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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
Protective Life Insurance Company (the “Company”), a stock life insurance company, was founded in 1907. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Protective Life Corporation (“PLC”), an insurance holding company. PLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc., a kabushiki kaisha organized under the laws of Japan (“Dai-ichi Life”). The Company markets individual life insurance, guaranteed investment contracts, guaranteed funding agreements, fixed and variable annuities, and extended service contracts throughout the United States. The Company also maintains a separate segment devoted to the acquisition of insurance policies from other companies. PLC is a holding company with subsidiaries that provide financial services through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Such accounting principles differ from statutory reporting practices used by insurance companies in reporting to state regulatory authorities (see also Note 21, Statutory Reporting Practices and Other Regulatory Matters).
The operating results of companies in the insurance industry have historically been subject to significant fluctuations due to changing competition, economic conditions, interest rates, investment performance, insurance ratings, claims, persistency, and other factors.
Entities Included Entities IncludedThe consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Protective Life Insurance Company and its affiliate companies in which the Company holds a majority voting or economic interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates include those used in determining deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and related amortization periods, goodwill recoverability, value of business acquired (“VOBA”), certain investments and certain derivatives fair values, the allowance for credit losses, other-than-temporary impairments, future policy benefits, pension and other postretirement benefits, provisions for income taxes, reserves for contingent liabilities, reinsurance risk transfer assessments, and reserves for losses in connection with unresolved legal matters.
Further, certain estimates and assumptions include the direct and indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The economic impact of the pandemic on the Company’s business depends on its severity and duration, which in turn depend on highly uncertain factors such as the nature and extent of containment efforts and the timing and efficacy of vaccines. The high level of uncertainty regarding this economic impact means that management’s estimates and assumptions, specifically those related to investments and certain derivatives fair values, the allowance for credit losses, and future policy benefits are subject to change – perhaps substantial change – as the situation develops and new information becomes available.
Net Investment Income and Valuation of Investment Securities
Net Investment Income
Investment income is recognized when earned, net of applicable management or other fees. Investment income on fixed maturity securities includes coupon interest, amortization of any premium and accretion of any discount. Investment income on equity securities includes dividend income and preferred coupons interest.
Investment income on commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), and other asset-backed securities is initially based upon yield, cash flow and prepayment assumptions at the date of purchase. Subsequent revisions in those assumptions are recorded using the retrospective or prospective method. Under the retrospective method used primarily for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities of high credit quality which cannot be contractually prepaid in such a manner that we would not recover a substantial portion of the initial investment, amortized cost of the security is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the revised assumptions been in place at the date of purchase. The adjustments to amortized cost are recorded as a charge or credit to net investment income. Under the prospective method, which is used for all other mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, future cash flows are estimated and interest income is recognized going forward using the new internal rate of return.
Valuation of Investment Securities
The Company determines the appropriate classification of investment securities at the time of purchase and periodically re-evaluates such designations. Investment securities are classified as either trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity securities. Investment securities classified as trading are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in net gains (losses) - investments and derivatives. Investment securities purchased for long term investment purposes are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value with changes in unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Investment securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity and are reported at amortized cost. Interest income on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities includes the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts and are recorded in investment income. As of December 31, 2020, the Company no longer held any held-to-maturity securities.
The fair value of fixed maturity, short-term, and equity securities is determined by management after considering one of three primary sources of information: third party pricing services, non-binding independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. Security pricing is applied using a “waterfall” approach whereby publicly available prices are first sought from third party pricing services, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers for non-binding prices, or lastly, securities are priced using a pricing matrix. Typical inputs used by these three pricing methods include, but are not limited to: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for available-for-sale and trading fixed maturities, third party pricing services derive the majority of security prices from observable market inputs such as recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information as outlined above. If there are no recent reported trades, the third party pricing services and brokers may use matrix or model processes to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Certain securities are priced via independent non-binding broker quotations. Where multiple broker quotes are obtained, the Company reviews the quotes and selects the quote that provides the best estimate of the price a market participant would pay for these specific assets in an arm's length transaction. A pricing matrix is used to price securities for which the Company is unable to obtain or
effectively rely on either a price from a third party service or an independent broker quotation. Included in the pricing of other asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are estimates of the rate of future prepayments of principal and underlying collateral support over the remaining life of the securities. Such estimates are derived based on the characteristics of the underlying structure and rates of prepayments previously experienced at the interest rate levels projected for the underlying collateral. The basis for the cost of securities sold was determined at the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) level on a first in first out basis. The committee supplies a unique nine-character identification, called a CUSIP number, for each class of security approved for trading in the U.S., to facilitate clearing and settlement. These numbers are used when any buy and sell orders are recorded.
Net gains (losses) - investments and derivatives
Net gains (losses) - investments and derivatives
Net gains (losses) - investments and derivatives includes realized gains and losses from the sale of investments, which are calculated on the basis of specific identification on the trade date. It also includes gains and losses associated with the fair value changes of equity securities and net credit losses. In addition, it includes the gains and losses on free-standing and embedded derivatives.
Other Income
Other Income
Other income consists primarily of advisory and administration service fees assessed on investment contract holder account values, marketing and distribution fees, rider charges associated with guaranteed benefits, distribution company revenues and other fees. In addition, any gains related to final settlements related to its acquisitions are included in other income.
