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Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Share-Based Payments

The Company recognizes the cost resulting from all share-based payments in accordance with the authoritative guidance on accounting for stock based compensation and applies the fair value-based measurement method in accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees except for equity instruments held by employee share ownership plans. The Company accounts for excess tax benefits in additional paid-in capital as a single “pool” available to all share-based compensation awards. The Company does not recognize excess tax benefits in additional paid-in capital until the benefits result in a reduction in taxes payable. The Company has elected the “tax-law ordering methodology” and has adopted a convention that considers excess tax benefits to be the last portion of a net operating loss carryforward to be utilized.

The Company accounts for non-employee stock options using the fair value method in accordance with authoritative guidance and related interpretations on accounting for equity instruments that are issued to other than employees for acquiring, or in conjunction with selling, goods or services.

Earnings Per Share

As discussed in Note 1, the Company has outstanding two separate classes of common stock. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing available income attributable to each of the two groups of common shareholders by the respective weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the effect of all dilutive potential common shares that were outstanding during the period.

As discussed under “Share-Based Payments” above, the Company accounts for excess tax benefits in additional paid-in capital as a single “pool” available to all share-based compensation awards. The Company reflects in assumed proceeds, based on application of the treasury stock method, the excess tax benefits that would be recognized in additional paid-in capital upon exercise or release of the award.

Investments in Debt, Equity Securities, and Commercial Mortgage and Other Loans

Investments and Investment-Related Liabilities

The Company's principal investments are fixed maturities; equity securities; commercial mortgage and other loans; policy loans; other long-term investments, including joint ventures (other than operating joint ventures), limited partnerships, and real estate; and short-term investments. Investments and investment-related liabilities also include securities repurchase and resale agreements and securities lending transactions. The accounting policies related to each are as follows:

Fixed maturities are comprised of bonds, notes and redeemable preferred stock. Fixed maturities classified as “available-for-sale” are carried at fair value. See Note 20 for additional information regarding the determination of fair value. Fixed maturities that the Company has both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are carried at amortized cost and classified as “held-to-maturity.” The amortized cost of fixed maturities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Interest income, as well as the related amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is included in “Net investment income” under the effective yield method. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, the effective yield is based on estimated cash flows, including interest rate and prepayment assumptions based on data from widely accepted third-party data sources or internal estimates. In addition to interest rate and prepayment assumptions, cash flow estimates also vary based on other assumptions regarding the underlying collateral, including default rates and changes in value. These assumptions can significantly impact income recognition and the amount of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings and other comprehensive income. For high credit quality mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities (those rated AA or above), cash flows are provided quarterly, and the amortized cost and effective yield of the security are adjusted as necessary to reflect historical prepayment experience and changes in estimated future prepayments. The adjustments to amortized cost are recorded as a charge or credit to net investment income in accordance with the retrospective method. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities rated below AA, or those for which an other than temporary impairment has been recorded, the effective yield is adjusted prospectively for any changes in estimated cash flows. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments. Unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities classified as “available-for-sale,” net of tax, and the effect on deferred policy acquisition costs, value of business acquired, deferred sales inducements, future policy benefits and policyholders' dividends that would result from the realization of unrealized gains and losses, are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” (“AOCI”).

“Trading account assets supporting insurance liabilities, at fair value” includes invested assets that support certain products included in the Retirement segment, as well as certain products included in the International Insurance segment, which are experience rated, meaning that the investment results associated with these products are expected to ultimately accrue to contractholders. Realized and unrealized gains and losses for these investments are reported in “Asset management fees and other income.” Interest and dividend income from these investments is reported in “Net investment income.”

“Other trading account assets, at fair value” consist primarily of fixed maturities, equity securities, including certain perpetual preferred stock, and certain derivatives, including those used by the Company in its capacity as a broker-dealer and derivative hedging positions used in a non-broker-dealer capacity primarily to hedge the risks related to certain products. These instruments are carried at fair value. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these investments and on derivatives used by the Company in its capacity as a broker-dealer are reported in “Asset management fees and other income” and, for those related to the Company's global commodities group, in “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes.” Interest and dividend income from these investments is reported in “Net investment income” and, for those related to the Company's global commodities group, in “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes.”

Equity securities available-for-sale are comprised of common stock, mutual fund shares, non-redeemable preferred stock, and certain perpetual preferred stock, and are carried at fair value. The associated unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, and the effect on deferred policy acquisition costs, value of business acquired, deferred sales inducements, future policy benefits and policyholders' dividends that would result from the realization of unrealized gains and losses, are included in AOCI. The cost of equity securities is written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments. Dividends from these investments are recognized in “Net investment income” when earned.

Commercial mortgage and other loans consist of commercial mortgage loans, agricultural loans, loans backed by residential properties, as well as certain other collateralized and uncollateralized loans. Loans backed by residential properties primarily include recourse loans held by the Company's international insurance businesses. Other collateralized loans primarily include senior loans made by the Company's international insurance businesses and loans made to the Company's former real estate franchisees. Uncollateralized loans primarily represent reverse dual currency loans and corporate loans held by the Company's international insurance businesses.

Commercial mortgage and other loans originated and held for investment are generally carried at unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized deferred loan origination fees and expenses, and net of an allowance for losses. Commercial mortgage loans originated within the Company's commercial mortgage operations include loans held for sale which are reported at the lower of cost or fair value; loans held for investment which are reported at amortized cost net of unamortized deferred loan origination fees and expenses, and net of an allowance for losses; and loans reported at fair value under the fair value option. Commercial mortgage and other loans acquired, including those related to the acquisition of a business, are recorded at fair value when purchased, reflecting any premiums or discounts to unpaid principal balances.

Interest income, as well as prepayment fees and the amortization of the related premiums or discounts, related to commercial mortgage and other loans, are included in “Net investment income.”

Impaired loans include those loans for which it is probable that amounts due will not all be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company defines “past due” as principal or interest not collected at least 30 days past the scheduled contractual due date. Interest received on loans that are past due, including impaired and non-impaired loans as well as loans that were previously modified in a troubled debt restructuring, is either applied against the principal or reported as net investment income based on the Company's assessment as to the collectability of the principal. See Note 4 for additional information about the Company's past due loans.

The Company discontinues accruing interest on loans after the loans become 90 days delinquent as to principal or interest payments, or earlier when the Company has doubts about collectability. When the Company discontinues accruing interest on a loan, any accrued but uncollectible interest on the loan and other loans backed by the same collateral, if any, is charged to interest income in the same period. Generally, a loan is restored to accrual status only after all delinquent interest and principal are brought current and, in the case of loans where the payment of interest has been interrupted for a substantial period, or the loan has been modified, a regular payment performance has been established.

