97,528
|
|
Embedded derivative - FIA
|
217,288
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
217,288
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
217,288
|
|
Embedded derivative - IUL
|
90,231
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
90,231
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
90,231
|
|
Other
|
252
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
252
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
252
|
|
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement
|
533,269
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
533,269
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
533,269
|
|
Total derivatives
|
658,788
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
658,788
|
|
|
70,322
|
|
|
47,856
|
|
|
540,610
|
|
Repurchase agreements(1)
|
418,090
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
418,090
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
418,090
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
$
|
1,076,878
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,076,878
|
|
|
$
|
70,322
|
|
|
$
|
47,856
|
|
|
$
|
958,700
|
|
(1)Borrowings under repurchase agreements are for a term less than 90 days.
9. MORTGAGE LOANS
Mortgage Loans
The Company invests a portion of its investment portfolio in commercial mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s mortgage loan holdings were approximately $9.4 billion. The Company has specialized in making loans on credit-oriented commercial properties, credit-anchored strip shopping centers, senior living facilities, and apartments. The Company’s underwriting procedures relative to its commercial loan portfolio are based, in the Company’s view, on a conservative and disciplined approach. The Company concentrates on a small number of commercial real estate asset types associated with the necessities of life (retail, multi-family, senior living, professional office buildings, and warehouses). The Company believes that these asset types tend to weather economic downturns better than other commercial asset classes in which it has chosen not to participate. The Company believes this disciplined approach has helped to maintain a relatively low delinquency and foreclosure rate throughout its history. The majority of the Company’s mortgage loans portfolio was underwritten by the Company. From time to time, the Company may acquire loans in conjunction with an acquisition.
The Company’s commercial mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, and net of valuation allowances. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Amortization of premiums and discounts is recorded using the effective yield method. Interest income, amortization of premiums and discounts and prepayment fees are reported in net investment income.
The following table includes a breakdown of the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio by property type as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
Type
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
Retail
|
|
36.8
|
%
|
|
45.0
|
%
|
Office Buildings
|
|
14.4
|
|
|
13.2
|
|
Apartments
|
|
12.5
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Warehouses
|
|
16.4
|
|
|
11.3
|
|
Senior housing
|
|
14.7
|
|
|
15.8
|
|
Other
|
|
5.2
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
The Company specializes in originating mortgage loans on either credit-oriented or credit-anchored commercial properties. No single tenant’s exposure represents more than 1.0% of mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, approximately 60.2% and 62.5% of the mortgage loans are on properties located in the following states, respectively:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
|
State
|
|
As of December 31, 2019
|
California
|
|
11.9
|
%
|
Texas
|
|
7.7
|
|
Alabama
|
|
7.2
|
|
Florida
|
|
6.5
|
|
Georgia
|
|
5.7
|
|
North Carolina
|
|
5.0
|
|
Utah
|
|
4.2
|
|
Michigan
|
|
4.1
|
|
Illinois
|
|
4.0
|
|
Ohio
|
|
3.9
|
|
|
|
60.2
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
|
State
|
|
As of December 31, 2018
|
Florida
|
|
8.8
|
%
|
Alabama
|
|
8.6
|
|
Texas
|
|
7.5
|
|
Georgia
|
|
7.3
|
|
California
|
|
7.2
|
|
Michigan
|
|
4.8
|
|
Tennessee
|
|
4.7
|
|
Utah
|
|
4.7
|
|
Ohio
|
|
4.5
|
|
North Carolina
|
|
4.4
|
|
|
|
62.5
|
%
|
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company funded approximately $1.2 billion of new loans, with an average loan size of $7.9 million. The average size mortgage loan in the portfolio as of December 31, 2019, was $5.1 million and the weighted-average interest rate was 4.5%. The largest single mortgage loan at December 31, 2019 was $78.0 million.
Certain of the mortgage loans have call options that occur within the next 10 years. However, if interest rates were to significantly increase, the Company may be unable to exercise the call options on its existing mortgage loans commensurate with the significantly increased market rates. Assuming the loans are called at their next call dates, approximately $134.0 million would become due in 2020, $683.1 million in 2021 through 2025, and $58.2 million in 2026 through 2029.
The Company offers a type of commercial mortgage loan under which the Company will permit a loan-to-value ratio of up to 85% in exchange for a participating interest in the cash flows from the underlying real estate. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, approximately $717.0 million and $700.6 million, respectively, of the Company’s total mortgage loans principal balance have this participation feature. Cash flows received as a result of this participation feature are recorded as interest income. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company recognized $23.4 million, $29.4 million, and $37.2 million of participating mortgage loan income, respectively.
As of December 31, 2019, approximately $3.0 million of invested assets consisted of nonperforming mortgage loans, restructured mortgage loans, or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. The Company does not expect these investments to adversely affect its liquidity or ability to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized four troubled debt restructurings as a result of the granting concessions to borrowers which included loan terms unavailable from other lenders. These concessions were the result of agreements between the creditor and the debtor. The Company did not identify any loans whose principal was permanently impaired during the year ended December 31, 2019.
As of December 31, 2018, approximately $3.0 million of invested assets consisted of nonperforming mortgage loans, restructured mortgage loans, or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. The Company does not expect these investments to adversely affect its liquidity or ability to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2018, certain mortgage loan transactions occurred that were accounted for as troubled debt restructurings. For all mortgage loans, the impact of troubled debt restructurings is generally reflected in our investment balance and in the allowance for mortgage loan credit losses. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized one troubled debt restructuring transaction as a result of the Company granting a concession to a borrower which included loan terms unavailable from other lenders. This concession was the result of an agreement between the creditor and the debtor. The Company did not identify any loans whose principal was permanently impaired during the year ended December 31, 2018.
As of December 31, 2017, approximately $6.5 million of invested assets consisted of nonperforming, restructured, or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. The Company does not expect these investments to adversely affect its liquidity or ability to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2017, certain mortgage loan transactions occurred that were accounted for as troubled debt restructurings. For all mortgage loans, the impact of troubled debt restructurings is generally reflected in our investment balance and in the
allowance for mortgage loan credit losses. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized two troubled debt restructurings as a result of the Company granting concessions to borrowers which included loans terms unavailable from other lenders. These concessions were the result of agreements between the creditor and the debtor. The Company did not identify any loans whose principal was permanently impaired during the year ended December 31, 2017.
As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there was an allowance for mortgage loan credit losses of $4.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively. Due to the Company’s loss experience and nature of the loan portfolio, the Company believes that a collectively evaluated allowance would be inappropriate. The Company believes an allowance calculated through an analysis of specific loans that are believed to have a higher risk of credit impairment provides a more accurate presentation of expected losses in the portfolio and is consistent with the applicable guidance for loan impairments in ASC Subtopic 310. Since the Company uses the specific identification method for calculating the allowance, it is necessary to review the economic situation of each borrower to determine those that have higher risk of credit impairment. The Company has a team of professionals that monitors borrower conditions such as payment practices, borrower credit, operating performance, and property conditions, as well as ensuring the timely payment of property taxes and insurance. Through this monitoring process, the Company assesses the risk of each loan. When issues are identified, the severity of the issues are assessed and reviewed for possible credit impairment. If a loss is probable, an expected loss calculation is performed and an allowance is established for that loan based on the expected loss. The expected loss is calculated as the excess carrying value of a loan over either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, or the current estimated fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral. A loan may be subsequently charged off at such point that the Company no longer expects to receive cash payments, the present value of future expected payments of the renegotiated loan is less than the current principal balance, or at such time that the Company is party to foreclosure or bankruptcy proceedings associated with the borrower and does not expect to recover the principal balance of the loan.
A charge off is recorded by eliminating the allowance against the mortgage loan and recording the renegotiated loan or the collateral property related to the loan as investment real estate on the balance sheet, which is carried at the lower of the appraised fair value of the property or the unpaid principal balance of the loan, less estimated selling costs associated with the property.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had allowances for mortgage loan credit losses of $4.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively, which is shown in the chart below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Beginning balance
|
$
|
1,296
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Charge offs
|
(350)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Recoveries
|
—
|
|
|
(209)
|
|
Provision
|
3,938
|
|
|
1,505
|
|
Ending balance
|
$
|
4,884
|
|
|
$
|
1,296
|
|
It is the Company’s policy to cease to carry accrued interest on loans that are over 90 days delinquent. For loans less than 90 days delinquent, interest is accrued unless it is determined that the accrued interest is not collectible. If a loan becomes over 90 days delinquent, it is the Company’s general policy to initiate foreclosure proceedings unless a workout arrangement to bring the loan current is in place.
The carrying value of the delinquent loans is shown in the following chart:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30-59 Days
Delinquent
|
|
60-89 Days
Delinquent
|
|
Greater
than 90 Days
Delinquent
|
|
Total
Delinquent
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial mortgage loans
|
$
|
6,455
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
710
|
|
|
$
|
7,165
|
|
Number of delinquent commercial mortgage loans
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
5
|
|
As of December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial mortgage loans
|
$
|
1,044
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,234
|
|
|
$
|
2,278
|
|
Number of delinquent commercial mortgage loans
|
4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
5
|
|
The Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio consists of mortgage loans that are collateralized by real estate. Due to the collateralized nature of the loans, any assessment of impairment and ultimate loss given a default on the loans is based upon a consideration of the estimated fair value of the real estate. The Company limits accrued interest income on loans to 90 days of interest. Once accrued interest on a non accrual loan is received, interest income is recognized on a cash basis.
The following table for delinquent loans includes the recorded investment, unpaid principal balance, related allowance, average recorded investment, interest income recognized, and cash basis interest income of the commercial loan portfolio as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recorded
Investment
|
|
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
|
|
Related
Allowance
|
|
Average
Recorded
Investment
|
|
Interest
Income
Recognized
|
|
Cash Basis
Interest
Income
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial mortgage loans:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
With no related allowance recorded
|
$
|
710
|
|
|
$
|
702
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
237
|
|
|
$
|
20
|
|
|
$
|
28
|
|
With an allowance recorded
|
16,209
|
|
|
16,102
|
|
|
4,884
|
|
|
3,242
|
|
|
841
|
|
|
838
|
|
As of December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial mortgage loans:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
With no related allowance recorded
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
With an allowance recorded
|
5,684
|
|
|
5,309
|
|
|
1,296
|
|
|
1,895
|
|
|
267
|
|
|
293
|
|
Mortgage loans that were modified in a troubled debt restructuring as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
contracts
|
|
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
|
|
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
Troubled debt restructuring:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial mortgage loans
|
2
|
|
|
$
|
3,771
|
|
|
$
|
3,771
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
Troubled debt restructuring:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial mortgage loans
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
2,688
|
|
|
$
|
1,742
|
|
10. DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND VALUE OF BUSINESS ACQUIRED
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
The balances and changes in DAC are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of period
|
$
|
1,348,613
|
|
|
$
|
843,448
|
|
Capitalization of commissions, sales, and issue expenses
|
407,556
|
|
|
446,593
|
|
Amortization
|
(157,280)
|
|
|
(133,500)
|
|
Change due to unrealized investment gains and losses
|
(119,358)
|
|
|
56,153
|
|
Implementation of ASU 2014-09
|
—
|
|
|
135,919
|
|
Balance, end of period
|
$
|
1,479,531
|
|
|
$
|
1,348,613
|
|
Value of Business Acquired
The balances and changes in VOBA are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of period
|
$
|
1,677,717
|
|
|
$
|
1,361,953
|
|
Acquisitions
|
551,892
|
|
|
336,862
|
|
Amortization
|
(18,373)
|
|
|
(92,566)
|
|
Change due to unrealized investment gains and losses
|
(171,212)
|
|
|
71,468
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of period
|
$
|
2,040,024
|
|
|
$
|
1,677,717
|
|
Based on the balance recorded as of December 31, 2019, the expected amortization of VOBA for the next five years is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected
|
Years
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
2020
|
|
$
|
113,345
|
|
2021
|
|
108,152
|
|
2022
|
|
107,321
|
|
2023
|
|
103,926
|
|
2024
|
|
102,264
|
|
11. GOODWILL
During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company performed its annual qualitative evaluation of goodwill based on the circumstances that existed as of October 1, 2019 and determined that there was no indication that its segment goodwill was more likely than not impaired and no adjustment to impair goodwill was necessary. The Company has assessed whether events have occurred subsequent to October 1, 2019 that would impact the Company’s conclusion and no such events were identified. After consideration of applicable factors and circumstances noted as part of the annual assessment, the Company determined that no triggering events had occurred and it was more likely than not that the increase in the fair value of the reporting units would exceed the increase in the carrying value of the reporting units.