Allowance for Credit Losses
Allowance for Credit Losses – Fixed Maturity and Structured Investments

Each quarter the Company reviews investments with unrealized losses to determine whether such impairments are the result of credit losses. The Company analyzes various factors to make such determination including, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline, 4) an assessment of the Company’s intent to sell the security (including a more likely than not assessment of whether the Company will be required to sell the security) before recovering the security’s amortized cost, 5) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 6) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security by security review each quarter to evaluate whether a credit loss has occurred.

For securities which the Company does not intend to sell and does not expect to be required to sell before recovering the security’s amortized cost basis, analysis of expected cash flows is used to measure the amount of the credit loss. To the extent the amortized cost basis of the security exceeds the present value of future cash flows expected to be collected, this difference represents a credit loss. Credit losses are recorded in net gains (losses) - investments and derivatives with a corresponding adjustment to the allowance for credit losses, except that the credit loss recognized cannot exceed the difference between the book value and fair value of the security as of the date of the analysis. In future periods, recoveries in the present value of expected cash flows are recorded as a reversal of the previously recognized allowance for credit losses with an offsetting adjustment to net gains (losses) - investments and derivatives. The Company considers contractual cash flows and all known market data related to cash flows when developing its estimates of expected cash flows. The Company uses the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition to discount expected cash flows. For floating rate securities, the Company’s policy is to lock in the interest rate at the first instance of an impairment. Estimates of expected cash flows are not probability-weighted but reflect the Company’s best estimate based on past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future events. Debt securities that the Company intends to sell or expects to be required to sell before recovery are written down to fair value with the change recognized in net gains (losses) - investments and derivatives.

The Company presents accrued interest receivable separately from other components of the amortized cost basis of its fixed maturity and structured investments and has made an accounting policy election not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable. The Company’s policy is to write off uncollectible accrued interest receivables through a reversal of interest income in the period in which a credit loss is identified.

Prior to January 1, 2020, the Company calculated a valuation allowance based on the analysis of specific loans that were believed to have a higher risk of credit impairment consistent with the applicable guidance for loan impairments in ASC Subtopic 310. Due to the Company’s loss experience and nature of the loan portfolio, the Company believed that a collectively evaluated allowance would be inappropriate. Since the Company used the specific identification method for calculating the allowance, it was necessary to review the economic situation of each borrower to determine those that had higher risk of credit impairment. The Company has a team of professionals that monitors borrower conditions such as payment practices, borrower credit, operating performance, and property conditions, as well as ensuring the timely payment of property taxes and insurance. Through this monitoring process, the Company assessed the risk of each loan. When issues were identified, the severity of the issues was assessed and reviewed for possible credit impairment. If a loss was deemed probable, an expected loss calculation was performed and an allowance was established for that loan based on the expected loss. The expected loss was calculated as the excess carrying value of a loan over either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, or the current estimated fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral. A loan could be subsequently charged off at such point that the Company no longer expected to receive cash payments, the present value of future expected payments of the renegotiated loan was less than the current principal balance, or at such time that the Company was party to foreclosure or bankruptcy proceedings associated with the borrower and did not expect to recover the principal balance of the loan.
Allowance for Credit Losses – Commercial Mortgage Loans and Unfunded Commitments

Effective January 1, 2020, the ACL represents the Company’s best estimate of expected credit losses over the contractual term of the loans. The allowance for credit losses for unfunded loan commitments is recognized as a component of other liabilities on the consolidated condensed balance sheet. Changes in the allowance for credit losses for both funded and unfunded commercial mortgage loans are recognized in net gains (losses) - investments and derivatives. Prior to January 1, 2020, the Company calculated a valuation allowance based on the analysis of specific loans that were believed to have a higher risk of credit impairment consistent with the applicable guidance for loan impairments in ASC Subtopic 310.

The Company uses a loan-level probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) model to calculate the allowance for credit losses for substantially all of its commercial mortgage loans and unfunded loan commitments. Guidance in FASB ASC Topic 326-20 - Credit Losses requires collective assessment of financial assets with similar risk characteristics. Consistent with this guidance, the model used by the Company (the “CML Model”) incorporates historical default data for a large number of loans with similar characteristics to the Company’s commercial mortgage loans in the measurement of the allowance for credit losses. Relevant risk characteristics include debt service coverage ratio (“DSCR”), loan-to-value ratio (“LTV”), geographic location, and property type. This historical default data is applied through the CML Model to forecast loan-level risk parameters including PD and LGD which provide the basis for the determination of expected losses.

The CML Model incorporates both current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts when estimating the PD and LGD values that are used as the basis for calculating expected losses. Current conditions are incorporated by considering market-specific information, such as vacancy rates and property prices, to reflect the current position in the market cycle. To incorporate reasonable and supportable forecasts, loan-level risk parameters produced by the CML Model are conditioned by multiple probability-weighted macroeconomic forecast scenarios. CML Model results are also subject to adjustments based on other qualitative considerations to reflect management’s best estimate of the impact of future events and circumstances on the ACL.

PDs and LGDs are forecasted over a reasonable and supportable forecast period, which is reassessed on a quarterly basis. After the reasonable and supportable forecast period, the CML Model reverts to the Company’s own historical loss history at a portfolio segment level. The historical loss data used for reversion will be assessed annually in the third quarter, along with certain other model inputs and assumptions.
