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FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

15.                               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

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 assumptions 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, 2014:

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

 

$

1,442,834

 

$

5

 

$

1,442,839

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

1,175,523

 

 

1,175,523

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

 

282,971

 

565,368

 

848,339

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

1,316,839

 

267,371

 

 

1,584,210

 

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

 

1,609,032

 

3,675

 

1,612,707

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

22,020

 

 

22,020

 

Corporate bonds

 

132

 

26,009,580

 

1,377,806

 

27,387,518

 

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

1,316,971

 

30,809,331

 

1,946,854

 

34,073,156

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

290,862

 

 

290,862

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

151,870

 

 

151,870

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

 

101,523

 

170,676

 

272,199

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

229,222

 

4,889

 

 

234,111

 

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

 

284,132

 

 

284,132

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

55,901

 

 

55,901

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

1,517,519

 

23,177

 

1,540,696

 

Total fixed maturity securities - trading

 

229,222

 

2,406,696

 

193,853

 

2,829,771

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

1,546,193

 

33,216,027

 

2,140,707

 

36,902,927

 

Equity securities

 

595,872

 

98,882

 

66,695

 

761,449

 

Other long-term investments (1)

 

99,961

 

71,316

 

61,274

 

232,551

 

Short-term investments

 

160,535

 

17,764

 

 

178,299

 

Total investments

 

2,402,561

 

33,403,989

 

2,268,676

 

38,075,226

 

Cash

 

209,915

 

 

 

209,915

 

Assets related to separate accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable annuity

 

13,040,828

 

 

 

13,040,828

 

Variable universal life

 

813,178

 

 

 

813,178

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

16,466,482

 

$

33,403,989

 

$

2,268,676

 

$

52,139,147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances(2)

 

$

 

$

 

$

98,129

 

$

98,129

 

Other liabilities (1)

 

39,510

 

110,728

 

420,185

 

570,423

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

39,510

 

$

110,728

 

$

518,314

 

$

668,552

 

 

 

(1)Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.

(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

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

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

 

$

1,445,040

 

$

28

 

$

1,445,068

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

970,656

 

 

970,656

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

 

326,175

 

545,808

 

871,983

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

1,211,141

 

296,749

 

 

1,507,890

 

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

 

1,407,154

 

3,675

 

1,410,829

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

51,427

 

 

51,427

 

Corporate bonds

 

107

 

24,198,529

 

1,549,940

 

25,748,576

 

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

1,211,248

 

28,695,730

 

2,099,451

 

32,006,429

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

310,877

 

 

310,877

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

158,570

 

 

158,570

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

 

93,278

 

194,977

 

288,255

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

191,332

 

4,906

 

 

196,238

 

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

 

260,892

 

 

260,892

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

57,097

 

 

57,097

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

1,497,362

 

29,199

 

1,526,561

 

Total fixed maturity securities - trading

 

191,332

 

2,382,982

 

224,176

 

2,798,490

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

1,402,580

 

31,078,712

 

2,323,627

 

34,804,919

 

Equity securities

 

483,482

 

50,927

 

67,979

 

602,388

 

Other long-term investments (1)

 

56,469

 

54,965

 

98,886

 

210,320

 

Short-term investments

 

131,422

 

1,603

 

 

133,025

 

Total investments

 

2,073,953

 

31,186,207

 

2,490,492

 

35,750,652

 

Cash

 

345,579

 

 

 

345,579

 

Other assets

 

 

 

 

 

Assets related to separate accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable annuity

 

12,791,438

 

 

 

12,791,438

 

Variable universal life

 

783,618

 

 

 

783,618

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

15,994,588

 

$

31,186,207

 

$

2,490,492

 

$

49,671,287

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances (2)

 

$

 

$

 

$

107,000

 

$

107,000

 

Other liabilities (1)

 

30,241

 

191,182

 

233,738

 

455,161

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

30,241

 

$

191,182

 

$

340,738

 

$

562,161

 

 

 

(1)Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.

(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

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 approximately 90% 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, which are considered to have no significant unobservable inputs. When using non-binding independent broker quotations, the Company obtains one quote per security, typically from the broker from which we purchased the security. 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 through an analysis using internal and external cash flow models developed based on spreads and, when available, market indices. The Company uses a market-based cash flow analysis to validate the reasonableness of prices received from independent brokers. These analytics, which are updated daily, incorporate various metrics (yield curves, credit spreads, prepayment rates, etc.) 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, 2014.

