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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows:

  
March 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(In millions)
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-maturity securities
$
89,502

 
$
89,219

 
$
88,588

 
$
88,039

Fixed-maturity securities - consolidated variable interest entities
5,854

 
5,747

 
5,993

 
5,916

Perpetual securities
4,159

 
4,159

 
5,149

 
5,149

Perpetual securities - consolidated variable interest entities
1,193

 
1,193

 
1,290

 
1,290

Equity securities
25

 
25

 
25

 
25

Interest rate, foreign currency, and credit default swaps
318

 
318

 
375

 
375

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable (excluding capitalized leases)
3,955

 
4,354

 
3,275

 
3,536

Interest rate, foreign currency, and credit default swaps
428

 
428

 
531

 
531

Obligation to Japanese policyholder protection corporation
47

 
47

 
71

 
71



We determine the fair values of our fixed maturity securities, perpetual securities, privately issued equity securities and our derivatives using four basic pricing approaches or techniques: quoted market prices readily available from public exchange markets, price quotes and valuations from third party pricing vendors, a discounted cash flow (DCF) pricing model, and non-binding price quotes we obtain from outside brokers.

Our DCF pricing model incorporates an option adjusted spread and utilizes various market inputs we obtain from both active and inactive markets. The estimated fair values developed by the DCF pricing model is most sensitive to prevailing credit spreads, the level of interest rates (yields) and interest rate volatility. Credit spreads are derived using a bond index to create a credit spread matrix which takes into account the current credit spread, ratings and remaining time to maturity, and subordination levels for securities that are included in the bond index. Our DCF pricing model is based on a widely used global bond index that is comprised of investments in active markets. The index provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed-income bond market. This index covers bonds issued by European and American issuers, which account for the majority of bonds that we hold. We validate the reliability of the DCF pricing model periodically by using the model to price investments for which there are quoted market prices from active and inactive markets or, in the alternative, are quoted by our custodian for the same or similar securities.

The pricing data and market quotes we obtain from outside sources are reviewed internally for reasonableness. If a fair value appears unreasonable, we will re-examine the inputs and assess the reasonableness of the pricing data with the vendor. Additionally, we may compare the inputs to relevant market indices and other performance measurements. Based on that analysis, the valuation is confirmed or revised.

The fair values of our publicly issued notes payable were obtained from a limited number of independent brokers, and the fair values of our yen-denominated loans approximate their carrying values. The fair value of the obligation to the Japanese policyholder protection corporation is our estimated share of the industry's obligation calculated on a pro rata basis by projecting our percentage of the industry's premiums and reserves and applying that percentage to the total industry obligation payable in future years.

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accrued investment income, accounts payable, cash collateral and payables for security transactions approximated their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Consequently, such instruments are not included in the above table. The preceding table also excludes liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims as these liabilities are not financial instruments as defined by GAAP.

Fair Value Hierarchy

GAAP specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. These two types of inputs create three valuation hierarchy levels. Level 1 valuations reflect quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 valuations reflect quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted market prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets or model-derived valuations in which all significant valuation inputs are observable in active markets. Level 3 valuations reflect valuations in which one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in an active market.

The following tables present the fair value hierarchy levels of the Company's assets and liabilities that are measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis.
  
March 31, 2012
(In millions)
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
Fair
Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale, carried at fair
value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government and agencies
$
9,965

 
$
764

 
$
0

 
$
10,729

Municipalities
0

 
1,163

 
0

 
1,163

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
0

 
897

 
367

 
1,264

Public utilities
0

 
6,926

 
409

 
7,335

Sovereign and supranational
0

 
1,787

 
418

 
2,205

Banks/financial institutions
0

 
6,612

 
1,097

 
7,709

Other corporate
0

 
15,082

 
1,035

 
16,117

Total fixed maturities
9,965

 
33,231

 
3,326

 
46,522

  Perpetual securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banks/financial institutions
0

 
4,676

 
325

 
5,001

Other corporate
0

 
351

 
0

 
351

Total perpetual securities
0

 
5,027

 
325

 
5,352

Equity securities
15

 
6

 
4

 
25

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
0

 
0

 
31

 
31

Foreign currency swaps
0

 
47

 
240

 
287

Total other assets
0

 
47

 
271

 
318

Cash and cash equivalents
2,210

 
0

 
0

 
2,210

Total assets
$
12,190

 
$
38,311

 
$
3,926

 
$
54,427

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
3

 
$
3

Foreign currency swaps
0

 
9

 
319

 
328

Credit default swaps
0

 
0

 
97

 
97

Total liabilities
$
0

 
$
9

 
$
419

 
$
428


  
December 31, 2011
(In millions)
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
Fair
Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale, carried at fair
value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government and agencies
$
11,092

