Fair Value Measurements (excluding Consolidated Investment Entities)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Fair Value Measurements (excluding Consolidated Investment Entities)

Fair Value Measurement

The Company categorizes its financial instruments into a three-level hierarchy based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, pursuant to ASU 2011-04, "Fair Value Measurements (ASC Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP" ("ASU 2011-04"). The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized as follows:


•	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market. The Company defines an active market as a market in which transactions take place with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.


•	Level 2 - Quoted prices in markets that are not active or valuation techniques that require inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include the following:

a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets;

c) Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable; and

d) Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means.


•	Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These valuations, whether derived internally or obtained from a third party, use critical assumptions that are not widely available to estimate market participant expectations in valuing the asset or liability.

When available, the estimated fair value of financial instruments is based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. When quoted prices in active markets are not available, the determination of estimated fair value is based on market standard valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow methodologies, matrix pricing or other similar techniques.

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014:



	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
Assets:
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged:
U.S. Treasuries	$	3,262.0		$	642.0		$	—		$	3,904.0
U.S. Government agencies and authorities	—			435.9			—			435.9
U.S. corporate, state and municipalities	—			40,352.6			1,082.6			41,435.2
Foreign⁽¹⁾	—			15,995.5			448.7			16,444.2
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			6,562.6			94.2			6,656.8
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			4,166.2			22.0			4,188.2
Other asset-backed securities	—			1,585.0			10.1			1,595.1
Total fixed maturities, including securities pledged	3,262.0			69,739.8			1,657.6			74,659.4
Equity securities, available-for-sale	215.5			—			56.3			271.8
Derivatives:
Interest rate contracts	—			1,225.0			—			1,225.0
Foreign exchange contracts	—			70.6			—			70.6
Equity contracts	104.7			296.6			81.8			483.1
Credit contracts	—			30.9			10.0			40.9
Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and short-term investments under securities loan agreements	4,924.8			138.5			6.0			5,069.3
Assets held in separate accounts	100,692.4			5,313.1			2.3			106,007.8
Total assets	$	109,199.4		$	76,814.5		$	1,814.0		$	187,827.9
Percentage of Level to total	58.1		%	40.9		%	1.0		%	100.0		%
Liabilities:
Derivatives:
Annuity product guarantees:
FIA	$	—		$	—		$	1,970.0		$	1,970.0
GMAB/GMWB/GMWBL	—			—			1,586.7			1,586.7
Stabilizer and MCGs	—			—			102.9			102.9
Other derivatives:
Interest rate contracts	—			576.6			—			576.6
Foreign exchange contracts	—			26.8			—			26.8
Equity contracts	8.2			201.7			—			209.9
Credit contracts	—			16.3			19.7			36.0
Embedded derivatives on reinsurance	—			139.6			—			139.6
Total liabilities	$	8.2		$	961.0		$	3,679.3		$	4,648.5

⁽¹⁾Primarily U.S. dollar denominated.

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013:



	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
Assets:
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged:
U.S. Treasuries	$	4,617.0		$	564.2		$	—		$	5,181.2
U.S. Government agencies and authorities	—			604.5			14.4			618.9
U.S. corporate, state and municipalities	—			37,303.2			456.5			37,759.7
Foreign⁽¹⁾	—			16,202.2			154.3			16,356.5
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			7,025.1			98.6			7,123.7
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			3,752.1			—			3,752.1
Other asset-backed securities	—			1,867.5			59.2			1,926.7
Total fixed maturities, including securities pledged	4,617.0			67,318.8			783.0			72,718.8
Equity securities, available-for-sale	238.5			20.6			55.3			314.4
Derivatives:
Interest rate contracts	—			912.0			—			912.0
Foreign exchange contracts	—			24.1			—			24.1
Equity contracts	1.9			83.3			87.5			172.7
Credit contracts	—			33.2			7.3			40.5
Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and short-term investments under securities loan agreements	4,396.9			44.9			—			4,441.8
Assets held in separate accounts	101,437.5			5,376.5			13.1			106,827.1
Total assets	$	110,691.8		$	73,813.4		$	946.2		$	185,451.4
Percentage of Level to total	59.7		%	39.8		%	0.5		%	100.0		%
Liabilities:
Derivatives:
Annuity product guarantees:
FIA	$	—		$	—		$	1,736.7		$	1,736.7
GMAB/GMWB/GMWBL	—			—			908.9			908.9
Stabilizer and MCGs	—			—			—			—
Other derivatives:
Interest rate contracts	—			1,239.5			—			1,239.5
Foreign exchange contracts	—			44.9			—			44.9
Equity contracts	20.9			32.0			—			52.9
Credit contracts	—			—			14.5			14.5
Embedded derivatives on reinsurance	—			79.0			—			79.0
Total liabilities	$	20.9		$	1,395.4		$	2,660.1		$	4,076.4

⁽¹⁾ Primarily U.S. dollar denominated.