 

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 fixed maturities 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, 2014, the Company held $3.4 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, 2014, the Company held $736.1 million of Level 3 ABS, which included $565.4 million of other asset-backed securities classified as available-for-sale and $170.7 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. As a result of the ARS market collapse during 2008, 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.

 

Corporate bonds, U.S. Government-related securities, States, municipals, and political subdivisions, and Other government related securities

 

As of September 30, 2014, the Company classified approximately $29.8 billion of corporate bonds, 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 bonds and 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 bonds and 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 income 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, 2014, the Company classified approximately $1.4 billion of bonds and securities as Level 3 valuations. Level 3 bonds and 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, 2014, the Company held approximately $165.6 million of equity securities classified as Level 2 and Level 3. Of this total, $66.0 million represents Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock. The Company believes that the cost of the FHLB stock approximates fair value. The remainder of these equity securities is primarily investments in preferred stock.

 

Other long-term investments and Other liabilities

 

Other long-term investments and other liabilities consist entirely of free-standing and embedded derivative financial instruments. Refer to Note 16, 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, 2014, 78.3% 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 predominantly utilize observable market data inputs. 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 puts, which are traded on active exchange markets.

 

Derivative instruments classified as Level 2 primarily include interest rate and inflation swaps, options, and swaptions. 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.

 

The 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 are recorded in earnings as “Realized investment gains (losses)—Derivative financial instruments”. Refer to Note 16, Derivative Financial Instruments for more information related to each embedded derivatives gains and losses.

 

The fair value of the guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) 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 National Association of Insurance Commissioners 1994 Variable Annuity MGDB Mortality Table for company experience, with attained age factors varying from 49% - 80%. 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). As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the GMWB embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3. These assumptions are reviewed on a quarterly basis.

 

The balance of the fixed indexed annuities (“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, expected lapse and withdrawal assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the 1994 Variable Annuity MGDB mortality table modified for company experience, with attained age factors varying from 49% - 80%. 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 2008 VBT Primary Tables modified for company experience, with attained age factors varying from 37% - 74%. 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. As a result, these agreements contain embedded derivatives that are reported at fair value. Changes in their fair value are reported in earnings. The investments supporting these agreements are designated as “trading securities”; therefore changes in their fair value are also reported in earnings. The fair value of the embedded derivative is the difference between the statutory policy liabilities (net of policy loans) of $2.6 billion and the fair value of the trading securities of $2.9 billion. As a result, changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are largely offset by the changes in fair value of the related investments and each are reported in earnings. The fair value of the embedded derivative is considered a Level 3 valuation due to the unobservable nature of the policy liabilities.

 

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have entered into interest support, a 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, 2014 was $2.5 million and is included in Other long-term investments. For information regarding realized gains on these derivatives please refer to Note 16, Derivative Financial Instruments.

 

The Interest Support Agreement provides that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate II 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 $0.6 million as of September 30, 2014. The assessment of required payments from PLC under the Interest Support Agreement occurs annually. As of September 30, 2014, no payments have been triggered under this agreement.

 

The YRT Premium support agreement provides that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate II in the event that YRT premium rates increase. The derivative is 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 this derivative as of September 30, 2014 was $1.7 million. As of September 30, 2014, no payments have been triggered under this agreement.

 

The portfolio maintenance agreements provide that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate V and WCL in the event of other-than-temporary impairments on investments 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, 2014, was approximately $0.2 million. As of September 30, 2014, no payments have been triggered under this agreement.

 

The Funds Withheld derivative results from a reinsurance agreement with Shades Creek where the economic performance of certain hedging instruments held by the Company is ceded to Shades Creek. 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, 2014, was a liability of $64.6 million.

 

Annuity account balances

 

The Company records certain of its FIA reserves at fair value. The fair value is considered a Level 3 valuation. The FIA valuation model calculates the present value of future benefit cash flows less the projected future profits to quantify the net liability that is held as a reserve. This calculation is done using multiple risk neutral stochastic equity scenarios. The cash flows are discounted using LIBOR plus a credit spread. Best estimate assumptions are used for partial withdrawals, lapses, expenses and asset earned rate with a risk margin applied to each. These assumptions are reviewed at least annually as a part of the formal unlocking process. If an event were to occur within a quarter that would make the assumptions unreasonable, the assumptions would be reviewed within the quarter.