 
$
721

 
$
0

 
$
11,813

Municipalities
0

 
1,159

 
0

 
1,159

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
0

 
944

 
394

 
1,338

Public utilities
0

 
6,803

 
422

 
7,225

Sovereign and supranational
0

 
1,874

 
434

 
2,308

Banks/financial institutions
0

 
6,379

 
1,074

 
7,453

Other corporate
0

 
15,171

 
1,105

 
16,276

Total fixed maturities
11,092

 
33,051

 
3,429

 
47,572

  Perpetual securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banks/financial institutions
0

 
5,552

 
526

 
6,078

Other corporate
0

 
361

 
0

 
361

Total perpetual securities
0

 
5,913

 
526

 
6,439

Equity securities
15

 
6

 
4

 
25

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
0

 
0

 
34

 
34

Foreign currency swaps
0

 
0

 
341

 
341

Total other assets
0

 
0

 
375

 
375

Cash and cash equivalents
2,249

 
0

 
0

 
2,249

Total assets
$
13,356

 
$
38,970

 
$
4,334

 
$
56,660

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
4

 
$
4

Foreign currency swaps
0

 
0

 
397

 
397

Credit default swaps
0

 
0

 
130

 
130

Total liabilities
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
531

 
$
531




The following tables present the fair values categorized by hierarchy levels for the Company's assets and liabilities that are carried at cost or amortized cost and for which fair value is disclosed.

  
March 31, 2012
(In millions)
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
Fair
Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held to maturity, carried at
amortized cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government and agencies
$
23,067

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
23,067

Municipalities
0

 
550

 
0

 
550

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
0

 
35

 
86

 
121

Public utilities
0

 
5,207

 
0

 
5,207

Sovereign and supranational
0

 
3,953

 
0

 
3,953

Banks/financial institutions
0

 
10,878

 
0

 
10,878

Other corporate
0

 
4,668

 
0

 
4,668

 Total assets
$
23,067

 
$
25,291

 
$
86

 
$
48,444

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable (excluding capital leases)
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
4,354

 
$
4,354

Obligation to Japanese policyholder
protection corporation
0

 
0

 
47

 
47

Total liabilities
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
4,401

 
$
4,401

  
December 31, 2011
(In millions)
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
Fair
Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held to maturity, carried at
amortized cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government and agencies
$
19,071

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
19,071

Municipalities
0

 
584

 
0

 
584

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
0

 
39

 
95

 
134

Public utilities
0

 
5,637

 
0

 
5,637

Sovereign and supranational
0

 
4,165

 
0

 
4,165

Banks/financial institutions
0

 
11,480

 
0

 
11,480

Other corporate
0

 
5,312

 
0

 
5,312

  Total assets
$
19,071

 
$
27,217

 
$
95

 
$
46,383

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable (excluding capital leases)
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
3,536

 
$
3,536

Obligation to Japanese policyholder
protection corporation
0

 
0

 
71

 
71

Total liabilities
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
3,607

 
$
3,607



As of March 31, 2012, approximately 51% of the fair value, or 77% of the number of holdings, of our available-for-sale fixed income and perpetual investments classified as Level 2 and 3% of the fair value, or 7% of the number of holdings, of our held-to-maturity fixed income investments classified as Level 2 are valued by obtaining quoted market prices from our investment custodian. The custodian obtains price quotes from various third party pricing services that estimate fair values based on observable market transactions for similar investments in active markets, market transactions for the same investments in inactive markets, or other observable market data where available. The fair value of approximately 42% of our Level 2 available-for-sale fixed income and perpetual investments, or 10% of the number of Level 2 available-for-sale holdings, and 95% of our Level 2 held-to-maturity fixed income investments, or 85% of the number of Level 2 held-to-maturity holdings, are determined using our DCF pricing model. The significant valuation inputs to the DCF model are obtained from, or corroborated by, observable market sources from both active and inactive markets. For the remaining 7% of Level 2 available-for-sale investment valuations, or 13% of the number of Level 2 available-for-sale holdings, and the remaining 2% of Level 2 held-to-maturity investment valuations, or 8% of the number of Level 2 held-to-maturity holdings, that are not provided by our custodian and are not priced using the DCF pricing model, we obtain quotes from other pricing services that estimate fair values based on observable market transactions for similar investments in active markets, market transactions for the same investment in inactive markets, or other observable market data where available.