Valuation of Financial Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at estimated fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an "exit price") in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The exit price and the transaction (or entry) price will be the same at initial recognition in many circumstances. However, in certain cases, the transaction price may not represent fair value. The fair value of a liability is based on the amount that would be paid to transfer a liability to a third party with an equal credit standing. Fair value is required to be a market-based measurement that is determined based on a hypothetical transaction at the measurement date, from a market participant’s perspective. The Company considers three broad valuation techniques when a quoted price is unavailable: (i) the market approach, (ii) the income approach and (iii) the cost approach. The Company determines the most appropriate valuation technique to use, given the instrument being measured and the availability of sufficient inputs. The Company prioritizes the inputs to fair valuation techniques and allows for the use of unobservable inputs to the extent that observable inputs are not available.

The Company utilizes a number of valuation methodologies to determine the fair values of its financial assets and liabilities in conformity with the concepts of "exit price" and the fair value hierarchy as prescribed in ASC Topic 820. Valuations are obtained from third-party commercial pricing services, brokers and industry-standard, vendor-provided software that models the value based on market observable inputs. The valuations obtained from third-party commercial pricing services are non-binding. The Company reviews the assumptions and inputs used by third-party commercial pricing services for each reporting period in order to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level. The documentation and analysis obtained from third-party commercial pricing services are reviewed by the Company, including in-depth validation procedures confirming the observability of inputs. The valuations are reviewed and validated monthly through the internal valuation committee price variance review, comparisons to internal pricing models, back testing to recent trades or monitoring of trading volumes.

The following valuation methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the reported values for the investments and derivatives described below:

Fixed maturities: The fair values for the actively traded marketable bonds are determined based upon the quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. Assets in this category would primarily include certain U.S. Treasury securities. The fair values for marketable bonds without an active market are obtained through several commercial pricing services, which provide the estimated fair values and are classified as Level 2 assets. These services incorporate a variety of market observable information in their valuation techniques, including benchmark yields, broker-dealer quotes, credit quality, issuer spreads, bids, offers and other reference data. This category includes U.S. and foreign corporate bonds, ABS, U.S. agency and government guaranteed securities, CMBS and RMBS, including certain CMO assets.

Generally, the Company does not obtain more than one vendor price from pricing services per instrument. The Company uses a hierarchy process in which prices are obtained from a primary vendor and, if that vendor is unable to provide the price, the next vendor in the hierarchy is contacted until a price is obtained or it is determined that a price cannot be obtained from a commercial pricing service. When a price cannot be obtained from a commercial pricing service, independent broker quotes are solicited. Securities priced using independent broker quotes are classified as Level 3.

Broker quotes and prices obtained from pricing services are reviewed and validated through an internal valuation committee price variance review, comparisons to internal pricing models, back testing to recent trades or monitoring of trading volumes. As of December 31, 2014, $1.5 billion and $59.7 billion of a total fair value of $74.7 billion in fixed maturities, including securities pledged, were valued using unadjusted broker quotes and unadjusted prices obtained from pricing services, respectively, and verified through the review process. The remaining balance in fixed maturities consisted primarily of privately placed bonds valued using a matrix-based pricing. As of December 31, 2013, $541.2 and $58.3 billion of a total fair value of $72.7 billion in fixed maturities, including securities pledged, were valued using unadjusted broker quotes and unadjusted prices obtained from pricing services, respectively, and verified through the review process. The remaining balance in fixed maturities consisted primarily of privately placed bonds valued using a matrix-based pricing.

All prices and broker quotes obtained go through the review process described above including valuations for which only one broker quote is obtained. After review, for those instruments where the price is determined to be appropriate, the unadjusted price provided is used for financial statement valuation. If it is determined that the price is questionable, another price may be requested from a different vendor. The internal valuation committee then reviews all prices for the instrument again, along with information from the review, to determine which price best represents "exit price" for the instrument.

Fair values of privately placed bonds are determined primarily using a matrix-based pricing model and are generally classified as Level 2 assets. The model considers the current level of risk-free interest rates, current corporate spreads, the credit quality of the issuer and cash flow characteristics of the security. Also considered are factors such as the net worth of the borrower, the value of collateral, the capital structure of the borrower, the presence of guarantees and the Company’s evaluation of the borrower’s ability to compete in its relevant market. Using this data, the model generates estimated market values, which the Company considers reflective of the fair value of each privately placed bond.

Equity securities, available-for-sale: Fair values of publicly traded equity securities are based upon quoted market price and are classified as Level 1 assets. Other equity securities, typically private equities or equity securities not traded on an exchange, are valued by other sources such as analytics or brokers and are classified as Level 2 or Level 3 assets.

