XML 26 R15.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.20.2
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company determined the fair value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in FASB guidance referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Company has adopted the provisions from the FASB guidance that is referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic for non-financial assets and liabilities (such as property and equipment, goodwill, and other intangible assets) that are required to be measured at fair value on a periodic basis. The effect on the Company’s periodic fair value measurements for non-financial assets and liabilities was not material.
The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three level hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
 Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are categorized as follows:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.

Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active or significant inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include the following:
 
a)    Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
b)    Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets;
c)    Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable; and
d)     Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means.
 
Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. They reflect management’s own estimates about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2020:
 Measurement
Category
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:    
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale    
Residential mortgage-backed securities4$— $6,847,273 $— $6,847,273 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities4— 2,546,317 10,685 2,557,002 
Other asset-backed securities4— 1,149,743 434,496 1,584,239 
U.S. government-related securities4578,554 501,739 — 1,080,293 
State, municipals, and political subdivisions4— 4,553,629 — 4,553,629 
Other government-related securities4— 638,076 — 638,076 
Corporate securities4— 48,626,474 1,357,544 49,984,018 
Redeemable preferred stocks467,329 — — 67,329 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale645,883 64,863,251 1,802,725 67,311,859 
Fixed maturity securities - trading    
Residential mortgage-backed securities3— 207,507 — 207,507 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities3— 208,036 — 208,036 
Other asset-backed securities3— 87,848 62,442 150,290 
U.S. government-related securities321,761 15,230 — 36,991 
State, municipals, and political subdivisions3— 288,085 — 288,085 
Other government-related securities3— 29,571 — 29,571 
Corporate securities3— 1,832,592 17,879 1,850,471 
Redeemable preferred stocks312,434 — — 12,434 
Total fixed maturity securities - trading34,195 2,668,869 80,321 2,783,385 
Total fixed maturity securities680,078 67,532,120 1,883,046 70,095,244 
Equity securities3452,042 — 86,343 538,385 
Other long-term investments(1)
3 & 473,934 1,013,846 319,994 1,407,774 
Short-term investments31,156,203 82,825 — 1,239,028 
Total investments2,362,257 68,628,791 2,289,383 73,280,431 
Cash3381,753 — — 381,753 
Assets related to separate accounts    
Variable annuity311,487,408 — — 11,487,408 
Variable universal life31,144,474 — — 1,144,474 
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$15,375,892 $68,628,791 $2,289,383 $86,294,066 
Liabilities:    
Annuity account balances(2)
3$— $— $67,591 $67,591 
Other liabilities(1)
3 & 49,480 675,209 1,718,905 2,403,594 
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$9,480 $675,209 $1,786,496 $2,471,185 
(1) Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
(3) Fair Value through Net Income
(4) Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019:
 Measurement
Category
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:    
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale    
Residential mortgage-backed securities4$— $5,931,341 $— $5,931,341 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities4— 2,629,639 10,029 2,639,668 
Other asset-backed securities4— 1,360,016 421,219 1,781,235 
U.S. government-related securities4662,581 369,815 — 1,032,396 
State, municipals, and political subdivisions4— 4,638,850 — 4,638,850 
Other government-related securities4— 597,169 — 597,169 
Corporate securities4— 45,435,387 1,373,714 46,809,101 
Redeemable preferred stocks469,976 16,689 — 86,665 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale732,557 60,978,906 1,804,962 63,516,425 
Fixed maturity securities - trading    
Residential mortgage-backed securities3— 209,521 — 209,521 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities3— 201,284 — 201,284 
Other asset-backed securities3— 77,954 65,407 143,361 
U.S. government-related securities324,810 22,257 — 47,067 
State, municipals, and political subdivisions3— 293,791 — 293,791 
Other government-related securities3— 28,775 — 28,775 
Corporate securities3— 1,579,565 11,371 1,590,936 
Redeemable preferred stocks312,832 — — 12,832 
Total fixed maturity securities - trading37,642 2,413,147 76,778 2,527,567 
Total fixed maturity securities770,199 63,392,053 1,881,740 66,043,992 
Equity securities3480,750 — 72,970 553,720 
Other long-term investments(1)
3 & 452,225 733,425 209,843 995,493 
Short-term investments31,255,384 65,480 — 1,320,864 
Total investments2,558,558 64,190,958 2,164,553 68,914,069 
Cash3171,752 — — 171,752 
Assets related to separate accounts    
Variable annuity312,730,090 — — 12,730,090 
Variable universal life31,135,666 — — 1,135,666 
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$16,596,066 $64,190,958 $2,164,553 $82,951,577 
Liabilities:    
Annuity account balances(2)
3$— $— $69,728 $69,728 
Other liabilities(1)
3 & 419,561 509,645 1,017,972 1,547,178 
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$19,561 $509,645 $1,087,700 $1,616,906 
(1) Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
(3) Fair Value through Net Income
(4) Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Determination of Fair Values
The valuation methodologies used to determine the fair values of assets and liabilities reflect market participant assumptions and are based on the application of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable market inputs over unobservable inputs. The Company determines the fair values of certain financial assets and financial liabilities based on quoted market prices, where available. The Company also determines certain fair values based on future cash flows discounted at the appropriate current market rate. Fair values reflect adjustments for counterparty credit quality, the Company’s credit standing, liquidity, and where appropriate, risk margins on unobservable parameters. The following is a discussion of the methodologies used to determine fair values for the financial instruments as listed in the above table.