All or a portion of a loan may be written off at such point that a) the Company no longer expects to receive cash payments, b) the present value of future expected payments of a renegotiated loan is less than the current principal balance, or c) at such time that the Company is party to foreclosure or bankruptcy proceedings associated with the borrower and does not expect to recover the principal balance of the loan. A write-off is recorded by eliminating the allowance against the commercial mortgage loan and recording the renegotiated loan or the collateral property related to the loan as investment real estate on the balance sheet, which is carried at the lower of the appraised fair value of the property or the unpaid principal balance of the loan, less estimated selling costs associated with the property.

Certain loans which meet the definition of collateral dependent are identified as part of the Company’s ongoing loan surveillance process. Loans are considered to be collateral dependent if foreclosure is deemed probable, or if a borrower is in financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the underlying collateral. The ACL for loans identified as collateral dependent is measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell.

The Company presents accrued interest receivable separately from other components of the amortized cost basis of its commercial mortgage loans and has made an accounting policy election not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable. It is the Company’s policy to cease to carry accrued interest on loans that are over 90 days delinquent. For loans less than 90 days delinquent, interest is accrued unless it is determined that the accrued interest is not collectible. In each scenario, accrued income is reversed through investment income. Refer to Note 8, Commercial Mortgage Loans, for additional information.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Reinsurance Receivables
The Company establishes an allowance for current expected credit losses related to amounts receivable from reinsurers (the “Reinsurance ACL”). Changes in the Reinsurance ACL are recognized as a component of benefits and settlement expenses. The Reinsurance ACL is remeasured on a quarterly basis using an internally developed probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) model. Key inputs to the calculation are a conditional probability of insurer liquidation by issuer credit rating and exposure at default derived from a runoff projection of ceded reserves by reinsurer to forecast future loss amounts. Management’s position is that the rate of return implicit in the financial asset (i.e. the ceded reserves) is associated with the discount rate used to value the underlying insurance reserves; that is, the rate of return on the asset portfolio(s) supporting the reserves. For reinsurance receivable exposures that do not share similar risk characteristics with other receivables, including those associated with counterparties that have experienced significant credit deterioration, the Company measures the allowance for credit losses individually, based on facts and circumstances associated with the specific reinsurer or transaction.
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance

The Company has purchased corporate-owned life insurance (“COLI”) on the lives of certain employees. COLI is carried at the cash surrender value of the policies, which is based upon the underlying fair value of the portfolio of assets. Changes in the cash surrender value are reported currently in earnings. COLI is included in other long-term investments on the Company’s balance sheet and the cash surrender value was $710 million and $179 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company records its derivative financial instruments at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet in other long-term investments and other liabilities. The Company designates derivatives as either a cash flow hedge which hedges the variability of cash flows specific to a recognized asset or liability or forecasted transaction; a fair value hedge, which hedges the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or unrecognized firm commitment; or a derivative that does not qualify for hedge accounting. The Company assesses the effectiveness of a hedge at its inception and subsequently on a quarterly basis. For cash flow hedges, the entire change in the fair value of the hedging instrument included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged item impacts earnings. For fair value hedges, their gain or loss as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in net gains (losses) - investments and derivatives. The Company reports changes in fair values of derivatives that are not part of a qualifying hedge relationship in net gains (losses) - investments and derivatives. For additional information, refer to Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments.
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Commercial Mortgage Loans
The Company’s commercial mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, and net of the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”). Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Amortization of premiums and discounts is recorded using the effective yield method. Interest income, amortization of premiums and discounts and prepayment fees are reported in net investment income.
Short-term Investments
Short-term Investments
Short-term investments primarily consist of highly liquid securities and other investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of purchase. These securities and investments are generally carried at fair value or amortized cost that approximates fair value.
Cash
Cash
Cash includes all demand deposits reduced by the amount of outstanding checks and drafts. As a result of the Company’s cash management system, checks issued from a particular bank but not yet presented for payment may create negative book cash balances with the bank at certain reporting dates. Such negative balances are included in other liabilities and were $178 million and $185 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company has deposits with certain financial institutions which exceed federally insured limits. The Company has reviewed the creditworthiness of these financial institutions and believes there is minimal risk of a material loss.
Policy Loans
Policy Loans

Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances. Interest income is recorded as earned using the contractual interest rate. Generally, accrued interest is capitalized on the policy’s anniversary date. Any unpaid principal and accrued interest is deducted from the cash surrender value or the death benefit prior to settlement of the insurance policy.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (“DAC”)
The incremental direct costs associated with successfully acquired insurance policies are deferred to the extent such costs are deemed recoverable from future profits. Such costs include commissions, costs of policy issuance and underwriting and certain other costs that are directly related to the successful acquisition of traditional life and health insurance, credit insurance, universal life insurance, and investment products. DAC is subject to recoverability testing at the end of each accounting period. Traditional life and health insurance acquisition costs are amortized over the premium-payment period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of annual premium income to the present value of the total anticipated premium income. Credit insurance acquisition costs are being amortized in proportion to earned premium. Acquisition costs for universal life and investment products are amortized over the lives of the policies in relation to the present value of estimated gross profits before amortization. Acquisition costs for stable value contracts are amortized over the term of the contracts using the effective yield method.
The Company makes certain assumptions regarding the mortality, persistency, expenses, and interest rates (equal to the rate used to compute liabilities for future policy benefits, currently 1.00% to 7.86%) the Company expects to experience in future periods when determining the present value of estimated gross profits (“EGPs”). These assumptions are best estimates and are periodically updated whenever actual experience and/or expectations for the future change from that assumed. Additionally, DAC is also impacted by unrealized investment gains (losses) which would have been recognized if such gains
and losses had been realized. The Company includes the impact of these credits or charges, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).
