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FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company determined the fair value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in FASB guidance referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Company has adopted the provisions from the FASB guidance that is referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic for non-financial assets and liabilities (such as property and equipment, goodwill, and other intangible assets) that are required to be measured at fair value on a periodic basis. The effect on the Company’s periodic fair value measurements for non-financial assets and liabilities was not material.

The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three level hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are categorized as follows:

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.
Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active or significant inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include the following:
a)Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
b)Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets;
c)Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable; and
d)Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means.
Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. They reflect management’s own estimates about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

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, 2021:

    

Measurement 

    

    

    

    

Category

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(Dollars In Millions)

Assets:

Fixed maturity securities — AFS Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

4

$

$

6,765

$

40

$

6,805

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

4

 

 

2,127

 

180

 

2,307

Other asset-backed securities

 

4

 

 

905

 

515

 

1,420

U.S. government-related securities

 

4

 

411

 

397

 

 

808

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

4

 

 

4,156

 

 

4,156

Other government-related securities

 

4

 

 

753

 

 

753

Corporate securities

 

4

 

 

52,117

 

1,582

 

53,699

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

4

 

307

 

 

 

307

Total fixed maturity securities — AFS

 

 

718

 

67,220

 

2,317

 

70,255

Fixed maturity securities — trading Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

3

 

 

133

 

 

133

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

3

 

 

209

 

 

209

Other asset-backed securities

 

3

 

 

92

 

93

 

185

U.S. government-related securities

 

3

 

27

 

6

 

 

33

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

3

 

 

286

 

 

286

Other government-related securities

 

3

 

 

48

 

16

 

64

Corporate securities

 

3

 

 

1,867

 

8

 

1,875

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

3

 

8

 

 

 

8

Total fixed maturity securities — trading

 

 

35

 

2,641

 

117

 

2,793

Total fixed maturity securities

$

753

$

69,861

$

2,434

$

73,048

Equity securities

3

633

40

155

828

Other long-term investments(1)

3&4

59

1,093

295

1,447

Short-term investments

3

683

179

862

Total investments

2,128

71,173

2,884

76,185

Cash

3

390

390

Assets related to separate accounts

Variable annuity

3

13,648

13,648

Variable universal life

3

1,982

1,982

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

18,148

$

71,173

$

2,884

$

92,205

Liabilities:

Annuity account balances(2)

3

$

$

$

63

$

63

Other liabilities(1)

3&4

20

820

1,939

2,779

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

20

$

820

$

2,002

$

2,842

Measurement category 3 represents fair value through net income and 4 represents fair value through other comprehensive income (loss).

(1)Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

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, 2020:

    

Measurement 

    

    

    

    

Category

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(Recast)

(Dollars In Millions)

Assets:

Fixed maturity securities — AFS Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

4

$

$

6,668

$

$

6,668

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

4

 

 

2,502

 

32

 

2,534

Other asset-backed securities

 

4

 

 

1,143

 

435

 

1,578

U.S. government-related securities

 

4

 

1,014

 

501

 

 

1,515

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

4

 

 

4,420

 

 

4,420

Other government-related securities

 

4

 

 

717

 

 

717

Corporate securities

 

4

 

 

50,675

 

1,432

 

52,107

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

4

 

125

 

69

 

 

194

Total fixed maturity securities — AFS

 

 

1,139

 

66,695

 

1,899

 

69,733

Fixed maturity securities — trading Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

3

 

 

209

 

 

209

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

3

 

 

214

 

 

214

Other asset-backed securities

 

3

 

 

92

 

71

 

163

U.S. government-related securities

 

3

 

79

 

12

 

 

91

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

3

 

 

282

 

 

282

Other government-related securities

 

3

 

 

30

 

 

30

Corporate securities

 

3

 

 

1,842

 

18

 

1,860

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

3

 

13

 

 

 

13

Total fixed maturity securities — trading

 

 

92

 

2,681

 

89

 