As of December 31, 2019, the balance of goodwill for the Company was $825.5 million.
12. CERTAIN NONTRADITIONAL LONG-DURATION CONTRACTS
The Company issues variable universal life and VA products through its separate accounts for which investment income and investment gains and losses accrue directly to, and investment risk is borne by, the contract holder. The Company also offers, for our VA products, certain GMDB riders. The most significant of these guarantees involve 1) return of the highest anniversary date account value, or 2) return of the greater of the highest anniversary date account value or the last anniversary date account value compounded at 5% interest or 3) return of premium. The GLWB rider provides the contract holder with protection against certain adverse market impacts on the amount they can withdraw and is classified as an embedded derivative and is carried at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet. The VA separate account balances subject to GLWB were $8.4 billion and $8.4 billion as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. For more information regarding the valuation of and income impact of GLWB, please refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments.
The GMDB reserve is calculated by applying a benefit ratio, equal to the present value of total expected GMDB claims divided by the present value of total expected contract assessments, to cumulative contract assessments. This amount is then adjusted by the amount of cumulative GMDB claims paid and accrued interest. Assumptions used in the calculation of the GMDB reserve were as follows: mean investment performance of 6.71%, age-based mortality from the Ruark 2015 ALB table adjusted for company and industry experience, lapse rates determined by a dynamic formula, and an average discount rate of 4.8%. Changes in the GMDB reserve are included in benefits and settlement expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
The VA separate account balances subject to GMDB were $12.2 billion and $11.8 billion as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The total GMDB amount payable based on VA account balances as of December 31, 2019, was $116.1 million (including $42.5 million in the Annuities segment and $73.6 million in the Acquisitions segment) with a GMDB reserve of $25.5 million and $4.7 million in the Annuities and Acquisitions segment, respectively. The average attained age of contract holders as of December 31, 2019 for the Company was 72.
These amounts exclude certain VA business which has been 100% reinsured to Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance Company (formerly known as Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and Annuity Company) (“CALIC”) under a Modco agreement. The guaranteed amount payable associated with the annuities reinsured to CALIC was $7.1 million and is included in the Acquisitions segment. The average attained age of contract holders as of December 31, 2019, was 68.
Activity relating to GMDB reserves (excluding those 100% reinsured under the Modco agreement) is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning balance
|
$
|
34,700
|
|
|
$
|
26,934
|
|
|
$
|
27,835
|
|
Incurred guarantee benefits
|
(809)
|
|
|
11,065
|
|
|
(181)
|
|
Less: Paid guarantee benefits
|
3,664
|
|
|
3,299
|
|
|
720
|
|
Ending balance
|
$
|
30,227
|
|
|
$
|
34,700
|
|
|
$
|
26,934
|
|
Account balances of variable annuities with guarantees invested in variable annuity separate accounts are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Equity mutual funds
|
$
|
8,074,490
|
|
|
$
|
5,300,024
|
|
Fixed income mutual funds
|
4,167,158
|
|
|
6,568,575
|
|
Total
|
$
|
12,241,648
|
|
|
$
|
11,868,599
|
|
Certain of the Company’s fixed annuities and universal life products have a sales inducement in the form of a retroactive interest credit (“RIC”). In addition, certain annuity contracts provide a sales inducement in the form of a bonus interest credit. The Company maintains a reserve for all interest credits earned to date. The Company defers the expense associated with the RIC and bonus interest credits each period and amortizes these costs in a manner similar to that used for DAC.
Activity in the Company’s deferred sales inducement asset, recorded on the balance sheet in other assets was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred asset, beginning of period
|
$
|
39,577
|
|
|
$
|
30,956
|
|
|
$
|
22,497
|
|
Amounts deferred
|
5,813
|
|
|
13,336
|
|
|
14,246
|
|
Amortization
|
(2,860)
|
|
|
(4,715)
|
|
|
(5,787)
|
|
Deferred asset, end of period
|
$
|
42,530
|
|
|
$
|
39,577
|
|
|
$
|
30,956
|
|
13. REINSURANCE
The Company reinsures certain of its risks with (cedes), and assumes risks from, other insurers under yearly renewable term, coinsurance, and modified coinsurance agreements. Under yearly renewable term agreements, the Company reinsures only the mortality risk, while under coinsurance the Company reinsures a proportionate share of all risks arising under the reinsured policy. Under coinsurance, the reinsurer receives a proportionate share of the premiums less commissions and is liable for a corresponding share of all benefit payments. Modified coinsurance is accounted for in a manner similar to coinsurance except that the liability for future policy benefits is held by the ceding company, and settlements are made on a net basis between the companies.
Reinsurance ceded arrangements do not discharge the Company as the primary insurer. Ceded balances would represent a liability of the Company in the event the reinsurers were unable to meet their obligations to us under the terms of the reinsurance agreements. The Company monitors the concentration of credit risk the Company has with any reinsurer, as well as the financial condition of its reinsurers. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had reinsured approximately 28% of the face value of its life insurance in-force. The Company has reinsured approximately 12% of the face value of its life insurance in-force with the following three reinsurers:
•Security Life of Denver Insurance Co. (currently administered by Hannover Re)
•Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.
•The Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. (currently administered by Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.)
The Company has not experienced any credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, or 2017 related to these reinsurers. The Company has set limits on the amount of insurance retained on the life of any one person. The amount of insurance retained by the Company on any one life on traditional life insurance was $500,000 in years prior to mid-2005. In 2005, this retention amount was increased to $1,000,000 for certain policies, and during 2008, it was increased to $2,000,000 for certain policies. During 2016, the retention amount was increased to $5,000,000.
Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements, benefits, and reserves related to reinsured long-duration contracts are accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured contracts using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying contracts. The cost of reinsurance related to short-duration contracts is accounted for over the reinsurance contract period. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers, for both short- and long-duration reinsurance arrangements, are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liabilities and policy benefits associated with reinsured policies.
The following table presents the net life insurance in-force:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Direct life insurance in-force
|
$
|
766,196,760
|
|
|
$
|
765,986,223
|
|
Amounts assumed from other companies
|
212,573,612
|
|
|
135,407,408
|
|
Amounts ceded to other companies
|
(271,600,818)
|
|
|
(302,149,614)
|
|
Net life insurance in-force
|
$
|
707,169,554
|
|
|
$
|
599,244,017
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of amount assumed to net
|
30
|
%
|
|
23
|
%
|
The following table reflects the effect of reinsurance on life, accident/health, and property and liability insurance premiums written and earned:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
Amount
|
|
Ceded to
Other
Companies
|
|
Assumed
from
Other
Companies
|
|
Net
Amount
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums and policy fees:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-1
|
Life insurance
|
$
|
2,852,899
|
|
|
$
|
(1,383,822)
|
|
|
$
|
835,677
|
|
|
$
|
2,304,754
|
|
(1)
|
|
Accident/health insurance
|
42,248
|
|
|
(26,952)
|
|
|
41,406
|
|
|
56,702
|
|
|
Property and liability insurance
|
280,734
|
|
|
(106,430)
|
|
|
3,238
|
|
|
177,542
|
|
|
Total
|
$
|
3,175,881
|
|
|
$
|
(1,517,204)
|
|
|
$
|
880,321
|
|
|
$
|
2,538,998
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums and policy fees:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life insurance
|
$
|
2,681,191
|
|
|
$
|
(1,249,906)
|
|
|
$
|
626,283
|
|
|
$
|
2,057,568
|
|
(1)
|
|
Accident/health insurance
|
47,028
|
|
|
(30,126)
|
|
|
12,826
|
|
|
29,728
|
|
|
Property and liability insurance
|
284,323
|
|
|
(103,478)
|
|
|
4,857
|
|
|
185,702
|
|
|
Total
|
$
|
3,012,542
|
|
|
$
|
(1,383,510)
|
|
|
$
|
643,966
|
|
|
$
|
2,272,998
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums and policy fees:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life insurance
|
$
|
2,655,846
|
|
|
$
|
(1,230,258)
|
|
|
$
|
435,113
|
|
|
$
|
1,860,701
|
|
(1)
|
|
Accident/health insurance
|
51,991
|
|
|
(33,052)
|
|
|
14,946
|
|
|
33,885
|
|
|
Property and liability insurance
|
288,809
|
|
|
(103,786)
|
|
|
9,657
|
|
|
194,680
|
|
|
Total
|
$
|
2,996,646
|
|
|
$
|
(1,367,096)
|
|
|
$
|
459,716
|
|
|
$
|
2,089,266
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)Includes annuity policy fees of $164.3 million, $177.1 million, and $173.5 million, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, policy and claim reserves relating to insurance ceded of $4.4 billion and $4.5 billion, respectively, are included in reinsurance receivables. Should any of the reinsurers be unable to meet its obligation at the time of the claim, the Company would be obligated to pay such claims. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had paid $86.3 million and $116.1 million, respectively, of ceded benefits which are recoverable from reinsurers. In addition, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had receivables of $64.6 million and $64.8 million, respectively, related to insurance assumed.
The Company’s third party reinsurance receivables amounted to $4.2 billion and $4.5 billion as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These amounts include ceded reserve balances and ceded benefit payments. The ceded benefit payments are recoverable from reinsurers. The following table sets forth the receivables attributable to our more significant reinsurance partners:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
Reinsurance Receivable
|
|
A.M. Best
Rating
|
|
Reinsurance
Receivable
|
|
A.M. Best
Rating
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Security Life of Denver Insurance Company
|
$
|
631.4
|
|
|
NR
|
|
$
|
722.2
|
|
|
A
|
Swiss Re Life & Health America, Inc.
|
560.0
|
|
|
A+
|
|
603.8
|
|
|
A+
|
Lincoln National Life Insurance Co.
|
463.5
|
|
|
A+
|
|
461.1
|
|
|
A+
|
Transamerica Life Insurance Co.
|
|
330.3
|
|
|
A
|
|
301.0
|
|
|
A+
|
American United Life Insurance Company
|
273.3
|
|
|
A+
|
|
242.8
|
|
|
A+
|
RGA Reinsurance Company
|
261.2
|
|
|
A+
|
|
260.5
|
|
|
A+
|
Employers Reassurance Corporation
|
187.4
|
|
|
NR
|
|
178.4
|
|
|
B+
|
Centre Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd
|
181.4
|
|
|
NR
|
|
197.4
|
|
|
NR
|
SCOR Global Life(1)
|
181.2
|
|
|
A+
|
|
317.2
|
|
|
A+
|
The Canada Life Assurance Company
|
168.3
|
|
|
A+
|
|
188.2
|
|
|
A+
|
(1)Includes SCOR Global Life Americas Reinsurance Company, SCOR Global Life USA Reinsurance Co, and SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Co of Delaware
The Company’s reinsurance contracts typically do not have a fixed term. In general, the reinsurers’ ability to terminate coverage for existing cessions is limited to such circumstances as material breach of contract or non-payment of premiums by the ceding company. The reinsurance contracts generally contain provisions intended to provide the ceding company with the ability to cede future business on a basis consistent with historical terms. However, either party may terminate any of the contracts with respect to future business upon appropriate notice to the other party.
Generally, the reinsurance contracts do not limit the overall amount of the loss that can be incurred by the reinsurer. The amount of liabilities ceded under contracts that provide for the payment of experience refunds is immaterial.
14. DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
Under a revolving line of credit arrangement that was in effect until May 3, 2018 (the “2015 Credit Facility”), the Company had the ability to borrow on an unsecured basis up to an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion. The Company had the right in certain circumstances to request that the commitment under the 2015 Credit Facility be increased up to a maximum principal amount of $1.25 billion. Balances outstanding under the 2015 Credit Facility accrued interest at a rate equal to, at the option of the Borrowers, (i) LIBOR plus a spread based on the ratings of PLC’s Senior Debt, or (ii) the sum of (A) a rate equal to the highest of (x) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, (y) 0.50% above the Funds rate, or (z) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00% and (B) a spread based on the ratings of PLC’s Senior Debt. The 2015 Credit Facility also provided for a facility fee at a rate that varies with the ratings of the PLC’s Senior Debt and that is calculated on the aggregate amount of commitments under the 2015 Credit Facility, whether used or unused. The annual facility fee rate was 0.125% of the aggregate principal amount. The Credit Facility provided that PLC was liable for the full amount of any obligations for borrowings or letters of credit, including those of the Company, under the 2015 Credit Facility. The maturity date of the 2015 Credit Facility was February 2, 2020.