 

The discount rate for the fixed indexed annuities is based on an upward sloping rate curve which is updated each quarter. The discount rates for September 30, 2014, ranged from a one month rate of 0.29%, a 5 year rate of 2.58%, and a 30 year rate of 4.21%. A credit spread component is also included in the calculation to accommodate non-performance risk.

 

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:

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of

 

Valuation

 

Unobservable

 

Range

 

 

September 30, 2014

 

Technique

 

Input

 

(Weighted Average)

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

$

564,877

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity premium

 

0.59% - 1.49% (0.82%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paydown rate

 

9.29% - 15.18% (12.42%)

Corporate bonds

 

1,312,780

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Spread over treasury

 

0.51% - 5.75% (1.86%)

Embedded derivatives - GMWB(1)

 

 

42,035

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Mortality

 

49% to 80% of 1994 MGDB table

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lapse

 

0% - 24%, depending on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

product/duration/funded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

status of guarantee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utilization

 

97% - 103%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonperformance risk

 

0.13% - 1.02%

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances(2)

 

$

98,129

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Asset earned rate

 

3.86% - 5.92%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

$88 - $102 per policy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Withdrawal rate

 

2.20%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality

 

49% to 80% of 1994 MGDB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

table

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lapse

 

2.2% - 33.0%, depending on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

duration/surrender charge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

period

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on assets

 

1.50% - 1.85% depending on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

surrender charge period

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonperformance risk

 

0.13% - 1.02%

Embedded derivative - FIA

 

103,497

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Expenses

 

$83 - $97 per policy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Withdrawal rate

 

1.1% - 4.5% depending on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

duration and tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

qualification

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality

 

49% - 80% of 1994 MGDB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

table

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lapse

 

2.5% - 40.0%, depending

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on duration/surrender

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

charge period

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonperformance risk

 

0.13% - 1.02%

Embedded derivative - IUL

 

2,609

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Mortality

 

37% - 74% of 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VBT Primary Tables

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lapse

 

0.5% - 10.0%, depending on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

duration/distribution channel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and smoking class

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonperformance risk

 

0.13% - 1.02%

 

 

(1)The fair value for the GMWB embedded derivative is presented as a net asset for the purposes of this chart. Excludes modified coinsurance agreements.

(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and those which book value approximates fair value.

 

The Company has considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of September 30, 2014, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $245.4 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of September 30, 2014. Of the $245.4 million, $171.2 million are other asset backed securities and $74.2 million are corporate bonds.

 

In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of September 30, 2014, the Company held $84.4 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value.  Of the $84.4 million, $66.7 million represents equity securities, which are predominantly FHLB stock, $14.0 million represents corporate bonds and $3.7 million of other fixed maturity securities.

 

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:

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of

 

Valuation

 

Unobservable

 

Range

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

Technique

 

Input

 

(Weighted Average)

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

$

545,808

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity premium

 

1.00% - 1.68% (1.08%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paydown rate

 

8.57% - 16.87% (12.05%)

Corporate bonds

 

1,555,898

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Spread over treasury

 

0.11% - 6.75% (2.06%)

Embedded derivatives - GMWB(1)

 

156,287

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Mortality

 

49% to 80% of 1994 MGDB table

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lapse

 

0% - 24%, depending on product/duration/funded status of guarantee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utilization

 

97% - 103%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonperformance risk

 

0.15% - 1.06%

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances(2)

 

$

107,000

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Asset earned rate

 

5.37%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

$88 - $102 per policy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Withdrawal rate

 

2.20%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality

 

49% to 80% of 1994 MGDB table

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lapse

 

2.2% - 33.0%, depending on product/duration/funded status of guarantee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on assets

 

1.50% - 1.85% depending on surrender charge period

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonperformance risk

 

0.15% - 1.06%

Embedded derivative - FIA

 

25,324

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Expenses

 

$83 - $97 per policy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Withdrawal rate

 

1.1% - 4.5% depending on duration and tax qualification

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality

 

49% to 80% of 1994 MGDB table

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lapse

 

2.5% - 40.0%, depending on product/duration/funded status of guarantee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonperformance risk

 

0.15% - 1.06%

 

 

(1)The fair value for the GMWB embedded derivative is presented as a net asset for the purposes of this chart. Excludes modified coinsurance agreements.