2,862

Total fixed maturity securities

1,231

69,376

1,988

72,595

Equity securities

3

566

101

667

Other long-term investments(1)

3&4

52

1,285

298

1,635

Short-term investments

3

403

59

462

Total investments

2,252

70,720

2,387

75,359

Cash

3

656

656

Assets related to separate accounts Variable annuity

3

12,378

12,378

Variable universal life

3

1,287

1,287

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

16,573

$

70,720

$

2,387

$

89,680

Liabilities:

Annuity account balances(2)

3

$

$

$

67

$

67

Other liabilities(1)

3&4

14

867

2,239

3,120

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

14

$

867

$

2,306

$

3,187

Measurement category 3 represents fair value through net income and 4 represents fair value through other comprehensive income (loss).

(1)Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

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 91.87% of the Company’s available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for available-for-sale and trading fixed maturities, third party pricing services derive the majority of security prices from observable market inputs such as recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information outlined above. If there are no recent reported trades, the third party pricing services and brokers may use matrix or model processes to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Certain securities are priced via independent non-binding broker quotations. When using non-binding independent broker quotations, when available the Company obtains two quotes per security. Where multiple broker quotes are obtained, the Company reviews the quotes and selects the quote that provides the best estimate of the price a market participant would pay for these specific assets in an arm’s length transaction. A pricing matrix is used to price securities for which the Company is unable to obtain or effectively rely on either a price from a third party pricing service or an independent broker quotation.

The pricing matrix used by the Company begins with current spread levels to determine the market price for the security. The credit spreads, assigned by brokers, incorporate the issuer’s credit rating, liquidity discounts, weighted- average of contracted cash flows, risk premium, if warranted, due to the issuer’s industry, and the security’s time to maturity. The Company uses credit ratings provided by nationally recognized rating agencies.

For securities that are priced via non-binding independent broker quotations, the Company assesses whether prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value. The Company’s assessment incorporates various metrics (yield curves, credit spreads, prepayment rates, etc.) along with other information available to the Company from both internal and external sources to determine the valuation of such holdings. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the analytics, the price received from the independent broker is adjusted accordingly. The Company did not adjust any quotes or prices received from brokers during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

The Company has analyzed the third party pricing services’ valuation methodologies and related inputs and has also evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs that is in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC. Based on this evaluation and investment class analysis, each price was classified into Level 1, 2, or 3. Most prices provided by third party pricing services are classified into Level 2 because the significant inputs used in pricing the securities are market observable and the observable inputs are corroborated by the Company. Since the matrix pricing of certain debt securities includes significant non-observable inputs, they are classified as Level 3.

Asset-Backed Securities

This category mainly consists of RMBS, CMBS, and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or "ABS"). As of December 31, 2021, the Company held $10.2 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 December 31, 2021, the Company held $828 million of Level 3 ABS, which included $735 million of other asset-backed securities classified as available-for-sale and $93 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. In periods where market activity increases and there are transactions at a price that is not the result of a distressed or forced sale we consider those prices as part of our valuation. If the market activity during a period is solely the result of the issuer redeeming positions we consider those transactions in our valuation, but still consider them to be level three measurements due to the nature of the transaction.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

Corporate Securities, Redeemable Preferred Stocks, U.S. Government-Related Securities, States, Municipals, and Political Subdivisions, and Other Government Related Securities

As of December 31, 2021, the Company classified $59.6 billion of corporate securities, redeemable preferred stocks, U.S. government-related securities, states, municipals, and political subdivisions, and other government-related securities as Level 2. The fair value of the Level 2 securities is predominantly priced by broker quotes and a third party pricing service. The Company has reviewed the valuation techniques of the brokers and third party pricing service and has determined that such techniques used Level 2 market observable inputs. The following characteristics of the securities are considered to be the primary relevant inputs to the valuation: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) seniority, and 4) credit ratings. The Company reviews the methodologies and valuation techniques (including the ability to observe inputs) in assessing the information received from external pricing services and in consideration of the fair value presentation.