The Company reviews the performance and credit quality of the commercial mortgage and other loan portfolio on an on-going basis. Loans are placed on watch list status based on a predefined set of criteria and are assigned one of three categories. Loans are placed on “early warning” status in cases where, based on the Company's analysis of the loan's collateral, the financial situation of the borrower or tenants or other market factors, it is believed a loss of principal or interest could occur. Loans are classified as “closely monitored” when it is determined that there is a collateral deficiency or other credit events that may lead to a potential loss of principal or interest. Loans “not in good standing” are those loans where the Company has concluded that there is a high probability of loss of principal, such as when the loan is delinquent or in the process of foreclosure. As described below, in determining the allowance for losses, the Company evaluates each loan on the watch list to determine if it is probable that amounts due will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.

Loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios are measures commonly used to assess the quality of commercial mortgage loans. The loan-to-value ratio compares the amount of the loan to the fair value of the underlying property collateralizing the loan, and is commonly expressed as a percentage. Loan-to-value ratios greater than 100% indicate that the loan amount exceeds the collateral value. A smaller loan-to-value ratio indicates a greater excess of collateral value over the loan amount. The debt service coverage ratio compares a property's net operating income to its debt service payments. Debt service coverage ratios less than 1.0 times indicate that property operations do not generate enough income to cover the loan's current debt payments. A larger debt service coverage ratio indicates a greater excess of net operating income over the debt service payments. The values utilized in calculating these ratios are developed as part of the Company's periodic review of the commercial mortgage loan and agricultural loan portfolio, which includes an internal appraisal of the underlying collateral value. The Company's periodic review also includes a quality re-rating process, whereby the internal quality rating originally assigned at underwriting is updated based on current loan, property and market information using a proprietary quality rating system. The loan-to-value ratio is the most significant of several inputs used to establish the internal credit rating of a loan which in turn drives the allowance for losses. Other key factors considered in determining the internal credit rating include debt service coverage ratios, amortization, loan term, estimated market value growth rate and volatility for the property type and region. See Note 4 for additional information related to the loan-to-value ratios and debt service coverage ratios related to the Company's commercial mortgage and agricultural loan portfolios.

Loans backed by residential properties, other collateralized loans, and uncollateralized loans are also reviewed periodically. Each loan is assigned an internal or external credit rating. Internal credit ratings take into consideration various factors including financial ratios and qualitative assessments based on non-financial information. In cases where there are personal or third party guarantors, the credit quality of the guarantor is also reviewed. These factors are used in developing the allowance for losses. Based on the diversity of the loans in these categories and their immateriality, the Company has not disclosed the credit quality indicators related to these loans in Note 4.

For those loans not reported at fair value, the allowance for losses includes a loan specific reserve for each impaired loan that has a specifically identified loss and a portfolio reserve for probable incurred but not specifically identified losses. For impaired commercial mortgage and other loans the allowances for losses are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or based upon the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The portfolio reserves for probable incurred but not specifically identified losses in the commercial mortgage and agricultural loan portfolio segments considers the current credit composition of the portfolio based on an internal quality rating, (as described above). The portfolio reserves are determined using past loan experience, including historical credit migration, loss probability and loss severity factors by property type. These factors are reviewed each quarter and updated as appropriate.

The allowance for losses on commercial mortgage and other loans can increase or decrease from period to period based on the factors noted above. “Realized investment gains (losses), net” includes changes in the allowance for losses and changes in value for loans accounted for under the fair value option. “Realized investment gains (losses), net” also includes gains and losses on sales, certain restructurings, and foreclosures.

When a commercial mortgage or other loan is deemed to be uncollectible, any specific valuation allowance associated with the loan is reversed and a direct write down to the carrying amount of the loan is made. The carrying amount of the loan is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in value.

Commercial mortgage and other loans are occasionally restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. These restructurings generally include one or more of the following: full or partial payoffs outside of the original contract terms; changes to interest rates; extensions of maturity; or additions or modifications to covenants. Additionally, the Company may accept assets in full or partial satisfaction of the debt as part of a troubled debt restructuring. When restructurings occur, they are evaluated individually to determine whether the restructuring or modification constitutes a "troubled debt restructuring" as defined by authoritative accounting guidance. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Company has granted a concession, the restructuring, including those that involve a partial payoff or the receipt of assets in full satisfaction of the debt is deemed to be a troubled debt restructuring. Based on the Company's credit review process described above, these loans generally would have been deemed impaired prior to the troubled debt restructuring, and specific allowances for losses would have been established prior to the determination that a troubled debt restructuring has occurred.

In a troubled debt restructuring where the Company receives assets in full satisfaction of the debt, any specific valuation allowance is reversed and a direct write down of the loan is recorded for the amount of the allowance, and any additional loss, net of recoveries, or any gain is recorded for the difference between the fair value of the assets received and the recorded investment in the loan. When assets are received in partial settlement, the same process is followed, and the remaining loan is evaluated prospectively for impairment based on the credit review process noted above. When a loan is restructured in a troubled debt restructuring, the impairment of the loan is remeasured using the modified terms and the loan's original effective yield, and the allowance for loss is adjusted accordingly. Subsequent to the modification, income is recognized prospectively based on the modified terms of the loans in accordance with the income recognition policy noted above. Additionally, the loan continues to be subject to the credit review process noted above.

In situations where a loan has been restructured in a troubled debt restructuring and the loan has subsequently defaulted, this factor is considered when evaluating the loan for a specific allowance for losses in accordance with the credit review process noted above.

See Note 4 for additional information about commercial mortgage and other loans that have been restructured in a troubled debt restructuring.

“Policy loans” are carried at unpaid principal balances. Interest income on policy loans is recognized in net investment income at the contract interest rate when earned. Policy loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the associated insurance policies.

Securities repurchase and resale agreements and securities loaned transactions are used to earn spread income, to borrow funds, or to facilitate trading activity. As part of securities repurchase agreements or securities loaned transactions, the Company transfers U.S. and foreign debt and equity securities, as well as U.S. government and government agency securities, and receives cash as collateral. As part of securities resale agreements, the Company invests cash and receives as collateral U.S. government securities or other debt securities. For securities repurchase agreements and securities loaned transactions used to earn spread income, the cash received is typically invested in cash equivalents, short-term investments or fixed maturities.

Securities repurchase and resale agreements that satisfy certain criteria are treated as secured borrowing or secured lending arrangements. These agreements are carried at the amounts at which the securities will be subsequently resold or reacquired, as specified in the respective transactions. For securities purchased under agreements to resell, the Company's policy is to take possession or control of the securities either directly or through a third party custodian. These securities are valued daily and additional securities or cash collateral is received, or returned, when appropriate to protect against credit exposure. Securities to be resold are the same, or substantially the same, as the securities received. For securities sold under agreements to repurchase, the market value of the securities to be repurchased is monitored, and additional collateral is obtained where appropriate, to protect against credit exposure. Securities to be repurchased are the same, or substantially the same, as those sold. Income and expenses related to these transactions executed within the insurance companies used to earn spread income are reported as “Net investment income;” however, for transactions used for funding purposes, the associated borrowing cost is reported as interest expense (included in “General and administrative expenses”). Income and expenses related to these transactions executed within the Company's derivative operations are reported in “Asset management fees and other income.” Income and expenses related to these transactions executed within the Company's global commodities group are reported in “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes.”