(2)Represents account balance liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and those which book value approximates fair value.

 

The Company has considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of December 31, 2013, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $216.0 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2013. Of the $216.0 million, $195.0 million are other asset-backed securities and $21.0 million are corporate bonds.

 

In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2013, the Company held $73.9 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value. Of the $73.9 million, $68.0 million represents equity securities, which are predominantly FHLB stock, $3.7 million of other fixed maturity securities, and $2.2 million of other corporate bonds.

 

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’ 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 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 increase when spreads decrease, and decrease when spreads increase.

 

The fair value of the GMWB 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 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 GMWB where an increase in assumed utilization would result in an increase in the fair value and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumption, the fair value would decrease.

 

The fair value of the FIA account balance liability is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the FIA account balance liability is sensitive to the asset earned rate and required return on assets, which are unobservable. The value of the liability increases with an increase in required return on assets and a decrease in the asset earned rate and conversely, the value of the liability decreases with a decrease in required return on assets and an increase in the asset earned rate.

 

The fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is 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 liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.

 

The fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is sensitive to non-performance risk. 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, which is unobservable. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and 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, 2014, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

included in

 

 

 

 

 

Realized and Unrealized

 

Realized and Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

related to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in

 

 

 

Included in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers

 

 

 

 

 

still held at

 

 

 

Beginning

 

Included in

 

Comprehensive

 

Included in

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in/out of

 

 

 

Ending

 

the Reporting

 

 

 

Balance

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Purchases

 

Sales

 

Issuances

 

Settlements

 

Level 3

 

Other

 

Balance

 

Date

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

10

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

(1

)

$

 

$

(5

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

1

 

$

5

 

$

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

568,097

 

 

2,161

 

(71

)

(4,299

)

 

(140

)

 

 

 

(380

)

565,368

 

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States, municipals, and political subdivisions

 

3,675

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,675

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

1,524,297

 

201

 

8,435

 

 

(9,452

)

11,797

 

(59,352

)

 

 

(96,565

)

(1,555

)

1,377,806

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

2,096,079

 

201

 

10,596

 

(71

)

(13,752

)

11,797

 

(59,497

)

 

 

(96,565

)

(1,934

)

1,946,854

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

842

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(853

)

 

 

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

176,386

 

1,834

 

 

(837

)

 

 

(7,137

)

 

 

 

430

 

170,676

 

1,287

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States, municipals and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

31,520

 

182

 

 

(676

)

 

 

(5,583

)

 

 

(2,518

)

252

 

23,177

 

234

 

Total fixed maturity securities - trading

 

208,748

 

2,027

 

 

(1,513

)

 

 

(12,720

)

 

 

(3,371

)

682

 

193,853

 

1,521

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

2,304,827

 

2,228

 

10,596

 

(1,584

)

(13,752

)

11,797

 

(72,217

)

 

 

(99,936

)

(1,252

)

2,140,707

 

1,521

 

Equity securities

 

77,882

 

 

 

 

(91

)

 

(445

)

 

 

(10,651

)

 

66,695

 

 

Other long-term investments(1)

 

67,222

 

895

 

 

(6,843

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

61,274

 

(5,948

)

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

2,449,931

 

3,123

 

10,596

 

(8,427

)

(13,843

)

11,797

 

(72,662

)

 

 

(110,587

)

(1,252

)

2,268,676

 

(4,427

)

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

2,449,931

 

$

3,123

 

$

10,596

 

$

(8,427

)

$

(13,843

)

$

11,797

 

$

(72,662

)

$

 

$

 

$

(110,587

)

$

(1,252

)

$

2,268,676

 

$

(4,427

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances(2)

 

$

102,456

 

$

862

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

125

 

$

3,590

 

$

 

$

 

$

98,129

 

$

 

Other liabilities(1)

 

399,669

 

22,317

 

 

(42,833

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

420,185

 

(20,516

)

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

502,125

 

$

23,179

 

$

 

$

(42,833

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

125

 

$

3,590

 

$

 

$

 

$

518,314

 

$

(20,516

)

 

 

(1)Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.