Derivatives: Derivatives are carried at fair value, which is determined using the Company’s derivative accounting system in conjunction with observable key financial data from third-party sources, such as yield curves, exchange rates, S&P 500 Index prices, London Interbank Offered Rates ("LIBOR") and Overnight Index Swap ("OIS") rates. In June 2012, the Company began using OIS rather than LIBOR for valuations of collateralized interest rate derivatives, which are obtained from third-party sources. For those derivatives that are unable to be valued by the accounting system, the Company typically utilizes values established by third-party brokers. Counterparty credit risk is considered and incorporated in the Company’s valuation process through counterparty credit rating requirements and monitoring of overall exposure. It is the Company’s policy to transact only with investment grade counterparties with a credit rating of A- or better. The Company’s nonperformance risk is also considered and incorporated in the Company’s valuation process. Valuations for the Company’s futures and interest rate forward contracts are based on unadjusted quoted prices from an active exchange and, therefore, are classified as Level 1. The Company also has certain credit default swaps and options that are priced using models that primarily use market observable inputs, but contain inputs that are not observable to market participants, which have been classified as Level 3. The remaining derivative instruments, including those priced by third party vendors, are valued based on market observable inputs and are classified as Level 2.

Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term investments and Short-term investments under securities loan agreement: The carrying amounts for cash reflect the assets’ fair values. The fair values for cash equivalents and most short-term investments are determined based on quoted market prices. These assets are classified as Level 1. Other short-term investments are valued and classified in the fair value hierarchy consistent with the policies described herein, depending on investment type.

Assets held in separate accounts: Assets held in separate accounts are reported at the quoted fair values of the underlying investments in the separate accounts. The underlying investments include mutual funds, short-term investments and cash, the valuations of which are based upon a quoted market price and are included in Level 1. Fixed maturity valuations are obtained from third-party commercial pricing services and brokers and are classified in the fair value hierarchy consistent with the policy described above for fixed maturities.

Product guarantees: The Company records reserves for annuity contracts containing GMAB, GMWB and GMWBL riders. The guarantee is an embedded derivative and is required to be accounted for separately from the host variable annuity contract. The fair value of the obligation is calculated based on actuarial and capital market assumptions related to the projected cash flows, including benefits and related contract charges, over the anticipated life of the related contracts. The cash flow estimates are produced by using stochastic techniques under a variety of market return scenarios and other market implied assumptions. These derivatives are classified as Level 3 liabilities in the fair value hierarchy.

The Company records an embedded derivative liability for its FIA contracts for interest payments to contract holders above the minimum guaranteed contract value. The guarantee is treated as an embedded derivative and is required to be accounted for separately from the host contract. The fair value of the obligation is calculated based on actuarial and capital market assumptions related to the projected cash flows, including benefits and related contract charges, over the anticipated life of the related contracts. The cash flow estimates are produced by market implied assumptions. These derivatives are classified as Level 3 liabilities in the fair value hierarchy.

The Company records reserves for Stabilizer and MCG contracts containing guaranteed credited rates. The guarantee is treated as an embedded derivative or a stand-alone derivative (depending on the underlying product) and is required to be reported at fair value. The estimated fair value is determined based on the present value of projected future claims, minus the present value of future guaranteed premiums. At inception of the contract, the Company projects a guaranteed premium to be equal to the present value of the projected future claims. The income associated with the contracts is projected using relevant actuarial and capital market assumptions, including benefits and related contract charges, over the anticipated life of the related contracts. The cash flow estimates are produced by using stochastic techniques under a variety of risk neutral scenarios and other market implied assumptions. These derivatives are classified as Level 3 liabilities.

The discount rate used to determine the fair value of the Company's GMAB, GMWB, GMWBL, FIA, and Stabilizer embedded derivative liabilities and the stand-alone derivative for MCG includes an adjustment to reflect the risk that these obligations will not be fulfilled (“nonperformance risk”). The nonperformance risk adjustment incorporates a blend of observable, similarly rated peer holding company credit default swap spreads, adjusted to reflect the credit quality of the individual insurance subsidiary that issued the guarantee, as well as an adjustment to reflect the priority of policyholder claims.

The Company's valuation actuaries are responsible for the policies and procedures for valuing the embedded derivatives, reflecting the capital markets and actuarial valuation inputs and nonperformance risk in the estimate of the fair value of the embedded derivatives. The actuarial and capital market assumptions for each liability are approved by each product's Chief Risk Officer ("CRO"), including an independent annual review by the CRO. Models used to value the embedded derivatives must comply with the Company's governance policies.

Quarterly, an attribution analysis is performed to quantify changes in fair value measurements and a sensitivity analysis is used to analyze the changes. The changes in fair value measurements are also compared to corresponding movements in the hedge target to assess the validity of the attributions. The results of the attribution analysis are reviewed by the valuation actuaries, responsible CFOs, Controllers, CROs and/or others as nominated by management.

Embedded derivatives on reinsurance: The carrying value of embedded derivatives is estimated based upon the change in the fair value of the assets supporting the funds withheld payable under reinsurance agreements. As the fair value of the assets held in trust is based on a quoted market price (Level 1), the fair value of the embedded derivative is based on market observable inputs and is classified as Level 2.

Transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2

There were no securities transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company's policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period.

Level 3 Financial Instruments

The fair values of certain assets and liabilities are determined using prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement (i.e., Level 3 as defined by ASC Topic 820), including but not limited to liquidity spreads for investments within markets deemed not currently active. These valuations, whether derived internally or obtained from a third party, use critical assumptions that are not widely available to estimate market participant expectations in valuing the asset or liability. In addition, the Company has determined, for certain financial instruments, an active market is such a significant input to determine fair value that the presence of an inactive market may lead to classification in Level 3. In light of the methodologies employed to obtain the fair values of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3, additional information is presented below.

The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities and transfers in and out of Level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2014:



	Fair Value as of January 1			Total Realized/Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in:						Purchases		Issuances			Sales			Settlements			Transfers in to Level 3⁽³⁾		Transfers out of Level 3⁽³⁾			Fair Value as of December 31			Change In Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings⁽⁴⁾
				Net Income			OCI
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged:
U.S. Government agencies and authorities	$	14.4		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	(14.4	)	$	—		$	—
U.S. corporate, state and municipalities	456.5			(0.3		)	(7.0		)	283.0		—			(4.3		)	(127.3		)	485.0		(3.0		)	1,082.6			(0.1		)
Foreign ⁽¹⁾	154.3			0.2			(14.7		)	94.0		—			—			(11.3		)	262.2		(36.0		)	448.7			0.2
Residential mortgage-backed securities	98.6			(9.8		)	1.7			15.9		—			—			(1.9		)	8.8		(19.1		)	94.2			(9.8		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			—			—			22.0		—			—			—			—		—			22.0			—
Other asset-backed securities	59.2			6.9			(5.9		)	—		—			—			(38.4		)	—		(11.7		)	10.1			0.1
Total fixed maturities including securities pledged	783.0			(3.0		)	(25.9		)	414.9		—			(4.3		)	(178.9		)	756.0		(84.2		)	1,657.6			(9.6		)
Equity securities, available-for-sale	55.3			(0.9		)	2.0			—		—			(0.1		)	—			—		—			56.3			(0.9		)
Derivatives:
Product guarantees:
FIA⁽²⁾	(1,736.7		)	(198.0		)	—			—		(166.2		)	—			130.9			—		—			(1,970.0		)	—
GMAB/GMWB/GMWBL⁽²⁾	(908.9		)	(524.2		)	—			—		(154.3		)	—			0.7			—		—			(1,586.7		)	—
Stabilizer and MCGs⁽²⁾	—			(98.2		)	—			—		(4.7		)	—			—			—		—			(102.9		)	—
Other derivatives, net	80.3			37.2			—			32.7		—			—			(78.1		)	—		—			72.1			(8.2		)
Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and short-term investments under securities loan agreements	—			—			(0.1		)	6.1		—			—			—			—		—			6.0			—
Assets held in separate accounts⁽⁵⁾	13.1			0.1			—			1.2		—			(4.4		)	—			0.2		(7.9		)	2.3			(0.1		)

⁽¹⁾Primarily U.S. dollar denominated.

⁽²⁾ All gains and losses on Level 3 liabilities are classified as realized gains (losses) for the purpose of this disclosure because it is impracticable to track realized and unrealized gains (losses) separately on a contract-by contract basis. These amounts are included in Other net realized gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

⁽³⁾ The Company's policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period.

⁽⁴⁾ For financial instruments still held as of December 31 amounts are included in Net investment income and Total net realized capital gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

⁽⁵⁾ The investment income and realized gains (losses) and change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income for separate account assets are offset by an equal amount for separate account liabilities, which result in a net zero impact on net income for the Company.

The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities and transfers in and out of Level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2013:



	Fair Value as of January 1			Total Realized/Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in:						Purchases			Issuances			Sales			Settlements			Transfers in to Level 3⁽³⁾		Transfers out of Level 3⁽³⁾			Fair Value as of December 31			Change In Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings⁽⁴⁾
				Net Income			OCI
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged:
U.S. Government agencies and authorities	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	14.4		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	14.4		$	—
U.S. corporate, state and municipalities	524.2			(0.4		)	(3.3		)	0.2			—			(10.0		)	(49.8		)	12.5		(16.9		)	456.5			(0.3		)
Foreign ⁽¹⁾	104.2			0.2			10.0			61.0			—			(4.8		)	(36.3		)	20.0		—			154.3			—
Residential mortgage-backed securities	74.1			(4.9		)	(4.4		)	47.2			—			(0.6		)	(0.4		)	—		(12.4		)	98.6			(5.0		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—		—			—			—
Other asset-backed securities	115.2			14.2			(5.7		)	—			—			(8.0		)	(31.1		)	0.3		(25.7		)	59.2			4.8
Total fixed maturities including securities pledged	817.7			9.1			(3.4		)	122.8			—			(23.4		)	(117.6		)	32.8		(55.0		)	783.0			(0.5		)
Equity securities, available-for-sale	55.8			(3.3		)	0.9			—			—			(0.2		)	—			51.8		(49.7		)	55.3			(1.9		)
Derivatives:
Product guarantees:
FIA⁽²⁾	(1,434.3		)	(276.5		)	—			—			(108.4		)	—			82.5			—		—			(1,736.7		)	—
GMAB/GMWB/GMWBL⁽²⁾	(2,035.4		)	1,263.0			—			—			(137.0		)	—			0.5			—		—			(908.9		)	—
Stabilizer and MCGs⁽²⁾	(102.0		)	108.2			—			(6.2		)	—			—			—			—		—			—			—
Other derivatives, net	22.9			102.6			—			27.6			—			—			(72.8		)	—		—			80.3			25.9
Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and short-term investments under securities loan agreements	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—		—			—			—
Assets held in separate accounts⁽⁵⁾	16.3			0.1			—			16.0			—			(11.6		)	—			2.2		(9.9		)	13.1			0.1

⁽¹⁾Primarily U.S. dollar denominated.

⁽³⁾ The Company's policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period.

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the transfers in and out of Level 3 for fixed maturities and equity securities, as well as separate accounts, were due to the variation in inputs relied upon for valuation each quarter. Securities that are primarily valued using independent broker quotes when prices are not available from one of the commercial pricing services are reflected as transfers into Level 3. When securities are valued using more widely available information, the securities are transferred out of Level 3 and into Level 1 or 2, as appropriate.

Significant Unobservable Inputs

Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the Company's Level 3 fair value measurements of its annuity product guarantees is presented in the following sections and table.

The Company's Level 3 fair value measurements of its fixed maturities, equity securities available-for-sale and equity and credit derivative contracts are primarily based on broker quotes for which the quantitative detail of the unobservable inputs is neither provided nor reasonably corroborated, thus negating the ability to perform a sensitivity analysis. The Company performs a review of broker quotes by performing a monthly price variance comparison and back tests broker quotes to recent trade prices.

Significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of GMABs, GMWBs and GMWBLs include long-term equity and interest rate implied volatility, correlations between the rate of return on policyholder funds and between interest rates and equity returns, nonperformance risk, mortality and policyholder behavior assumptions, such as benefit utilization, lapses and partial withdrawals. Such inputs are monitored quarterly.

Significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of FIAs include nonperformance risk and policyholder behavior assumptions, such as lapses and partial withdrawals. Such inputs are monitored quarterly.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Stabilizer embedded derivatives and MCG derivative are interest rate implied volatility, nonperformance risk, lapses and policyholder deposits. Such inputs are monitored quarterly.

Following is a description of selected inputs:

Equity/Interest Rate Volatility: A term-structure model is used to approximate implied volatility for the equity indices and swap rates for GMAB, GMWB and GMWBL fair value measurements and swap rates for the Stabilizer and MCG fair value measurements. Where no implied volatility is readily available in the market, an alternative approach is applied based on historical volatility.

Correlations: Integrated interest rate and equity scenarios are used in GMAB, GMWB and GMWBL fair value measurements to better reflect market interest rates and interest rate volatility correlations between equity and fixed income fund groups and between equity fund groups and interest rates. The correlations are based on historical fund returns and swap rates from external sources.

Nonperformance Risk: For the estimate of the fair value of embedded derivatives associated with the Company's product guarantees, the Company uses a blend of observable, similarly rated peer holding company credit default swap spreads, adjusted to reflect the credit quality of the individual insurance subsidiary that issued the guarantee as well as an adjustment to reflect the priority of policyholder claims.

Actuarial Assumptions: Management regularly reviews actuarial assumptions, which are based on the Company's experience and periodically reviewed against industry standards. Industry standards and Company experience may be limited on certain products.

The following table presents the unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements as of December 31, 2014:

Range⁽¹⁾

Unobservable Input

GMWB / GMWBL

GMAB

FIA

Stabilizer / MCG

Long-term equity implied volatility

15% to 25%

—

Interest rate implied volatility

0.2% to 16%

—

0.2% to 7.6%

Correlations between:

Equity Funds

49% to 98%

—

Equity and Fixed Income Funds

-38% to 62%

—

Interest Rates and Equity Funds

-32% to -4%

-32 to -4%

—

Nonperformance risk

0.13% to 1.10%

Actuarial Assumptions:

Benefit Utilization

85% to 100%

⁽²

⁾

—

Partial Withdrawals

0% to 10%

0% to 5 %

—

Lapses

0.08% to 24%

^{(3) (4)}

0.08% to 31%

^{(3) (4)}

0% to 60%

⁽³

⁾

0% to 50%

⁽⁵

⁾

Policyholder Deposits⁽⁶⁾

—

0% to 65%

⁽⁵

⁾

Mortality

—

⁽⁷

⁾

—

⁽⁷

⁾

—

⁽⁸

⁾

—


⁽¹⁾	Represents the range of reasonable assumptions that management has used in its fair value calculations.