Securities loaned transactions are treated as financing arrangements and are recorded at the amount of cash received. The Company obtains collateral in an amount equal to 102% and 105% of the fair value of the domestic and foreign securities, respectively. The Company monitors the market value of the securities loaned on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained as necessary. Substantially all of the Company's securities loaned transactions are with large brokerage firms. Income and expenses associated with securities loaned transactions used to earn spread income are reported as “Net investment income;” however, for securities loaned transactions used for funding purposes the associated rebate is reported as interest expense (included in “General and administrative expenses”).

“Other long-term investments” consist of the Company's investments in joint ventures and limited partnerships, other than operating joint ventures, as well as wholly-owned investment real estate and other investments. Joint venture and partnership interests are either accounted for using the equity method of accounting or under the cost method when the Company's partnership interest is so minor (generally less than 3%) that it exercises virtually no influence over operating and financial policies. The Company's income from investments in joint ventures and partnerships accounted for using the equity method or the cost method, other than the Company's investment in operating joint ventures, is included in “Net investment income.” The carrying value of these investments is written down, or impaired, to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary. In applying the equity method or the cost method (including assessment for other-than-temporary impairment), the Company uses financial information provided by the investee, generally on a one to three month lag. The Company consolidates joint ventures and limited partnerships in certain other instances where it is deemed to exercise control, or is considered the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. See Note 5 for additional information about variable interest entities.

The Company's wholly-owned investment real estate consists of real estate which the Company has the intent to hold for the production of income as well as real estate held for sale. Real estate which the Company has the intent to hold for the production of income is carried at depreciated cost less any writedowns to fair value for impairment losses and is reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value less estimated selling costs and is not further depreciated once classified as such. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value of the investment real estate exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the investment. At that time, the carrying value of the investment real estate is written down to fair value. Decreases in the carrying value of investment real estate held for the production of income due to other-than-temporary impairments are recorded in “Realized investment gains (losses), net.” Depreciation on real estate held for the production of income is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the properties, and is included in “Net investment income.” In the period a real estate investment is deemed held for sale and meets all of the discontinued operation criteria, the Company reports all related net investment income and any resulting investment gains and losses as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

“Short-term investments” primarily consist of highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity of twelve months or less and greater than three months when purchased, other than those debt instruments meeting this definition that are included in “Trading account assets supporting insurance liabilities, at fair value.” These investments are generally carried at fair value and include certain money market investments, short-term debt securities issued by government sponsored entities and other highly liquid debt instruments. Short-term investments held in the Company's former broker-dealer operations were marked-to-market through “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes.”

Realized investment gains (losses) are computed using the specific identification method with the exception of some of the Company's International Insurance businesses' portfolios, where the average cost method is used. Realized investment gains and losses are generated from numerous sources, including the sale of fixed maturity securities, equity securities, investments in joint ventures and limited partnerships and other types of investments, as well as adjustments to the cost basis of investments for net other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings. Realized investment gains and losses are also generated from prepayment premiums received on private fixed maturity securities, allowance for losses on commercial mortgage and other loans, fair value changes on commercial mortgage loans carried at fair value, and fair value changes on embedded derivatives and free-standing derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, except those derivatives used in the Company's capacity as a broker or dealer.

The Company's available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities with unrealized losses are reviewed quarterly to identify other-than-temporary impairments in value. In evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary, the Company considers several factors including, but not limited to the following: (1) the extent and the duration of the decline; (2) the reasons for the decline in value (credit event, currency or interest-rate related, including general credit spread widening); and (3) the financial condition of and near-term prospects of the issuer. With regard to available-for-sale equity securities, the Company also considers the ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time to allow for a recovery of value. When it is determined that a decline in value of an equity security is other-than-temporary, the carrying value of the equity security is reduced to its fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings.

An other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in earnings for a debt security in an unrealized loss position when the Company either (a) has the intent to sell the debt security or (b) more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. For all debt securities in unrealized loss positions that do not meet either of these two criteria, the Company analyzes its ability to recover the amortized cost by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost of the security. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company's best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. The Company may use the estimated fair value of collateral as a proxy for the net present value if it believes that the security is dependent on the liquidation of collateral for recovery of its investment. If the net present value is less than the amortized cost of the investment, an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized. In addition to the above mentioned circumstances, the Company also recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment in earnings when a non-functional currency denominated security in an unrealized loss position due to currency exchange rates approaches maturity.

When an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security has occurred, the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings depends on whether the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If the debt security meets either of these two criteria or the foreign currency translation loss is not expected to be recovered before maturity, the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings is equal to the entire difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the impairment measurement date. For other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities that do not meet these criteria, the net amount recognized in earnings is equal to the difference between the amortized cost of the debt security and its net present value calculated as described above. Any difference between the fair value and the net present value of the debt security at the impairment measurement date is recorded in “Other comprehensive income (loss).” Unrealized gains or losses on securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized in earnings is tracked as a separate component of AOCI.

For debt securities, the split between the amount of an other-than-temporary impairment recognized in other comprehensive income and the net amount recognized in earnings is driven principally by assumptions regarding the amount and timing of projected cash flows. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, cash flow estimates consider the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security, including interest rate and prepayment assumptions based on data from widely accepted third-party data sources or internal estimates. In addition to interest rate and prepayment assumptions, cash flow estimates also include other assumptions regarding the underlying collateral including default rates and recoveries, which vary based on the asset type and geographic location, as well as the vintage year of the security. For structured securities, the payment priority within the tranche structure is also considered. For all other debt securities, cash flow estimates are driven by assumptions regarding probability of default and estimates regarding timing and amount of recoveries associated with a default. The Company has developed these estimates using information based on its historical experience as well as using market observable data, such as industry analyst reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings and other data relevant to the collectability of a security, such as the general payment terms of the security and the security's position within the capital structure of the issuer.

The new cost basis of an impaired security is not adjusted for subsequent increases in estimated fair value. In periods subsequent to the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment, the impaired security is accounted for as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the impairment. For debt securities, the discount (or reduced premium) based on the new cost basis may be accreted into net investment income in future periods, including increases in cash flow on a prospective basis. In certain cases where there are decreased cash flow expectations, the security is reviewed for further cash flow impairments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, certain money market investments and other debt instruments with maturities of three months or less when purchased, other than cash equivalents that are included in “Trading account assets supporting insurance liabilities, at fair value.”

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Costs that vary with and that are directly related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance and annuity business are deferred to the extent such costs are deemed recoverable from future profits. Such deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) primarily include commissions, costs of policy issuance and underwriting, and certain other expenses that are directly related to successfully negotiated contracts. See below under “Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements” for a discussion of the new authoritative guidance adopted effective January 1, 2012, regarding which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral. In each reporting period, capitalized DAC is amortized to “Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs,” net of the accrual of imputed interest on DAC balances. DAC is subject to recoverability testing at the end of each reporting period to ensure that the balance does not exceed the present value of estimated gross profits, estimated gross margins, or premiums less benefits and maintenance expenses, as applicable. DAC, for applicable products, is adjusted for the impact of unrealized gains or losses on investments as if these gains or losses had been realized, with corresponding credits or charges included in AOCI.