(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2014, there were no transfers from Level 2 to level 3.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2014, there were $110.6 million of securities transferred out of Level 3. This amount was transferred to Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced using significant unobservable inputs in previous periods, but are now priced by independent pricing services or brokers, using no significant unobservable inputs as of September 30, 2014.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2014, there were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2014, there were no transfers from Level 1.

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the three months ended September 30, 2013, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

included in

 

 

 

 

 

Realized and Unrealized

 

Realized and Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

related to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in

 

 

 

Included in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers

 

 

 

 

 

still held at

 

 

 

Beginning

 

Included in

 

Comprehensive

 

Included in

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in/out of

 

 

 

Ending

 

the Reporting

 

 

 

Balance

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Purchases

 

Sales

 

Issuances

 

Settlements

 

Level 3

 

Other

 

Balance

 

Date

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

14,062

 

$

 

$

1,310

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

(12

)

$

 

$

 

$

(15,333

)

$

11

 

$

38

 

$

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

576,396

 

 

52

 

 

(26,969

)

11,769

 

(12,085

)

 

 

 

(392

)

548,771

 

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States, municipals, and political subdivisions

 

4,275

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,275

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

20,000

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

(20,000

)

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

194,895

 

 

1,662

 

 

(3,513

)

11,002

 

(13,558

)

 

 

(3,385

)

385

 

187,488

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

809,628

 

 

3,025

 

 

(30,482

)

22,771

 

(45,655

)

 

 

(18,718

)

3

 

740,572

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

1,582

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(72

)

 

 

(1,494

)

(15

)

 

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

168,851

 

3,167

 

 

(1,080

)

 

16,394

 

(16,568

)

 

 

 

203

 

170,967

 

1,596

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States, municipals and political subdivisions

 

3,500

 

 

 

(123

)

 

 

 

 

 

(3,377

)

 

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

5,092

 

 

 

(4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

5,092

 

(4

)

Total fixed maturity securities - trading

 

179,025

 

3,167

 

 

(1,208

)

 

16,394

 

(16,640

)

 

 

(4,871

)

192

 

176,059

 

1,592

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

988,653

 

3,167

 

3,025

 

(1,208

)

(30,482

)

39,165

 

(62,295

)

 

 

(23,589

)

195

 

916,631

 

1,592

 

Equity securities

 

65,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65,527

 

 

Other long-term investments(1)

 

47,838

 

36,917

 

(1,750

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

83,005

 

35,167

 

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

1,102,018

 

40,084

 

1,275

 

(1,208

)

(30,482

)

39,165

 

(62,295

)

 

 

(23,589

)

195

 

1,065,163

 

36,759

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

1,102,018

 

$

40,084

 

$

1,275

 

$

(1,208

)

$

(30,482

)

$

39,165

 

$

(62,295

)

$

 

$

 

$

(23,589

)

$

195

 

$

1,065,163

 

$

36,759

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances(2)

 

$

114,614

 

$

 

$

(2,472

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

46

 

$

6,542

 

$

 

$

 

$

110,590

 

$

 

Other liabilities(1)

 

256,776

 

39,109

 

(13,056

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

230,723

 

26,053

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

371,390

 

$

39,109

 

$

(15,528

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

46

 

$

6,542

 

$

 

$

 

$

341,313

 

$

26,053

 

 

 

(1)Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.

(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2013, $1.3 million of securities were transferred into Level 3. This amount was transferred from Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced by independent pricing services or brokers in previous periods, using no significant unobservable inputs, but were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were no longer available as of September 30, 2013.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2013, $24.9 million of securities were transferred out of Level 3. This amount was transferred into Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of September 30, 2013 that were previously priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2013, there were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2013, there were no transfers out of Level 1.

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

included in

 

 

 

 

 

Realized and Unrealized

 

Realized and Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

related to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in

 

 

 

Included in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers

 

 

 

 

 

still held at

 

 

 

Beginning

 

Included in

 

Comprehensive

 

Included in

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in/out of

 

 

 

Ending

 

the Reporting

 

 

 

Balance

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Purchases

 

Sales

 

Issuances

 

Settlements

 

Level 3

 

Other

 

Balance

 

Date

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

28

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

(1

)

$

 

$

(23

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

1

 

$

5

 

$

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

545,808

 

 

36,227

 

(71

)

(5,532

)

 

(9,934

)

 

 

 

(1,130

)

565,368

 

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States, municipals, and political subdivisions