Value of Businesses Acquired
Value of Businesses Acquired (“VOBA”)
In conjunction with the Merger and the acquisition of insurance policies or investment contracts, a portion of the purchase price is allocated to the right to receive future gross profits from cash flows and earnings of associated insurance policies and investment contracts. This intangible asset, called VOBA, is based on the actuarially estimated present value of future cash flows from associated insurance policies and investment contracts acquired. The estimated present value of future cash flows used in the calculation of the VOBA is based on certain assumptions, including mortality, persistency, expenses, and interest rates that the Company believes to be those of a market participant. The Company amortizes VOBA in proportion to gross premiums for traditional life products, or estimated gross margins (“EGMs”) for participating traditional life products within the MONY Life Insurance Company (“MONY”) block. For interest sensitive products, the Company uses various amortization bases including EGPs, revenues, account values, or insurance in-force. VOBA is subject to annual recoverability testing.
Included within the deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired line of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are amounts related to certain contracts or blocks of business that have negative VOBA. These amounts are presented on a net basis with positive VOBA amounts within this line on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Negative VOBA is amortized over the life of the related policies based on the amount of insurance in-force (for life insurance) or account values (for annuities). Such amortization is recorded in the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired line of the Company’s consolidated statements of income on a net basis with any positive VOBA amortization.
Other Intangible Assets
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Amortizable intangible assets primarily consist of distribution relationships, trade names, technology, and software. Intangible assets with indefinite lives, primarily insurance licenses, are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Software is generally amortized over a three - five year useful life.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment
The Company depreciates its assets using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company’s home office is depreciated over twenty-five years, furniture is depreciated over a ten year useful life, office equipment and machines are depreciated over a five year useful life, and computers are depreciated over a four year useful life. Land is not depreciated. Major repairs or improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Other repairs are expensed as incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of property and equipment sold or retired are removed from the accounts, and resulting gains or losses are included in income. Leases are recorded on the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and liabilities within property and equipment and other liabilities, respectively.
Separate Accounts
Separate Accounts
The separate account assets represent funds for which the Company does not bear the investment risk. These assets are carried at fair value and are equal to the separate account liabilities, which represent the policyholder’s equity in those assets. The investment income and investment gains and losses on the separate account assets accrue directly to the policyholder. These amounts are reported separately as assets and liabilities related to separate accounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Amounts assessed against policy account balances for the costs of insurance, policy administration, and other services are included in premiums and policy fees in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Fees are generally based on the daily net assets of the policyholder’s account value and recognized as revenue when assessed. Assets and liabilities related to separate accounts include balances related to separate accounts assumed through reinsurance. These balances relate to variable annuity and variable life policies that we have reinsured on a modified coinsurance basis.
Stable Value Product Account Balances
Stable Value Product Account Balances
The Stable Value Products segment sells fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to qualified institutional investors. The segment also issues funding agreements to the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), and markets guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans. GICs are contracts which specify a return on deposits for a specified period and often provide flexibility for withdrawals at book value in keeping with the benefits provided by the plan.
The Company records its stable value contract liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets in stable value product account balances at the deposit amount plus accrued interest, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount. Interest on the contracts is accrued based upon contract terms. Any premium or discount is amortized using the effective yield method.The segment’s products complement the Company’s overall asset/liability management in that the terms may be tailored to the needs of the Company as the seller of the contracts. Stable value product account balances include GICs and funding agreements the Company has issued.
Insurance Liabilities and Reserves nsurance Liabilities and ReservesEstablishing an adequate liability for the Company’s obligations to policyholders requires the use of certain assumptions. Estimating liabilities for future policy benefits on life and health insurance products requires the use of assumptions relative to future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency, and other assumptions based on the Company’s historical experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. Determining liabilities for the Company’s property and casualty insurance products also requires the use of assumptions, including the projected levels of used vehicle prices, the frequency and severity of claims, and the effectiveness of internal processes designed to reduce the level of claims. The Company’s results depend significantly upon the extent to which its actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions the Company used in determining its reserves and pricing its products. The Company’s reserve assumptions and estimates require significant judgment and, therefore, are inherently uncertain. The Company cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts that it will pay for actual claims or the timing of those payments.
Guaranteed Living Withdrawal Benefits Guaranteed Living Withdrawal BenefitsThe Company also establishes reserves for guaranteed living withdrawal benefits (“GLWB”) on its variable annuity (“VA”) products. The GLWB is valued in accordance with FASB guidance under the ASC Derivatives and Hedging Topic which utilizes the valuation technique prescribed by the ASC Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic, which requires the embedded derivative to be recorded at fair value using current interest rates and implied volatilities for the equity indices. The fair value of the GLWB is impacted by equity market conditions and can result in the GLWB embedded derivative being in an overall net asset or net liability position. In times of favorable equity market conditions the likelihood and severity of claims is reduced and expected fee income increases. Since claims are generally expected later than fees, these favorable equity market conditions can result in the present value of fees being greater than the present value of claims, which results in a net GLWB embedded derivative asset. In times of unfavorable equity market conditions the likelihood and severity of claims is increased and expected fee income decreases and can result in the present value of claims exceeding the present value of fees resulting in a net GLWB embedded derivative liability. The methods used to estimate the embedded derivative employ assumptions about mortality, lapses, policyholder behavior, equity market returns, interest rates, and market volatility. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the Ruark 2015 ALB table adjusted for company experience. Differences between the actual experience and the assumptions used result in variances in profit and could result in losses.
