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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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, 2015
(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
 
$
18,361

 
 
 
$
495

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
18,856

 
Municipalities
 
0

 
 
 
1,260

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,260

 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 
0

 
 
 
400

 
 
 
221

 
 
 
621

 
Public utilities
 
0

 
 
 
8,218

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
8,218

 
Sovereign and supranational
 
0

 
 
 
1,468

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,468

 
Banks/financial institutions
 
0

 
 
 
6,629

 
 
 
26

 
 
 
6,655

 
Other corporate
 
0

 
 
 
30,241

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
30,241

 
Total fixed maturities
 
18,361

 
 
 
48,711

 
 
 
247

 
 
 
67,319

 
  Perpetual securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banks/financial institutions
 
0

 
 
 
2,191

 
 
 
150

 
 
 
2,341

 
Other corporate
 
0

 
 
 
219

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
219

 
Total perpetual securities
 
0

 
 
 
2,410

 
 
 
150

 
 
 
2,560

 
Equity securities
 
19

 
 
 
6

 
 
 
3

 
 
 
28

 
Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
0

 
 
 
528

 
 
 
109

 
 
 
637

 
Foreign currency forwards
 
0

 
 
 
64

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
64

 
Credit default swaps
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1

 
 
 
1

 
Interest rate swaps
 
0

 
 
 
4

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
4

 
Total other assets
 
0

 
 
 
596

 
 
 
110

 
 
 
706

 
Other investments
 
179

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
179

 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
4,363

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
4,363

 
Total assets
 
$
22,922

 
 
 
$
51,723

 
 
 
$
510

 
 
 
$
75,155

 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
1

 
 
 
$
392

 
 
 
$
393

 
Foreign currency forwards
 
0

 
 
 
165

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
165

 
Foreign currency options
 
0

 
 
 
15

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
15

 
Interest rate swaptions
 
0

 
 
 
26

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
26

 
Total liabilities
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
207

 
 
 
$
392

 
 
 
$
599

 

  
December 31, 2014
(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
 
$
18,683

 
 
 
$
515

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
19,198

 
Municipalities
 
0

 
 
 
1,257

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,257

 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 
0

 
 
 
379

 
 
 
223

 
 
 
602

 
Public utilities
 
0

 
 
 
7,897

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
7,897

 
Sovereign and supranational
 
0

 
 
 
1,416

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,416

 
Banks/financial institutions
 
0

 
 
 
6,572

 
 
 
26

 
 
 
6,598

 
Other corporate
 
0

 
 
 
28,605

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
28,605

 
Total fixed maturities
 
18,683

 
 
 
46,641

 
 
 
249

 
 
 
65,573

 
  Perpetual securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banks/financial institutions
 
0

 
 
 
2,289

 
 
 
149

 
 
 
2,438

 
Other corporate
 
0

 
 
 
231

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
231

 
Total perpetual securities
 
0

 
 
 
2,520

 
 
 
149

 
 
 
2,669

 
Equity securities
 
19

 
 
 
6

 
 
 
3

 
 
 
28

 
Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
0

 
 
 
640

 
 
 
106

 
 
 
746

 
Foreign currency forwards
 
0

 
 
 
56

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
56

 
Total other assets
 
0

 
 
 
696

 
 
 
106

 
 
 
802

 
Other investments
 
171

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
171

 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
4,658

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
4,658

 
Total assets
 
$
23,531

 
 
 
$
49,863

 
 
 
$
507

 
 
 
$
73,901

 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
318

 
 
 
$
318

 
Foreign currency forwards
 
0

 
 
 
1,912

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,912

 
Foreign currency options
 
0

 
 
 
33

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
33

 
Interest rate swaptions
 
0

 
 
 
160

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
160

 
Total liabilities
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
2,105

 
 
 
$
318

 
 
 
$
2,423

 



The following tables present the carrying amount and fair value categorized by fair value hierarchy level for the Company's financial instruments that are not carried at fair value.
  