 

3,675

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,675

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

1,549,940

 

1,170

 

62,723

 

 

(16,717

)

102,029

 

(162,391

)

 

 

(151,858

)

(7,090

)

1,377,806

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

2,099,451

 

1,170

 

98,950

 

(71

)

(22,250

)

102,029

 

(172,348

)

 

 

(151,858

)

(8,219

)

1,946,854

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

842

 

 

 

 

(853

)

 

 

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

194,977

 

8,685

 

 

(3,951

)

 

 

(29,832

)

 

 

 

797

 

170,676

 

1,959

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States, municipals and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

29,199

 

1,060

 

 

(729

)

 

4,059

 

(10,693

)

 

 

4

 

277

 

23,177

 

(1

)

Total fixed maturity securities - trading

 

224,176

 

9,756

 

 

(4,680

)

 

4,901

 

(40,525

)

 

 

(849

)

1,074

 

193,853

 

1,958

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

2,323,627

 

10,926

 

98,950

 

(4,751

)

(22,250

)

106,930

 

(212,873

)

 

 

(152,707

)

(7,145

)

2,140,707

 

1,958

 

Equity securities

 

67,979

 

 

1,192

 

 

(257

)

9,551

 

(1,119

)

 

 

(10,651

)

 

66,695

 

 

Other long-term investments(1)

 

98,886

 

1,320

 

 

(38,932

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

61,274

 

(37,612

)

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

2,490,492

 

12,246

 

100,142

 

(43,683

)

(22,507

)

116,481

 

(213,992

)

 

 

(163,358

)

(7,145

)

2,268,676

 

1,958

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

2,490,492

 

$

12,246

 

$

100,142

 

$

(43,683

)

$

(22,507

)

$

116,481

 

$

(213,992

)

$

 

$

 

$

(163,358

)

$

(7,145

)

$

2,268,676

 

$

1,958

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances(2)

 

$

107,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

(2,261

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

300

 

$

11,432

 

$

 

$

 

$

98,129

 

$

 

Other liabilities(1)

 

233,738

 

22,342

 

 

(208,789

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

420,185

 

(186,447

)

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

340,738

 

$

22,342

 

$

 

$

(211,050

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

300

 

$

11,432

 

$

 

$

 

$

518,314

 

$

(186,447

)

 

 

(1)Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.

(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, $31.0  million of securities were transferred into Level 3. This amount was transferred from Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced by independent pricing services or brokers in previous periods, using no significant unobservable inputs, but were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were no longer available as of September 30, 2014. All transfers are recognized as of the end of the period.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were $194.4 million of securities transferred out of Level 3. This amount was transferred to Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced using significant unobservable inputs in previous periods, but are now priced by independent pricing services or brokers, using no significant unobservable inputs as of September 30, 2014.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were no transfers out of Level 1.

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

included in

 

 

 

 

 

Realized and Unrealized

 

Realized and Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

related to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in

 

 

 

Included in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers

 

 

 

 

 

still held at

 

 

 

Beginning

 

Included in

 

Comprehensive

 

Included in

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in/out of

 

 

 

Ending

 

the Reporting

 

 

 

Balance

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Purchases

 

Sales

 

Issuances

 

Settlements

 

Level 3

 

Other

 

Balance

 

Date

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

4

 

$

 

$

1,310

 

$

 

$

(337

)

$

14,349

 

$

(12

)

$

 

$

 

$

(15,287

)

$

11

 

$

38

 

$

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

596,143

 

 

43,808

 

 

(54,517

)

24,931

 

(62,471

)

 

 

1,227

 

(350

)

548,771

 

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States, municipals, and political subdivisions

 

4,275

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,275

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

20,011

 

 

2

 

 

(3

)

 

(20,000

)

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

167,892

 

116

 

2,673

 

 

(13,559

)

29,277

 

(58,742

)

 

 

58,945

 

886

 

187,488

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

788,325

 

116

 

47,793

 

 

(68,416

)

68,557

 

(141,225

)

 

 

44,885

 

537

 

740,572

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

1,582

 

(72

)

 

 

(1,494

)

(15

)

 

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

70,535

 

7,964

 

 

(3,949

)

 

122,224

 

(29,344

)

 

 

2,210

 

1,327

 

170,967

 

4,814

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States, municipals and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

(123

)

 

3,500

 