The fair value of fixed maturity, short-term, and equity securities is determined by management after considering one of three primary sources of information: third party pricing services, non-binding independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. Security pricing is applied using a “waterfall” approach whereby publicly available prices are first sought from third party pricing services, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers for non-binding prices, or lastly, securities are priced using a pricing matrix. Typical inputs used by these three pricing methods include, but are not limited to: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. Third party pricing services price 92.6% of the Company’s available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for available-for-sale and trading fixed maturities, third party pricing services derive the majority of security prices from observable market inputs such as recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information outlined above. If there are no recent reported trades, the third party pricing services and brokers may use matrix or model processes to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Certain securities are priced via independent non-binding broker quotations. When using non-binding independent broker quotations, when available the Company obtains two quotes per security. Where multiple broker quotes are obtained, the Company reviews the quotes and selects the quote that provides the best estimate of the price a market participant would pay for these specific assets in an arm’s length transaction. A pricing matrix is used to price securities for which the Company is unable to obtain or effectively rely on either a price from a third party pricing service or an independent broker quotation.
The pricing matrix used by the Company begins with current spread levels to determine the market price for the security. The credit spreads, assigned by brokers, incorporate the issuer’s credit rating, liquidity discounts, weighted-average of contracted cash flows, risk premium, if warranted, due to the issuer’s industry, and the security’s time to maturity. The Company uses credit ratings provided by nationally recognized rating agencies.
For securities that are priced via non-binding independent broker quotations, the Company assesses whether prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value. The Company’s assessment incorporates various metrics (yield curves, credit spreads, prepayment rates, etc.) along with other information available to the Company from both internal and external sources to determine the valuation of such holdings. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the analytics, the price received from the independent broker is adjusted accordingly. The Company did not adjust any quotes or prices received from brokers during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

The Company has analyzed the third party pricing services’ valuation methodologies and related inputs and has also evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs that is in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC. Based on this evaluation and investment class analysis, each price was classified into Level 1, 2, or 3. Most prices provided by third party pricing services are classified into Level 2 because the significant inputs used in pricing the securities are market observable and the observable inputs are corroborated by the Company. Since the matrix pricing of certain debt securities includes significant non-observable inputs, they are classified as Level 3.
Asset-Backed Securities
This category mainly consists of residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”). As of September 30, 2020, the Company held $11.0 billion of ABS classified as Level 2. These securities are priced from information provided by a third party pricing service and independent broker quotes. The third party pricing services and brokers mainly value securities using both a market and income approach to valuation. As part of this valuation process they consider the following characteristics of the item being measured to be relevant inputs: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) types of underlying assets, 4) weighted-average coupon rate of the underlying assets, 5) weighted-average years to maturity of the underlying assets, 6) seniority level of the tranches owned, and 7) credit ratings of the securities.
After reviewing these characteristics of the ABS, the third party pricing service and brokers use certain inputs to determine the value of the security. For ABS classified as Level 2, the valuation would consist of predominantly market observable inputs such as, but not limited to: 1) monthly principal and interest payments on the underlying assets, 2) average life of the security, 3) prepayment speeds, 4) credit spreads, 5) treasury and swap yield curves, and 6) discount margin. The Company reviews the methodologies and valuation techniques (including the ability to observe inputs) in assessing the information received from external pricing services and in consideration of the fair value presentation.
As of September 30, 2020, the Company held $507.6 million of Level 3 ABS, which included $445.2 million of other asset-backed securities classified as available-for-sale and $62.4 million of other asset-backed securities classified as trading. These securities are predominantly ARS whose underlying collateral is at least 97% guaranteed by the FFELP. The Company prices its ARS using an income approach valuation model. As part of the valuation process the Company reviews the following characteristics of the ARS in determining the relevant inputs: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) types of underlying assets, 4) weighted-average coupon rate of the underlying assets, 5) weighted-average years to maturity of the underlying assets, 6) seniority level of the tranches owned, 7) credit ratings of the securities, 8) liquidity premium, and 9) paydown rate. In periods where market activity increases and there are transactions at a price that is not the result of a distressed or forced sale we consider those prices as part of our valuation. If the market activity during a period is solely the result of the issuer redeeming positions we consider those transactions in our valuation, but still consider them to be Level 3 measurements due to the nature of the transaction.