Goodwill
Goodwill
The balance recognized as goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently as events or circumstances may warrant, including those circumstances which would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the Company’s reporting units below its carrying amount. Accounting for goodwill requires an estimate of the future profitability of the associated lines of business within the Company’s reporting units to assess the recoverability of the capitalized goodwill. The Company’s material goodwill balances are attributable to certain of its reportable segments. Each of the Company’s reportable segments are considered separate reporting units, with the exception of the Retail Life and Annuity segment. This reportable segment contains the Protection and Retirement divisions which are considered separate reporting
units. The Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill at the reporting units level at least annually and between annual evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to: 1) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in business climate, 2) unanticipated competition, or 3) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. When evaluating whether goodwill is impaired, the Company first determines through qualitative analysis whether relevant events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s goodwill balances is impaired as of the testing date. If the qualitative analysis does not indicate that an impairment of a reporting unit’s goodwill is more likely than not then no other specific quantitative impairment testing is required.
If it is determined that it is more likely than not that impairment exists, the Company performs a quantitative assessment and compares its estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company utilizes a fair value measurement (which includes a discounted cash flows analysis) to assess the carrying value of the reporting unit in consideration of the recoverability of the goodwill balance assigned to each reporting unit as of the measurement date. The cash flows used to determine the fair value of the Company’s reporting units are dependent on a number of significant assumptions. The Company’s estimates, which consider a market participant view of fair value, are subject to change given the inherent uncertainty in predicting future results and cash flows, which are impacted by such things as policyholder behavior, competitor pricing, capital limitations, new product introductions, and specific industry and market conditions. See Note 10, Goodwill for additional information on the Company’s annual impairment review.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
The Company's income tax returns are included in PLC's consolidated U.S. income tax return.

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Generally, most items in pretax book income are also included in taxable income in the same year. However, some items are recognized for book purposes and for tax purposes in different years or are never recognized for either book or tax purposes. Those differences that will never be recognized for either book or tax purposes are permanent differences (e.g., investment income not subject to tax). As a result, the effective tax rate reflected in the financial statements may differ from the statutory rate reflected in the tax return. Those differences that are reported in different years for book and tax purposes are temporary and will reverse over time (e.g., the valuation of future policy benefits). These temporary differences are accounted for in the intervening periods as deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets generally represent revenue that is taxable before it is recognized in financial income and expenses that are deductible after they are recognized in financial income. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent revenues that are taxable after they are recognized in financial income or expenses or losses that are deductible before they are recognized in financial income. Components of AOCI are presented net of tax, and it is the Company’s policy to use the aggregate portfolio approach to clear the disproportionate tax effects that remain in AOCI as a result of tax rate changes and certain other events. Under the aggregate portfolio approach, disproportionate tax effects are cleared only when the portfolio of investments that gave rise to the deferred tax item is sold or otherwise disposed of in its entirety.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of the Company’s deferred tax assets and establishes a valuation allowance, if necessary, to reduce the Company’s deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Considerable judgment is required in determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary, and if so, the amount of such valuation allowance. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance the Company may consider many factors, including: (1) the nature of the deferred tax assets and liabilities; (2) whether they are ordinary or capital; (3) in which tax jurisdictions they were generated and the timing of their reversal; (4) taxable income in prior carryback years as well as projected taxable earnings exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; (5) the length of time that carryovers can be utilized in the various taxing jurisdictions; (6) any unique tax rules that would impact the utilization of the deferred tax assets; and (7) any tax planning strategies that the Company would employ to avoid a tax benefit from expiring unused. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, will be realized.

GAAP prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on tax returns. The application of this guidance is a two-step process, the first step being recognition. The Company determines whether it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. If a tax position does not meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in the financial statements. The second step for the tax positions that meet the more likely than not criteria is measurement. The Company measures the tax position as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. This measurement considers the amounts and probabilities of the outcomes that could be realized upon ultimate settlement using the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date.
The Company’s liability for income taxes includes the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties which relate to tax years still subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or other taxing jurisdictions. Audit periods remain open for review until the statute of limitations expires. Generally, for tax years which produce net operating losses, capital losses or tax credit carryforwards, the statute of limitations does not close until the expiration of the statute of limitations for the tax year in which they are fully utilized. The completion of review or the expiration of the statute of limitations for a given audit period could result in an adjustment to the liability for income taxes. The Company classifies all interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties as income tax expense. Refer to Note 18, Income Taxes, for additional information regarding income taxes
Policyholder Liabilities, Revenues and Benefits Expense
Policyholder Liabilities, Revenues, and Benefits Expense
Future Policy Benefits and Claims
Liabilities for life and annuity benefit reserves consist of liabilities for traditional life insurance, cash values associated with universal life insurance, immediate annuity benefit reserves, and other benefits associated with life and annuity benefits. The unpaid life claim liabilities consist of current pending claims as well as an estimate of incurred but not reported life insurance claims.
Other policy benefit reserves consist of certain health insurance policies that are in runoff. The unpaid claim liabilities associated with other policy benefits includes current pending claims, the present value of estimated future claim payments for policies currently receiving benefits and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported.