The brokers and third party pricing service utilize valuation models that consist of a hybrid methodology that utilizes a cash flow analysis and market approach to valuation. The pricing models utilize the following inputs: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) treasury yield curve, 3) credit spreads from new issue and secondary trading markets, 4) dealer quotes with adjustments for issues with early redemption features, 5) liquidity premiums present on private placements, and 6) discount margins from dealers in the new issue market.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company classified $1.6 billion of securities as Level 3 valuations. Level 3 securities primarily represent investments in illiquid bonds for which no price is readily available. To determine a price, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model with both observable and unobservable inputs. These inputs are entered into an industry standard pricing model to determine the final price of the security. These inputs include: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) coupon rate, 3) sector and issuer level spread over treasury, 4) underlying collateral, 5) credit ratings, 6) maturity, 7) embedded options, 8) recent new issuance, 9) comparative bond analysis, and 10) an illiquidity premium.

Equities

As of December 31, 2021, the Company held $155 million of equity securities classified as Level 3. Of this total, $148 million represents FHLB stock. The Company believes that the cost of the FHLB stock approximates fair value.

Other Long-Term Investments and Other Liabilities

Derivative Financial Instruments

Other long-term investments and other liabilities include free-standing and embedded derivative financial instruments. Refer to Note 6, 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 December 31, 2021, 83.9% of derivatives based upon notional values were priced using exchange prices or independent broker quotations. Inputs used to value derivatives include, but are not limited to, interest swap rates, credit spreads, interest rate and equity market volatility indices, equity index levels, and treasury rates. The Company performs monthly analysis on derivative valuations that includes both quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Derivative instruments classified as Level 1 generally include futures and options, which are traded on active exchange markets.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

Derivative instruments classified as Level 2 primarily include swaps, options, and swaptions, which are traded over-the-counter. Level 2 also includes certain centrally cleared derivatives. These derivative valuations are determined using independent broker quotations, which are corroborated with observable market inputs.

Derivative instruments classified as Level 3 were embedded derivatives and include at least one significant non-observable input. A derivative instrument containing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs will be classified as a Level 3 financial instrument in its entirety if it has at least one significant Level 3 input.

The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets and liabilities. However, the derivative instruments may not be classified within the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated assets and liabilities. Therefore, the changes in fair value on derivatives reported in Level 3 may not reflect the offsetting impact of the changes in fair value of the associated assets and liabilities.

Embedded derivatives are carried at fair value in other long-term investments and other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The changes in fair value of embedded derivatives are recorded as net gains (losses) — investments and derivatives. Refer to Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments for more information related to each embedded derivatives gains and losses.

The fair value of the GLWB embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using multiple risk neutral stochastic equity scenarios and policyholder behavior assumptions. The risk neutral scenarios are generated using the current swap curve and projected equity volatilities and correlations. The projected equity volatilities are based on a blend of historical volatility and near- term equity market implied volatilities. The equity correlations are based on historical price observations. For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and utilization assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the Ruark 2015 ALB table with attained age factors varying from 88% — 100% based on company experience. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk). For expected lapse and utilization, assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary, using an internal predictive model developed by the Company. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the GLWB embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis.

The balance of the FIA embedded derivative is impacted by policyholder cash flows associated with the FIA product that are allocated to the embedded derivative in addition to changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative during the reporting period. The fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using current index values and volatility, the hedge budget used to price the product, and policyholder assumptions (both elective and non-elective). For policyholder behavior assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the 2015 Ruark ALB mortality table, with attained age factors varying from 88% — 100% based on company experience. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR up to one year and constant maturity treasury rates plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk) thereafter. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the FIA embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

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 factors varying from 43% — 110% that are applied to the base table, which is defined as 90% of 2015 VBT Primary Tables adjusted for 5.5 years of 2020 SOA HMI. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR up to one year and constant maturity treasury rates plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk) thereafter. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the IUL embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3.