March 31, 2015
(In millions)
Carrying
Value
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
 
$
20,084

 
 
$
22,975

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
22,975

 
Municipalities
 
346

 
 
0

 
 
 
412

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
412

 
Mortgage and asset-backed
securities
 
42

 
 
0

 
 
 
14

 
 
 
30

 
 
 
44

 
Public utilities
 
3,269

 
 
0

 
 
 
3,503

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,503

 
Sovereign and
supranational
 
2,564

 
 
0

 
 
 
2,791

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,791

 
Banks/financial institutions
 
4,947

 
 
0

 
 
 
5,054

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
5,054

 
Other corporate
 
3,010

 
 
0

 
 
 
3,323

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,323

 
 Total assets
 
$
34,262

 
 
$
22,975

 
 
 
$
15,097

 
 
 
$
30

 
 
 
$
38,102

 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other policyholders’ funds
 
$
6,139

 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
6,005

 
 
 
$
6,005

 
Notes payable
(excluding capital leases)
 
6,268

 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
6,924

 
 
 
6,924

 
Total liabilities
 
$
12,407

 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
12,929

 
 
 
$
12,929

 
  
December 31, 2014
(In millions)
Carrying
Value
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
 
$
20,023

 
 
$
23,218

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
23,218

 
Municipalities
 
346

 
 
0

 
 
 
417

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
417

 
Mortgage and asset-backed
securities
 
43

 
 
0

 
 
 
15

 
 
 
31

 
 
 
46

 
Public utilities
 
3,342

 
 
0

 
 
 
3,603

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,603

 
Sovereign and
supranational
 
2,556

 
 
0

 
 
 
2,814

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,814

 
Banks/financial institutions
 
4,932

 
 
0

 
 
 
5,085

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
5,085

 
Other corporate
 
3,000

 
 
0

 
 
 
3,314

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,314

 
  Total assets
 
$
34,242

 
 
$
23,218

 
 
 
$
15,248

 
 
 
$
31

 
 
 
$
38,497

 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other policyholders’ funds
 
$
6,031

 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
5,905

 
 
 
$
5,905

 
Notes payable
(excluding capital leases)
 
5,268

 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
5,835

 
 
 
5,835

 
Total liabilities
 
$
11,299

 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
11,740

 
 
 
$
11,740

 


Fair Value of Financial Instruments

U.S. GAAP requires disclosure of the fair value of certain financial instruments including those that are not carried at fair value. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, other investments, 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. Liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims are not financial instruments as defined by GAAP.

Fixed maturities, perpetual securities, and equity securities

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

A third party pricing vendor has developed valuation models to determine fair values of privately issued securities to reflect the impact of the persistent economic environment and the changing regulatory framework. These models are discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation models, but also use information from related markets, specifically the CDS market to estimate expected cash flows. These models take into consideration any unique characteristics of the securities and make various adjustments to arrive at an appropriate issuer-specific loss adjusted credit curve. This credit curve is then used with the relevant recovery rates to estimate expected cash flows and modeling of additional features, including illiquidity adjustments, if necessary, to price the security by discounting those loss adjusted cash flows. In cases where a credit curve cannot be developed from the specific security features, the valuation methodology takes into consideration other market observable inputs, including: 1) the most appropriate comparable security(ies) of the issuer; 2) issuer-specific CDS spreads; 3) bonds or CDS spreads of comparable issuers with similar characteristics such as rating, geography, or sector; or 4) bond indices that are comparative in rating, industry, maturity and region.

The pricing data and market quotes we obtain from outside sources, including third party pricing services, 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. The output of this analysis is presented to the Company's Valuation and Classifications Subcommittee, or VCS. Based on the analysis provided to the VCS, the valuation is confirmed or may be revised if there is evidence of a more appropriate estimate of fair value based on available market data. We have performed verification of the inputs and calculations in any valuation models to confirm that the valuations represent reasonable estimates of fair value.

The fixed maturities classified as Level 3 consist of securities for which there are limited or no observable valuation inputs. For Level 3 securities that are investment grade, 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. For Level 3 investments that are below-investment-grade securities, we consider a variety of significant valuation inputs in the valuation process, including 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.

Historically, we have not adjusted the quotes or prices we obtain from the pricing services and brokers we use.