On May 3, 2018, the Company amended the 2015 Credit Facility (as amended, the “Credit Facility”). Under the Credit Facility, the Company has the ability to borrow on an unsecured basis up to an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion. The Company has the right in certain circumstances to request that the commitment under the Credit Facility be increased up to a maximum principal amount of $1.5 billion. Balances outstanding under the Credit Facility accrue interest at a rate equal to, at the option of the Borrowers, (i) LIBOR plus a spread based on the ratings of PLC’s Senior Debt, or (ii) the sum of (A) a rate equal to the highest of (x) the Administrative Agent’s Prime rate, (y) 0.50% above the Funds rate, or (z) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00% and (B) a spread based on the ratings of PLC’s Senior Debt. The Credit Facility also provided for a facility fee at a rate that varies with the ratings of PLC’s Senior Debt and that is calculated on the aggregate amount of commitments under the Credit Facility, whether used or unused. The annual facility fee rate is 0.125% of the aggregate principal amount. The Credit Facility provides that PLC is liable for the full amount of any obligations for borrowings or letters of credit, including those of the Company, under the Credit Facility. The maturity date of the Credit Facility is May 3, 2023. The Company is not aware of
any non-compliance with the financial debt covenants of the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2019. PLC did not have an outstanding balance on the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2019.
During 2018, the Company issued $110.0 million of Subordinated Funding Obligations at a rate of 3.55% due 2038.
Non-Recourse Funding Obligations
Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company
On January 15, 2016, Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate”), a Vermont special purpose financial insurance company and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Steel City, LLC (“Steel City”), a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of PLC, entered into an 18-year transaction to finance $2.188 billion of “XXX” reserves related to the acquired GLAIC Block and the other term life insurance business reinsured to Golden Gate by the Company and WCL, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Steel City issued notes (the “2016 Steel City Notes”) with an aggregate initial principal amount of $2.188 billion to Golden Gate in exchange for a surplus note issued by Golden Gate (the “2016 Surplus Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $2.188 billion. Through the structure, Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America (Bermuda) Ltd., The Canada Life Assurance Company (Barbados Branch) and Nomura Americas Re Ltd. (collectively, the “Risk-Takers”) provide credit enhancement to the 2016 Steel City Notes in exchange for credit enhancement fees. The transaction is “non-recourse” to PLC, WCL, and the Company, meaning that none of these companies, other than Golden Gate, are liable to reimburse the Risk-Takers for any credit enhancement payments required to be made. On December 31, 2019, in connection with the amendments discussed below, the 2016 Surplus Note was cancelled and replaced by a newly issued fixed rate surplus note (the “Surplus Note”) and the 2016 Steel City Notes were cancelled and replaced by three newly issued fixed rate surplus notes (the “Steel City Notes”).
On December 31, 2019, the transaction was amended and restated whereby the Company ceded certain acquired term life insurance policies to Golden Gate. These policies were originally coinsured by the Company from Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston (the "LLAC Block") and were then retroceded from the Company to Golden Gate concurrent with this amendment and restatement. The cession from the Company to Golden Gate included the initial estimated transfer of approximately $76.4 million of policyholder liabilities. As a result of this amendment and restatement, Golden Gate recorded an estimated initial ceding allowance payable to the Company of approximately $76.4 million and initial premium transfers from the Company of approximately $76.4 million. There was no change to the reinsurance arrangement with respect to the policies originally ceded under the original 2016 transaction.
As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate principal balance of the Steel City Notes was $2.028 billion. In connection with this transaction, PLC has entered into certain support agreements under which it guarantees or otherwise supports certain obligations of Golden Gate or Steel City including a guarantee of the fees to the Risk-Takers. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by PLC if Golden Gate’s annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts, certain reinsurance rates applicable to the subject business increase beyond modeled amounts or in the event write-downs due to other-than-temporary impairments on assets held in certain accounts exceed defined threshold levels. Additionally, PLC has entered into a separate agreement to guarantee payment of certain fee amounts in connection with the credit enhancement of the Steel City Notes. As of December 31, 2019, no payments have been made under these agreements.
In connection with the transaction outlined above, Golden Gate had a $2.028 billion outstanding non-recourse funding obligation as of December 31, 2019. This non-recourse funding obligation matures in 2039 and accrues interest at a fixed annual rate of 4.70%.
Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company
Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate II”), a South Carolina special purpose financial captive insurance company and wholly owned subsidiary, had $575 million of non-recourse funding obligations as of December 31, 2019. These outstanding non-recourse funding obligations were issued to special purpose trusts, which in turn issued securities to third parties. Certain of our affiliates own a portion of these securities. As of December 31, 2019, securities related to $20.6 million of the balance of the non-recourse funding obligations were held by external parties, securities related to $309.3 million of the non-recourse funding obligations were held by nonconsolidated affiliates, and $245.1 million were held by consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. PLC has entered into certain support agreements with Golden Gate II obligating it to make capital contributions or provide support related to certain of Golden Gate II’s expenses and in certain circumstances, to collateralize certain of PLC’s obligations to Golden Gate II. These support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by PLC to Golden Gate II if its annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or if Golden Gate II’s investment income on certain investments or premium income was below certain actuarially determined amounts. PLC made a payment of $1.0 million under the Interest Support Agreement during the second quarter of 2019. In addition, certain Interest Support Agreement obligations to the Company of approximately $4.9 million have been collateralized by PLC under the terms of that agreement. PLC made a payment of approximately $1.0 million under the YRT Premium Support Agreement. Re-evaluation and, if necessary, adjustments of any support agreement collateralization amounts occur annually during the first quarter pursuant to the terms of the support agreements.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company and its affiliates did not repurchase any of its outstanding non-recourse obligations, at a discount. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company and its affiliates repurchased $38.0 million of its outstanding non-recourse funding obligations, at a discount.
Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company
On October 10, 2012, Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate V”), a Vermont special purpose financial insurance company and Red Mountain, LLC (“Red Mountain”), both wholly owned subsidiaries, entered into a 20-year transaction to finance up to $945 million of “AXXX” reserves related to a block of universal life insurance policies with secondary guarantees issued by the Company and its subsidiary, West Coast Life Insurance Company (“WCL”). Golden Gate V issued non-recourse funding obligations to Red Mountain, and Red Mountain issued a note with an initial principal amount of $275 million, increasing to a maximum of $945 million in 2027, to Golden Gate V for deposit to a reinsurance trust supporting Golden Gate V’s obligations under a reinsurance agreement with WCL, pursuant to which WCL cedes liabilities relating to the policies of WCL and retrocedes liabilities relating to the policies of the Company. Through the structure, Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America (“Hannover Re”), the ultimate risk taker in the transaction, provides credit enhancement to the Red Mountain note for the 20-year term in exchange for a fee. The transaction is “non-recourse” to Golden Gate V, Red Mountain, WCL, PLC, and the Company, meaning that none of these companies are liable for the reimbursement of any credit enhancement payments required to be made. As of December 31, 2019, the principal balance of the Red Mountain note was $720 million. Future scheduled capital contributions to prefund credit enhancement fees amount to approximately $107.3 million and will be paid in annual installments through 2031. In connection with the transaction, PLC has entered into certain support agreements under which it guarantees or otherwise supports certain obligations of Golden Gate V or Red Mountain. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by PLC if Golden Gate V’s annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or in the event write-downs due to other-than-temporary impairments on assets held in certain accounts exceed defined threshold levels. Additionally, PLC has entered into separate agreements to indemnify Golden Gate V with respect to material adverse changes in non-guaranteed elements of insurance policies reinsured by Golden Gate V and to guarantee payment of certain fee amounts in connection with the credit enhancement of the Red Mountain note. As of December 31, 2019, no payments have been made under these agreements.
In connection with the transaction outlined above, Golden Gate V had a $720 million outstanding non-recourse funding obligation as of December 31, 2019. This non-recourse funding obligation matures in 2037, has scheduled increases in principal to a maximum of $945 million, and accrues interest at a fixed annual rate of 6.25%.
Non-recourse funding obligations outstanding, on a consolidated basis, are shown in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuer
|
|
Outstanding Principal
|
|
Carrying Value(1)
|
|
Maturity
Year
|
|
Year-to-Date
Weighted-
Avg
Interest Rate
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
|
|
$
|
2,028,000
|
|
|
$
|
2,028,000
|
|
|
2039
|
|
4.70
|
%
|
Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company
|
|
329,949
|
|
|
274,955
|
|
|
2052
|
|
5.06
|
%
|
Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
|
|
720,000
|
|
|
777,527
|
|
|
2037
|
|
5.12
|
%
|
MONY Life Insurance Company(3)
|
|
1,091
|
|
|
2,271
|
|
|
2024
|
|
6.19
|
%
|
Total
|
|
$
|
3,079,040
|
|
|
$
|
3,082,753
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuer
|
|
Outstanding Principal
|
|
Carrying Value(1)
|
|
Maturity
Year
|
|
Year-to-Date
Weighted-
Avg
Interest Rate
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
|
|
$
|
1,883,000
|
|
|
$
|
1,883,000
|
|
|
2039
|
|
4.75
|
%
|
Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company
|
|
329,949
|
|
|
273,535
|
|
|
2052
|
|
4.24
|
%
|
Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company(3)
|
|
670,000
|
|
|
729,454
|
|
|
2037
|
|
5.12
|
%
|
MONY Life Insurance Company(3)
|
|
1,091
|
|
|
2,340
|
|
|
2024
|
|
6.19
|
%
|
Total
|
|
$
|
2,884,040
|
|
|
$
|
2,888,329
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)Carrying values include premiums and discounts and do not represent unpaid principal balances.
(2)Obligations are issued to non-consolidated subsidiaries of PLC. These obligations collateralize certain held-to-maturity securities issued by wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.
(3)Fixed rate obligations
Letters of Credit
Golden Gate III Vermont Captive Insurance Company
On April 23, 2010, Golden Gate III Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate III”), a Vermont special purpose financial insurance company and wholly owned subsidiary of PLICO, entered into a Reimbursement Agreement (the “Reimbursement Agreement”) with UBS AG, Stamford Branch (“UBS”), as issuing lender. Under the Reimbursement Agreement, UBS issued a letter of credit (the “LOC)”) to a trust for the benefit of WCL. The Reimbursement Agreement has undergone three separate amendments and restatements. The Reimbursement Agreement’s current effective date is June 25, 2014. The LOC balance reached its scheduled peak of $935.0 million in 2015. As of December 31, 2019, the LOC balance was $800.0 million. The term of the LOC is expected to be approximately 15 years from the original issuance date. This transaction is “non-recourse” to WCL, PLC, and the Company, meaning that none of these companies other than Golden Gate III are liable for reimbursement on a draw of the LOC. PLC has entered into certain support agreements with Golden Gate III obligating PLC to make capital contributions or provide support related to certain of Golden Gate III’s expenses and in certain circumstances, to collateralize certain of PLC’s obligations to Golden Gate III. The future scheduled capital contribution amount of approximately $20.0 million will be paid in 2021. These contributions may be subject to potential offset against dividend payments as permitted under the terms of the Reimbursement Agreement. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by PLC to Golden Gate III if Golden Gate III’s annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or if specified catastrophic losses occur during defined time periods with respect to the policies reinsured by Golden Gate III. Pursuant to the terms of an amended and restated letter agreement with UBS, PLC has continued to guarantee the payment of fees to UBS as specified in the Reimbursement Agreement. As of December 31, 2019, no payments have been made under these agreements.
Golden Gate IV Vermont Captive Insurance Company
Golden Gate IV Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate IV”), a Vermont special purpose financial insurance company and wholly owned subsidiary, is party to a Reimbursement Agreement with UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as issuing lender. Under the Reimbursement Agreement, dated December 10, 2010, UBS issued a LOC in the initial amount of
$270.0 million to a trust for the benefit of WCL. Pursuant to the terms of the Reimbursement Agreement, the LOC reached its scheduled peak amount of $790 million in 2016. As of December 31, 2019, the LOC balance was $755 million. The term of the LOC is expected to be 12 years from the original issuance date (stated maturity of December 30, 2022). The LOC was issued to support certain obligations of Golden Gate IV to WCL under an indemnity reinsurance agreement, pursuant to which WCL cedes liabilities relating to the policies of WCL and retrocedes liabilities relating to the policies of the Company. This transaction is “non-recourse” to WCL, PLC, and the Company, meaning that none of these companies other than Golden Gate IV are liable for reimbursement on a draw of the LOC. PLC has entered into certain support agreements with Golden Gate IV obligating PLC to make capital contributions or provide support related to certain of Golden Gate IV’s expenses and in certain circumstances, to collateralize certain of PLC’s obligations to Golden Gate IV. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by PLC to Golden Gate IV if Golden Gate IV’s annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or if specified catastrophic losses occur during defined time periods with respect to the policies reinsured by Golden Gate IV. PLC has also entered into a separate agreement to guarantee the payments of LOC fees under the terms of the Reimbursement Agreement. As of December 31, 2019, no payments have been made under these agreements.