The Company has assumed and ceded certain blocks of policies under modified coinsurance agreements in which the investment results of the underlying portfolios inure directly to the reinsurers. Funds withheld arrangements related to such agreements contain embedded derivatives that are reported at fair value. Changes in their fair value are reported in net gains (losses) — investments and derivatives. The fair value of embedded derivatives related to funds withheld under modified coinsurance agreements are a function of the unrealized gains or losses on the underlying assets and are calculated in a manner consistent with the terms of the agreements. The investments supporting certain of these agreements are designated as "trading securities"; therefore changes in their fair value are also reported in net gains (losses) — investments and derivatives. The fair value of embedded derivatives is estimated based on market standard valuation methodology and is considered a Level 3 valuation.

In conjunction with the Captive Merger, PLC terminated its interest support, yearly renewable term ("YRT") premium support, and portfolio maintenance agreements with Golden Gate, Golden Gate II, Golden Gate V, and WCL. The interest support agreement provided that PLC would make payments to Golden Gate II if actual investment income on certain of Golden Gate II’s asset portfolios fell below a calculated investment income amount as defined in the interest support agreement, the YRT premium support agreements provided that PLC would make payments to Golden Gate and Golden Gate II in the event that YRT premium rates increased, and the portfolio maintenance agreements provided that PLC would make payments to Golden Gate, Golden Gate V, and WCL in the event of other-than-temporary impairments on investments that exceeded defined thresholds.

As part of the Captive Merger, PLC entered into a new portfolio maintenance agreement with Golden Gate. This agreement meets the definition of a derivative and is accounted for at fair value and is considered Level 3 valuation. The fair value of this derivative is included in Other long-term investments. For information regarding gains on these derivatives please refer to Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments.

The portfolio maintenance agreement provides that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate in the event of credit losses on investments that exceed defined thresholds. The derivative is 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.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

The Funds Withheld derivative results from reinsurance agreements with Protective Life Reinsurance Bermuda LTD, a wholly owned subsidiary of PLC ("PL Re") where the economic performance of certain hedging instruments held by the Company are ceded to PL Re. The value of the Funds Withheld derivative is directly tied to the value of the hedging instruments held in the funds withheld accounts. The hedging instruments 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 December 31, 2021, was a liability of $10 million.

Annuity Account Balances

The Company records a certain legacy block of FIA reserves at fair value. Based on the characteristics of these reserves, the Company believes that the fund value approximates fair value. The fair value measurement of these reserves is considered a Level 3 valuation due to the unobservable nature of the fund values.

Separate Accounts

Separate account variable annuity and variable life assets represent segregated funds that are invested for certain customers which are invested in open-ended mutual funds and are included in Level 1. Investment risks associated with market value changes are borne by the customers, except to the extent of minimum guarantees made by the Company with respect to certain accounts. Separate account liabilities are not included in the above table as they are reported at contract value and not fair value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

Valuation of Level 3 Financial Instruments

The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3 as of December 31, 2021, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments:

    

Fair Value

    

    

    

As of

December 31,

Valuation

Unobservable

Range

2021

Technique

Input

(Weighted Average)

(Dollars In

Millions)

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

$

40

 

Trade Price

 

Spread

 

1.03% - 1.10% (1.07%)

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

180

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Spread over treasury

 

1.04% - 2.47% (1.30%)

Other asset-backed securities

 

436

 

Liquidation

 

Liquidation value

$98.63 - $99.75 ($99.07)

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity premium

0.11% - 2.14% (1.54%)

 

Paydown Rate

11.20% - 13.41% (12.30%)

 

Liquidation value

$60.00 - 113.88% (112.92%)

Corporate securities

 

1,588

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Spread over treasury

0.00% - 4.00% (1.50%)

Liabilities:(1)(2)

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

Embedded derivatives — GLWB

$

475

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Mortality

88% to 100% of Ruark 2015 ALB Table

 