Due to our reliance on third-party pricing services to provide valuations on 51% of our Level 2 available-for-sale portfolio and 3% of our Level 2 held-to-maturity portfolio, we regularly discuss and review pricing methodologies with the investment custodian. We also review the custodians' Service Organization Control (SOC 1) report for the period covering the current year to gain satisfaction with the controls and control environment of the custodian.

For securities in Level 2 that are below investment grade or have split ratings where the valuation calculated by our DCF model does not conform to current market conditions, a CDS spread is used in lieu of the index spread discussed above. The CDS is chosen based on an average of spreads of issues with the same issuer, rating and subordination.

We use derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets. However, the derivative instrument may not be classified in the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated asset. Inputs used to value derivatives include, but are not limited to, interest rates, credit spreads, foreign currency forward and spot rates, and interest volatility.

The fair value of the foreign currency swaps associated with our senior notes is based on the amount we would expect to receive or pay to terminate the swaps. The determination of the fair value of the swaps is based on observable market inputs, therefore they are classified as Level 2.

For derivatives associated with VIEs where we are the primary beneficiary, we are not the direct counterparty to the swap contracts. As a result, the fair value measurements incorporate the credit risk of the collateral associated with the VIE. Prior to the third quarter of 2011, these derivative instruments were reported in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, except CDSs and certain foreign currency swaps which were classified as Level 3. The interest rate and certain foreign currency derivative instruments previously classified as Level 2 were priced by broker quotations. In the third quarter of 2011, we changed from receiving valuations from brokers to receiving valuations from a third party pricing vendor for our derivatives. Based on an analysis of these derivatives and a review of the methodology employed by the pricing vendor, we determined that due to the long duration of these swaps and the need to extrapolate from short-term observable data to derive and measure long-term inputs, certain inputs, assumptions and judgments are required to value future cash flows that cannot be corroborated by current inputs or current observable market data. As a result, the derivatives associated with our consolidated VIEs have been classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2011 and thereafter.

The fixed maturities classified as Level 3 consist of securities for which there are limited or no observable valuation inputs. We estimate the fair value of these securities by obtaining non-binding broker quotes from a limited number of brokers. These brokers base their quotes on a combination of their knowledge of the current pricing environment and market conditions. We consider these inputs to be unobservable. The significant valuation inputs that are used in the valuation process for the below-investment-grade and private placement investments classified as Level 3 include forward exchange rates, yen swap rates, dollar swap rates, interest rate volatilities, credit spread data on specific issuers, assumed default and default recovery rates, and certain probability assumptions. In obtaining these valuation inputs, we have determined that certain pricing assumptions and data used by our pricing sources are difficult to validate or corroborate by the market and/or appear to be internally developed rather than observed in or corroborated by the market. The use of these unobservable valuation inputs causes more subjectivity in the valuation process for these securities.

The equity securities classified in Level 3 are related to investments in Japanese businesses, each of which are insignificant and in the aggregate are immaterial. Because fair values for these investments are not readily available, we carry them at their original cost. We review each of these investments periodically and, in the event we determine that any are other-than-temporarily impaired, we write them down to their estimated fair value at that time.

The fair values of our publicly issued notes payable classified as Level 3 were obtained from a limited number of independent brokers. These brokers base their quotes on a combination of their knowledge of the current pricing environment and market conditions. We consider these inputs to be unobservable. The fair value of the obligation to the Japanese policyholder protection corporation classified as Level 3 is our estimated share of the industry's obligation calculated on a pro rata basis by projecting our percentage of the industry's premiums and reserves and applying that percentage to the total industry obligation payable in future years. We consider our inputs for this valuation to be unobservable.