Corporate Securities, Redeemable Preferred Stocks, U.S. Government-Related Securities, States, Municipals, and Political Subdivisions, and Other Government-Related Securities
As of September 30, 2020, the Company classified approximately $56.5 billion of corporate securities, redeemable preferred stocks, U.S. government-related securities, states, municipals, and political subdivisions, and other government-related securities as Level 2. The fair value of the Level 2 securities is predominantly priced by broker quotes and a third party pricing service. The Company has reviewed the valuation techniques of the brokers and third party pricing service and has determined that such techniques used Level 2 market observable inputs. The following characteristics of the securities are considered to be the primary relevant inputs to the valuation: 1) weighted- average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) seniority, and 4) credit ratings. The Company reviews the methodologies and valuation techniques (including the ability to observe inputs) in assessing the information received from external pricing services and in consideration of the fair value presentation.
The brokers and third party pricing service utilize valuation models that consist of a hybrid methodology that utilizes a cash flow analysis and market approach to valuation. The pricing models utilize the following inputs: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) treasury yield curve, 3) credit spreads from new issue and secondary trading markets, 4) dealer quotes with adjustments for issues with early redemption features, 5) liquidity premiums present on private placements, and 6) discount margins from dealers in the new issue market.
As of September 30, 2020, the Company classified approximately $1.4 billion of securities as Level 3 valuations. Level 3 securities primarily represent investments in illiquid bonds for which no price is readily available. To determine a price, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model with both observable and unobservable inputs. These inputs are entered into an industry standard pricing model to determine the final price of the security. These inputs include: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) coupon rate, 3) sector and issuer level spread over treasury, 4) underlying collateral, 5) credit ratings, 6) maturity, 7) embedded options, 8) recent new issuance, 9) comparative bond analysis, and 10) an illiquidity premium.
Equities
As of September 30, 2020, the Company held approximately $86.3 million of equity securities classified as Level 3. Of this total, $80.3 million represents Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock. The Company believes that the cost of the FHLB stock approximates fair value.
Other Long-Term Investments and Other Liabilities
Derivative Financial Instruments
Other long-term investments and other liabilities include free-standing and embedded derivative financial instruments. Refer to Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information related to derivatives. Derivative financial instruments are valued using exchange prices, independent broker quotations, or pricing valuation models, which utilize market data inputs. Excluding embedded derivatives, as of September 30, 2020, 87.4% of derivatives based upon notional values were priced using exchange prices or independent broker quotations. The remaining derivatives were priced by pricing valuation models, which utilize observable market data inputs to the extent they are available. Inputs used to value derivatives include, but are not limited to, interest swap rates, credit spreads, interest rate and equity market volatility indices, equity index levels, and treasury rates. The Company performs monthly analysis on derivative valuations that includes both quantitative and qualitative analyses.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 1 generally include futures and options, which are traded on active exchange markets.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 2 primarily include swaps, options, and swaptions, which are traded over-the-counter. Level 2 also includes certain centrally cleared derivatives. These derivative valuations are determined using independent broker quotations, which are corroborated with observable market inputs.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 3 were embedded derivatives and include at least one significant non-observable input. A derivative instrument containing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs will be classified as a Level 3 financial instrument in its entirety if it has at least one significant Level 3 input.
The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets and liabilities. However, the derivative instruments may not be classified within the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated assets and liabilities. Therefore, the changes in fair value on derivatives reported in Level 3 may not reflect the offsetting impact of the changes in fair value of the associated assets and liabilities.
Embedded derivatives are carried at fair value in other long-term investments and other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated condensed balance sheet. The changes in fair value of embedded derivatives are recorded as realized gains (losses) - investments/derivatives. Refer to Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments for more information.

The fair value of the guaranteed living withdrawal benefits (“GLWB”) embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using multiple risk neutral stochastic equity scenarios and policyholder behavior assumptions. The risk neutral scenarios are generated using the current swap curve and projected equity volatilities and correlations. The projected equity volatilities are based on a blend of historical volatility and near-term equity market implied volatilities. The equity correlations are based on historical price observations. For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and utilization assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the Ruark 2015 ALB table, with attained age factors varying from 88.0% - 100.0% based on company experience. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk). For expected lapse and utilization, assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary, using an internal predictive model developed by the Company. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the GLWB embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis.
The balance of the fixed indexed annuity (“FIA”) embedded derivative is impacted by policyholder cash flows associated with the FIA product that are allocated to the embedded derivative in addition to changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative during the reporting period. The fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using current index values and volatility, the hedge budget used to price the product, and policyholder assumptions (both elective and non-elective). For policyholder behavior, assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the 2015 Ruark ALB mortality table with attained age factors varying from 88.0% - 100.0% based on company experience. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR up to one year and constant maturity treasury rates plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk) thereafter. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the FIA embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3.
The balance of the indexed universal life (“IUL”) embedded derivative is impacted by policyholder cash flows associated with the IUL product that are allocated to the embedded derivative in addition to changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative during the reporting period. The fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using current index values and volatility, the hedge budget used to price the product, and policyholder assumptions (both elective and non-elective). For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and withdrawal assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the SOA 2015 VBT Primary Tables, with attained age factors varying from 36.0% - 161.0% based on company experience. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR up to one year and constant maturity treasury rates plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk) thereafter. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the IUL embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3.