Lapse

PL-RBA Predictive Model

 

Utilization

PL-RBA Predictive Model

 

  

 

  

 

Nonperformance risk

0.19% - 0.82%

Embedded derivative — FIA

 

595

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Expenses

$214 per policy

 

Withdrawal rate

0.4% - 2.4% prior to age 70 RMD for ages 70+ or WB withdrawal rate Assume underutilized RMD for nonWB policies ages 72 - 88

 

Mortality

88% to 100% of Ruark 2015 ALB table

 

Lapse

0.2% - 50.0%, depending on duration/surrender charge period. Dynamically adjusted for WB moneyness and projected market rates vs credited rates.

 

  

 

  

 

Nonperformance risk

0.19% - 0.82%

Embedded derivative — IUL

$

269

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Mortality

43% - 110% of base table (90% of 2015 VBT Primary Tables adjusted for 5.5 years of 2020 SOA HMI) 94% - 248% of duration 8 point in scale 2015 VBT Primary Tables, depending on type of business

 

Lapse

0.375% - 7.5%, depending on duration/distribution channel and smoking class

 

  

 

  

 

Nonperformance risk

0.19% - 0.82%

(1)Excludes modified coinsurance arrangements.
(2)Fair value is presented as a net liability.

The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and those for which book value approximates fair value. Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of instruments, except for other asset-backed securities which were weighted by the relative par amounts.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

The Company has considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of December 31, 2021, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $197 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2021. Of the $197 million, $172 million are other asset-backed securities, $3 million are corporate securities, $16 million are other government securities, and $6 million are equity securities.

In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2021, the Company held $148 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value which are predominantly FHLB stock.

The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as of December 31, 2020, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments:

    

Fair Value

    

    

    

As of

December 31,

Valuation

Unobservable

Range

2020

Technique

Input

(Weighted Average)

(Recast)

(Dollars In

Millions)

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

$

32

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Spread over treasury

 

2.78% - 2.92% (2.87%)

Other asset-backed securities

 

435

 

Liquidation

 

Liquidation value

 

$95.00 - $97.00 ($96.19)

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity premium

0.54% - 2.30% (1.63%)

 

Paydown Rate

8.79% - 12.49% (11.39%)

Corporate securities

 

1,432

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Spread over treasury

0.00% - 4.75% (1.89%)

Liabilities:(1)(2)

 

 

 

Embedded derivatives — GLWB

$

822

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Mortality

88% to 100% of Ruark 2015 ALB Table

 

Lapse

PL RBA Predictive Model

 

Utilization

PL RBA Predictive Model

 

  

 

  

 

Nonperformance risk

0.19% - 0.81%

Embedded derivative — FIA

 

573

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Expenses

$207 per policy

 

Withdrawal rate

0.4% - 2.4% prior to age 70 RMD for ages 70+ or WB withdrawal rate. Assume underutilized RMD for non WB policies age 72 - 88

 

Mortality

88% to 100% of Ruark 2015 ALB table

 

Lapse

0.2% - 50.0%, depending on duration/surrender charge period. Dynamically adjusted for WB moneyness and projected market rates vs credited rates.

 

  

 

  

 

Nonperformance risk

0.19% - 0.81%

Embedded derivative — IUL

$

201

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Mortality

36% - 161% of 2015 VBT Primary Tables. 94% - 248% of duration 8 point in scale 2015 VBT Primary Tables, depending on type of business

 

Lapse

0.375% - 10%, depending on duration/distribution channel and smoking class

 

  

 

  

 

Nonperformance risk

0.19% - 0.81%

(1)Excludes modified coinsurance arrangements.
(2)Fair value is presented as a net liability.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

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

The Company has considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of December 31, 2020, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $116 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2020. Of the $116 million, $88 million are other asset backed securities, $17 million are corporate securities, and $11 million are equity securities.

In certain cases the Company determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2020, the Company held $90 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value which are predominantly FHLB stock.