Historically, we have not adjusted the quotes or prices we obtain from the brokers and pricing services we use.
Level 3 Rollforward and Transfers between Hierarchy Levels

The following tables present the changes in our available-for-sale investments and derivatives classified as Level 3.
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2012
 
Fixed Maturities
 
Perpetual
Securities
 
Equity
Securities
 
Derivatives
 
 
 
(In millions)
Mortgage-
and
Asset-
Backed
Securities
 
Public
Utilities
 
Sovereign
and
Supranational
 
Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 
Other
Corporate
 
Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 
 
 
Interest
Rate
Swaps
 
Foreign
Currency
Swaps
 
Credit
Default
Swaps
 
Total
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
394

 
$
422

 
$
434

 
$
1,074

 
$
1,105

 
$
526

 
$
4

 
$
30

 
$
(56
)
 
$
(130
)
 
$
3,803

 
Realized gains or losses included in earnings
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
2

 
49

 
0

 
(2
)
 
13

 
33

 
95

 
Unrealized gains or losses included in other
comprehensive income
(23
)
 
(13
)
 
(16
)
 
23

 
(38
)
 
6

 
0

 
0

 
(12
)
 
0

 
(73
)
 
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
Issuances
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
Sales
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(34
)
 
(256
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(290
)
 
Settlements
(4
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(24
)
 
0

 
(28
)
 
Transfers into Level 3
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
Transfers out of Level 3
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
Balance, end of period
$
367

 
$
409

 
$
418

 
$
1,097

 
$
1,035

 
$
325

 
$
4

 
$
28

 
$
(79
)
 
$
(97
)
 
$
3,507

 
Change in unrealized gains
(losses) still held
(1)
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(2
)
 
$
13

 
$
33

 
$
44

 
(1)Represents the amount of total gains or losses for the period, included in earnings, attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets classified as
Level 3 that were still held at March 31, 2012
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2011
 
Fixed Maturities
 
Perpetual
Securities
 
Equity
Securities
 
Derivatives
 
 
(In millions)
Mortgage-
and
Asset-
Backed
Securities
 
Public
Utilities
 
Collateralized
Debt
Obligations
 
Sovereign
and
Supranational
 
Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 
Other
Corporate
 
Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 
 
 
Foreign
Currency
Swaps
 
Credit
Default
Swaps
 
Total
Balance, beginning of
period
$
267

 
$
0

 
$
5

 
$
0

 
$
386

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
4

 
$
241

 
$
(343
)
 
$
560

Realized gains or losses
included in earnings
(6
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
1

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(64
)
 
5

 
(64
)
Unrealized gains or losses
included in other
comprehensive income
(10
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
33

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(51
)
 
0

 
(28
)
Purchases, issuances,
sales and settlements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Issuances
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Sales
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Settlements
(3
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(3
)
Transfers into Level 3
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Transfers out of Level 3
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Balance, end of period
$
248

 
$
0

 
$
5

 
$
0

 
$
420

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
4

 
$
126

 
$
(338
)
 
$
465

Change in unrealized gains
   (losses) still held(1)
$
(6
)
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
1

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(64
)
 
$
5

 
$
(64
)
(1)Represents the amount of total gains or losses for the period, included in earnings, attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets classified as Level 3 that were still held at March 31, 2011
Transfers into and/or out of Level 3 are attributable to a change in the observability of inputs. Transfers into and/or out of any fair value hierarchy level are assumed to occur at the balance sheet date. There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Fair Value Sensitivity

DCF Sensitivity

Our DCF pricing model utilizes various market inputs we obtain from both active and inactive markets. The estimated fair values developed by the DCF pricing models are most sensitive to prevailing credit spreads, the level of interest rates (yields), and, for our callable securities, interest rate volatility. Management believes that under normal market conditions, a movement of 50 basis points (bps) in interest rates and credit spreads and 50 percent in interest rate volatility would be sufficiently reasonable stresses to illustrate the sensitivity of valuations to these risk factors. Therefore, we selected these magnitudes of movement and provided both upward and downward movements in these key assumptions used to estimate fair value. Since the changes in fair value are relatively linear, readers of these financial statements can make their own judgments as to the movement in interest rates and the change in fair value based upon this data. The following scenarios provide a view of the sensitivity of our securities priced by our DCF pricing model.