⁽²⁾

Those policyholders who have elected systematic withdrawals are assumed to continue taking withdrawals. As a percent of account value, 33% are taking systematic withdrawals. Of those policyholders who are not taking withdrawals, the Company assumes that 85% will begin systematic withdrawals after a delay period. The utilization function varies by policyholder age and policy duration. Interactions with lapse and mortality also affect utilization. The utilization rate for GMWB and GMWBL tends to be lower for younger contract owners and contracts that have not reached their maximum accumulated GMWB and GMWBL benefit amount. There is also a lower utilization rate, though indirectly, for contracts that are less "in the money" (i.e., where the notional benefit amount is in excess of the account value) due to higher lapses. Conversely, the utilization rate tends to be higher for contract owners near or beyond retirement age and contracts that have accumulated their maximum GMWB or GMWBL benefit amount. There is also a higher utilization rate, though indirectly, for contracts which are highly "in the money". The chart below provides the GMWBL account value by current age group and average expected delay times from the associated attained age group as of December 31, 2014 (account value amounts are in $ billions).



	Account Values
Attained Age Group	In the Money		Out of the Money		Total		Average Expected Delay (Years)*
< 60	$	2.4	$	0.5	$	2.9	9.5
60-69	6.2		1.0		7.2		4.9
70+	5.2		0.5		5.7		3.1
	$	13.8	$	2.0	$	15.8	5.8

* For population expected to withdraw in future. Excludes policies taking systematic withdraws and 15% of policies the Company assumes will never withdraw.


⁽³⁾	Lapse rates tend to be lower during the contractual surrender charge period and higher after the surrender charge period ends; the highest lapse rates occur in the year immediately after the end of the surrender charge period.


⁽⁴⁾	The Company makes dynamic adjustments to lower the lapse rates for contracts that are more “in the money.” The table below shows an analysis of policy account values according to whether they are in or out of the surrender charge period and to whether they are "in the money" or "out of the money" as of December 31, 2014 (account value amounts are in $ billions).

GMAB

GMWB/GMWBL

Moneyness

Account Value

Lapse Range

Account Value

Lapse Range

During Surrender Charge Period

In the Money**

—

0.08% to 8.2%

6.7

0.08% to 6.3%

Out of the Money

—

0.41% to 12%

1.2

0.36% to 7%

After Surrender Charge Period

In the Money**

—

2.5% to 21%

7.2

1.7% to 21%

Out of the Money

0.1

12.3% to 31%

1.4

5.6% to 24%

* Less than $0.1.

** The low end of the range corresponds to policies that are highly "in the money." The high end of the range corresponds to the policies that are close to zero in terms of "in the moneyness."


⁽⁵⁾	Stabilizer contracts with recordkeeping agreements have a different range of lapse and policyholder deposit assumptions from Stabilizer (Investment only) and MCG contracts as shown below:



	Percentage of Plans		Overall Range of Lapse Rates	Range of Lapse Rates for 85% of Plans	Overall Range of Policyholder Deposits	Range of Policyholder Deposits for 85% of Plans
Stabilizer (Investment Only) and MCG Contracts	87	%	0-30%	0-15%	0-45%	0-15%
Stabilizer with Recordkeeping Agreements	13	%	0-50%	0-25%	0-65%	0-25%
Aggregate of all plans	100	%	0-50%	0-25%	0-65%	0-25%


⁽⁶⁾	Measured as a percentage of assets under management or assets under administration.


⁽⁷⁾	The mortality rate is based on the Annuity 2000 Basic table with mortality improvements.

⁽⁸⁾The mortality rate is based on the 2012 Individual Annuity Mortality Basic table with mortality improvements.

The following table presents the unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements as of December 31, 2013:

Range⁽¹⁾

Unobservable Input

GMWB / GMWBL

GMAB

FIA

Stabilizer / MCG

Long-term equity implied volatility

15% to 25%

—

Interest rate implied volatility

0.2% to 16%

—

0.2% to 8.0%

Correlations between:

Equity Funds

50% to 98%

—

Equity and Fixed Income Funds

-33% to 62%

—

Interest Rates and Equity Funds

-30% to -14%

—

Nonperformance risk

-0.1% to 0.79%

Actuarial Assumptions:

Benefit Utilization

85% to 100%

⁽²⁾

—

Partial Withdrawals

0% to 10%

0% to 2%

—

Lapses

0.08% to 40%

^{(3) (4)}

0.08% to 31%

^{(3) (4)}

0% to 53%

⁽³⁾

0% to 55%

⁽⁵⁾

Policyholder Deposits⁽⁵⁾

—

0% to 60%

⁽⁵⁾

Mortality

—

⁽⁷⁾

—

⁽⁷⁾

—

⁽⁸⁾

—


⁽¹⁾	Represents the range of reasonable assumptions that management has used in its fair value calculations.