For traditional participating life insurance included in the Closed Block, DAC is amortized over the expected life of the contracts (up to 45 years) in proportion to gross margins based on historical and anticipated future experience, which is evaluated regularly. The effect of changes in estimated gross margins on unamortized DAC is reflected in “Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs” in the period such estimated gross margins are revised. Policy acquisition costs related to interest-sensitive and variable life products and fixed and variable deferred annuity products are deferred and amortized over the expected life of the contracts (periods ranging from 25 to 99 years) in proportion to gross profits arising principally from investment results, mortality and expense margins, and surrender charges, based on historical and anticipated future experience, which is updated periodically. The Company uses a reversion to the mean approach for equities to derive the blended future rate of return assumptions. However, if the projected future rate of return calculated using this approach is greater than the maximum future rate of return assumption, the maximum future rate of return is utilized in deriving the blended future rate of return assumption. In addition to the gross profit components previously mentioned, the impact of the embedded derivatives associated with certain optional living benefit features of the Company's variable annuity contracts and related hedging activities are also included in actual gross profits used as the basis for calculating current period amortization and, in certain instances, in management's estimate of total gross profits used for setting the amortization rate. The effect of changes to estimated gross profits on unamortized DAC is reflected in “Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs” in the period such estimated gross profits are revised. DAC related to non-participating traditional individual life insurance is amortized in proportion to gross premiums.

For group annuity contracts (other than single premium group annuities with life contingencies), acquisition costs are deferred and amortized over the expected life of the contracts in proportion to gross profits. For group corporate-, bank- and trust-owned life insurance contracts, acquisition costs are deferred and amortized in proportion to lives insured. For single premium immediate annuities with life contingencies, and single premium group annuities and single premium structured settlements with life contingencies, all acquisition costs are charged to expense immediately because generally all premiums are received at the inception of the contract. For funding agreement notes contracts, single premium structured settlement contracts without life contingencies, and single premium immediate annuities without life contingencies, acquisition expenses are deferred and amortized over the expected life of the contracts using the interest method. For other group life and disability insurance contracts and guaranteed investment contracts, acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

For some products, policyholders can elect to modify product benefits, features, rights or coverages by exchanging a contract for a new contract or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. These transactions are known as internal replacements. If policyholders surrender traditional life insurance policies in exchange for life insurance policies that do not have fixed and guaranteed terms, the Company immediately charges to expense the remaining unamortized DAC on the surrendered policies. For other internal replacement transactions, except those that involve the addition of a nonintegrated contract feature that does not change the existing base contract, the unamortized DAC is immediately charged to expense if the terms of the new policies are not substantially similar to those of the former policies. If the new terms are substantially similar to those of the earlier policies, the DAC is retained with respect to the new policies and amortized over the expected life of the new policies.

Value of Business Acquired

As a result of certain acquisitions and the application of purchase accounting, the Company reports a financial asset representing the value of business acquired (“VOBA”). VOBA includes an explicit adjustment to reflect the cost of capital attributable to the acquired insurance contracts. VOBA represents an adjustment to the stated value of inforce insurance contract liabilities to present them at fair value, determined as of the acquisition date. VOBA balances are subject to recoverability testing, in the manner in which it was acquired, at the end of each reporting period to ensure that the balance does not exceed the present value of anticipated gross profits. The Company has established a VOBA asset primarily for its acquired traditional life insurance products, accident and health products with fixed benefits, deferred annuity contracts, and defined contribution and defined benefit businesses. The majority of the VOBA balance relates to the business acquired as part of the acquisition of the Star and Edison Businesses in 2011. The Company amortizes VOBA over the effective life of the acquired contracts in “General and administrative expenses.” For acquired traditional life insurance products and accident and health products with fixed benefits, VOBA is amortized in proportion to estimated gross premiums or in proportion to the face amount of insurance in force, as applicable. For acquired annuity contracts, VOBA is amortized in proportion to estimated gross profits arising from the contracts and anticipated future experience, which is evaluated regularly. For acquired defined contribution and defined benefit businesses, the majority of VOBA is amortized in proportion to estimated gross profits arising principally from investment spreads and fees in excess of actual expense based upon historical and estimated future experience, which is updated periodically. The remainder of VOBA is amortized based on estimated gross revenues, fees, or the change in policyholders' account balances, as applicable. The effect of changes in estimated gross profits on unamortized VOBA is reflected in the period such estimates of expected future profits are revised. VOBA, for applicable products, is adjusted for the impact of unrealized gains or losses on investments as if these gains or losses had been realized, with corresponding credits or charges included in AOCI. See Note 8 for additional information regarding VOBA and Note 3 for additional information regarding the VOBA asset related to the acquisition of the Star and Edison Businesses.

Separate Account Assets And Liabilities

Separate Account Assets and Liabilities

Separate account assets are reported at fair value and represent segregated funds that are invested for certain policyholders, pension funds and other customers. The assets consist primarily of equity securities, fixed maturities, real estate-related investments, real estate mortgage loans, short-term investments and derivative instruments. The assets of each account are legally segregated and are not subject to claims that arise out of any other business of the Company. Investment risks associated with market value changes are borne by the customers, except to the extent of minimum guarantees made by the Company with respect to certain accounts. See Note 11 for additional information regarding separate account arrangements with contractual guarantees. Separate account liabilities primarily represent the contractholder's account balance in separate account assets and to a lesser extent borrowings of the separate account, and will be equal and offsetting to total separate account assets. The investment income and realized investment gains or losses from separate account assets generally accrue to the policyholders and are not included in the Company's results of operations. Mortality, policy administration and surrender charges assessed against the accounts are included in “Policy charges and fee income.” Asset management fees charged to the accounts are included in “Asset management fees and other income.” Seed money that the Company invests in separate accounts is reported in the appropriate general account asset line. Investment income and realized investment gains or losses from seed money invested in separate accounts accrues to the Company and is included in the Company's results of operations.

Other Assets And Other Liabilities

Other Assets and Other Liabilities

Other assets consist primarily of prepaid pension benefit costs, certain restricted assets, trade receivables, value of business acquired, goodwill and other intangible assets, deferred sales inducements, the Company's investments in operating joint ventures, which include the Company's indirect investment in China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co., Ltd. (“China Pacific Group”), property and equipment, reinsurance recoverables, and receivables resulting from sales of securities that had not yet settled at the balance sheet date. Other liabilities consist primarily of trade payables, pension and other employee benefit liabilities, derivative liabilities, reinsurance payables, and payables resulting from purchases of securities that had not yet settled at the balance sheet date.

Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which generally range from 3 to 40 years.

As a result of certain acquisitions, the Company recognizes an asset for goodwill representing the excess of cost over the net fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units at the date the goodwill is initially recorded. A reporting unit is an operating segment or a unit one level below the operating segment, if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management at that level. Once goodwill has been assigned to reporting units, it no longer retains its association with a particular acquisition, and all of the activities within a reporting unit, whether acquired or organically grown, are available to support the value of the goodwill.