The asset-backed securities classified as Level 3 are predominantly ARS. A change in the paydown rate (the projected annual rate of principal reduction) of the ARS can significantly impact the fair value of these securities. A decrease in the paydown rate would increase the projected weighted average life of the ARS and increase the sensitivity of the ARS’ fair value to changes in interest rates. An increase in the liquidity premium would result in a decrease in the fair value of the securities, while a decrease in the liquidity premium would increase the fair value of these securities. The liquidation value for these securities are sensitive to the issuer’s available cash flows and ability to redeem the securities, as well as the current holders’ willingness to liquidate at the specified price.

The fair value of corporate bonds classified as Level 3 is sensitive to changes in the interest rate spread over the corresponding U.S. Treasury rate. This spread represents a risk premium that is impacted by company specific and market factors. An increase in the spread can be caused by a perceived increase in credit risk of a specific issuer and/or an increase in the overall market risk premium associated with similar securities. The fair values of corporate bonds are sensitive to changes in spread. When holding the treasury rate constant, the fair value of corporate bonds increases when spreads decrease, and decreases when spreads increase.

The fair value of the GLWB embedded derivative is sensitive to changes in the discount rate which includes the Company’s nonperformance risk, volatility, lapse, and mortality assumptions. The volatility assumption is an observable input as it is based on market inputs. The Company’s nonperformance risk, lapse, and mortality are unobservable. An increase in the three unobservable assumptions would result in a decrease in the fair value of the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumptions the fair value would increase. The fair value is also dependent on the assumed policyholder utilization of the GLWB where an increase in assumed utilization would result in an increase in the fair value of the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumption, the fair value would decrease.

The fair value of the FIA 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, 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 non-performance risk. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and the liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the year ended December 31, 2021, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

Total

Total

Realized and Unrealized

Realized and Unrealized

Gains

Losses

Included in

Included in

Other

Other

Beginning

Included in

Comprehensive

Included in

Comprehensive

    

Balance

    

Net Income

    

Income

    

Net Income

    

Income

(Dollars In Millions)

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Fixed maturity securities AFS

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

$

$

$

$

$

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

32

 

 

 

 

(2)

Other asset-backed securities

 

435

 

 

3

 

 

(1)

Corporate securities

 

1,432

 

 

11

 

 

(34)

Total fixed maturity securities — AFS

 

1,899

 

 

14

 

 

(37)

Fixed maturity securities — trading

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Other asset-backed securities

 

71

 

 

3

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

 

18

 

 

 

 

(1)

Total fixed maturity securities — trading

 

89

 

 

3

 

 

(1)

Total fixed maturity securities

 

1,988

 

 

17

 

 

(38)

Equity securities

 

101

 

 

 

 

Other long-term investments(1)

 

298

 

185

 

 

(188)

 

Total investments

 

2,387

 

185

 

17

 

(188)

 

(38)

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

2,387

$

185

$

17

$

(188)

$

(38)

Liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Annuity account balances(2)

$

67

$

$

$

(4)

$

Other liabilities(1)

 

2,239

 

877

 

 

(577)

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

2,306

$

877

$

$

(581)

$

(1)Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, there were $336 million of securities transferred into Level 3 from Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced by independent pricing services or brokers in previous periods but were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available as of December 31, 2021.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

For the year ended December 31, 2021, there were $38 million of securities transferred into Level 2 from Level 3.

Total Gains

(losses)

included in

Net Income

Related to

Instruments

Transfers

Still Held at

in/out of

Ending

the Reporting

    

Purchases

    

Sales

    

Issuances

    

Settlements

    

Level 3

    

Other

    

Balance

    

Date

(Dollars In Millions)

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Fixed maturity securities AFS

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

$

40

$

$

$

$

$

$

40

$

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

150

 

 

180

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

67

 

(4)

 

 

 

14

 

1

 

515

 

Corporate securities

 

274

 

(212)

 

 

 

112

 

(1)

 

1,582

 

