XML 75 R21.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting (Policy)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Accounting
We have prepared these interim unaudited financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), which differs materially from the accounting practices prescribed by various insurance regulatory authorities.
Reclassification
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These interim unaudited financial statements include all adjustments (consisting primarily of accruals) considered necessary for the fair statement of the balance sheets, statements of income and comprehensive income, statements of cash flows and statements of changes in stockholder’s equity for the interim periods. Certain financial information that is not required for interim reporting has been omitted. Financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of full year results. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, there were no out-of-period adjustments. These interim unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “2014 Form 10-K”).
Use of Estimates
Use of estimates

In preparing these interim unaudited financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the interim unaudited financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and assumptions are made in the determination of estimated gross profits (“EGPs”) used in the valuation and amortization of assets and liabilities associated with universal life and annuity contracts; policyholder liabilities and accruals; valuation of investments in debt and equity securities; limited partnerships and other investments; valuation of deferred tax assets; and accruals for contingent liabilities. Certain of these estimates are particularly sensitive to market conditions and/or volatility in the debt or equity markets which could have a material impact on the interim unaudited financial statements. We are also subject to estimates made by our ultimate parent company related to discount rates and other assumptions for our pension and other post-employment benefits liabilities; and accruals for contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Adoption of new accounting standards

Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued updated guidance that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and introduces new financial statement disclosures. The new guidance is effective prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those annual periods. This new guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

Accounting for Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors

In January 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance for troubled debt restructurings clarifying when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and when a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan. The new guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. This new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects

In January 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance regarding investments in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit. Under the guidance, an entity is permitted to make an accounting policy election to amortize the initial cost of its investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognize the net investment performance in the statement of operations as a component of income tax expense (benefit) if certain conditions are met. The new guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. This new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

Accounting standards not yet adopted

For information regarding additional accounting standards that the Company has not yet adopted, see the “Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted” section of Note 3 of Notes to Financial Statements in the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K. There have been no changes other than as noted below.

Interest - Imputation of Interest (Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs)

In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance that changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under the new guidance, a company would present debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. The recognition and measurement of debt issuance costs is not affected by the new guidance. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is allowed for all entities for financial statements that have not been previously issued. This guidance will not have any effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

In the current quarter, the Company unlocked its assumption for expected future interest rates. This best estimate assumption reflects current yields and expected maturities of our fixed income portfolio combined with expected reinvestment rates. The interest rates begin with prevailing rates but are assumed to revert back to the long-term yield over the mean reversion period. The unlock impacted DAC, certain additional policyholder liabilities for guaranteed benefits on variable annuity and universal life contracts and the universal life PFBL. The result was a net benefit of approximately $0.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.