Secured Financing Transactions
Repurchase Program Borrowings
While the Company anticipates that the cash flows of its operating subsidiaries will be sufficient to meet its investment commitments and operating cash needs in a normal credit market environment, the Company recognizes that investment commitments scheduled to be funded may, from time to time, exceed the funds then available. Therefore, the Company has established repurchase agreement programs for certain of its insurance subsidiaries to provide liquidity when needed. The Company expects that the rate received on its investments will equal or exceed its borrowing rate. Under this program, the Company may, from time to time, sell an investment security at a specific price and agree to repurchase that security at another specified price at a later date. These borrowings are typically for a term less than 90 days. The fair value of securities to be repurchased is monitored and collateral levels are adjusted where appropriate to protect the counterparty against credit exposure. Cash received is invested in fixed maturity securities, and the agreements provided for net settlement in the event of default or on termination of the agreements. As of December 31, 2019, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $282.2 million and the repurchase obligation of $270.0 million was included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 163 basis points). During the year ended December 31, 2019, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $900.0 million. The average daily balance was $212.2 million (at an average borrowing rate of 214 basis points) during the year ended December 31, 2019. During 2018, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $885.0 million. The average daily balance was $511.4 million (at an average borrowing rate of 184 basis points) during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Securities Lending
The Company participates in securities lending, primarily as an investment yield enhancement, whereby securities that are held as investments are loaned out to third parties for short periods of time. The Company requires collateral at least equal to 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities to be separately maintained. The loaned securities’ fair value is monitored on a daily basis and collateral is adjusted accordingly. The Company maintains ownership of the securities at all times and is entitled to receive from the borrower any payments for interest received on such securities during the loan term. Securities lending transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings. As of December 31, 2019, securities with a fair value of $62.8 million were loaned under this program. As collateral for the loaned securities, the Company receives cash, which is primarily reinvested in short term repurchase agreements, which are also collateralized by U.S. Government or U.S. Government Agency securities, and government money market funds. These investments recorded in “short-term investments” with a corresponding liability recorded in “secured financing liabilities” to account for its obligation to return the collateral. As of December 31, 2019, the fair value of the collateral related to this program was $65.5 million and the Company has an obligation to return $65.5 million of collateral to the securities borrowers.
The following table provides the fair value of collateral pledged for repurchase agreements, grouped by asset class, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
Repurchase Agreements, Securities Lending Transactions, and Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions Accounted for as Secured Borrowings
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|
|
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|
|
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overnight and
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greater Than
|
|
|
|
Continuous
|
|
Up to 30 days
|
|
30 - 90 days
|
|
90 days
|
|
Total
|
Repurchase agreements and repurchase-to-maturity transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
|
$
|
282,198
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
282,198
|
|
Mortgage loans
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total repurchase agreements and repurchase-to-maturity transactions
|
$
|
282,198
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
282,198
|
|
Securities lending transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturity securities
|
55,720
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
55,720
|
|
Equity securities
|
7,120
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
7,120
|
|
Redeemable preferred stocks
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total securities lending transactions
|
62,840
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
62,840
|
|
Total securities
|
$
|
345,038
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
345,038
|
|
Repurchase Agreements, Securities Lending Transactions, and Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions Accounted for as Secured Borrowings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overnight and
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greater Than
|
|
|
|
Continuous
|
|
Up to 30 days
|
|
30 - 90 days
|
|
90 days
|
|
Total
|
Repurchase agreements and repurchase-to-maturity transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
|
$
|
433,182
|
|
|
$
|
18,713
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
451,895
|
|
Mortgage loans
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total repurchase agreements and repurchase-to-maturity transactions
|
$
|
433,182
|
|
|
$
|
18,713
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
451,895
|
|
Securities lending transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed maturity securities
|
71,285
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
71,285
|
|
Equity securities
|
891
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
891
|
|
Redeemable preferred stocks
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total securities lending transactions
|
72,176
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
72,176
|
|
Total securities
|
$
|
505,358
|
|
|
$
|
18,713
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
524,071
|
|
Other Obligations
The Company routinely receives from or pays to affiliates, under the control of PLC, reimbursements for expenses incurred on one another’s behalf. Receivables and payables among affiliates are generally settled monthly.
Interest Expense
Interest expense, included in other operating expenses, is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
Subordinated funding obligations
|
|
$
|
3.9
|
|
|
$
|
2.6
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Non-recourse funding obligations, other obligations, and repurchase agreements
|
|
175.8
|
|
|
181.9
|
|
|
177.7
|
|
Total interest expense
|
|
$
|
179.7
|
|
|
$
|
184.5
|
|
|
$
|
177.7
|
|
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company leases administrative and marketing office space in approximately 16 cities (excluding the home office building), as well as various office equipment. Most leases have terms ranging from two to twenty-five years. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company accounts for lease components separately from non-lease components (e.g., common area maintenance). Certain of the Company’s lease agreements include options to renew at the Company's discretion. Management has concluded that the Company is not reasonably certain to elect any of these renewal options. The Company will use the interest rates received on its funding agreement backed notes as the collateralized discount rate when calculating the present value of remaining lease payments when the rate implicit in the lease is unavailable. Additionally, the Company previously leased a building contiguous to its home office. The lease was renewed in December 2013 and was extended to December 2018. At the end of the lease term in December 2018, the Company purchased the building for approximately $75.0 million. The building is recorded in property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation on the consolidated balance sheet.
The Company had rental expense of $6.3 million, and $11.3 million, and $11.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The aggregate annualized rent was approximately $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The following is a schedule by year of future minimum rental payments required under these leases:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
2020
|
|
$
|
5,001
|
|
2021
|
|
3,986
|
|
2022
|
|
3,066
|
|
2023
|
|
3,035
|
|
2024
|
|
3,094
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
1,496
|
|
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had outstanding mortgage loan commitments of $757.4 million at an average rate of 3.99% and $685.3 million at an average rate of 4.42%, respectively.
Under the insurance guaranty fund laws in most states, insurance companies doing business therein can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent companies. From time to time, companies may be asked to contribute amounts beyond prescribed limits. It is possible that the Company could be assessed with respect to product lines not offered by the Company. In addition, legislation may be introduced in various states with respect to guaranty fund assessment laws related to insurance products, including long term care insurance and other specialty products, that increases the cost of future assessments or alters future premium tax offsets received in connection with guaranty fund assessments. The Company cannot predict the amount, nature or timing of any future assessments or legislation, any of which could have a material and adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
A number of civil jury verdicts have been returned against insurers, broker dealers and other providers of financial services involving sales, refund or claims practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise representatives, relationships with agents or persons with whom the insurer does business, and other matters. Often these lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments that are disproportionate to the actual damages, including material amounts of punitive and non-economic compensatory damages. In some states, juries, judges, and arbitrators have substantial discretion in awarding punitive and non-economic compensatory damages which creates the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments or awards in any given lawsuit or arbitration. Arbitration awards are subject to very limited appellate review. In addition, in some class action and other lawsuits, companies have made material settlement payments. The financial services and insurance industries in particular are also sometimes the target of law enforcement and regulatory investigations relating to the numerous laws and regulations that govern such companies. Some companies have been the subject of law enforcement or regulatory actions or other actions resulting from such investigations. The Company, in the ordinary course of business, is involved in such matters.
The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory actions when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. For matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no liability is established. For such matters, the Company may provide an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made. The Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation and regulatory matters on a quarterly and annual basis and updates its established liabilities, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or range of loss based on such reviews.
The Company and certain of its insurance subsidiaries, as well as certain other insurance companies for which the Company has coinsured blocks of life insurance and annuity policies, are under audit for compliance with the unclaimed property laws of a number of states. The audits are being conducted on behalf of the treasury departments or unclaimed property administrators in such states. The focus of the audits is on whether there have been unreported deaths, maturities, or policies that have exceeded limiting age with respect to which death benefits or other payments under life insurance or annuity policies should be treated as unclaimed property that should be escheated to the state. The Company is presently unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss that may result from the audits due to a number of factors, including the early stages of the audits being conducted, and uncertainty as to whether the Company or other companies are responsible for the liabilities, if any, arising in connection with certain co-insured policies. The Company will continue to monitor the matter for any developments that would make the loss contingency associated with the audits reasonably estimable.
Advance Trust & Life Escrow Services, LTA, as Securities Intermediary of Life Partners Position Holder Trust v. Protective Life Insurance Company, Case No. 2:18-CV-01290, is a putative class action that was filed on August 13, 2018 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Plaintiff alleges that the Company required policyholders to pay unlawful and excessive cost of insurance charges. Plaintiff seeks to represent all owners of universal life and variable universal life policies issued or administered by the Company or its predecessors that provide that cost of insurance rates are to be determined based on expectations of future mortality experience. The plaintiff seeks class certification, compensatory damages, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, costs, and other unspecified relief. The Company is vigorously defending this matter and cannot predict the outcome of or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that might result from this litigation.
Scottish Re (U.S.), Inc. ("SRUS") was placed in rehabilitation on March 6, 2019 by the State of Delaware. Under the related order, the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Delaware has been appointed the receiver of SRUS and provided with authority to conduct and continue the business of SRUS in the interest of its cedents, creditors, and stockholder. The order was accompanied by an injunction requiring the continued payment of reinsurance premiums to SRUS and temporarily prohibiting cedents, including the Company, from offsetting premiums payable against receivables from SRUS. On June 20, 2019, the Delaware Court of Chancery entered an order approving a Revised Offset Plan, which allows cedents, including the Company, to offset premiums under certain circumstances.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company had outstanding claims receivable from SRUS of $15.2 million, and other exposures associated with reinsurance receivables of approximately $118.4 million and statutory reserve credit of approximately $134.7 million. The Company continues to monitor SRUS and the actions of the receiver through discussions with legal counsel and review of publicly available information. However, management does not have sufficient information about the current assets or capital position of SRUS. Additionally, it is unclear how the rehabilitation process will proceed or whether or to what extent the ultimate outcome of the rehabilitation process will be unfavorable to the Company.
The Company considered whether the accrual of a loss contingency under FASB ASC Topic 450, Contingencies, was appropriate with respect to amounts receivable from SRUS for ceded claims and reserves as of December 31, 2019. Due to the lack of sufficient information to support an analysis of SRUS's financial condition as of December 31, 2019 and uncertainty regarding whether and to what extent the ultimate outcome of the rehabilitation process will result in an outcome unfavorable to the Company, management concluded that any possible impairment of its reinsurance receivables balance could not be reasonably estimated.
16. SHAREOWNER’S EQUITY
PLC owns all of the 2,000 shares of non-voting preferred stock issued by the Company’s subsidiary, Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“PLAIC”). The stock pays, when and if declared, noncumulative participating dividends to the extent PLAIC’s statutory earnings for the immediately preceding fiscal year exceeded $1.0 million. In 2019, 2018, and 2017, PLAIC paid no dividends to PLC on its preferred stock.
17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Qualified Pension Plan and Nonqualified Excess Pension Plan
PLC sponsors the Qualified Pension Plan covering substantially all of its employees, including those of the Company. Benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation.
Effective January 1, 2008, PLC made the following changes to its Qualified Pension Plan. These changes have been reflected in the computations within this note.
•Employees hired after December 31, 2007 and any former employee hired after that date, will receive a cash balance benefit.
•Employees active on December 31, 2007, with age plus years of vesting service less than 55 years, will receive a final pay-based pension benefit for service through December 31, 2007, plus a cash balance benefit for service after December 31, 2007.
•Employees active on December 31, 2007, with age plus years of vesting service equaling or exceeding 55 years, will receive a final pay-based pension benefit for service both before and after December 31, 2007, with a modest reduction in the formula for benefits earned after December 31, 2007.
•All participants terminating employment on or after December of 2007 may elect to receive a lump sum benefit.
PLC also sponsors a Nonqualified Excess Pension Plan, which is an unfunded nonqualified plan that provides defined pension benefits in excess of limits imposed on the Qualified Pension Plan by federal tax law.