The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually as of December 31 and more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The fundamental goodwill impairment analysis is a two-step test that is performed at the reporting unit level. The first step, used to identify potential impairment, involves comparing each reporting unit's fair value to its carrying value including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, the applicable goodwill is considered not to be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, there is an indication of a potential impairment and the second step of the test is performed to measure the amount of impairment.

The second step involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which the first step indicated impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination, which is the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step, over the aggregate fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill in the “pro forma” business combination accounting as described above exceeds the goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded in “General and administrative expenses” for the excess. An impairment loss recognized cannot exceed the amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted. Management is required to make significant estimates in determining the fair value of a reporting unit including, but not limited to: projected earnings, comparative market multiples, and the risk rate at which future net cash flows are discounted.

In accordance with accounting guidance, the Company may first perform a qualitative goodwill assessment to determine whether events or circumstances lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Factors such as macroeconomic conditions; industry and market considerations; cost factors and other are used to assess the validity of goodwill. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step goodwill impairment test, as described above, is not necessary. If, however, the Company concludes otherwise, then the Company must perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by comparing the reporting unit's fair value with its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, then the Company must perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the impairment loss, if any.

See Note 9 for additional information regarding goodwill.

The Company offers various types of sales inducements to policyholders related to fixed and variable deferred annuity contracts. The Company defers sales inducements and amortizes them over the anticipated life of the policy using the same methodology and assumptions used to amortize DAC. Sales inducements balances are subject to recoverability testing at the end of each reporting period to ensure that the balance does not exceed the present value of anticipated gross profits. The Company records amortization of deferred sales inducements in “Interest credited to policyholders' account balances.” See Note 11 for additional information regarding sales inducements.

The majority of the Company's reinsurance recoverables and payables are receivables and corresponding payables associated with the reinsurance arrangements used to effect the Company's acquisition of the retirement businesses of CIGNA. The remaining amounts relate to other reinsurance arrangements entered into by the Company. For each of its reinsurance contracts, the Company determines if the contract provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. The Company reviews all contractual features, particularly those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the reinsurer is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims. See Note 13 for additional information about the Company's reinsurance arrangements.

Identifiable intangible assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization. The Company tests identifiable intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis as of December 31 of each year or whenever events or circumstances suggest that the carrying value of an identifiable intangible asset may exceed the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. If this condition exists and the carrying value of an identifiable intangible asset exceeds its fair value, the excess is recognized as an impairment and is recorded as a charge against net income. Measuring intangibles requires the use of estimates. Significant estimates include the projected net cash flow attributable to the intangible asset and the risk rate at which future net cash flows are discounted for purposes of estimating fair value, as applicable. Identifiable intangible assets primarily include customer relationships and mortgage servicing rights. See Note 9 for additional information regarding identifiable intangible assets.

Investments in operating joint ventures are generally accounted for under the equity method. The carrying value of these investments is written down, or impaired, to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary. See Note 7 for additional information on investments in operating joint ventures.

Future Policy Benefits

The Company's liability for future policy benefits is primarily comprised of the present value of estimated future payments to or on behalf of policyholders, where the timing and amount of payment depends on policyholder mortality or morbidity, less the present value of future net premiums. For individual traditional participating life insurance products, the mortality and interest rate assumptions applied are those used to calculate the policies' guaranteed cash surrender values. For life insurance, other than individual traditional participating life insurance, and annuity and disability products, expected mortality and morbidity is generally based on the Company's historical experience or standard industry tables including a provision for the risk of adverse deviation. Interest rate assumptions are based on factors such as market conditions and expected investment returns. Although mortality and morbidity and interest rate assumptions are “locked-in” upon the issuance of new insurance or annuity business with fixed and guaranteed terms, significant changes in experience or assumptions may require the Company to provide for expected future losses on a product by establishing premium deficiency reserves. Premium deficiency reserves, if required, are determined based on assumptions at the time the premium deficiency reserve is established and do not include a provision for the risk of adverse deviation. See Note 10 for additional information regarding future policy benefits.

The Company's liability for future policy benefits also includes a liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. The Company does not establish claim liabilities until a loss has occurred. However, unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses includes estimates of claims that the Company believes have been incurred but have not yet been reported as of the balance sheet date. The Company's liability for future policy benefits also includes net liabilities for guarantee benefits related to certain nontraditional long-duration life and annuity contracts, which are discussed more fully in Note 11, and certain unearned revenues.

Policyholders Account Balances

Policyholders' Account Balances

The Company's liability for policyholders' account balances represents the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholder as of the balance sheet date. This liability is generally equal to the accumulated account deposits, plus interest credited, less policyholder withdrawals and other charges assessed against the account balance. These policyholders' account balances also include provision for benefits under non-life contingent payout annuities and certain unearned revenues. See Note 10 for additional information regarding policyholders' account balances.

Policyholders Dividends

Policyholders' Dividends

The Company's liability for policyholders' dividends includes its dividends payable to policyholders and its policyholder dividend obligation associated with the participating policies included in the Closed Block. The dividends payable for participating policies included in the Closed Block are determined at the end of each year for the following year by the Board of Directors of Prudential Insurance based on its statutory results, capital position, ratings, and the emerging experience of the Closed Block. The policyholder dividend obligation represents amounts to be paid to Closed Block policyholders as an additional policyholder dividend unless otherwise offset by future Closed Block performance that is less favorable than originally expected, the components of which are discussed more fully in Note 12. The dividends payable for policies other than the participating policies included in the Closed Block include dividends payable in accordance with certain group and individual insurance policies.

Contingent Liabilities

Amounts related to contingent liabilities are accrued if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount is reasonably estimable. Management evaluates whether there are incremental legal or other costs directly associated with the ultimate resolution of the matter that are reasonably estimable and, if so, they are included in the accrual.

Insurance Revenue and Expense Recognitions

Insurance Revenue and Expense Recognition

Premiums from individual life products, other than interest-sensitive life contracts, and health insurance and long-term care products are recognized when due. When premiums are due over a significantly shorter period than the period over which benefits are provided, any gross premium in excess of the net premium (i.e., the portion of the gross premium required to provide for all expected future benefits and expenses) is deferred and recognized into revenue in a constant relationship to insurance in force. Benefits are recorded as an expense when they are incurred. A liability for future policy benefits is recorded when premiums are recognized using the net level premium method.

Premiums from non-participating group annuities with life contingencies, single premium structured settlements with life contingencies and single premium immediate annuities with life contingencies are recognized when due. When premiums are due over a significantly shorter period than the period over which benefits are provided, any gross premium in excess of the net premium is deferred and recognized into revenue in a constant relationship to the amount of expected future benefit payments. Benefits are recorded as an expense when they are incurred. A liability for future policy benefits is recorded when premiums are recognized using the net premium method.