The following tables present the pricing sources for the fair values of our fixed maturities, perpetual securities, and equity securities.





























 
 
March 31, 2015
(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
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         Government and agencies:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
$
18,361

 
 
 
$
495

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
18,856

 
               Total government and agencies
 
 
18,361

 
 
 
495

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
18,856

 
         Municipalities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,260

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,260

 
               Total municipalities
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,260

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,260

 
         Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
400

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
400

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
221

 
 
 
221

 
               Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 
 
0

 
 
 
400

 
 
 
221

 
 
 
621

 
         Public utilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
8,218

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
8,218

 
               Total public utilities
 
 
0

 
 
 
8,218

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
8,218

 
         Sovereign and supranational:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,468

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,468

 
               Total sovereign and supranational
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,468

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,468

 
         Banks/financial institutions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
6,629

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
6,629

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
26

 
 
 
26

 
               Total banks/financial institutions
 
 
0

 
 
 
6,629

 
 
 
26

 
 
 
6,655

 
         Other corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
30,241

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
30,241

 
               Total other corporate
 
 
0

 
 
 
30,241

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
30,241

 
                  Total fixed maturities
 
 
18,361

 
 
 
48,711

 
 
 
247

 
 
 
67,319

 
      Perpetual securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         Banks/financial institutions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,191

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,191

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
150

 
 
 
150

 
               Total banks/financial institutions
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,191

 
 
 
150

 
 
 
2,341

 
         Other corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
219

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
219

 
               Total other corporate
 
 
0

 
 
 
219

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
219

 
                  Total perpetual securities
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,410

 
 
 
150

 
 
 
2,560

 
      Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
19

 
 
 
6

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
25

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3

 
 
 
3

 
               Total equity securities
 
 
19

 
 
 
6

 
 
 
3

 
 
 
28

 
                     Total securities available for sale
 
 
$
18,380

 
 
 
$
51,127

 
 
 
$
400

 
 
 
$
69,907

 


 
 
March 31, 2015
(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
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         Government and agencies:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
$
22,975

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
22,975

 
               Total government and agencies
 
 
22,975

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
22,975

 
         Municipalities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
412

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
412

 
               Total municipalities
 
 
0

 
 
 
412

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
412

 
         Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
14

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
14

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
30

 
 
 
30

 
               Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 
 
0

 
 
 
14

 
 
 
30

 
 
 
44

 
         Public utilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,503

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,503

 
               Total public utilities
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,503

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,503

 
         Sovereign and supranational:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,791

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,791

 
               Total sovereign and supranational
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,791

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,791

 
         Banks/financial institutions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
4,804

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
4,804

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
250

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
250

 
               Total banks/financial institutions
 
 
0

 
 
 
5,054

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
5,054

 
         Other corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,296

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,296

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
27

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
27

 
               Total other corporate
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,323

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,323

 
                  Total securities held to maturity
 
 
$
22,975

 
 
 
$
15,097

 
 
 
$
30

 
 
 
$
38,102

 

 
 
December 31, 2014
(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
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         Government and agencies:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
$
18,683

 
 
 
$
515

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
19,198

 
               Total government and agencies
 
 
18,683

 
 
 
515

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
19,198

 
         Municipalities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,257

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,257

 
               Total municipalities
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,257

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,257

 
         Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
379

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
379

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
223

 
 
 
223

 
               Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 
 
0

 
 
 
379

 
 
 
223

 
 
 
602

 
         Public utilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
7,897

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
7,897

 
               Total public utilities
 
 
0

 
 
 
7,897

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
7,897

 
         Sovereign and supranational:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,416

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,416

 
               Total sovereign and supranational
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,416

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,416

 
         Banks/financial institutions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
6,514

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
6,514

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
58

 
 
 
26

 
 
 
84

 
               Total banks/financial institutions
 
 
0

 
 
 
6,572

 
 
 
26

 
 
 
6,598

 
         Other corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
28,605

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
28,605

 
               Total other corporate
 
 
0

 
 
 
28,605

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
28,605

 
                  Total fixed maturities
 
 
18,683

 
 
 
46,641

 
 