The fair values of our available-for-sale fixed-maturity and perpetual securities valued by our DCF pricing model totaled $18.2 billion at March 31, 2012. The estimated effect of potential changes in interest rates, credit spreads and interest rate volatility on these fair values as of such date is as follows:
 
 
Interest Rates
 
 
 
Credit Spreads
 
 
 
Interest Rate Volatility
 
Factor
Change
 
Change in
fair value
  (in millions)  
 
Factor
change
 
Change in
fair value
  (in millions)  
 
Factor
change
 
Change in
fair value
  (in millions)  
 
+50 bps
 
 
 
$
(978
)
 
 
 
+50 bps
 
 
 
$
(975
)
 
 
 
+50 %
 
 
 
$
(36
)
 
 
-50 bps
 
 
 
999

 
 
 
-50 bps
 
 
 
1,011

 
 
 
-50 %
 
 
 
1

 

The fair values of our held-to-maturity fixed-maturity securities valued by our DCF pricing model totaled $23.9 billion at March 31, 2012. The estimated effect of potential changes in interest rates, credit spreads and interest rate volatility on these fair values as of such date is as follows:

 
Interest Rates
 
 
 
Credit Spreads
 
 
 
Interest Rate Volatility
 
Factor
Change
 
Change in
fair value
  (in millions)  
 
Factor
change
 
Change in
fair value
  (in millions)  
 
Factor
change
 
Change in
fair value
  (in millions)  
 
+50 bps
 
 
 
$
(1,488
)
 
 
 
+50 bps
 
 
 
$
(1,379
)
 
 
 
+50 %
 
 
 
$
(132
)
 
 
-50 bps
 
 
 
1,314

 
 
 
-50 bps
 
 
 
1,380

 
 
 
-50 %
 
 
 
167

 
Level 3 Significant Unobservable Input Sensitivity

The following tables summarize the significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of our Level 3 available-for-sale investments and derivatives. Included in the tables are the inputs or range of possible inputs that have an effect on the overall valuation of the financial instruments.
March 31, 2012
(In millions)
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 
$
367

 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes
 
N/A
(e) 
       Public utilities
 
409

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Historical volatility
 
8.85%
 
       Sovereign and supranational
 
418

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Historical volatility
 
8.85%
 
       Banks/financial institutions
 
547

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Historical volatility
 
8.85%
 
 
 
550

 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes
 
N/A
(e) 
       Other corporate
 
594

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Historical volatility
 
8.85%
 

 
441

 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes
 
N/A
(e) 
    Perpetual securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Banks/financial institutions
 
325

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Historical volatility
 
8.85%
 
    Equity securities
 
4

 
Net asset value
 
Offered quotes
 
$0-$993 ($4)
 
  Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
       Interest rate swaps
 
31

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Base correlation
 
    44% - 52%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
3 - 1673 (136) bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recovery rate
 
25% - 70% (40%)
 
       Foreign currency swaps
 
81

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.29% - 3.05%
(c) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
1.04% - 2.00%
(d) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
6 - 157 (112) bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
20.69%
(b) 
 
 
46

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.29% - 3.05%
(c) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
1.04% - 2.00%
(d) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
13 - 190 (97) bps
 
 
 
113

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.29% - 3.05%
(c) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
1.04% - 2.00%
(d) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
20.69%
(b) 
            Total assets
 
$
3,926

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(a) Weighted-average range of base correlations for our bespoke tranches for attachment and detachment points corresponding to market indices
(b) Based on 10 year volatility of JPY/USD exchange rate
(c) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(d) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(e) N/A represents securities where we receive unadjusted broker quotes and for which there is no transparency into the providers' valuation techniques or unobservable inputs.

March 31, 2012
(In millions)
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Interest rate swaps
 
$
3

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Base correlation
 
    44% - 52%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
3 - 1673 (136) bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recovery rate
 
25% - 70% (40%)
 
       Foreign currency swaps
 
91

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.29% - 3.05%
(c) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
1.04% - 2.00%
(d) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
14 - 239 (128) bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
20.69%
(b) 
 
 
21

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.29% - 3.05%
(c) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
1.04% - 2.00%
(d) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
11 - 359 (214) bps
 
 
 
207

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.29% - 3.05%
(c) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
1.04% - 2.00%
(d) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
20.69%
(b) 
       Credit default swaps
 
97

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Base correlations
 
    44% - 52%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
3 - 1673 (136) bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recovery rate
 
25% - 70% (40%)
 
            Total liabilities
 
$
419

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following is a discussion of the significant unobservable inputs or valuation technique used in determining the fair value of securities and derivatives classified as Level 3. Listed below each discussion are the asset and derivative categories impacted by the respective input or valuation technique.

Annualized historical foreign exchange volatility

We own a portfolio of callable reverse dual-currency bonds (RDCs). RDCs are securities that have principal denominated in yen while paying U.S. dollar (USD) coupons. The significant unobservable input used for valuation is the historical foreign exchange volatility. The market standard approach is to use implied volatility to value options or instruments with optionality, because historical volatility may not represent current market participants' expectations about future volatility. Given the importance of this input to the overall valuation, use of historical volatility could result in a significant increase or decrease in fair value measurement.