The Company has assumed and ceded certain blocks of policies under modified coinsurance agreements in which the investment results of the underlying portfolios inure directly to the reinsurers. Funds withheld arrangements related to such agreements contain embedded derivatives that are reported at fair value. Changes in their fair value are reported in realized gains (losses) - investments/derivatives. The fair value of embedded derivatives related to funds withheld under modified coinsurance agreements are a function of the unrealized gains or losses on the underlying assets and are calculated in a manner consistent with the terms of the agreements. The investments supporting certain of these agreements are designated as “trading securities”; therefore changes in their fair value are also reported in realized gains (losses) - investments/derivatives. The fair value of embedded derivatives is estimated based on market standard valuation methodology and is considered a Level 3 valuation.
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have entered into interest support, yearly renewable term (“YRT”) premium support, and portfolio maintenance agreements with PLC. These agreements meet the definition of a derivative and are accounted for at fair value and are considered Level 3 valuations. The fair value of these derivatives as of September 30, 2020 was $133.5 million and is included in other long-term investments. For information regarding realized gains on these derivatives please refer to Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments.
The Interest Support Agreement provides that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate II”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, if actual investment income on certain of Golden Gate II’s asset portfolios falls below a calculated investment income amount as defined in the Interest Support Agreement. The calculated investment income amount is a level of investment income deemed to be sufficient to support certain of Golden Gate II’s obligations under a reinsurance agreement with the Company, dated July 1, 2007. The derivative is valued using an internal valuation model that assumes a conservative projection of investment income under an adverse interest rate scenario and the probability that the expectation falls below the calculated investment income amount. This derivative had a fair value of $78.6 million as of September 30, 2020. Golden Gate II recognized $2.4 million in gains related to payments made under this agreement for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. As of September 30, 2020, certain interest support agreement obligations to Golden Gate II of approximately $5.5 million have been collateralized by PLC. Re-evaluation and, if necessary, adjustments of any support agreement collateralization amounts occur annually during the first quarter pursuant to the terms of the support agreement.
The YRT premium support agreements provide that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Golden Gate II in the event that YRT premium rates increase. The derivatives are valued using an internal valuation model. The valuation model is a probability weighted discounted cash flow model. The value is primarily a function of the likelihood and severity of future YRT premium increases. The fair value of these derivatives as of September 30, 2020 was $53.2 million. Golden Gate II recognized $1.6 million in gains related to payments made under this agreement for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
The portfolio maintenance agreements provide that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate, Golden Gate V, and West Coast Life Insurance Company (“WCL”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in the event of other-than-temporary impairments on investments, measured in accordance with Statutory Accounting Principles, that exceed defined thresholds. The derivatives are valued using an internal discounted cash flow model. The significant unobservable inputs are the projected probability and severity of credit losses used to project future cash flows on the investment portfolios. The fair value of the portfolio maintenance agreements as of September 30, 2020, was $1.7 million. As of September 30, 2020, no payments have been made under these agreements.
The Funds Withheld derivative results from reinsurance agreements with subsidiaries of PLC, where the economic performance of certain hedging instruments held by the Company are ceded to the subsidiaries. The value of the Funds Withheld derivative is directly tied to the value of the hedging instruments held in the funds withheld account. The hedging instruments predominantly consist of derivative instruments the fair values of which are classified as a Level 2 measurement; as such, the fair value of the Funds Withheld derivative has been classified as a Level 2 measurement. The fair value of the Funds Withheld derivative as of September 30, 2020, was a liability of $145.0 million.
Annuity Account Balances
The Company records a certain legacy block of FIA reserves at fair value. Based on the characteristics of these reserves, the Company believes that the fund value approximates fair value. The fair value measurement of these reserves is considered a Level 3 valuation due to the unobservable nature of the fund values.
Separate Accounts
Separate account assets are invested in open-ended mutual funds and are included in Level 1.
Valuation of Level 3 Financial Instruments
The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments as of September 30, 2020:
Fair ValueValuation
Technique
Unobservable
Input
Range
(Weighted Average)
 (Dollars In Thousands)   
Assets:    
Commercial mortgage-backed securities$10,685 Discounted cash flowSpread over treasury
2.78%
Other asset-backed securities434,496 Liquidation Liquidation value
$95.75 - $97.00 ($96.40)
Discounted cash flowLiquidity premium
0.51% - 2.33% (1.61%)
Paydown rate
8.75% - 12.55% (11.38%)
Corporate securities1,357,544 Discounted cash flowSpread over treasury
0.60% - 4.75% (2.24%)
Liabilities:(1)
    
Embedded derivatives - GLWB(2)
518,246 Actuarial cash flow modelMortality
88% to 100% of
Ruark 2015 ALB Table

   LapsePL-RBA Predictive Model
   UtilizationPL-RBA Predictive Model
   Nonperformance risk
0.22% - 0.88%
Embedded derivative - FIA531,814 Actuarial cash flow modelExpenses
$207 per policy
   Withdrawal rate
0.4% - 2.4% prior to age 70, 100% of the RMD for ages 70+ or WB withdrawal rate. Assume underutilized RMD for non-WB policies ages 70-81.