⁽²⁾ Those policyholders who have elected systematic withdrawals are assumed to continue taking withdrawals. As a percent of account value, 30% are taking systematic withdrawals. Of those policyholders who are not taking withdrawals, the Company assumes that 85% will begin systematic withdrawals after a delay period. The utilization function varies by policyholder age and policy duration. Interactions with lapse and mortality also affect utilization. The utilization rate for GMWB and GMWBL tends to be lower for younger contract owners and contracts that have not reached their maximum accumulated GMWB and GMWBL benefit amount. There is also a lower utilization rate, though indirectly, for contracts that are less "in the money" (i.e., where the notional benefit amount is in excess of the account value) due to higher lapses. Conversely, the utilization rate tends to be higher for contract owners near or beyond retirement age and contracts that have accumulated their maximum GMWB or GMWBL benefit amount. There is also a higher utilization rate, though indirectly, for contracts which are highly "in the money". The chart below provides the GMWBL account value by current age group and average expected delay times from the associated attained age group as of December 31, 2013 (account value amounts are in $ billions).



	Account Values
Attained Age Group	In the Money		Out of the Money		Total		Average Expected Delay (Years)*
< 60	$	2.1	$	1.4	$	3.5	5.4
60-69	5.1		2.6		7.7		1.4
70+	4.0		1.3		5.3		—
	$	11.2	$	5.3	$	16.5	2.3

* For population expected to withdraw in future. Excludes policies taking systematic withdraws and 15% of policies the Company assumes will never withdraw.


⁽³⁾	Lapse rates tend to be lower during the contractual surrender charge period and higher after the surrender charge period ends; the highest lapse rates occur in the year immediately after the end of the surrender charge period.


⁽⁴⁾	The Company makes dynamic adjustments to lower the lapse rates for contracts that are more "in the money." The table below shows an analysis of policy account values according to whether they are in or out of the surrender charge period and to whether they are "in the money" or "out of the money" as of December 31, 2013 (account value amounts are in $ billions):

GMAB

GMWB/GMWBL

Moneyness

Account Value

Lapse Range

Account Value

Lapse Range

During Surrender Charge Period

In the Money**

—

0.08% to 8.2%

5.7

0.08% to 5.5%

Out of the Money

—

0.41% to 12%

3.3

0.36% to 11%

After Surrender Charge Period

In the Money**

—

2.5% to 21%

5.6

1.5% to 21%

Out of the Money

0.1

12% to 31%

2.8

6.9% to 40%

* Less than $0.1.

** The low end of the range corresponds to policies that are highly "in the money." The high end of the range corresponds to the policies that are close to zero in terms of "in the moneyness."


⁽⁵⁾	Stabilizer contracts with recordkeeping agreements have a different range of lapse and policyholder deposit assumptions from Stabilizer (Investment only) and MCG contracts as shown below:



	Percentage of Plans		Overall Range of Lapse Rates	Range of Lapse Rates for 85% of Plans	Overall Range of Policyholder Deposits	Range of Policyholder Deposits for 85% of Plans
Stabilizer (Investment Only) and MCG Contracts	88	%	0-30%	0-15%	0-55%	0-15%
Stabilizer with Recordkeeping Agreements	12	%	0-55%	0-25%	0-60%	0-30%
Aggregate of all plans	100	%	0-55%	0-25%	0-60%	0-30%


⁽⁶⁾	Measured as a percentage of assets under management or assets under administration.


⁽⁷⁾	The mortality rate is based on the Annuity 2000 Basic table with mortality improvements.

⁽⁸⁾The mortality rate is based on the 2012 Individual Annuity Mortality Basic table with mortality improvements.

Generally, the following will cause an increase (decrease) in the GMAB, GMWB and GMWBL embedded derivative fair value liabilities:


•	An increase (decrease) in long-term equity implied volatility


•	An increase (decrease) in interest rate implied volatility


•	An increase (decrease) in equity-interest rate correlations


•	A decrease (increase) in nonperformance risk


•	A decrease (increase) in mortality


•	An increase (decrease) in benefit utilization


•	A decrease (increase) in lapses

Changes in fund correlations may increase or decrease the fair value depending on the direction of the movement and the mix of funds. Changes in partial withdrawals may increase or decrease the fair value depending on the timing and magnitude of withdrawals.

Generally, the following will cause an increase (decrease) in the FIA embedded derivative fair value liability:


•	A decrease (increase) in nonperformance risk


•	A decrease (increase) in lapses

Generally, the following will cause an increase (decrease) in the derivative and embedded derivative fair value liabilities related to Stabilizer and MCG contracts:


•	An increase (decrease) in interest rate implied volatility


•	A decrease (increase) in nonperformance risk


•	A decrease (increase) in lapses


•	A decrease (increase) in policyholder deposits

The Company notes the following interrelationships:


•	Higher long-term equity implied volatility is often correlated with lower equity returns, which will result in higher in-the-moneyness, which in turn, results in lower lapses due to the dynamic lapse component reducing the lapses. This increases the projected number of policies that are available to use the GMWBL benefit and may also increase the fair value of the GMWBL.