Total fixed maturity securities — AFS

 

381

 

(216)

 

 

 

276

 

 

2,317

 

Fixed maturity securities — trading

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Other asset-backed securities

 

22

 

(19)

 

 

 

16

 

 

93

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

16

 

 

16

 

Corporate securities

 

2

 

(6)

 

 

 

(5)

 

 

8

 

Total fixed maturity securities — trading

 

24

 

(25)

 

 

 

27

 

 

117

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

405

 

(241)

 

 

 

303

 

 

2,434

 

Equity securities

 

91

 

(32)

 

 

 

(5)

 

 

155

 

Other long-term investments(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

295

 

(3)

Total investments

 

496

 

(273)

 

 

 

298

 

 

2,884

 

(3)

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

496

$

(273)

$

$

$

298

$

$

2,884

$

(3)

Liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Annuity account balances(2)

$

$

$

$

8

$

$

$

63

$

Other liabilities(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,939

 

300

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

$

$

$

8

$

$

$

2,002

$

300

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the year ended December 31, 2020, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

    

    

Total

    

Total

Realized and Unrealized

Realized and Unrealized

Gains

Losses

Included in

Other

Included In

Beginning

Included in

Comprehensive

Included in

Other Comprehensive

    

Balance

    

Net Income

    

Income

    

Net Income

    

Income

(Recast)

(Dollars In Millions)

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Fixed maturity securities AFS

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

$

10

$

$

1

$

$

(1)

Other asset-backed securities

 

421

 

 

8

 

 

(13)

Corporate securities

 

1,374

 

 

135

 

 

(83)

Total fixed maturity securities — AFS

 

1,805

 

 

144

 

 

(97)

Fixed maturity securities — trading

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Other asset-backed securities

 

65

 

6

 

 

(9)

 

Corporate securities

 

11

 

1

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities — trading

 

76

 

7

 

 

(9)

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

1,881

 

7

 

144

 

(9)

 

(97)

Equity securities

 

73

 

1

 

 

 

Other long-term investments(1)

 

292

 

404

 

 

(300)

 

Total investments

 

2,246

 

412

 

144

 

(309)

 

(97)

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

2,246

$

412

$

144

$

(309)

$

(97)

Liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Annuity account balances(2)

$

70

$

$

$

(3)

$

Other liabilities(1)

 

1,332

 

926

 

 

(1,833)

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

1,402

$

926

$

$

(1,836)

$

(1)Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, there were $184 million of securities transferred into Level 3 from Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced by independent pricing services or brokers in previous periods but were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available as of December 31, 2020.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

For the year ended December 31, 2020, there were $1 million of securities transferred into Level 2 from Level 3.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Total Gains

(losses)

included in

Net Income

Related to

Instruments

Transfers

Still Held at

in/out of

Ending

the Reporting

Purchases

Sales

Issuances

Settlements

Level 3

Other

Balance

Date

(Recast)

(Dollars In Millions)

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Fixed maturity securities AFS

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

$

$

$

$

$

22

$

$

32

$

Other asset-backed securities

 

 

(2)

 

 

 

22

 

(1)

 

435

 

Corporate securities

 

436

 

(562)

 

 

 

135

 

(3)

 

1,432

 

Total fixed maturity securities — AFS

 

436

 

(564)

 

 

 

179

 

(4)

 

1,899

 

Fixed maturity securities — trading

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Other asset-backed securities

 

12

 

(2)

 

 

 

(1)

 

 

71

 

2

Corporate securities

 

8

 

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

18

 

Total fixed maturity securities — trading

 

20

 

(4)

 

 

 

(1)

 

 

89

 

2

Total fixed maturity securities

 

456

 

(568)

 

 

 

178

 

(4)

 

1,988

 

2

Equity securities

 

27

 

(5)

 

 

 

5

 

 

101

 

Other long-term investments(1)

 

41

 

(135)

 

 

(4)

 

 

 

298

 

81

Total investments

 

524

 

(708)