   Mortality
88% to 100% of Ruark 2015 ALB table
   Lapse
0.2% - 50.0%, depending on duration/surrender charge period
Dynamically adjusted for WB moneyness and projected market rates vs credited rates
   Nonperformance risk
0.22% - 0.88%
Embedded derivative - IUL194,228 Actuarial cash flow modelMortality
37% - 161% of 2015
VBT Primary Tables
94% - 248% of duration 8 point in scale 2015 VBT Primary Tables, depending on type of business
   Lapse
0.4% - 10%, depending on
duration/distribution channel
and smoking class
   Nonperformance risk
0.22% - 0.88%
(1) Excludes modified coinsurance arrangements.
(2) The fair value for the GLWB embedded derivative is presented as a net liability.
The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and for which book value approximates fair value. Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of instruments, except for other asset-backed securities which were weighted by the relative par amounts.
The Company has considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of September 30, 2020, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $98.1 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of September 30, 2020, of which $79.3 million are other asset-backed securities, $12.8 million are corporate securities and $6.0 million are equity securities.
In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of September 30, 2020, the Company held $80.3 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value which was predominantly FHLB stock.
The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments as of December 31, 2019:
Fair ValueValuation
Technique
Unobservable
Input
Range
(Weighted Average)
 (Dollars In Thousands)   
Assets:    
Commercial mortgage-backed securities$10,029 Discounted cash flowSpread over treasury
2.5%
Other asset-backed securities421,219 Liquidation Liquidation value
$95.39 - $99.99 ($97.95)
Discounted cash flowLiquidity premium
0.34% - 2.28% (1.44%)
Paydown Rate
8.99% - 12.45% (11.28%)
Corporate securities1,373,714 Discounted cash flowSpread over treasury
0.00% - 4.03% (1.60%)
Liabilities:(1)
    
Embedded derivatives - GLWB(2)
$186,038 Actuarial cash flow modelMortality
87% to 100% of
Ruark 2015 ALB Table
   LapseRuark Predictive Model
   Utilization
99%. 10% of policies have a one-time over-utilization of 400%
   Nonperformance risk
0.12% - 0.82%
Embedded derivative - FIA336,826 Actuarial cash flow modelExpenses
$195 per policy
   Withdrawal rate
0.4% - 1.2% prior to age 70 RMD for
ages 70+
or WB withdrawal rate
Assume underutilized RMD
for non-WB policies age 70-81
   Mortality
87% to 100% or Ruark 2015 ALB table
   Lapse
0.5% - 50.0%, depending on duration/surrender charge period
   Nonperformance risk
0.12% - 0.82%
Embedded derivative - IUL151,765 Actuarial cash flow modelMortality
37% - 156% of 2015
VBT Primary Tables
94% - 248% of duration
8 point in scale 2015
VBT Primary Tables,
depending on type of business
   Lapse
0.5% - 10%, depending on duration/distribution channel and smoking class
   Nonperformance risk
0.12% - 0.82%
(1) Excludes modified coinsurance arrangements.
(2) The fair value for the GLWB embedded derivative is presented as a net liability.
The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and for which book value approximates fair value.
The Company had considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of December 31, 2019, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $76.8 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2019, of which $65.4 million are other asset backed securities and $11.4 million are corporate securities.
In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2019, the Company held $73.0 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value which was predominantly FHLB stock.
The asset-backed securities classified as Level 3 are predominantly ARS. A change in the paydown rate (the projected annual rate of principal reduction) of the ARS can significantly impact the fair value of these securities. A decrease in the paydown rate would increase the projected weighted average life of the ARS and increase the sensitivity of the ARS’s fair value to changes in interest rates. An increase in the liquidity premium would result in a decrease in the fair value of the securities, while a decrease in the liquidity premium would increase the fair value of these securities. The liquidation values for these securities are sensitive to the issuer’s available cash flows and ability to redeem the securities, as well as the current holders’ willingness to liquidate at the specified price.
The fair value of corporate bonds classified as Level 3 is sensitive to changes in the interest rate spread over the corresponding U.S. Treasury rate. This spread represents a risk premium that is impacted by company-specific and market factors. An increase in the spread can be caused by a perceived increase in credit risk of a specific issuer and/or an increase in the overall market risk premium associated with similar securities. The fair values of corporate bonds are sensitive to changes in spread. When holding the treasury rate constant, the fair value of corporate bonds increases when spreads decrease and decreases when spreads increase.
The fair value of the GLWB embedded derivative is sensitive to changes in the discount rate which includes the Company’s nonperformance risk, volatility, lapse, and mortality assumptions. The volatility assumption is an observable input as it is based on market inputs. The Company’s nonperformance risk, lapse, and mortality are unobservable. An increase in the three unobservable assumptions would result in a decrease in the fair value of the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumptions the fair value would increase. The fair value is also dependent on the assumed policyholder utilization of the GLWB where an increase in assumed utilization would result in an increase in the fair value of the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumption, the fair value would decrease.