Traditional Life, Health, and Credit Insurance Products
Traditional life insurance products consist principally of those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, and they include whole life insurance policies, term and term-like life insurance policies, limited payment life insurance policies, and certain annuities with life contingencies. In accordance with ASC 805, the liabilities for future policy benefits on traditional life insurance products, when combined with the associated VOBA, were recorded at fair value on the date of the Merger. These values, subsequent to the Merger, are computed using assumptions that include interest rates, mortality, lapse rates, expense estimates, and other assumptions based on the Company’s experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation.
Liabilities for future policy benefits on traditional life insurance products have been computed using a net level method including assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, persistency, and other assumptions based on the Company’s experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. Reserve investment yield assumptions on December 31, 2021, range from approximately 2.50% to 5.50%. The liability for future policy benefits and claims on traditional life, health, and credit insurance products includes estimated unpaid claims that have been reported to us and claims incurred but not yet reported. Policy claims are charged to expense in the period in which the claims are incurred.
Traditional life insurance premiums are recognized as revenue when due. Health and credit insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the terms of the policies. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so that profits are recognized over the life of the contracts. This is accomplished by means of the provision for liabilities for future policy benefits and the amortization of DAC and VOBA. Gross premiums in excess of net premiums related to immediate annuities are deferred and recognized over the life of the policy.
Universal Life and Investment Products
Universal life and investment products include universal life insurance, guaranteed investment contracts, guaranteed funding agreements, deferred annuities, and annuities without life contingencies. Premiums and policy fees for universal life and investment products consist of fees that have been assessed against policy account balances for the costs of insurance, policy administration, and surrenders. Such fees are recognized when assessed and earned. Benefit reserves for universal life and investment products represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges plus certain deferred policy initiation fees that are recognized in income over the term of the policies. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances and interest credited to policy account balances. Interest rates credited to universal life products ranged from 1.0% to 8.75% and investment products ranged from 0.05% to 9.81% in 2021.
The Company establishes liabilities for fixed indexed annuity (“FIA”) products. These products are deferred fixed annuities with a guaranteed minimum interest rate plus a contingent return based on equity market performance. The FIA product is considered a hybrid financial instrument under FASB ASC Topic 815 - Derivatives and Hedging which allows the Company to make the election to value the liabilities of these FIA products at fair value. This election was made for the FIA products issued through 2009. These products are no longer being marketed. The future changes in the fair value of the liability
for these FIA products are recorded in Benefit and settlement expenses with the liability being recorded in Annuity account balances. For more information regarding the determination of fair value of annuity account balances please refer to Note 5, Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Premiums and policy fees for these FIA products consist of fees that have been assessed against the policy account balances for surrenders. Such fees are recognized when assessed and earned.
The Company currently markets a deferred fixed annuity with a guaranteed minimum interest rate plus a contingent return based on equity market performance and the products are considered hybrid financial instruments under the FASB’s ASC Topic 815 - Derivatives and Hedging. As a result, the Company accounts for the provision that provides for a contingent return based on equity market performance as an embedded derivative. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and recorded at fair value in Other liabilities. Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative are recorded in net gains (losses) - investments and derivatives. For more information regarding the determination of fair value of the FIA embedded derivative refer to Note 5, Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The host contract is accounted for as a universal life (“UL”) type insurance contract in accordance with ASC Topic 944 -Financial Services—Insurance and is recorded in Annuity account balances with any discount to the minimum account value being accreted using the effective yield method.
The Company markets universal life products with a guaranteed minimum interest rate plus a contingent return based on equity market performance and the products are considered hybrid financial instruments under the FASB’s ASC Topic 815 - Derivatives and Hedging. The Company has not elected to value these indexed universal life (“IUL”) products at fair value prior to the Merger date. As a result, the Company accounts for the provision that provides for a contingent return based on equity market performance as an embedded derivative. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and recorded at fair value in Other liabilities. Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative are recorded in net gains (losses) - investments and derivatives. For more information regarding the determination of fair value of the IUL embedded derivative refer to Note 5, Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The host contract is accounted for as a debt instrument in accordance with ASC Topic 944 - Financial Services - Insurance and is recorded in Future policy benefits and claims with any discount to the minimum account value being accreted using the effective yield method. Benefits and settlement expenses include accrued interest and benefit claims incurred during the period.
The Company’s accounting policies with respect to variable universal life (“VUL”) and VA are identical to those noted above for universal life and investment products except that policy account balances (excluding account balances that earn a fixed rate) are valued at fair value and reported as components of assets and liabilities related to separate accounts.
The Company establishes liabilities for guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) on its VA products. The methods used to estimate the liabilities employ assumptions about mortality and the performance of equity markets. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the Ruark 2015 ALB table adjusted for company experience. Future declines in the equity market would increase the Company’s GMDB liability. Differences between the actual experience and the assumptions used result in variances in profit and could result in losses. A portion of the Company’s GMDB is subject to a dollar-for-dollar reduction upon withdrawal of related annuity deposits on contracts issued prior to January 1, 2003. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the GMDB reserve was $38 million and $43 million.
Annuity Account Balances and Other Policyholders’ Funds
Annuity account balances consists of the fixed account value of deferred annuities and the host contract value of indexed annuities. Other policyholders’ funds consists of immediate benefit accounts and supplementary contracts without life contingencies.