 

 

(4)

 

183

 

(4)

 

2,387

 

83

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

524

$

(708)

$

$

(4)

$

183

$

(4)

$

2,387

$

83

Liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Annuity account balances(2)

$

$

$

$

6

$

$

$

67

$

Other liabilities(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,239

 

(906)

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

$

$

$

6

$

$

$

2,306

$

(906)

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities are primarily reported in either net gains (losses) — investments and derivatives within the consolidated statements of income or other comprehensive income within shareowner’s 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.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

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 that are not reported at fair value as of the periods shown below are as follows:

As of December 31,

2021

2020

    

Fair Value

    

Carrying

    

    

Carrying

    

Level

Amounts

Fair Values

Amounts

Fair Values

(Dollars In Millions)

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Commercial mortgage loans(1)

 

3

$

10,863

$

11,386

$

10,006

$

10,788

Policy loans

 

3

 

1,527

 

1,527

 

1,593

 

1,593

Other long-term investments(2)

 

3

 

1,930

 

1,990

 

1,186

 

1,283

Liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Stable value product account balances

 

3

$

8,526

$

8,598

$

6,056

$

6,231

Future policy benefits and claims(3)

 

3

 

1,457

 

1,504

 

1,580

 

1,603

Other policyholders' funds(4)

 

3

 

102

 

108

 

102

 

108

Debt:(5)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Subordinated funding obligations

 

3

$

110

$

116

$

110

$

121

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

(1)The carrying amount is net of allowance for credit losses.
(2)Other long-term investments represents a modco receivable, which is related to invested assets such as fixed income and structured securities, which are legally owned by the ceding company. The fair value is determined in a manner consistent with other similar invested assets held by the Company. In addition, it includes the cash surrender value of the Company’s COLI policy.
(3)Single premium immediate annuity without life contingencies.
(4)Supplementary contracts without life contingencies.
(5)Excludes immaterial capital lease obligations.

Fair Value Measurements

Commercial Mortgage Loans

The Company estimates the fair value of commercial mortgage loans using an internally developed model. This model includes inputs derived by the Company based on assumed discount rates relative to the Company’s current commercial mortgage loan lending rate and an expected cash flow analysis based on a review of the commercial mortgage loan terms. The model also contains the Company’s determined representative risk adjustment assumptions related to credit and liquidity risks.

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

Policy Loans

The Company believes the fair value of policy loans approximates book value. Policy loans are funds provided to policyholders in return for a claim on the policy. The funds provided are limited to the cash surrender value of the underlying policy. The nature of policy loans is to have a negligible default risk as the loans are fully collateralized by the value of the policy. Policy loans do not have a stated maturity and the balances and accrued interest are repaid either by the policyholder or with proceeds from the policy. Due to the collateralized nature of policy loans and unpredictable timing of repayments, the Company believes the carrying value of policy loans approximates fair value.

Other Long-Term Investments

In addition to free-standing and embedded derivative financial instruments discussed above, other long-term investments includes $1.2 billion of amounts receivable under certain modified coinsurance agreements and $710 million cash surrender value of the Company’s COLI policies. The amounts receivable under the modified coinsurance agreements represent funds withheld in connection with certain reinsurance agreements in which the Company acts as the reinsurer. Under the terms of these agreements, assets equal to statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned by the ceding company, and any excess or shortfall is settled periodically. In some cases, these modified coinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives which are discussed in more detail above. The fair value of amounts receivable under modified coinsurance agreements, including the embedded derivative component, correspond to the fair value of the underlying assets withheld. The COLI amounts are based on the fair value of the underlying assets.

Stable Value Product and Other Investment Contract Balances

The Company estimates the fair value of stable value product account balances and other investment contract balances (included in Future policy benefits and claims as well as Other policyholders’ funds line items on our consolidated balance sheet) using models based on discounted expected cash flows. The discount rates used in the models are based on a current market rate for similar financial instruments.

Funding Obligations

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