The fair value of the FIA and IUL embedded derivatives are predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the FIA and IUL embedded derivatives are sensitive to non-performance risk, which is unobservable. The value of the liability increases with decreases in the discount rate and non-performance risk and decreases with increases in the discount rate and nonperformance risk. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and the value of the liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the three months ended September 30, 2020, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Gains
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Losses
Total Gains (losses) included in Operations related to Instruments still held at
the 
Reporting
Date
Beginning
Balance
Included
in
Operations
Included
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Included
in
Operations
Included
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
PurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlementsTransfers
in/out of
Level 3
OtherEnding
Balance
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:             
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale             
Residential mortgage-backed securities$— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities9,971 — 740 — — (21)— — — (6)10,685 — 
Other asset-backed securities430,964 — 4,383 (12)(525)— (517)— — — 203 434,496 — 
Corporate securities1,365,963 — 27,591 — (2,937)62,185 (125,885)— — 31,172 (545)1,357,544 — 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,806,898 — 32,714 (12)(3,461)62,185 (126,423)— — 31,172 (348)1,802,725 — 
Fixed maturity securities - trading             
Other asset-backed securities60,622 2,706 — (382)— 1,031 (1,571)— — — 36 62,442 2,681 
Corporate securities12,158 286 — (12)— 5,477 — — — — (30)17,879 273 
Total fixed maturity securities - trading72,780 2,992 — (394)— 6,508 (1,571)— — — 80,321 2,954 
Total fixed maturity securities1,879,678 2,992 32,714 (406)(3,461)68,693 (127,994)— — 31,172 (342)1,883,046 2,954 
Equity securities78,613 780 — — — 6,950 — — — — — 86,343 780 
Other long-term investments(1)
275,907 78,164 — (34,077)— — — — — — — 319,994 44,087 
Total investments2,234,198 81,936 32,714 (34,483)(3,461)75,643 (127,994)— — 31,172 (342)2,289,383 47,821 
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$2,234,198 $81,936 $32,714 $(34,483)$(3,461)$75,643 $(127,994)$— $— $31,172 $(342)$2,289,383 $47,821 
Liabilities:             
Annuity account balances(2)
$68,064 $— $— $(744)$— $— $— $37 $1,254 $— $— $67,591 $— 
Other liabilities(1)
1,664,251 130,913 — (185,567)— — — — — — — 1,718,905 (54,654)
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,732,315 $130,913 $— $(186,311)$— $— $— $37 $1,254 $— $— $1,786,496 $(54,654)
(1) Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
For the three months ended September 30, 2020, there were $31.2 million of securities transferred into Level 3 from Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced by independent pricing services or brokers in previous periods but were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available as of September 30, 2020.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
Total Realized and Unrealized GainsTotal Realized and Unrealized LossesTotal Gains (losses) included in Operations related to Instruments still held at the Reporting Date
Beginning BalanceIncluded in OperationsIncluded in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Included in OperationsIncluded in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)PurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlementsTransfers in/out of Level 3OtherEnding Balance
(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
Commercial mortgage-backed securities$10,029 $— $1,520 $— $(784)$— $(62)$— $— $— $(18)$10,685 $— 
Other asset-backed securities421,219 — 4,495 (33)(12,978)— (1,034)— — 22,187 640 434,496 — 
Corporate securities1,373,714 — 112,592 — (82,132)365,449 (497,587)— — 88,107 (2,599)1,357,544 — 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,804,962 — 118,607 (33)(95,894)365,449 (498,683)— — 110,294 (1,977)1,802,725 — 
Fixed maturity securities - trading
Residential mortgage-backed securities— — — — — — — — — — — — — 
Other asset-backed securities65,407 4,174 — (8,696)— 4,250 (2,023)— — (766)96 62,442 2,681 
Corporate securities11,371 773 — (427)— 8,798 (2,141)— — (408)(87)17,879 273 
Total fixed maturity securities - trading76,778 4,947 — (9,123)— 13,048 (4,164)— — (1,174)80,321 2,954 
Total fixed maturity securities1,881,740 4,947 118,607 (9,156)(95,894)378,497 (502,847)— — 109,120 (1,968)1,883,046 2,954 
Equity securities72,970 781 — (1)— 7,373 — — — 5,220 — 86,343 780 
Other long-term investments(1)209,843 171,097 — (97,705)— 40,831 — — (4,072)— — 319,994 69,320 
Short-term investments— — — — — — — — — — — — — 
Total investments2,164,553 176,825 118,607 (106,862)(95,894)426,701 (502,847)— (4,072)114,340 (1,968)2,289,383 73,054 
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$2,164,553 $176,825 $118,607 $(106,862)$(95,894)$426,701 $(502,847)$— $(4,072)$114,340 $(1,968)$2,289,383 $73,054 
Liabilities:
Annuity account balances(2)$69,728 $— $— $(1,811)$— $— $— $366 $4,314 $— $— $67,591 $— 
Other liabilities(1)1,017,972 387,386 — (1,088,319)— — — — — — — 1,718,905 (700,933)
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,087,700 $387,386 $— $(1,090,130)$— $— $— $366 $4,314 $— $— $1,786,496 $(700,933)