Certain individual annuity contracts provide the holder a guarantee that the benefit received upon death or annuitization will be no less than a minimum prescribed amount. These benefits are accounted for as insurance contracts and are discussed in further detail in Note 11. The Company also provides contracts with certain living benefits which are considered embedded derivatives. These contracts are discussed in further detail in Note 11.

Amounts received as payment for interest-sensitive group and individual life contracts, deferred fixed annuities, structured settlements and other contracts without life contingencies, and participating group annuities are reported as deposits to “Policyholders' account balances.” Revenues from these contracts are reflected in “Policy charges and fee income” consisting primarily of fees assessed during the period against the policyholders' account balances for mortality charges, policy administration charges and surrender charges. In addition to fees, the Company earns investment income from the investment of policyholders' deposits in the Company's general account portfolio. Fees assessed that represent compensation to the Company for services to be provided in future periods and certain other fees are deferred and amortized into revenue over the life of the related contracts in proportion to estimated gross profits. Benefits and expenses for these products include claims in excess of related account balances, expenses of contract administration, interest credited to policyholders' account balances and amortization of DAC.

For group life, other than interest-sensitive group life contracts, and disability insurance, premiums are recognized over the period to which the premiums relate in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. Claim and claim adjustment expenses are recognized when incurred.

Premiums, benefits and expenses are stated net of reinsurance ceded to other companies, except for amounts associated with certain modified coinsurance contracts which are reflected in the Company's financial statements based on the application of the deposit method of accounting. Estimated reinsurance recoverables and the cost of reinsurance are recognized over the life of the reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies.

Asset Management Fees And Other Income

Asset Management Fees and Other Income

“Asset management fees and other income” principally include asset management fees and securities and commodities commission revenues, which are recognized in the period in which the services are performed. Realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments classified as “trading” such as “Trading account assets supporting insurance liabilities” and “Other trading account assets,” short-term investments that are marked-to-market through other income, and from consolidated entities that follow specialized investment company fair value accounting are also included in “Asset management fees and other income.” In certain asset management fee arrangements, the Company is entitled to receive performance based incentive fees when the return on assets under management exceeds certain benchmark returns or other performance targets. Performance based incentive fee revenue is accrued quarterly based on measuring fund performance to date versus the performance benchmark stated in the investment management agreement. Certain performance based incentive fees are also subject to future adjustment based on cumulative fund performance in relation to these specified benchmarks.

Foreign Currency

Assets and liabilities of foreign operations and subsidiaries reported in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the end of the period. Revenues, benefits and other expenses are translated at the average rate prevailing during the period. The effects of translating the statements of operations and financial position of non-U.S. entities with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are included, net of related qualifying hedge gains and losses and income taxes, in AOCI. Gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of foreign currency transactions are reported in either AOCI or current earnings in “Asset management fees and other income” depending on the nature of the related foreign currency denominated asset or liability.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from interest rates, foreign exchange rates, financial indices, values of securities or commodities, credit spreads, market volatility, expected returns, and liquidity. Values can also be affected by changes in estimates and assumptions, including those related to counterparty behavior and non-performance risk used in valuation models. Derivative financial instruments generally used by the Company include swaps, futures, forwards and options and may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter market. Derivative positions are carried at fair value, generally by obtaining quoted market prices or through the use of valuation models.

Derivatives are used in a non-broker-dealer capacity to manage the interest rate and currency characteristics of assets or liabilities and to mitigate volatility of expected non-U.S. earnings and net investments in foreign operations resulting from changes in currency exchange rates. Additionally, derivatives may be used to seek to reduce exposure to interest rate, credit, foreign currency and equity risks associated with assets held or expected to be purchased or sold, and liabilities incurred or expected to be incurred. As discussed in detail below and in Note 21, all realized and unrealized changes in fair value of non-broker-dealer related derivatives are recorded in current earnings, with the exception of the effective portion of cash flow hedges and effective hedges of net investments in foreign operations. Cash flows from derivatives are reported in the operating, investing, or financing activities sections in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows based on the nature and purpose of the derivative.

Derivatives were also used in a derivative broker-dealer capacity in the Company's global commodities group to meet the needs of clients by structuring transactions that allow clients to manage their exposure to interest rates, foreign exchange rates, indices and prices of securities and commodities. The Company's global commodities group was sold on July 1, 2011. See Note 3 for further details. Realized and unrealized changes in fair value of derivatives used in these dealer related operations are included in “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” in the periods in which the changes occur. Cash flows from such derivatives are reported in the operating activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Derivatives are recorded either as assets, within “Other trading account assets, at fair value” or “Other long-term investments,” or as liabilities, within “Other liabilities,” except for embedded derivatives which are recorded with the associated host contract. The Company nets the fair value of all derivative financial instruments with counterparties for which a master netting arrangement has been executed.

The Company designates derivatives as either (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value” hedge); (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow” hedge); (3) a foreign-currency fair value or cash flow hedge (“foreign currency” hedge); (4) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation; or (5) a derivative that does not qualify for hedge accounting.

To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated risk of the hedged item. Effectiveness of the hedge is formally assessed at inception and throughout the life of the hedging relationship. Even if a derivative qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, there may be an element of ineffectiveness of the hedge. Under such circumstances, the ineffective portion is recorded in “Realized investment gains (losses), net.”

The Company formally documents at inception all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives designated as fair value, cash flow, or foreign currency hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation are linked to the specific foreign operation.

When a derivative is designated as a fair value hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in its fair value, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability (including losses or gains on firm commitments), are reported on a net basis in the income statement, generally in “Realized investment gains (losses), net.” When swaps are used in hedge accounting relationships, periodic settlements are recorded in the same income statement line as the related settlements of the hedged items.

When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in its fair value are recorded in AOCI until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows being hedged (e.g., when periodic settlements on a variable-rate asset or liability are recorded in earnings). At that time, the related portion of deferred gains or losses on the derivative instrument is reclassified and reported in the income statement line item associated with the hedged item.

When a derivative is designated as a foreign currency hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in its fair value are recorded either in current period earnings if the hedge transaction is a fair value hedge (e.g., a hedge of a recognized foreign currency asset or liability) or in AOCI if the hedge transaction is a cash flow hedge (e.g., a foreign currency denominated forecasted transaction). When a derivative is used as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, its change in fair value, to the extent effective as a hedge, is recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account within AOCI.

If it is determined that a derivative no longer qualifies as an effective fair value or cash flow hedge or management removes the hedge designation, the derivative will continue to be carried on the balance sheet at its fair value, with changes in fair value recognized currently in “Realized investment gains (losses), net.” In this scenario, the hedged asset or liability under a fair value hedge will no longer be adjusted for changes in fair value and the existing basis adjustment is amortized to the income statement line associated with the asset or liability. The component of AOCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges is reclassified to the income statement line associated with the hedged cash flows consistent with the earnings impact of the original hedged cash flows.