Public utilities, Other corporate, Sovereign and supranational, Banks/financial institutions

Net Asset Value

We hold certain unlisted equity securities whose fair value is derived based on the financial statements published by the investee. These securities do not trade on an active market and the valuations derived are dependent on the availability of timely financial reporting of the investee.

Equity securities

Offered quotes

In circumstances where our valuation model price is overridden because it implies a value that is not consistent with current market conditions, we will solicit bids from a limited number of brokers. We also receive unadjusted prices from brokers for our mortgage and asset-backed securities. These quotes are non-binding and are best estimates of value at that particular point in time.

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
Banks/financial institutions
Other Corporate

Interest Rates, CDS Spreads, Foreign exchange rates

The significant drivers of the valuation of the interest and foreign exchange swaps are interest rates, foreign exchange rates and CDS spreads. Our swaps have long maturities with fixed pay and receive legs. This increases the sensitivity of the swap to interest rate fluctuations. Since most of our yen-denominated cross currency swaps are in a net liability position, an increase in interest rates will decrease the liabilities and increase the value of the swap.
Foreign exchange swaps also have a lump-sum final settlement of foreign exchange principal receivables at the termination of the swap. An increase in yen interest rates will decrease the value of the final settlement foreign exchange receivables and decrease the value of the swap, and an increase in USD interest rates increase the swap value.
A similar sensitivity pattern is observed for the foreign exchange rates. When the spot U.S. dollar/Japanese yen (USD/JPY) foreign exchange rate decreases and the swap is receiving a final exchange payment in JPY, the swap value will increase due to the appreciation of the JPY. Most of our swaps are designed to receive payments in JPY at the termination and will thus be impacted by USD/JPY foreign exchange rate in this way. In cases where there is no final exchange foreign exchange receivable in JPY and we are paying JPY as interest payments, a decrease in the foreign exchange rate will lead to a decrease in the swap value.

The extinguisher feature in most of our swaps results in a cessation of cash flows and no further payments between the parties to the swap in the event of a default on the referenced or underlying collateral. To price this feature, we apply the survival probability of the referenced entity to the projected cash flows. The survival probability uses the CDS spreads and recovery rates to adjust the present value of the cash flows. For extinguisher swaps with positive values, an increase in CDS spreads decreases the likelihood of receiving the final exchange payments and reduces the value of the swap.

Due to the long duration of these swaps and the need to extrapolate from short-term observable data to derive and measure long-term inputs, certain inputs, assumptions and judgments are required to value future cash flows that cannot be corroborated by current inputs or current observable market data.
       
Foreign currency swaps

Base Correlations, CDS Spreads

Our CDOs are tranches on baskets of single-name credit default swaps. The risks in these types of synthetic CDOs come from the single-name CDS risk and the correlations between the single names. The valuation of synthetic CDOs is dependent on the calibration of market prices for interest rates, single name CDS default probabilities and base correlation using financial modeling tools. Since there is limited or no observable data available for these tranches, these base correlations must be obtained from commonly traded market tranches such as the CDX and iTraxx indices. From the historical prices of these indices, base correlations can be obtained to develop a pricing curve of CDOs with different seniorities. Since the reference entities of the market indices do not match those in our portfolio underlying the synthetic CDO to be valued, several processing steps are taken to map the names in our portfolio to the indices. With the base correlation determined and the appropriate spreads selected, a valuation is calculated. An increase in the CDS spreads in the underlying portfolio leads to a decrease in the value due to higher probability of defaults and losses. The impact on the valuation due to base correlation depends on a number of factors, including the riskiness between market tranches and the modeled tranche based on our portfolio and the equivalence between detachment points in these tranches. Generally speaking, an increase in base correlation will decrease the value of the senior tranches while increasing the value of junior tranches. This may result in a positive or negative value change.
Our interest rate swaps are linked to the underlying synthetic CDOs. The valuation of these swaps is performed using a similar approach to that of the synthetic CDOs themselves; that is, the base correlation model is used to ensure consistency between the synthetic CDOs and the swaps.

Credit default swaps, Interest rate swaps

For additional information on our investments and financial instruments, see the accompanying Notes 1, 3 and 4 and Notes 1, 3 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our annual report to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2011.