(1) Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, there were $115.5 million of securities transferred into Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced by independent pricing services or brokers in previous periods but were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available as of September 30, 2020.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, there were $1.2 million of securities transferred into Level 2 from Level 3.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the three months ended September 30, 2019, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Gains
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Losses
Total Gains (losses) included in Operations related to Instruments still held at
the 
Reporting
Date
Beginning
Balance
Included
 in
Operations
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Included 
in
Operations
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
PurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlementsTransfers
in/out of
Level 3
OtherEnding
Balance
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:             
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale             
Residential mortgage-backed securities$— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities9,366 — 294 — — — (19)— — — (6)9,635 — 
Other asset-backed securities418,310 — 865 (14)(3,276)— (8)— — — 185 416,062 — 
Corporate securities1,328,491 — 22,910 — (3,408)9,150 (72,215)— — 41,319 (1,135)1,325,112 — 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,756,167 — 24,069 (14)(6,684)9,150 (72,242)— — 41,319 (956)1,750,809 — 
Fixed maturity securities - trading             
Other asset-backed securities62,180 294 — (34)— — (879)— — — (34)61,527 274 
Corporate securities5,294 67 — — — 1,700 — — — — (25)7,036 6,906 
Total fixed maturity securities - trading67,474 361 — (34)— 1,700 (879)— — — (59)68,563 7,180 
Total fixed maturity securities1,823,641 361 24,069 (48)(6,684)10,850 (73,121)— — 41,319 (1,015)1,819,372 7,180 
Equity securities68,486 — — (2)— — — — — — — 68,484 191 
Other long-term investments(1)
143,583 49,457 — — — — — — — — — 193,040 49,457 
Total investments2,035,710 49,818 24,069 (50)(6,684)10,850 (73,121)— — 41,319 (1,015)2,080,896 56,828 
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$2,035,710 $49,818 $24,069 $(50)$(6,684)$10,850 $(73,121)$— $— $41,319 $(1,015)$2,080,896 $56,828 
Liabilities:             
Annuity account balances(2)
$72,585 $— $— $(523)$— $— $— $91 $1,379 $— $— $71,820 $— 
Other liabilities(1)
842,035 — — (191,572)— 33,684 — — — — — 1,067,291 (191,572)
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$914,620 $— $— $(192,095)$— $33,684 $— $91 $1,379 $— $— $1,139,111 $(191,572)
(1) Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
For the three months ended September 30, 2019, there were $52.1 million of securities transferred into Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced by independent pricing services or brokers in previous periods but were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available as of September 30, 2019.
For the three months ended September 30, 2019, there were $10.8 million of securities transferred into Level 2 from Level 3.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
Total Realized and Unrealized GainsTotal Realized and Unrealized LossesTotal Gains (losses) included in Operations related to Instruments still held at the Reporting Date
Beginning BalanceIncluded in OperationsIncluded in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Included in OperationsIncluded in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)PurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlementsTransfers in/out of Level 3OtherEnding Balance
(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
Commercial mortgage-backed securities$— $— $310 $— $— $9,359 $(26)$— $— $— $(8)$9,635 $— 
Other asset-backed securities421,642 446 11,525 (71)(8,075)— (10,023)— — — 618 416,062 — 
Corporate securities638,276 82 66,866 — (6,917)704,777 (157,171)— — 80,574 (1,375)1,325,112 — 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,059,918 528 78,701 (71)(14,992)714,136 (167,220)— — 80,574 (765)1,750,809 — 
Fixed maturity securities - trading
Other asset-backed securities26,056 4,300 — (3,618)— 15,463 (6,771)— — 26,267 (170)61,527 (2,442)
Corporate securities6,242 236 — (31)— 1,700 (1,035)— — — (76)7,036 5,274 
Total fixed maturity securities - trading32,298 4,536 — (3,649)— 17,163 (7,806)— — 26,267 (246)68,563 2,832 
Total fixed maturity securities1,092,216 5,064 78,701 (3,720)(14,992)731,299 (175,026)— — 106,841 (1,011)1,819,372 2,832 
Equity securities63,421 — (17)— 5,079 — — — — — 68,484 345 
Other long-term investments(1)151,342 73,246 — (31,419)— 1,579 — — (1,708)— — 193,040 40,119 
Short-term investments— — — — — — — — — — — — — 
Total investments$1,306,979 $78,311 $78,701 $(35,156)$(14,992)$737,957 $(175,026)$— $(1,708)$106,841 $(1,011)$2,080,896 $43,296 
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis1,306,979 78,311 78,701 (35,156)(14,992)737,957 (175,026)— (1,708)106,841 (1,011)2,080,896 43,296 
Liabilities:
Annuity account balances(2)$76,119 $— $— $(1,675)$— $— $— $158 $6,132 $— $— $71,820 $— 
Other liabilities(1)438,127 830 — (559,106)— 70,888 — — — — — 1,067,291 (558,276)
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$514,246 $830 $— $(560,781)$— $70,888 $— $158 $6,132 $— $— $1,139,111 $(558,276)
(1) Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, there were $138.2 million of securities transferred into Level 3.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, there were $31.4 million of securities transferred into Level 2 from Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available in previous periods but were priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of September 30, 2019.