When hedge accounting is discontinued because the hedged item no longer meets the definition of a firm commitment, or because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur by the end of the specified time period, the derivative will continue to be carried on the balance sheet at its fair value, with changes in fair value recognized currently in “Realized investment gains (losses), net.” Any asset or liability that was recorded pursuant to recognition of the firm commitment is removed from the balance sheet and recognized currently in “Realized investment gains (losses), net.” Gains and losses that were in AOCI pursuant to the hedge of a forecasted transaction are recognized immediately in “Realized investment gains (losses), net.”

If a derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting, all changes in its fair value, including net receipts and payments, are included in “Realized investment gains (losses), net” without considering changes in the fair value of the economically associated assets or liabilities.

The Company is a party to financial instruments that contain derivative instruments that are “embedded” in the financial instruments. At inception, the Company assesses whether the economic characteristics of the embedded instrument are clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the remaining component of the financial instrument (i.e., the host contract) and whether a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded instrument would meet the definition of a derivative instrument. When it is determined that (1) the embedded instrument possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, and (2) a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded instrument qualifies as an embedded derivative that is separated from the host contract, carried at fair value, and changes in its fair value are included in “Realized investment gains (losses), net.” For certain financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative that otherwise would need to be bifurcated and reported at fair value, the Company may elect to classify the entire instrument as a trading account asset and report it within “Other trading account assets, at fair value.”

Short-Term And Long-Term Debt

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt

Liabilities for short-term and long-term debt are primarily carried at an amount equal to unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized discount or premium. Original-issue discount or premium and debt-issue costs are recognized as a component of interest expense over the period the debt is expected to be outstanding, using the interest method of amortization. Short-term debt is debt coming due in the next twelve months, including that portion of debt otherwise classified as long-term. The short-term debt caption may exclude short-term debt items the Company intends to refinance on a long-term basis in the near term. See Note 14 for additional information regarding short-term and long-term debt.

Income Taxes

The Company and its eligible domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return that includes both life insurance companies and non-life insurance companies. Subsidiaries operating outside the U.S. are taxed, and income tax expense is recorded, based on applicable foreign statutes. See Note 19 for a discussion of certain non-U.S. jurisdictions for which the Company assumes repatriation of earnings to the U.S.

Deferred income taxes are recognized, based on enacted rates, when assets and liabilities have different values for financial statement and tax reporting purposes. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce a deferred tax asset to the amount expected to be realized.

The Company's liability for income taxes includes the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties 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 has passed. Generally, for tax years which produce net operating losses, capital losses or tax credit carryforwards (“tax attributes”), the statute of limitations does not close, to the extent of these tax attributes, 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 for additional information regarding income taxes.

Impact of Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2012, the Company adopted retrospectively a change in method of applying an accounting principle for the Company's pension plans. The change in accounting method relates to the calculation of market related value of pension plan assets, used to determine net periodic pension cost. The impact of this change in accounting method on net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was an increase of $96 million ($0.21 diluted earnings per share of Common stock). In addition, this change resulted in a cumulative increase of $144 million in retained earnings previously reported for December 31, 2009, with a corresponding decrease in AOCI. For additional information on the change in accounting method for the Company's pension plans, see Note 18.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted, retrospectively, new authoritative guidance to address diversity in practice regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral. Under the amended guidance, acquisition costs are to include only those costs that are directly related to the acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts by applying a model similar to the accounting for loan origination costs. An entity may defer incremental direct costs of contract acquisition with independent third parties or employees that are essential to the contract transaction, as well as the portion of employee compensation, including payroll fringe benefits and other costs directly related to underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical inspection, and contract selling for successfully negotiated contracts. Prior period financial information presented in these financial statements has been adjusted to reflect the retrospective adoption of the amended guidance. Retained earnings and AOCI previously reported for December 31, 2009 were reduced $2,358 million and $90 million, respectively, as a result of this retrospective adoption. The lower level of costs now qualifying for deferral will be only partially offset by a lower level of amortization of “Deferred policy acquisition costs”, and, as such, will initially result in lower earnings in future periods, primarily within the International Insurance and Individual Annuities segments. The impact to the International Insurance segment largely reflects lower deferrals of allocated costs of its proprietary distribution system, while the impact to the Individual Annuities segment mainly reflects lower deferrals of its wholesaler costs. This amended guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and permits, but does not require, retrospective application. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2012 and applied the retrospective method of adoption. While the adoption of this amended guidance changes the timing of when certain costs are reflected in the Company's results of operations, it has no effect on the total acquisition costs to be recognized over time and has no impact on the Company's cash flows.

The following tables present amounts as previously reported for the periods indicated, the effect on those amounts of the change due to the retrospective adoption of the amended guidance related to the deferral of acquisition costs as described above, as well as the effect of retrospective application of a change in accounting principle for the Company's pension plans as also discussed above.

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position:
		December 31, 2011
						Effect of
		As		Effect of		Pension		As
		Previously		DAC		Accounting		Currently
		Reported		Change		Change		Reported

		(in millions)

	Deferred policy acquisition costs	$	16,790	$	(4,273)	$	0	$	12,517
	Other assets		12,215		(4)		0		12,211
	TOTAL ASSETS		624,521		(4,277)		0		620,244

	Future policy benefits		170,459		212		0		170,671
	Policyholders' account balances		134,552		6		0		134,558
	Income taxes		8,083		(1,525)		0		6,558
	Total liabilities		586,710		(1,307)		0		585,403

	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		5,563		(145)		(173)		5,245
	Retained earnings		19,281		(2,825)		173		16,629
	Total Prudential Financial, Inc. equity		37,223		(2,970)		0		34,253
	Total equity		37,811		(2,970)		0		34,841
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	624,521	$	(4,277)	$	0	$	620,244


Consolidated Statement of Operations:
			Year Ended December 31, 2011
							Effect of
			As		Effect of		Pension		As
			Previously		DAC		Accounting		Currently
			Reported		Change		Change		Reported

			(in millions)
REVENUES
Premiums			$	24,338	$	(37)	$	0	$	24,301
Asset management fees and other income				4,828		22		0		4,850
	Total revenues			49,045		(15)		0		49,030
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs				3,292		(597)		0		2,695
General and administrative expenses				9,815		827		(37)		10,605
	Total benefits and expenses			43,928		230		(37)		44,121
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
	BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS
		OF OPERATING JOINT VENTURES		5,117		(245)		37		4,909
	Income tax expense			1,599		(124)		13		1,488
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
	EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF OPERATING JOINT VENTURES			3,518		(121)		24		3,421
Equity in earnings of operating joint ventures, net of tax				185		(3)		0		182
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS				3,703		(124)		24		3,603
NET INCOME (LOSS)				3,738		(124)		24		3,638
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL, INC.			$	3,666	$	(124)	$	24	$	3,566