Property and Casualty Insurance Products
Property and casualty insurance products include service contract business, surety bonds, and guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”). Premiums and fees associated with service contracts and GAP products are recognized based on expected claim patterns. For all other products, premiums are generally recognized over the terms of the contract on a pro-rata basis. Commissions and fee income associated with other products are recognized as earned when the related services are provided to the customer. Unearned premium reserves are maintained for the portion of the premiums that is related to the unexpired period of the policy. Such reserves are computed by pro rata methods or methods related to anticipated claims. Benefit reserves are recorded when insured events occur. Benefit reserves include case basis reserves for known but unpaid claims as of the balance sheet date as well as incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves for claims where the insured event has occurred but has not been reported to the Company as of the balance sheet date. The case basis reserves and IBNR are calculated based on historical experience and on assumptions relating to claim severity and frequency, the level of used vehicle prices, and other factors. These assumptions are modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance
The Company uses reinsurance extensively in certain of its segments and accounts for reinsurance and the recognition of the impact of reinsurance costs in accordance with the ASC Financial Services - Insurance Topic. The following summarizes some of the key aspects of the Company’s accounting policies for reinsurance.
Reinsurance Accounting Methodology—Ceded premiums of the Company’s traditional life insurance products are treated as an offset to direct premium and policy fee revenue and are recognized when due to the assuming company. Ceded claims are treated as an offset to direct benefits and settlement expenses and are recognized when the claim is incurred on a direct basis. Ceded policy reserve changes are also treated as an offset to benefits and settlement expenses and are recognized during the applicable financial reporting period. Expense allowances paid by the assuming companies which are allocable to the current period are treated as an offset to other operating expenses. Since reinsurance treaties typically provide for allowance percentages that decrease over the lifetime of a policy, allowances in excess of the “ultimate” or final level allowance are capitalized. Amortization of capitalized reinsurance expense allowances representing recovery of acquisition costs is treated as an offset to direct amortization of DAC or VOBA. Amortization of deferred expense allowances is calculated as a level percentage of expected premiums in all durations given expected future lapses and mortality and accretion due to interest.
The Company utilizes reinsurance on certain short duration insurance contracts (primarily issued through the Asset Protection segment). As part of these reinsurance transactions the Company receives reinsurance allowances which reimburse the Company for acquisition costs such as commissions and premium taxes. A ceding fee is also collected to cover other administrative costs and profits for the Company. As a component of reinsurance costs, reinsurance allowances are accounted for in accordance with the relevant provisions of ASC Financial Services—Insurance Topic, which state that reinsurance costs should be amortized over the contract period of the reinsurance if the contract is short-duration. Accordingly, reinsurance allowances received related to short-duration contracts are capitalized and charged to expense in proportion to premiums earned. Ceded unamortized acquisition costs are netted with direct unamortized acquisition costs in the balance sheet.
Ceded premiums and policy fees on the Company’s fixed universal life (“UL”), VUL, bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”), and annuity products reduce premiums and policy fees recognized by the Company. Ceded claims are treated as an offset to direct benefits and settlement expenses and are recognized when the claim is incurred on a direct basis. Ceded policy reserve changes are also treated as an offset to benefits and settlement expenses and are recognized during the applicable valuation period.
Since reinsurance treaties typically provide for allowance percentages that decrease over the lifetime of a policy, allowances in excess of the “ultimate” or final level allowance are capitalized. Amortization of capitalized reinsurance expense allowances are amortized based on future expected gross profits. Assumptions regarding mortality, lapses, and interest rates are continuously reviewed and may be periodically changed. These changes will result in “unlocking” that changes the balance in the ceded deferred acquisition cost and can affect the amortization of DAC and VOBA. Ceded unearned revenue liabilities are also amortized based on expected gross profits. Assumptions are based on the best current estimate of expected mortality, lapses and interest spread.
The Company has also assumed certain policy risks written by other insurance companies through reinsurance agreements. Premiums and policy fees as well as Benefits and settlement expenses include amounts assumed under reinsurance agreements and are net of reinsurance ceded. Assumed reinsurance is accounted for in accordance with ASC Financial Services—Insurance Topic.
Reinsurance Allowances—Long-Duration Contracts—Reinsurance allowances are intended to reimburse the ceding company for some portion of the ceding company’s commissions, expenses, and taxes. The amount and timing of reinsurance allowances (both first year and renewal allowances) are contractually determined by the applicable reinsurance contract and do not necessarily bear a relationship to the amount and incidence of expenses actually paid by the ceding company in any given year.
Ultimate reinsurance allowances are defined as the lowest allowance percentage paid by the reinsurer in any policy duration over the lifetime of a universal life policy (or through the end of the level term period for a traditional life policy). Ultimate reinsurance allowances are determined during the negotiation of each reinsurance agreement and will differ between agreements.