The following table presents the benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic pension costs for PLC’s defined benefit pension plan and unfunded excess benefit plan as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
Qualified Pension Plan
|
|
Nonqualified Excess
Pension Plan
|
|
Qualified Pension Plan
|
|
Nonqualified Excess
Pension Plan
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year
|
$
|
320,023
|
|
|
$
|
49,446
|
|
|
$
|
269,802
|
|
|
$
|
46,299
|
|
Change in projected benefit obligation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
|
$
|
288,129
|
|
|
$
|
47,345
|
|
|
$
|
300,423
|
|
|
$
|
54,590
|
|
Service cost
|
13,277
|
|
|
1,148
|
|
|
13,185
|
|
|
1,415
|
|
Interest cost
|
11,380
|
|
|
1,572
|
|
|
9,830
|
|
|
1,436
|
|
Amendments
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Actuarial (gain)/loss
|
47,913
|
|
|
4,569
|
|
|
(15,608)
|
|
|
(2,001)
|
|
Benefits paid
|
(17,841)
|
|
|
(3,967)
|
|
|
(19,701)
|
|
|
(8,095)
|
|
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
|
342,858
|
|
|
50,667
|
|
|
288,129
|
|
|
47,345
|
|
Change in plan assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
|
253,955
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
260,926
|
|
|
—
|
|
Actual return on plan assets
|
51,308
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(6,070)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Employer contributions(1)
|
17,400
|
|
|
3,967
|
|
|
18,800
|
|
|
8,095
|
|
Benefits paid
|
(17,841)
|
|
|
(3,967)
|
|
|
(19,701)
|
|
|
(8,095)
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
|
304,822
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
253,955
|
|
|
—
|
|
After reflecting FASB guidance:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status
|
(38,036)
|
|
|
(50,667)
|
|
|
(34,174)
|
|
|
(47,345)
|
|
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other liabilities
|
(38,036)
|
|
|
(50,667)
|
|
|
(34,174)
|
|
|
(47,345)
|
|
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net actuarial (gain)/loss
|
25,082
|
|
|
13,041
|
|
|
10,370
|
|
|
9,025
|
|
Prior service cost/(credit)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total amounts recognized in AOCI
|
$
|
25,082
|
|
|
$
|
13,041
|
|
|
$
|
10,370
|
|
|
$
|
9,025
|
|
(1)Employer contributions are shown based on the calendar year in which contributions were made to each plan.
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Qualified Pension Plan
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified Excess Pension Plan
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
Discount rate
|
3.12
|
%
|
|
4.21
|
%
|
|
2.76
|
%
|
|
3.93
|
%
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
4.75% prior to age 40/ 3.75% for age 40 and above
|
|
4.75% prior to age 40/ 3.75% for age 40 and above
|
|
4.75% prior to age 40/ 3.75% for age 40 and above
|
|
4.75% prior to age 40/ 3.75% for age 40 and above
|
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Qualified Pension Plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified Excess Pension Plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
Discount rate
|
4.21
|
%
|
|
3.55
|
%
|
|
4.04
|
%
|
|
3.94
|
%
|
|
3.25
|
%
|
|
3.60
|
%
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
4.75% prior to age 40/ 3.75% for age 40 and above
|
|
4.75% prior to age 40/ 3.75% for age 40 and above
|
|
4.75% prior to age 40/ 3.75% for age 40 and above
|
|
4.75% prior to age 40/ 3.75% for age 40 and above
|
|
4.75% prior to age 40/ 3.75% for age 40 and above
|
|
4.75% prior to age 40/ 3.75% for age 40 and above
|
Expected long-term return on plan assets
|
7.00
|
%
|
|
7.00
|
%
|
|
7.00
|
%
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
The assumed discount rates used to determine the benefit obligations were based on an analysis of future benefits expected to be paid under the plans. The assumed discount rate reflects the interest rate at which an amount that is invested in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments on the measurement date would provide the future cash flows necessary to pay benefits when they come due.
To determine an appropriate long-term rate of return assumption, PLC received evaluations of market performance based on its asset allocation as provided by external consultants.
Components of the net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Qualified Pension Plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified Excess Pension Plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost — benefits earned during the period
|
$
|
13,277
|
|
|
$
|
13,185
|
|
|
$
|
12,011
|
|
|
$
|
1,148
|
|
|
$
|
1,415
|
|
|
$
|
1,350
|
|
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
|
11,380
|
|
|
9,830
|
|
|
9,846
|
|
|
1,572
|
|
|
1,436
|
|
|
1,480
|
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
(18,106)
|
|
|
(17,058)
|
|
|
(13,570)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Amortization of prior service cost
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Amortization of actuarial losses(1)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
553
|
|
|
969
|
|
|
634
|
|
Preliminary net periodic benefit cost
|
6,551
|
|
|
5,957
|
|
|
8,287
|
|
|
3,273
|
|
|
3,820
|
|
|
3,464
|
|
Settlement/curtailment expense(2)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,526
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total net periodic benefit cost
|
$
|
6,551
|
|
|
$
|
5,957
|
|
|
$
|
8,287
|
|
|
$
|
3,273
|
|
|
$
|
5,346
|
|
|
$
|
3,464
|
|
(1)2019 average remaining service period used is 8.69 years and 7.68 years for the defined benefit pension plan and unfunded excess benefit plan, respectively.
(2)The excess pension plan triggered settlement accounting for the year ended December 31, 2018 since the total lump sum payments exceeded the settlement threshold of service cost plus interest cost.
For the Qualified Pension Plan, PLC does not expect to amortize approximately $1.2 million of net actuarial loss from other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during 2019. For the unfunded excess benefit plan, PLC expects to amortize approximately $1.0 million of net actuarial loss from other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during 2019.
Estimated future benefit payments under the Qualified Pension Plan and Nonqualified Excess Pension Plan are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years
|
|
Qualified
Pension Plan
|
|
Nonqualified Excess
Pension Plan
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
2020
|
|
$
|
22,026
|
|
|
$
|
6,832
|
|
2021
|
|
22,831
|
|
|
5,654
|
|
2022
|
|
25,577
|
|
|
6,005
|
|
2023
|
|
23,965
|
|
|
5,126
|
|
2024
|
|
25,489
|
|
|
4,387
|
|
2025 - 2029
|
|
129,165
|
|
|
19,648
|
|
Qualified Pension Plan Assets
Allocation of plan assets of the Qualified Pension Plan by category as of December 31, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Category
|
|
Target
Allocation
|
|
2018
|
|
2019
|
Return-Seeking
|
|
60
|
%
|
|
61
|
%
|
|
61
|
%
|
Liability-Hedging Fixed Income
|
|
40
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
39
|
|
Total
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
100
|
%
|
PLC’s target asset allocation is designed to provide an acceptable level of risk and balance between return-seeking assets and liability-hedging fixed income assets. The weighting towards return-seeking securities is designed to help provide for an increased level of asset growth potential and liquidity.
PLC’s investment policy includes various guidelines and procedures designed to ensure assets are invested in a manner necessary to meet expected future benefits earned by participants. The investment guidelines consider a broad range of economic conditions. Central to the policy are target allocation ranges (shown above) by major asset categories. The Company’s investment policy also has sub category allocation ranges within the return seeking and liability hedging fixed income asset portfolios. The objectives of the target allocations are to maintain investment portfolios that diversify risk through prudent asset allocation parameters, achieve asset returns that meet or exceed the plans’ actuarial assumptions, and achieve asset returns that are competitive with like institutions employing similar investment strategies.
The Qualified Pension Plan’s return seeking assets are in a Russell 3000 index fund that invests in a domestic equity index collective trust managed by Northern Trust Corporation, a Spartan 500 index fund managed by Fidelity, and a Collective All Country World ex-US index fund managed by Northern Trust. The Plan’s cash is invested in a collective trust managed by Northern Trust Corporation. The Plan’s liability-hedging fixed income assets are invested in a group deposit administration annuity contract with the Company and a Long Government Credit Bond index fund managed by BlackRock. The Northern Trust Collective All Country World ex-US index fund and the BlackRock Long Government Credit Bond index fund were added to the Plan’s investment portfolio during 2018.
Plan assets of the Qualified Pension Plan by category as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
Asset Category
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
3,713
|
|
|
$
|
1,225
|
|
Equity securities:
|
|
|
|
|
Collective Russell 3000 equity index fund
|
|
100,673
|
|
|
70,599
|
|
Fidelity Spartan 500 index fund
|
|
31,693
|
|
|
46,300
|
|
Northern Trust ACWI ex-US Fund
|
|
56,996
|
|
|
41,924
|
|
Liability-hedging fixed income:
|
|
|
|
|
Group Deposit Administration Annuity Contract
|
|
75,052
|
|
|
78,707
|
|
BlackRock Long Government Credit Bond Index Fund
|
|
36,695
|
|
|
15,200
|
|
Total investments
|
|
304,822
|
|
|
253,955
|
|
Employer contribution receivable
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
304,822
|
|
|
$
|
253,955
|
|
The valuation methodologies used to determine the fair values reflect market participant assumptions and are based on the application of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable market inputs over unobservable inputs. The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value. The Qualified Pension Plan’s group deposit administration annuity contract with the Company is recorded at contract value, which PLC believes approximates fair value. Contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest at the contract rate, less funds used to purchase annuities. For the remaining investments, PLC determines the fair values based on quoted market prices. While PLC believes its valuation method is appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine fair value could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Qualified Pension Plan’s assets at fair value as of December 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
$
|
3,713
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
3,713
|
|
Equity securities
|
189,362
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
189,362
|
|
Fixed income
|
36,695
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
36,695
|
|
Group deposit administration annuity contract
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
75,052
|
|
|
75,052
|
|
Total investments
|
$
|
229,770
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
75,052
|
|
|
$
|
304,822
|
|
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Qualified Pension Plan’s assets at fair value as of December 31, 2018:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
$
|
1,225
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,225
|
|
Equity securities
|
158,823
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
158,823
|
|
Fixed income
|
15,200
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
15,200
|
|
Group deposit administration annuity contract
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
78,707
|
|
|
78,707
|
|
Total investments
|
$
|
175,248
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
78,707
|
|
|
$
|
253,955
|
|
For the year ended December 31, 2019, $7.5 million transferred into Level 1 from Level 3. This transfer was made to maintain an acceptable asset allocation as determined by the Company’s investment policy statement. For the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the fair value measurements for the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the year ended December 31, 2018 for which PLC has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
|
December 31, 2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
$
|
78,707
|
|
|
$
|
74,886
|
|
Interest income
|
3,845
|
|
|
3,821
|
|
Transfers from collective short-term investments fund
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Transfers to collective short-term investments fund
|
(7,500)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
$
|
75,052
|
|
|
$
|
78,707
|
|
The following table represents the Plan’s Level 3 financial instrument, the valuation technique used, and the significant unobservable input and the ranges of values for that input as of December 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Instrument
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
Principal
Valuation
Technique
|
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
|
|
Range of
Significant Input
Values
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Group deposit administration annuity contract
|
|
$
|
75,052
|
|
|
Contract Value
|
|
Contract Rate
|
|
5.01% - 5.08%
|
Investment securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, market, and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the value of investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in risks in the near term could materially affect the amounts reported.
Qualified Pension Plan Funding Policy
PLC’s funding policy is to contribute amounts to the Qualified Pension Plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) plus such additional amounts as PLC may determine to be appropriate from time to time. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future.
Under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“PPA”), a plan could be subject to certain benefit restrictions if the plan’s adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) drops below 80%. Therefore, PLC may make additional contributions in future periods to maintain an AFTAP of at least 80%. In general, the AFTAP is a measure of how well a plan is funded and is obtained by dividing a plan’s assets by its funding liabilities. AFTAP is based on participant data, plan provisions, plan methods and assumptions, funding credit balances, and plan assets as of the plan valuation date. Some of the assumptions and methods used to determine a plan’s AFTAP may be different from the assumptions and methods used to measure a plan’s funded status on a GAAP basis.
In July of 2012, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (“MAP-21”), which includes pension funding stabilization provisions, was signed into law. These provisions establish an interest rate corridor which is designed to stabilize the segment rates used to determine funding requirements from the effects of interest rate volatility. In August of 2014, the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014 (“HATFA”) was signed into law. HAFTA extends the funding relief provided by MAP-21 by delaying the interest rate corridor expansion. The funding stabilization provisions of MAP-21 and HATFA reduced the Company’s minimum required Qualified Pension Plan contributions. Since the funding stabilization provisions of MAP-21 and HATFA do not apply for Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) reporting purposes, PLC may also make additional contributions in future periods to avoid certain PBGC reporting triggers.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, PLC contributed $17.4 million to the Qualified Pension Plan for the 2018 plan year. PLC has not yet determined what amount it will fund during 2020, but may contribute an amount that would eliminate the PBGC variable-rate premium payable in 2020. PLC currently estimates that amount will be between $10 million and $25 million.