EARNINGS PER SHARE
Financial Services Businesses
	Basic earnings per share - Common Stock:
		Income from continuing operations attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$	7.23	$	(0.27)	$	0.05	$	7.01
		Net income attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$	7.31	$	(0.28)	$	0.05	$	7.08
	Diluted earnings per share - Common Stock:
		Income from continuing operations attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$	7.14	$	(0.27)	$	0.05	$	6.92
		Net income attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$	7.22	$	(0.28)	$	0.05	$	6.99
Closed Block Business
	Basic and Diluted earnings per share - Class B Stock:
		Income from continuing operations attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$	55.50	$	5.50	$	0.00	$	61.00
		Net income attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$	55.50	$	5.50	$	0.00	$	61.00

			Year Ended December 31, 2010
							Effect of
			As		Effect of		Pension		As
			Previously		DAC		Accounting		Currently
			Reported		Change		Change		Reported

			(in millions)
REVENUES
Premiums			$	18,260	$	(22)	$	0	$	18,238
Policy charges and fee income				3,321		2		0		3,323
Asset management fees and other income				3,704		37		0		3,741
	Total revenues			38,200		17		0		38,217
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs				1,437		(352)		0		1,085
General and administrative expenses				7,688		630		(9)		8,309
	Total benefits and expenses			33,808		278		(9)		34,077
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
	BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS
		OF OPERATING JOINT VENTURES		4,392		(261)		9		4,140
	Income tax expense			1,303		(63)		3		1,243
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
	EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF OPERATING JOINT VENTURES			3,089		(198)		6		2,897
Equity in earnings of operating joint ventures, net of tax				84		(2)		0		82
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS				3,173		(200)		6		2,979
NET INCOME (LOSS)				3,206		(200)		6		3,012
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL, INC.			$	3,195	$	(200)	$	6	$	3,001

EARNINGS PER SHARE
Financial Services Businesses
	Basic earnings per share - Common Stock:
		Income from continuing operations attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$	5.75	$	(0.45)	$	0.01	$	5.31
		Net income attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$	5.82	$	(0.46)	$	0.02	$	5.38
	Diluted earnings per share - Common Stock:
		Income from continuing operations attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$	5.68	$	(0.44)	$	0.01	$	5.25
		Net income attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$	5.75	$	(0.45)	$	0.02	$	5.32
Closed Block Business
	Basic and Diluted earnings per share - Class B Stock:
		Income from continuing operations attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$	222.00	$	7.00	$	0.00	$	229.00
		Net income attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$	222.50	$	7.00	$	0.00	$	229.50


Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows:
				Year Ended December 31, 2011
									Effect of
				As			Effect of		Pension		As
				Previously			DAC		Accounting		Currently
				Reported			Change		Change		Reported

				(in millions)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income				$	3,738	$	(124)	$	24	$	3,638
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
	operating activities:
	Change in:
		Deferred policy acquisition costs			(605)		229		0		(376)
		Future policy benefits and other insurance liabilities			6,761		38		0		6,799
		Other, net			1,676		(143)		(24)		1,509
			Cash flows from operating activities	$	12,377	$	0	$	0	$	12,377

				Year Ended December 31, 2010
									Effect of
				As			Effect of		Pension		As
				Previously			DAC		Accounting		Currently
				Reported			Change		Change		Reported

				(in millions)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income				$	3,206	$	(200)	$	6	$	3,012
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
	operating activities:
	Policy charges and fee income				(976)		(2)		0		(978)
	Change in:
		Deferred policy acquisition costs			(1,654)		278		0		(1,376)
		Future policy benefits and other insurance liabilities			4,475		22		0		4,497
		Other, net			714		(98)		(6)		610
			Cash flows from operating activities	$	6,542	$	0	$	0	$	6,542

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updated guidance regarding the application of the goodwill impairment test. The updated guidance allows an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is not necessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it must perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the impairment loss, if any. An entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and to proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The updated guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company's early adoption of this guidance, as permitted, effective December 31, 2011, had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and financial statement disclosures.

In June 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance regarding the presentation of comprehensive income. The updated guidance eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. Under the updated guidance, an entity has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The updated guidance does not change the items that are reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. The Company opted to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income in two separate but consecutive statements. The Consolidated Financial Statements included herein reflect the adoption of this updated guidance.

In May 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance regarding the fair value measurements and disclosure requirements. The updated guidance clarifies existing guidance related to the application of fair value measurement methods and requires expanded disclosures. This new guidance is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively. The expanded disclosures required by this guidance are included in Note 20. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In April 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance regarding the assessment of effective control for repurchase agreements. This new guidance is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. The Company's adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and financial statement disclosures.

In April 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance clarifying which restructurings constitute troubled debt restructurings. It is intended to assist creditors in their evaluation of whether conditions exist that constitute a troubled debt restructuring. This new guidance is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning on or after June 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual reporting period of adoption. The Company's adoption of this guidance in the third quarter of 2011 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or financial statement disclosures.

In December 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for business combinations that modifies the first step of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are consistent with existing authoritative guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This new guidance is effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010. The Company's adoption of this guidance effective January 1, 2011 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and financial statement disclosures.

In December 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that specifies that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. This guidance expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures required for business combinations to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination(s) included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. This new guidance is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2011. The disclosures included in Note 3 reflect this guidance.

In July 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance that requires enhanced disclosures related to the allowance for credit losses and the credit quality of a company's financing receivable portfolio. The disclosures as of the end of a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The Company adopted this guidance effective December 31, 2010. The disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The required disclosures are included above and in Note 4. In January 2011, the FASB deferred the disclosures required by this guidance related to troubled debt restructurings. These disclosures are effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning on or after June 15, 2011, concurrent with the effective date of guidance for determining what constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. The disclosures required by this guidance related to troubled debt restructurings were adopted in the third quarter of 2011 and are included above and in Note 4.

In April 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance clarifying that an insurance entity should not consider any separate account interests in an investment held for the benefit of policyholders to be the insurer's interests, and should not combine those interests with its general account interest in the same investment when assessing the investment for consolidation, unless the separate account interests are held for a related party policyholder, whereby consolidation of such interests must be considered under applicable variable interest guidance. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010 and retrospectively to all prior periods upon the date of adoption, with early adoption permitted. The Company's adoption of this guidance effective January 1, 2011 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and financial statement disclosures.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011 and January 2013, the FASB issued updated guidance regarding the disclosure of recognized derivative instruments (including bifurcated embedded derivatives), repurchase agreements and securities borrowing/lending transactions that are offset in the statement of financial position or are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement (irrespective of whether they are offset in the statement of financial position). This new guidance requires an entity to disclose information on both a gross basis and net basis about instruments and transactions within the scope of this guidance. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim reporting periods within those years, and should be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the guidance on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and financial statement disclosures.

In February 2013, the FASB issued updated guidance regarding the presentation of comprehensive income. Under the guidance, an entity would separately present information about significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component as well as changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances by component in either the financial statements or the notes to the financial statements. The guidance does not change the items that are reported in other comprehensive income, does not change when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income, and does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income. The guidance is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2012 and should be applied prospectively. This guidance is not expected to impact the Company's consolidated statements of financial position or cash flows. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on the Company's consolidated statements of operations and equity and the notes to consolidated financial statements.