•	Generally, an increase (decrease) in benefit utilization will decrease (increase) lapses for GMWB and GMWBL.


•	Generally, an increase (decrease) in interest rate volatility will increase (decrease) lapses of Stabilizer and MCG contracts due to dynamic participant behavior.

Other Financial Instruments

The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of the dates indicated:



	December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Assets:
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	$	74,659.4	$	74,659.4	$	72,718.8	$	72,718.8
Equity securities, available-for-sale	271.8		271.8		314.4		314.4
Mortgage loans on real estate	9,794.1		10,286.6		9,312.2		9,404.7
Policy loans	2,104.0		2,104.0		2,147.0		2,147.0
Limited partnerships/corporations	363.2		363.2		236.4		236.4
Cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and short-term investments under securities loan agreements	5,069.3		5,069.3		4,441.8		4,441.8
Derivatives	1,819.6		1,819.6		1,149.3		1,149.3
Other investments	110.3		120.4		124.6		131.1
Assets held in separate accounts	106,007.8		106,007.8		106,827.1		106,827.1
Liabilities:
Investment contract liabilities:
Funding agreements without fixed maturities and deferred annuities⁽¹⁾	49,850.9		55,171.4		49,418.4		53,713.8
Funding agreements with fixed maturities and guaranteed investment contracts	1,593.0		1,564.8		2,692.3		2,663.9
Supplementary contracts, immediate annuities and other	2,535.3		2,706.2		2,003.8		2,042.5
Derivatives:
Annuity product guarantees:
FIA	1,970.0		1,970.0		1,736.7		1,736.7
GMAB / GMWB / GMWBL	1,586.7		1,586.7		908.9		908.9
Stabilizer and MCGs	102.9		102.9		—		—
Other derivatives	849.3		849.3		1,351.8		1,351.8
Long-term debt	3,515.7		3,875.4		3,514.7		3,717.8
Embedded derivatives on reinsurance	139.6		139.6		79.0		79.0

⁽¹⁾ Certain amounts included in Funding agreements without fixed maturities and deferred annuities are also reflected within the Annuity product guarantees section of the table above.

The following disclosures are made in accordance with the requirements of ASC Topic 825 which requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.

ASC Topic 825 excludes certain financial instruments, including insurance contracts and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

The following valuation methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of the following financial instruments, which are not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

Mortgage loans on real estate: The fair values for mortgage loans on real estate are estimated on a monthly basis using discounted cash flow analyses and rates currently being offered in the marketplace for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings. Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. Mortgage loans on real estate are classified as Level 3.

Policy loans: The fair value of policy loans approximates the carrying value of the loans. Policy loans are collateralized by the cash surrender value of the associated insurance contracts and are classified as Level 2.

Limited partnerships/corporations: The fair value for these investments, primarily private equity funds of funds and hedge funds, is based on actual or estimated Net Asset Value ("NAV") information, as provided by the investee and are classified as Level 3.

Other investments: FHLB stock is carried at cost and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value and is classified as Level 1.

Investment contract liabilities:

Funding agreements without a fixed maturity and deferred annuities: Fair value is estimated as the mean present value of stochastically modeled cash flows associated with the contract liabilities taking into account assumptions about contract holder behavior. The stochastic valuation scenario set is consistent with current market parameters and discount is taken using stochastically evolving risk-free rates in the scenarios plus an adjustment for nonperformance risk. Margins for non-financial risks associated with the contract liabilities are also included. These liabilities are classified as Level 3.

Funding agreements with fixed maturities and guaranteed investment contracts: Fair value is estimated by discounting cash flows, including associated expenses for maintaining the contracts, at rates, that are risk-free rates plus an adjustment for nonperformance risk. These liabilities are classified as Level 2.

Supplementary contracts and immediate annuities: Fair value is estimated as the mean present value of the single deterministically modeled cash flows associated with the contract liabilities discounted using stochastically evolving short risk-free rates in the scenarios plus an adjustment for nonperformance risk. The valuation is consistent with current market parameters. Margins for non-financial risks associated with the contract liabilities are also included. These liabilities are classified as Level 3.

Long-term debt: Estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is based upon discounted future cash flows using a discount rate approximating the current market rate, incorporating nonperformance risk. Long-term debt is classified as Level 2.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about various financial instruments, such as estimates of timing and amounts of future cash flows. Such estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument, nor do they consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized capital gains (losses). In many cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. In evaluating the Company’s management of interest rate, price and liquidity risks, the fair values of all assets and liabilities should be taken into consideration, not only those presented above.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

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