 

 

 

(3,377

)

 

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

115

 

1

 

 

(27

)

 

 

(17

)

 

 

5,013

 

7

 

5,092

 

(4

)

Total fixed maturity securities - trading

 

70,650

 

7,965

 

 

(4,100

)

 

127,306

 

(29,433

)

 

 

2,352

 

1,319

 

176,059

 

4,810

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

858,975

 

8,081

 

47,793

 

(4,100

)

(68,416

)

195,863

 

(170,658

)

 

 

47,237

 

1,856

 

916,631

 

4,810

 

Equity securities

 

65,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65,527

 

 

Other long-term investments(1)

 

48,655

 

84,176

 

(15,733

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(34,093

)

83,005

 

68,443

 

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

973,157

 

92,257

 

32,060

 

(4,100

)

(68,416

)

195,863

 

(170,658

)

 

 

47,237

 

(32,237

)

1,065,163

 

73,253

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

973,157

 

$

92,257

 

$

32,060

 

$

(4,100

)

$

(68,416

)

$

195,863

 

$

(170,658

)

$

 

$

 

$

47,237

 

$

(32,237

)

$

1,065,163

 

$

73,253

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances(2)

 

$

129,468

 

$

 

$

(6,159

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

247

 

$

25,284

 

$

 

$

 

$

110,590

 

$

 

Other liabilities(1)

 

611,437

 

277,319

 

(31,110

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

134,505

 

230,723

 

246,209

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

740,905

 

$

277,319

 

$

(37,269

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

247

 

$

25,284

 

$

 

$

134,505

 

$

341,313

 

$

246,209

 

 

 

(1)Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.

(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, $72.1 million of securities were transferred into Level 3. This amount was transferred from Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced by independent pricing services or brokers in previous periods, using no significant unobservable inputs, but were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were no longer available as of September 30, 2013. All transfers are recognized as of the end of the period.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, $24.9 million of securities were transferred out of Level 3. This amount was transferred into Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of September 30, 2013 that were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available during previous periods.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were no transfers out of Level 1.

 

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities are primarily reported in either realized investment gains (losses) within the consolidated statements of income (loss) or other comprehensive income (loss) within shareowners’ equity 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 Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Changes in the observability of the valuation attributes may result in a reclassification of certain financial assets or liabilities. Such reclassifications are reported as transfers in and out of Level 3 at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur. The asset transfers in the table(s) above primarily related to positions moved from Level 3 to Level 2 as the Company determined that certain inputs were observable.

 

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, 2014

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Carrying

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

 

 

 

Level

 

Amounts

 

Fair Values

 

Amounts

 

Fair Values

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

 

3

 

$

5,232,463

 

$

5,727,368

 

$

5,493,492

 

$

5,956,133

 

Policy loans

 

3

 

1,767,228

 

1,767,228

 

1,815,744

 

1,815,744

 

Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity(1)

 

3

 

415,000

 

453,741

 

365,000

 

335,676

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stable value product account balances

 

3

 

$

2,261,546

 

$

2,278,155

 

$

2,559,552

 

$

2,566,209

 

Annuity account balances

 

3

 

11,083,763

 

10,667,467

 

11,125,253

 

10,639,637

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-recourse funding obligations(2)

 

3

 

$

1,539,415

 

$

1,562,509

 

$

1,495,448

 

$

1,272,425

 

 

 

Except as noted below, fair values were estimated using quoted market prices.

(1)       Security purchased from unconsolidated subsidiary, Red Mountain LLC.

(2)       Of this carrying amount $415.0 million, fair value of $431.1 million, as of September 30, 2014, and $365.0 million, fair value of $321.5 million, as of December 31, 2013,  relates to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate V.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

 

The Company estimates the fair value of 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 mortgage loan lending rate and an expected cash flow analysis based on a review of the 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 policy holders 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 fair value of policy loans approximates carrying 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 were based on a current market yield for similar financial instruments.

 

Stable value product and Annuity account balances

 

The Company estimates the fair value of stable value product account balances and annuity account balances using models based on discounted expected cash flows. The discount rates used in the models were based on a current market rate for similar financial instruments.

 

Non-recourse funding obligations

 

The Company estimates the fair value of its non-recourse funding obligations using internal discounted cash flow models. The discount rates used in the model were based on a current market yield for similar financial instruments.