The Company determines its “cost of reinsurance” to include amounts paid to the reinsurer (ceded premiums) net of amounts reimbursed by the reinsurer (in the form of allowances). As noted within ASC 944, Financial Services—Insurance Topic, “The difference, if any, between amounts paid for a reinsurance contract and the amount of the liabilities for policy benefits relating to the underlying reinsured contracts is part of the estimated cost to be amortized.” The Company’s policy is to amortize the cost of reinsurance over the life of the underlying reinsured contracts (for long-duration policies) in a manner consistent with the way in which benefits and expenses on the underlying contracts are recognized. For the Company’s long-
duration contracts, it is the Company’s practice to defer reinsurance allowances as a component of the cost of reinsurance and recognize the portion related to the recovery of acquisition costs as a reduction of applicable unamortized acquisition costs in such a manner that net acquisition costs are capitalized and charged to expense in proportion to net revenue recognized. The remaining balance of reinsurance allowances are included as a component of the cost of reinsurance and those allowances which are allocable to the current period are recorded as an offset to operating expenses in the current period consistent with the recognition of benefits and expenses on the underlying reinsured contracts. This practice is consistent with the Company’s practice of capitalizing direct expenses (e.g. commissions), and results in the recognition of reinsurance allowances on a systematic basis over the life of the reinsured policies on a basis consistent with the way in which acquisition costs on the underlying reinsured contracts would be recognized. In some cases reinsurance allowances allocable to the current period may exceed non-deferred direct costs, which may cause net other operating expenses (related to specific contracts) to be negative.
Amortization of Reinsurance Allowances—Reinsurance allowances do not affect the methodology used to amortize DAC and VOBA, or the period over which such DAC and VOBA are amortized. Reinsurance allowances offset the direct expenses capitalized, reducing the net amount that is capitalized. DAC and VOBA on traditional life policies are amortized based on the pattern of estimated gross premiums of the policies in force. Reinsurance allowances do not affect the gross premiums, so therefore they do not impact traditional life amortization patterns. DAC and VOBA on universal life products are amortized based on the pattern of estimated gross profits of the policies in force. Reinsurance allowances are considered in the determination of estimated gross profits, and therefore do impact amortization patterns.
Reinsurance Assets and Liabilities—Claim liabilities and policy benefits are calculated consistently for all policies, regardless of whether or not the policy is reinsured. Once the claim liabilities and policy benefits for the underlying policies are estimated, the amounts recoverable from the reinsurers are estimated based on a number of factors including the terms of the reinsurance contracts, historical payment patterns of reinsurance partners, and the financial strength and credit worthiness of reinsurance partners and recorded as Reinsurance receivables on the balance sheet.
Liabilities for unpaid reinsurance claims are produced from claims and reinsurance system records, which contain the relevant terms of the individual reinsurance contracts. The Company monitors claims due from reinsurers to ensure that balances are settled on a timely basis. Incurred but not reported claims are reviewed to ensure that appropriate amounts are ceded.
The Company analyzes and monitors the credit worthiness of each of its reinsurance partners to minimize collection issues. For newly executed reinsurance contracts with reinsurance companies that do not meet predetermined standards, the Company requires collateral such as assets held in trusts or letters of credit.
Reinsurance assets and liabilities related to agreements with funds withheld at interest where no net risk is retained by the Company are presented on a net basis. Reinsurance receivables were presented net of approximately $2.3 billion in reinsurance liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Components of Reinsurance Cost—The following income statement lines are affected by reinsurance cost:
Premiums and policy fees (“reinsurance ceded” on the Company’s financial statements) represent consideration paid to the assuming company for accepting the ceding company’s risks. Ceded premiums and policy fees increase reinsurance cost.
Benefits and settlement expenses include incurred claim amounts ceded and changes in ceded policy reserves. Ceded benefits and settlement expenses decrease reinsurance cost.
Amortization of deferred acquisition cost and value of business acquired reflects the amortization of capitalized reinsurance allowances representing recovery of acquisition costs. Ceded amortization decreases reinsurance cost.
Other expenses include reinsurance allowances paid by assuming companies to the Company less amounts representing recovery of acquisition costs. Reinsurance allowances decrease reinsurance cost.
The Company’s reinsurance programs do not materially impact the other income line of the Company’s income statement. In addition, net investment income generally has no direct impact on the Company’s reinsurance cost. However, it should be noted that by ceding business to the assuming companies, the Company forgoes investment income on the reserves ceded to the assuming companies. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business assumed from the Company.
Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted And Not Yet Adopted
Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted
ASU No. 2019-12 – Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The amendments in this Update remove certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 related to intraperiod tax allocations, interim tax calculations, and outside basis differences. The amendments also clarify and amend guidance in certain other areas of Topic 740 in order to eliminate diversity in practice. The amendments in this Update became effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. This Update did not have a material impact on the Company’s operations and financial results.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
ASU No. 2018-12 - Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts. The amendments in this Update are designed to make improvements to the existing recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure requirements for certain long-duration contracts issued by an insurance company. The new amendments require insurance entities to provide a more current measure of the liability for future policy benefits for traditional and limited-payment contracts by regularly refining the liability for actual past experience and updated future assumptions. This differs from current requirements where assumptions are locked-in at contract issuance for these contract types. In addition, the updated liability will be discounted using an upper-medium grade (low-credit-risk) fixed income instrument yield that reflects the characteristics of the liability which differs from currently used rates based on the invested assets supporting the liability. In addition, the amendments introduce new requirements to assess market-based insurance contract options and guarantees for Market Risk Benefits and measure them at fair value. This Update also requires insurance entities to amortize deferred acquisition costs on a constant-level basis over the expected life of the contract. Finally, this Update requires new disclosures including liability rollforwards and information about significant inputs, judgments, assumptions, and methods used in the measurement. In November 2020, FASB issued ASU No. 2020-11 - Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944); Effective Date and Early Application which deferred the effective date until the year ending December 31, 2025. The Company is currently reviewing its policies, processes, and applicable systems to determine the impact this standard will have on its operations and financial results.