Other Postretirement Benefits
In addition to pension benefits, PLC provides limited healthcare benefits to eligible retired employees until age 65. This postretirement benefit is provided by an unfunded plan. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation were immaterial.
For a closed group of retirees over age 65, PLC provides a prescription drug benefit. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, PLC’s liability related to this benefit was immaterial.
PLC also offers life insurance benefits for retirees from $10,000 up to a maximum of $75,000 which are provided through the payment of premiums under a group life insurance policy. This plan is partially funded at a maximum of $50,000 face amount of insurance. The benefit obligation associated with these benefits is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
Postretirement Life Insurance Plan
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Change in Benefit Obligation
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
|
|
$
|
10,012
|
|
|
$
|
10,978
|
|
Service cost
|
|
124
|
|
|
153
|
|
Interest cost
|
|
405
|
|
|
366
|
|
Actuarial (gain)/loss
|
|
2,285
|
|
|
(1,045)
|
|
Benefits paid
|
|
(404)
|
|
|
(440)
|
|
Benefit obligation, end of year
|
|
$
|
12,422
|
|
|
$
|
10,012
|
|
For the postretirement life insurance plan, PLC’s discount rate assumption used to determine the benefit obligation and the net periodic benefit cost as of December 31, 2019 is 3.38% and 4.38%, respectively.
PLC’s expected long-term rate of return assumption used to determine the net periodic benefit cost as of December 31, 2019 is 2.5%. To determine an appropriate long-term rate of return assumption, PLC utilized 25 year average and annualized return results on the Barclay’s short treasury index.
Investments of PLC’s group life insurance plan are held by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and are invested in a money market fund.
Investments are stated at fair value and are based on the application of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable market inputs over unobservable inputs. The money market funds are valued based on historical cost, which represents fair value, at year end. This method of valuation may produce a fair value calculation that may not be reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while PLC believes its valuation method is appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine fair value could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the life insurance plan’s assets at fair value as of December 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Money market fund
|
$
|
4,610
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
4,610
|
|
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the life insurance plan’s assets at fair value as of December 31, 2018:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Money market fund
|
$
|
4,854
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
4,854
|
|
For the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no transfers between levels.
Investments are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with investments and the level of uncertainty related to credit risks, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in risk in the near term could materially affect the amounts reported.
401(k) Plan
PLC sponsors a tax qualified 401(k) Plan (“401(k) Plan”) which covers substantially all employees. Employee contributions are made on a before-tax basis as provided by Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code or as after-tax “Roth” contributions. Employees may contribute up to 25% of their eligible annual compensation to the 401(k) Plan, limited to a maximum annual contribution amount as set periodically by the Internal Revenue Service ($19,000 for 2019). The Plan also provides a “catch-up” contribution provision which permits eligible participants (age 50 or over at the end of the calendar year), to make additional contributions that exceed the regular annual contribution limits up to a limit periodically set by the Internal Revenue Service ($6,000 for 2019). PLC matches the sum of all employee contributions dollar for dollar up to a maximum of 4% of an employee’s pay per year per person. All matching contributions vest immediately. For the year ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company recorded an expense of $9.3 million and $9.2 million associated with 401(k) Plan matching contributions, respectively.
PLC also has a supplemental matching contribution program, which is a nonqualified plan that provides supplemental matching contributions in excess of the limits imposed on qualified defined contribution plans by federal tax law. The expense recorded by PLC for this employee benefit was $1.0 million, $1.3 million, and $1.1 million, respectively, in 2019, 2018, and 2017.
18. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of AOCI as of December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized
Gains and Losses
on Investments(2)
|
|
Accumulated
Gain and Loss
on Derivatives
|
|
Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands, Net of Tax)
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2016
|
$
|
(655,767)
|
|
|
$
|
727
|
|
|
$
|
(655,040)
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
|
705,859
|
|
|
(563)
|
|
|
705,296
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings
|
391
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
391
|
|
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1)
|
(944)
|
|
|
451
|
|
|
(493)
|
|
Cumulative effect adjustments
|
(26,470)
|
|
|
132
|
|
|
(26,338)
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2017
|
$
|
23,069
|
|
|
$
|
747
|
|
|
$
|
23,816
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
|
(1,411,674)
|
|
|
(1,884)
|
|
|
(1,413,558)
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings
|
(20,751)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(20,751)
|
|
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1)
|
15,699
|
|
|
1,130
|
|
|
16,829
|
|
Cumulative effect adjustments
|
(10,552)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(10,552)
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2018
|
$
|
(1,404,209)
|
|
|
$
|
(7)
|
|
|
$
|
(1,404,216)
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
|
2,833,888
|
|
|
(9,781)
|
|
|
2,824,107
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings
|
(3,574)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3,574)
|
|
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1)
|
(10,474)
|
|
|
1,799
|
|
|
(8,675)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2019
|
$
|
1,415,631
|
|
|
$
|
(7,989)
|
|
|
$
|
1,407,642
|
|
(1)See Reclassification table below for details.
(2)As of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, net unrealized losses reported in AOCI were offset by $(6.3) million, $613.4 million and $(776.9) million, respectively, due to the impact those net unrealized losses would have had on certain of the Company’s insurance assets and liabilities if the net unrealized losses had been recognized in net income.
The following tables summarize the reclassifications amounts out of AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains/(losses) in net income:
|
|
Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
Statements of Income
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative instruments
|
|
Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded(1)
|
|
$
|
(2,278)
|
|
|
$
|
(1,431)
|
|
|
$
|
(694)
|
|
|
|
Tax (expense) benefit
|
|
479
|
|
|
301
|
|
|
243
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(1,799)
|
|
|
$
|
(1,130)
|
|
|
$
|
(451)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments
|
|
$
|
47,711
|
|
|
$
|
9,851
|
|
|
$
|
10,453
|
|
|
|
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
|
|
(34,453)
|
|
|
(29,724)
|
|
|
(9,112)
|
|
|
|
Tax (expense) or benefit
|
|
(2,784)
|
|
|
4,174
|
|
|
(397)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
10,474
|
|
|
$
|
(15,699)
|
|
|
$
|
944
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19. INCOME TAXES
The Company’s effective income tax rate related to continuing operations varied from the maximum federal income tax rate as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
Statutory federal income tax rate applied to pre-tax income
|
21.0
|
%
|
|
21.0
|
%
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
State income taxes
|
0.4
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
Investment income not subject to tax
|
(1.6)
|
|
|
(4.5)
|
|
|
(4.7)
|
|
Prior period adjustments
|
0.1
|
|
|
1.6
|
|
|
(1.1)
|
|
Federal Tax law changes
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(184.8)
|
|
Other
|
(0.8)
|
|
|
(0.6)
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
19.1
|
%
|
|
21.7
|
%
|
|
(154.8)
|
%
|
The annual provision for federal income tax in these financial statements differs from the annual amounts of income tax expense reported in the respective income tax returns. Certain significant revenues and expenses are appropriately reported in different years with respect to the financial statements and the tax returns.
The components of the Company’s income tax are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Current income tax expense:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
$
|
381,202
|
|
|
$
|
113,925
|
|
|
$
|
39,042
|
|
State
|
9,112
|
|
|
9,699
|
|
|
(2,477)
|
|
Total current
|
$
|
390,314
|
|
|
$
|
123,624
|
|
|
$
|
36,565
|
|
Deferred income tax expense:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
$
|
(254,184)
|
|
|
$
|
(73,364)
|
|
|
$
|
(757,748)
|
|
State
|
(5,666)
|
|
|
3,401
|
|
|
2,774
|
|
Total deferred
|
$
|
(259,850)
|
|
|
$
|
(69,963)
|
|
|
$
|
(754,974)
|
|
The components of the Company’s net deferred income tax liability are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
Deferred income tax assets:
|
|
|
|
Loss and credit carryforwards
|
$
|
132,295
|
|
|
$
|
127,168
|
|
Deferred compensation
|
55,559
|
|
|
58,533
|
|
Deferred policy acquisition costs
|
217,967
|
|
|
113,959
|
|
Premium on non-recourse funding obligations
|
784
|
|
|
905
|
|
Net unrealized loss on investments
|
—
|
|
|
373,292
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
(9,153)
|
|
|
(8,629)
|
|
|
397,452
|
|
|
665,228
|
|
Deferred income tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
Premium receivables and policy liabilities
|
211,458
|
|
|
339,555
|
|
VOBA and other intangibles
|
596,756
|
|
|
478,561
|
|
Invested assets (other than unrealized gains (losses))
|
557,763
|
|
|
720,108
|
|
Net unrealized gains on investments
|
376,288
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other
|
27,157
|
|
|
25,343
|
|
|
1,769,422
|
|
|
1,563,567
|
|
Net deferred income tax liability
|
$
|
(1,371,970)
|
|
|
$
|
(898,339)
|
|
The deferred tax assets reported above include certain deferred tax assets related to nonqualified deferred compensation and other employee benefit liabilities that were assumed by AXA and they were not acquired by the Company in connection with the acquisition of MONY. The future tax deductions stemming from these liabilities will be claimed by the Company on MONY’s tax returns in its post-acquisition periods. These deferred tax assets have been estimated as of the MONY acquisition date (and through the December 31, 2019 reporting date) based on all available information. However, it is possible that these estimates may be adjusted in future reporting periods based on actuarial changes to the projected future payments associated with these liabilities. Any such adjustments will be recognized by the Company as an adjustment to income tax expense during the period in which they are realized.
On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Reform Act. The legislation significantly changes U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering the corporate income tax rate. The Tax Reform Act permanently reduces the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018.
As a result of the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and changes to tax law related to the deductibility of certain deferred tax assets under the Tax Reform Act, we revalued our ending net deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2017, and recognized a provisional $857.5 million tax benefit in our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Also on December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Reform Act. The Company recognized the provisional tax impacts based on reasonable estimates made by the Company as to the effects of tax reform on deferred assets due to the application and interpretation of Section 162(m) and included those amounts in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The accounting was completed by December 22, 2018 and there were no material adjustments to the provisional tax benefit.
In management’s judgment, the gross deferred income tax asset as of December 31, 2019 will more likely than not be fully realized with the exception of certain federal and state deductible temporary differences. The Company has recognized a valuation allowance of $9.6 million and $9.1 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to certain intercompany non-life federal NOL’s and state-based future deductible temporary differences that it has determined are more likely than not to expire unutilized. This resulting unfavorable change of $0.5 million, before the federal benefit of state income taxes, increased income tax expense in 2019 by the same amount.
At December 31, 2019, the Company has intercompany loss carryforwards of $581.3 million that are available to offset future taxable income of certain non-life subsidiaries under the terms of the tax sharing agreement with PLC. Approximately $54.8 million of these loss carryforwards will expire between 2036 and 2037 and the remaining loss carryforwards of $526.5 million have no expiration.
Included in the deferred income tax assets above are approximately $12.9 million in state net operating loss carryforwards attributable to certain jurisdictions, which are available to offset future taxable income in the respective state jurisdictions, expiring between 2020 and 2039.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, some of the Company’s fixed maturities were reported at an unrealized loss, although the net amount is an unrealized gain at December 31, 2019. If the Company were to realize a tax-basis net capital loss for a year, then such loss could not be deducted against that year’s other taxable income. However, such a loss could be carried back and forward against any prior year or future year tax-basis net capital gains. Therefore, the Company has relied upon a prudent and feasible tax-planning strategy regarding its fixed maturities that were reported at an unrealized loss. The Company has the ability and the intent to either hold such fixed maturities to maturity, thereby avoiding a realized loss, or to generate an offsetting realized gain from unrealized gain fixed maturities if such unrealized loss fixed maturities are sold at a loss prior to maturity.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of period
|
$
|
7,134
|
|
|
$
|
11,353
|
|
|
$
|
9,856
|
|
Additions for tax positions of the current year
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,857
|
|
Additions for tax positions of prior years
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
70
|
|
Reductions of tax positions of prior years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in judgment
|
—
|
|
|
(4,219)
|
|
|
(430)
|
|
Settlements during the period
|
(5,343)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Lapses of applicable statute of limitations
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Balance, end of period
|
$
|
1,791
|
|
|
$
|
7,134
|
|
|
$
|
11,353
|
|
Included in the end of period balance above, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no unrecognized tax benefits for which the ultimate deductibility is certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductions. As of December 31, 2017, there were approximately $0.7 million, of such unrecognized tax benefits. Other than interest and penalties, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not affect the annual effective income tax rate but would accelerate to an earlier period the payment of cash to the taxing authority. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, that would affect the effective income tax rate is approximately $1.8 million, $7.1 million, and $10.7 million, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
Any accrued interest related to the unrecognized tax benefits and other accrued income taxes have been included in income tax expense. There were no amounts included in any period ending in 2019, 2018, or 2017, as the parent company maintains responsibility for the interest on unrecognized tax benefits.