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities are reported in either realized gains (losses) - investments/derivatives within the consolidated condensed statements of income or in change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments within the consolidated condensed statements of other comprehensive income (loss) based on the appropriate accounting treatment for the item.
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net, represent the activity that occurred during the period that results in a change of the asset or liability but does not represent changes in fair value for the instruments held at the beginning of the period. Such activity primarily relates to purchases and sales of fixed maturity securities and issuances and settlements of fixed indexed annuities.
The amount of total gains (losses) for assets and liabilities still held as of the reporting date primarily represents changes in fair value of trading securities and certain derivatives that exist as of the reporting date and the change in fair value of fixed indexed annuities.
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of the periods shown below are as follows:
As of
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Fair Value
Level
Carrying
Amounts
Fair ValuesCarrying
Amounts
Fair Values
  (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:     
Commercial mortgage loans(1)
3$9,765,312 $10,522,036 $9,379,401 $9,584,487 
Policy loans31,640,147 1,640,147 1,675,121 1,675,121 
Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity(2)
32,680,324 2,990,170 2,823,881 3,025,790 
  Other long-term investments(3)
21,286,291 1,206,966 1,216,996 1,246,889 
Liabilities:     
Stable value product account balances3$6,017,259 $6,180,630 $5,443,752 $5,551,195 
Future policy benefits and claims(4)
31,604,174 1,615,924 1,701,324 1,705,235 
Other policyholders’ funds(5)
3103,280 107,319 127,084 130,259 
Debt:(6)
     
Non-recourse funding obligations(7)
3$2,942,126 $3,296,873 $3,082,753 $3,298,580 
Subordinated funding obligations
3110,000 117,216 110,000 113,286 
Except as noted below, fair values were estimated using quoted market prices.
(1) The carrying amount is net of allowance for credit losses.
(2) Securities purchased from unconsolidated affiliates, Red Mountain, LLC and Steel City, LLC.
(3) Other long-term investments represents a Modco receivable, which is related to invested assets such as fixed income and structured securities, which are legally owned by the ceding company. The fair value is determined in a manner consistent with other similar invested assets held by the Company.
(4) Single premium immediate annuity without life contingencies.
(5) Supplementary contracts without life contingencies.
(6) Excludes capital lease obligations of $0.7 million and $1.0 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(7) As of September 30, 2020, carrying amount of $2.7 billion and a fair value of $3.0 billion related to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V. As of December 31, 2019, carrying amount of $2.8 billion and a fair value of $3.0 billion related to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V.
Fair Value Measurements
Commercial mortgage loans
The Company estimates the fair value of commercial mortgage loans using an internally developed model. This model includes inputs derived by the Company based on assumed discount rates relative to the Company’s current commercial mortgage loan lending rate and an expected cash flow analysis based on a review of the commercial mortgage loan terms. The model also contains the Company’s determined representative risk adjustment assumptions related to credit and liquidity risks.
Policy loans
The Company believes the fair value of policy loans approximates book value. Policy loans are funds provided to policyholders in return for a claim on the policy. The funds provided are limited to the cash surrender value of the underlying policy. The nature of policy loans is to have a negligible default risk as the loans are fully collateralized by the value of the policy. Policy loans do not have a stated maturity and the balances and accrued interest are repaid either by the policyholder or with proceeds from the policy. Due to the collateralized nature of policy loans and unpredictable timing of repayments, the Company believes the carrying value of policy loans approximates fair value.
Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity
The Company estimates the fair value of its fixed maturity, held-to-maturity securities using internal discounted cash flow models. The discount rates used in the model are based on a current market yield for similar financial instruments.
Other long-term investments
In addition to free standing and embedded derivative financial instruments discussed above, other long-term investments includes approximately $1.3 billion of amounts receivable under certain modified coinsurance agreements as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. These amounts represent funds withheld in connection with certain reinsurance agreements in which the Company acts as the reinsurer. Under the terms of these agreements, assets equal to statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned by the ceding company, and any excess or shortfall is settled periodically. In some cases, these modified coinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives which are discussed in more detail above. The fair value of amounts receivable under modified coinsurance agreements, including the embedded derivative component, correspond to the fair value of the underlying assets withheld.
Stable value product and other investment contract balances
The Company estimates the fair value of stable value product account balances and other investment contract balances (included in Future policy benefits and claims as well as Other policyholders’ funds line items on our consolidated condensed balance sheet) using models based on discounted expected cash flows. The discount rates used in the models are based on a current market rate for similar financial instruments.
Funding obligations
The Company estimates the fair value of its subordinated and non-recourse funding obligations using internal discounted cash flow models. The discount rates used in the model are based on a current market yield for similar financial instruments.