In April 2019, the IRS proposed favorable and unfavorable adjustments to the Company’s 2014 through 2016 reported taxable income. The Company agreed to these adjustments. The resulting taxes have been settled, other than interest, and the settlement of interest will not materially impact the Company or its effective tax rate.
This agreement with the IRS and the change in federal tax rate under the Tax Reform Act are the primary causes for the reductions of unrecognized tax benefits shown in the above chart. The Company believes that in the next 12 months, none of the unrecognized tax benefits will be reduced. In general, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by taxing authorities for tax years that began before 2017.
Due to the aforementioned IRS adjustments to the Company’s pre-2017 taxable income, the Company has amended certain of its 2014 through 2016 state income tax returns. Such amendments will cause such years to remain open, pending the states’ acceptances of the returns.
20. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The following table sets forth supplemental cash flow information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid / (received) during the year:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
$
|
181,768
|
|
|
$
|
186,295
|
|
|
$
|
178,787
|
|
Income taxes
|
383,085
|
|
|
11,703
|
|
|
20,507
|
|
21. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company provides furnished office space and computers to affiliates through an intercompany agreement. Revenues from this agreement were $6.4 million, $6.0 million, and $6.2 million, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The Company purchases data processing, legal, investment, and management services from affiliates. The costs of such services were $277.7 million, $249.3 million, and $240.9 million, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. In addition, the Company has an intercompany payable with affiliates as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 of $50.9 million and $36.4 million, respectively. There was a $8.0 million and $11.3 million intercompany receivable balance as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Certain corporations with which PLC’s directors were affiliated paid us premiums and policy fees or other amounts for various types of insurance and investment products, interest on bonds we own and commissions on securities underwritings in which our affiliates participated. Such amounts totaled $6.4 million, $6.8 million, and $6.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The Company and/or PLC paid commissions, interest on debt and investment products, and fees to these same corporations totaling $1.9 million, $2.3 million, and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
The Company has joint venture interests in real estate for which the Company holds the underlying real estate’s loan. During 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company received $23.2 million, $6.8 million, and $41.2 million, respectively, in mortgage loan payments corresponding to the joint venture interests and $15.6 million in principal was collected on loans that paid off in December 2019.
Prior to the Merger, PLC and the Company had no related party transactions with Dai-ichi Life. During the periods ending December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, PLC paid a management fee to Dai-ichi Life of $11.1 million, $12.2 million, and $10.9 million, respectively, for certain services provided to the company.
PLC has guaranteed the Company’s obligations for borrowings or letters of credit under the revolving line of credit arrangement to which PLC is also a party. PLC has also issued guarantees, entered into support agreements and/or assumed a duty to indemnify its indirect wholly owned captive insurance companies in certain respects.
PLC guaranteed the obligations of the Company under a synthetic lease entered into by the Company, as lessee, with a non-affiliated third party, as lessor. Under the terms of the synthetic lease, financing of $75 million was available to the Company for construction of an office building and parking deck which was completed on February 1, 2000. The synthetic lease was amended and restated as of December 19, 2013 and was extended to December 31, 2018. At the end of the lease term, the Company purchased the building for approximately $75.0 million.
The Company has agreements with certain of its subsidiaries under which it provides administrative services for a fee. These services include but are not limited to accounting, financial reporting, compliance, policy administration, reserve computations, and projections. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries pay PLC for investment, legal and data processing services.
The Company and/or certain of its affiliates have reinsurance agreements in place with companies owned by PLC. These agreements relate to certain portions of our service contract business which is included within the Asset Protection segment. These transactions are eliminated at the PLC consolidated level.
The Company has reinsured GLWB and GMDB riders related to our variable annuity contracts to Shades Creek, a wholly owned insurance subsidiary of PLC. Also during 2012, PLC entered into an intercompany capital support agreement with Shades Creek which provides through a guarantee that PLC will contribute assets or purchase surplus notes (or cause an affiliate or third party to contribute assets or purchase surplus notes) in amounts necessary for Shades Creek’s regulatory capital
levels to equal or exceed minimum thresholds as defined by the agreement. No additional capital was provided to Shades Creek by PLC during the year ended December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, Shades Creek maintained capital levels in excess of the required minimum thresholds. The maximum potential future payment amount which could be required under the capital support agreement will be dependent on numerous factors, including the performance of equity markets, the level of interest rates, performance of associated hedges, and related policyholder behavior.
22. STATUTORY REPORTING PRACTICES AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS
The Company and its insurance subsidiaries prepare statutory financial statements for regulatory purposes in accordance with accounting practices prescribed by the NAIC and the applicable state insurance department laws and regulations. These financial statements vary materially from GAAP. Statutory accounting practices include publications of the NAIC, state laws, regulations, general administrative rules as well as certain permitted accounting practices granted by the respective state insurance department. Generally, the most significant differences are that statutory financial statements do not reflect 1) deferred acquisition costs and VOBA, 2) benefit liabilities that are calculated using Company estimates of expected mortality, interest, and withdrawals, 3) deferred income taxes that are not subject to statutory limits, 4) recognition of realized gains and losses on the sale of securities in the period they are sold, and 5) fixed maturities recorded at fair values, but instead at amortized cost.
Statutory net income (loss) for the Company was $(619.9) million, $321.1 million, and $731.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Statutory capital and surplus for the Company was $4.9 billion and $4.3 billion as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The Company and its insurance subsidiaries are subject to various state statutory and regulatory restrictions on the insurance subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to Protective Life Corporation. In general, dividends up to specified levels are considered ordinary and may be paid without prior approval of the insurance commissioner of the state of domicile. Dividends in larger amounts are considered extraordinary and are subject to affirmative prior approval by such commissioner. The maximum amount that would qualify as ordinary dividends to the Company from our insurance subsidiaries in 2020 is approximately $138.4 million. Additionally, as of December 31, 2019, approximately $1.0 billion of consolidated shareowner’s equity, excluding net unrealized gains on investments, represented restricted net assets of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries needed to maintain the minimum capital required by the insurance subsidiaries’ respective state insurance departments.
State insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) have adopted risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements for life insurance companies to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to investment and insurance risks. The requirements provide a means of measuring the minimum amount of statutory surplus appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations based on its size and risk profile. A company’s risk-based statutory surplus is calculated by applying factors and performing calculations relating to various asset, premium, claim, expense, and reserve items. Regulators can then measure the adequacy of a company’s statutory surplus by comparing it to RBC. The Company manages its capital consumption by using the ratio of its total adjusted capital, as defined by the insurance regulators, to the Company’s action level RBC (known as the RBC ratio), also defined by insurance regulators. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries all exceeded the minimum RBC requirements.
Additionally, the Company has certain assets that are on deposit with state regulatory authorities and restricted from use. As of December 31, 2019, the Company and its insurance subsidiaries had on deposit with regulatory authorities, fixed maturity and short-term investments with a fair value of approximately $42.9 million.
The states of domicile of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries have adopted prescribed accounting practices that differ from the required accounting outlined in NAIC Statutory Accounting Principles (“SAP”). The insurance subsidiaries also have certain accounting practices permitted by the states of domicile that differ from those found in NAIC SAP.
Certain prescribed and permitted practices impact the statutory surplus of the Company. These practices include the non-admission of goodwill as an asset for statutory reporting.
The favorable (unfavorable) effects of the Company and its statutory surplus, compared to NAIC statutory surplus, from the use of these prescribed and permitted practices were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
Non-admission of goodwill
|
$
|
(143)
|
|
|
$
|
(181)
|
|
Total (net)
|
$
|
(143)
|
|
|
$
|
(181)
|
|
The Company also has certain prescribed and permitted practices which are applied at the subsidiary level and do not have a direct impact on the statutory surplus of the Company. These practices include permission to follow the actuarial guidelines of the domiciliary state of the ceding insurer for certain captive reinsurers, accounting for the face amount of all issued and outstanding letters of credit, and notes issued by affiliates as an asset in the statutory financial statements of certain wholly owned subsidiaries that are considered “Special Purpose Financial Captives,” and a reserve difference related to a captive insurance company.
The favorable (unfavorable) effects on the statutory surplus of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, compared to NAIC statutory surplus, from the use of these prescribed and permitted practices were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(Dollars In Millions)
|
|
|
Accounting for Letters of Credit as admitted assets
|
$
|
1,555
|
|
|
$
|
1,630
|
|
Accounting for certain notes as admitted assets
|
2,748
|
|
|
2,553
|
|
Reserving based on state specific actuarial practices
|
116
|
|
|
121
|
|
Reserving difference related to a captive insurance company
|
(71)
|
|
|
(50)
|
|
Total (net)
|
$
|
4,348
|
|
|
$
|
4,254
|
|
23. OPERATING SEGMENTS
The Company has several operating segments, each having a strategic focus. An operating segment is distinguished by products, channels of distribution, and/or other strategic distinctions. The Company periodically evaluates its operating segments and makes adjustments to its segment reporting as needed. A brief description of each segment follows.
•The Life Marketing segment markets fixed UL, IUL, VUL, BOLI, and level premium term insurance (“traditional”) products on a national basis primarily through networks of independent insurance agents and brokers, broker-dealers, financial institutions, independent distribution organizations, and affinity groups.
•The Acquisitions segment focuses on acquiring, converting, and servicing policies and contracts acquired from other companies. The segment’s primary focus is on life insurance policies and annuity products that were sold to individuals. The level of the segment’s acquisition activity is predicated upon many factors, including available capital, operating capacity, potential return on capital, and market dynamics. Policies acquired through the Acquisitions segment are typically blocks of business where no new policies are being marketed, however, some recent acquisitions have included ongoing new business activities. Ongoing new product sales written by the Company from these acquisitions are included in the Life Marketing and/or Annuities segment. As a result, earnings and account values are expected to decline as the result of lapses, deaths, and other terminations of coverage unless new acquisitions are made.
•The Annuities segment markets fixed and VA products. These products are primarily sold through broker-dealers, financial institutions, and independent agents and brokers.
•The Stable Value Products segment sells fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, money market funds, bank trust departments, and other institutional investors. This segment also issues funding agreements to the FHLB, and markets GICs to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans. The Company also has an unregistered funding agreement-backed notes program which provides for offers of notes to both domestic and international institutional investors.
•The Asset Protection segment markets extended service contracts, GAP products, credit life and disability insurance, and other specialized ancillary products to protect consumers’ investments in automobiles and recreational vehicles. GAP covers the difference between the loan pay-off amount and an asset’s actual cash value in the case of a total loss. Each type of specialized ancillary product protects against damage or other loss to a particular aspect of the underlying asset.
•The Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of net investment income on assets supporting our equity capital, unallocated corporate overhead and expenses not attributable to the segments above. This segment
includes earnings from several non-strategic or runoff lines of business, various financing and investment related transactions, and the operations of several small subsidiaries.
The Company’s management and Board of Directors analyzes and assesses the operating performance of each segment using “pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)” and “after-tax adjusted operating income (loss)”. Consistent with GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is the Company’s measure of segment performance. Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is calculated by adjusting “income (loss) before income tax”, by excluding the following items:
•realized gains and losses on investments and derivatives,
•changes in the GLWB embedded derivatives exclusive of the portion attributable to the economic cost of the GLWB,
•actual GLWB incurred claims, and
•the amortization of DAC, VOBA, and certain policy liabilities that is impacted by the exclusion of these items.
The items excluded from adjusted operating income (loss) are important to understanding the overall results of operations. Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) and after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) are not substitutes for income before income taxes or net income (loss), respectively. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The Company believes that pre-tax and after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) enhances management’s and the Board of Directors’ understanding of the ongoing operations, the underlying profitability of each segment, and helps facilitate the allocation of resources.
After-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is derived from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) with the inclusion of income tax expense or benefits associated with pre-tax adjusted operating income. Income tax expense or benefits is allocated to the items excluded from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) at the statutory federal income tax rate for the associated period. For periods ending on and prior to December 31, 2017, a rate of 35% was used. Beginning in 2018, a statutory federal income tax rate of 21% was used to allocate income tax expense or benefits to items excluded from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss). Income tax expense or benefits allocated to after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) can vary period to period based on changes in the Company’s effective income tax rate.
In determining the components of the pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) for each segment, premiums and policy fees, other income, benefits and settlement expenses, and amortization of DAC and VOBA are attributed directly to each operating segment. Net investment income is allocated based on directly related assets required for transacting the business of that segment. Realized investment gains (losses) and other operating expenses are allocated to the segments in a manner that most appropriately reflects the operations of that segment. Investments and other assets are allocated based on statutory policy liabilities net of associated statutory policy assets, while DAC/VOBA and goodwill are shown in the segments to which they are attributable.
There were no significant intersegment transactions during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
The following tables present a summary of results and reconciles pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) to consolidated income before income tax and net income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life Marketing
|
$
|
1,694,618
|
|
|
$
|
1,567,857
|
|
|
$
|
1,556,207
|
|
Acquisitions
|
2,901,650
|
|
|
2,027,195
|
|
|
1,569,083
|
|
Annuities
|
623,854
|
|
|
478,114
|
|
|
486,847
|
|
Stable Value Products
|
246,587
|
|
|
219,501
|
|
|
190,006
|
|
Asset Protection
|
353,896
|
|
|
355,501
|
|
|
370,449
|
|
Corporate and Other
|
131,464
|
|
|
110,848
|
|
|
140,075
|
|
Total revenues
|
$
|
5,952,069
|
|
|
$
|
4,759,016
|
|
|
$
|
4,312,667
|
|
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life Marketing
|
$
|
(26,697)
|
|
|
$
|
(13,726)
|
|
|
$
|
55,152
|
|
Acquisitions
|
346,825
|
|
|
282,715
|
|
|
249,749
|
|
Annuities
|
145,578
|
|
|
129,155
|
|
|
171,269
|
|
Stable Value Products
|
93,183
|
|
|
102,328
|
|
|
105,261
|
|
Asset Protection
|
37,205
|
|
|
24,371
|
|
|
17,638
|
|
Corporate and Other
|
(161,248)
|
|
|
(156,722)
|
|
|
(189,645)
|
|
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
|
434,846
|
|
|
368,121
|
|
|
409,424
|
|
Realized gains (losses) on investments and derivatives
|
248,602
|
|
|
(120,533)
|
|
|
54,584
|
|
Income before income tax
|
683,448
|
|
|
247,588
|
|
|
464,008
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit)
|
130,464
|
|
|
53,661
|
|
|
(718,409)
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
552,984
|
|
|
$
|
193,927
|
|
|
$
|
1,182,417
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
|
$
|
434,846
|
|
|
$
|
368,121
|
|
|
$
|
409,424
|
|
Adjusted operating income tax (expense) benefit
|
(78,257)
|
|
|
(78,973)
|
|
|
737,513
|
|
After-tax adjusted operating income
|
356,589
|
|
|
289,148
|
|
|
1,146,937
|
|
Realized gains (losses) on investments and derivatives
|
248,602
|
|
|
(120,533)
|
|
|
54,584
|
|
Income tax (expense) benefit on adjustments
|
(52,207)
|
|
|
25,312
|
|
|
(19,104)
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
552,984
|
|
|
$
|
193,927
|
|
|
$
|
1,182,417
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative financial instruments
|
$
|
(131,459)
|
|
|
$
|
79,097
|
|
|
$
|
(137,041)
|
|
All other investments
|
342,998
|
|
|
(223,276)
|
|
|
121,087
|
|
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
|
(34,453)
|
|
|
(29,724)
|
|
|
(9,112)
|
|
Less: related amortization(1)
|
(23,021)
|
|
|
(11,856)
|
|
|
(39,480)
|
|
Less: VA GLWB economic cost
|
(48,495)
|
|
|
(41,514)
|
|
|
(40,170)
|
|
Realized gains (losses) on investments and derivatives
|
$
|
248,602
|
|
|
$
|
(120,533)
|
|
|
$
|
54,584
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)Includes amortization of DAC/VOBA and benefits and settlement expenses that are impacted by realized gains (losses).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life Marketing
|
$
|
571,654
|
|
|
$
|
552,697
|
|
|
$
|
550,714
|
|
Acquisitions
|
1,532,605
|
|
|
1,108,218
|
|
|
752,520
|
|
Annuities
|
367,650
|
|
|
335,382
|
|
|
316,582
|
|
Stable Value Products
|
243,775
|
|
|
217,778
|
|
|
186,576
|
|
Asset Protection
|
28,291
|
|
|
25,070
|
|
|
22,298
|
|
Corporate and Other
|
74,855
|
|
|
99,757
|
|
|
94,366
|
|
Total net investment income
|
$
|
2,818,830
|
|
|
$
|
2,338,902
|
|
|
$
|
1,923,056
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life Marketing
|
$
|
157,854
|
|
|
$
|
116,917
|
|
|
$
|
120,753
|
|
Acquisitions
|
10,693
|
|
|
18,690
|
|
|
(6,939)
|
|
Annuities
|
(58,907)
|
|
|
24,274
|
|
|
(54,471)
|
|
Stable Value Products
|
3,382
|
|
|
3,201
|
|
|
2,354
|
|
Asset Protection
|
62,631
|
|
|
62,984
|
|
|
17,746
|
|
Corporate and Other
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total amortization of DAC and VOBA
|
$
|
175,653
|
|
|
$
|
226,066
|
|
|
$
|
79,443
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Segments
As of December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life
Marketing
|
|
Acquisitions
|
|
Annuities
|
|
Stable Value
Products
|
Investments and other assets
|
$
|
16,013,892
|
|
|
$
|
54,074,450
|
|
|
$
|
21,434,347
|
|
|
$
|
5,317,885
|
|
DAC and VOBA
|
1,486,699
|
|
|
924,090
|
|
|
929,917
|
|
|
5,221
|
|
Other intangibles
|
243,210
|
|
|
36,321
|
|
|
157,968
|
|
|
6,722
|
|
Goodwill
|
215,254
|
|
|
23,862
|
|
|
343,247
|
|
|
113,924
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
17,959,055
|
|
|
$
|
55,058,723
|
|
|
$
|
22,865,479
|
|
|
$
|
5,443,752
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset
Protection
|
|
Corporate
and Other
|
|
Total
Consolidated
|
Investments and other assets
|
$
|
878,386
|
|
|
$
|
17,830,217
|
|
|
$
|
115,549,177
|
|
DAC and VOBA
|
173,628
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3,519,555
|
|
Other intangibles
|
112,032
|
|
|
27,173
|
|
|
583,426
|
|
Goodwill
|
129,224
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
825,511
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
1,293,270
|
|
|
$
|
17,857,390
|
|
|
$
|
120,477,669
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Segment Assets
As of December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life
Marketing
|
|
Acquisitions
|
|
Annuities
|
|
Stable Value
Products
|
Investments and other assets
|
$
|
14,607,822
|
|
|
$
|
31,859,520
|
|
|
$
|
20,160,279
|
|
|
$
|
5,107,334
|
|
DAC and VOBA
|
1,499,386
|
|
|
458,977
|
|
|
889,697
|
|
|
6,121
|
|
Other intangibles
|
262,181
|
|
|
31,975
|
|
|
156,785
|
|
|
7,389
|
|
Goodwill
|
215,254
|
|
|
23,862
|
|
|
343,247
|
|
|
113,924
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
16,584,643
|
|
|
$
|
32,374,334
|
|
|
$
|
21,550,008
|
|
|
$
|
5,234,768
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset
Protection
|
|
Corporate
and Other
|
|
Total
Consolidated
|
Investments and other assets
|
$
|
827,416
|
|
|
$
|
12,356,003
|
|
|
$
|
84,918,374
|
|
DAC and VOBA
|
172,149
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3,026,330
|
|
Other intangibles
|
122,590
|
|
|
31,934
|
|
|
612,854
|
|
Goodwill
|
129,224
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
825,511
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
1,251,379
|
|
|
$
|
12,387,937
|
|
|
$
|
89,383,069
|
|
24. CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY RESULTS — UNAUDITED
The Company’s unaudited consolidated quarterly operating data for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is presented below. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) necessary for a fair statement of quarterly results have been reflected in the following data. It is also management’s opinion, however, that quarterly operating data for insurance enterprises are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected in succeeding quarters or years. In order to obtain a more accurate indication of performance, there should be a review of operating results, changes in shareowner’s equity, and cash flows for a period of several quarters.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
Quarter
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums and policy fees
|
$
|
923,686
|
|
|
$
|
939,097
|
|
|
$
|
1,021,152
|
|
|
$
|
1,172,267
|
|
Reinsurance ceded
|
(315,971)
|
|
|
(337,077)
|
|
|
(314,234)
|
|
|
(549,922)
|
|
Net of reinsurance ceded
|
607,715
|
|
|
602,020
|
|
|
706,918
|
|
|
622,345
|
|
Net investment income
|
641,422
|
|
|
685,194
|
|
|
739,711
|
|
|
752,503
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses)
|
56,220
|
|
|
44,243
|
|
|
130,503
|
|
|
(19,427)
|
|
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
|
(3,142)
|
|
|
(698)
|
|
|
(10,818)
|
|
|
(19,795)
|
|
Other income
|
78,136
|
|
|
104,172
|
|
|
115,679
|
|
|
119,168
|
|
Total revenues
|
1,380,351
|
|
|
1,434,931
|
|
|
1,681,993
|
|
|
1,454,794
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
1,203,624
|
|
|
1,249,208
|
|
|
1,442,152
|
|
|
1,373,637
|
|
Income before income tax
|
176,727
|
|
|
185,723
|
|
|
239,841
|
|
|
81,157
|
|
Income tax expense
|
34,629
|
|
|
31,309
|
|
|
49,417
|
|
|
15,109
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
142,098
|
|
|
$
|
154,414
|
|
|
$
|
190,424
|
|
|
$
|
66,048
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
Quarter
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
|
(Dollars In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums and policy fees
|
$
|
883,413
|
|
|
$
|
935,928
|
|
|
$
|
871,892
|
|
|
$
|
965,275
|
|
Reinsurance ceded
|
(345,624)
|
|
|
(391,864)
|
|
|
(267,910)
|
|
|
(378,112)
|
|
Net of reinsurance ceded
|
537,789
|
|
|
544,064
|
|
|
603,982
|
|
|
587,163
|
|
Net investment income
|
489,418
|
|
|
578,414
|
|
|
631,955
|
|
|
639,115
|
|
Realized investment gains (losses)
|
(40,725)
|
|
|
(32,583)
|
|
|
(46,866)
|
|
|
(24,005)
|
|
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
|
(3,645)
|
|
|
(5)
|
|
|
(14)
|
|
|
(26,060)
|
|
Other income
|
80,674
|
|
|
79,754
|
|
|
80,906
|
|
|
79,685
|
|
Total revenues
|
1,063,511
|
|
|
1,169,644
|
|
|
1,269,963
|
|
|
1,255,898
|
|
Total benefits and expenses
|
1,041,575
|
|
|
1,108,750
|
|
|
1,174,793
|
|
|
1,186,310
|
|
Income before income tax
|
21,936
|
|
|
60,894
|
|
|
95,170
|
|
|
69,588
|
|
Income tax expense
|
3,661
|
|
|
8,626
|
|
|
16,646
|
|
|
24,728
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
18,275
|
|
|
$
|
52,268
|
|
|
$
|
78,524
|
|
|
$
|
44,860
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has evaluated the effects of events subsequent to December 31, 2019, and through the date we filed our consolidated financial statements with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Subsequent to December 31, 2019, equity and financial markets have experienced significant volatility and interest rates have continued to decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company is currently unable to determine the extent of the impact of the pandemic to its operations and financial condition. All accounting and disclosure requirements related to subsequent events are included in our consolidated financial statements.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareowner and Board of Directors
Protective Life Insurance Company:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Protective Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), shareowner’s equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and financial statement schedules III to V (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/S/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2019.
Birmingham, Alabama
March 25, 2020
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareowner of Protective Life Insurance Company
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of Protective Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), shareowner’s equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018, including the related notes and financial statement schedules as of and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018 listed in the index appearing under Item 15(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Change in Accounting Principle
As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for administrative fees associated with certain property and casualty insurance products in 2018.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
March 25, 2019
Birmingham, AL
We served as the Company’s auditor from 1974 to 2019.