 
249

 
 
 
65,573

 
      Perpetual securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         Banks/financial institutions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,289

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,289

 
             Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
149

 
 
 
149

 
               Total banks/financial institutions
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,289

 
 
 
149

 
 
 
2,438

 
         Other corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
231

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
231

 
               Total other corporate
 
 
0

 
 
 
231

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
231

 
                  Total perpetual securities
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,520

 
 
 
149

 
 
 
2,669

 
      Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
19

 
 
 
6

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
25

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3

 
 
 
3

 
               Total equity securities
 
 
19

 
 
 
6

 
 
 
3

 
 
 
28

 
                     Total securities available for sale
 
 
$
18,702

 
 
 
$
49,167

 
 
 
$
401

 
 
 
$
68,270

 

 
 
December 31, 2014
(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
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         Government and agencies:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
$
23,218

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
23,218

 
               Total government and agencies
 
 
23,218

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
23,218

 
         Municipalities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
417

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
417

 
               Total municipalities
 
 
0

 
 
 
417

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
417

 
         Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
15

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
15

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
31

 
 
 
31

 
               Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 
 
0

 
 
 
15

 
 
 
31

 
 
 
46

 
         Public utilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,603

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,603

 
               Total public utilities
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,603

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,603

 
         Sovereign and supranational:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,814

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,814

 
               Total sovereign and supranational
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,814

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,814

 
         Banks/financial institutions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
5,085

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
5,085

 
               Total banks/financial institutions
 
 
0

 
 
 
5,085

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
5,085

 
         Other corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,287

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,287

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
27

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
27

 
               Total other corporate
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,314

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,314

 
                  Total securities held to maturity
 
 
$
23,218

 
 
 
$
15,248

 
 
 
$
31

 
 
 
$
38,497

 

The following is a discussion of the determination of fair value of our remaining financial instruments.

Derivatives

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 values of the foreign currency forwards, options, and interest rate swaptions associated with certain fixed-maturity securities; the foreign currency forwards used to hedge certain portions of forecasted yen cash flows; and the foreign currency swaps associated with certain senior notes and our subordinated debentures are based on the amounts we would expect to receive or pay. The determination of the fair value of these derivatives 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. We receive valuations from a third party pricing vendor for these 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 are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other policyholders' funds

The largest component of the other policyholders' funds liability is our annuity line of business in Aflac Japan. Our annuities have fixed benefits and premiums. For this product, we estimated the fair value to be equal to the cash surrender value. This is analogous to the value paid to policyholders on the valuation date if they were to surrender their policy. We periodically check the cash value against discounted cash flow projections for reasonableness. We consider our inputs for this valuation to be unobservable and have accordingly classified this valuation as Level 3.

Notes payable

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 values of our yen-denominated loans approximate their carrying values.
Transfers between Hierarchy Levels and Level 3 Rollforward

There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

The following tables present the changes in fair value of our available-for-sale investments and derivatives classified as Level 3.

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
Fixed Maturities
 
Perpetual
Securities
 
Equity
Securities
 
Derivatives (1)
 
 
 
(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
$
223

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
26

 
$
0

 
$
149

 
$
3

 
$
0

 
$
(212
)
 
$
0

 
$
189

 
Realized investment gains (losses) included
in earnings
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(83
)
 
1

 
(82
)
 
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other
comprehensive income (loss)
(1
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
1

 
0

 
0

 
(4
)
 
0

 
(4
)
 
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
(1
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
16

 
0

 
15

 
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
$
221

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
26

 
$
0

 
$
150

 
$
3

 
$
0

 
$
(283
)
 
$
1

 
$
118

 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating
to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
the end of the period included in realized
investment gains (losses)
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(83
)
 
$
1

 
$
(82
)
 

(1) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2014
  
Fixed Maturities
 
Perpetual
Securities
 
Equity
Securities
 
Derivatives (1)
 
  
 
(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
$
369

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
23

 
$
0

 
$
52

 
$
3

 
$
1

 
$
(99
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
346

 
Realized investment gains (losses) included
in earnings
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(1
)
 
(10
)
 
2

 
(9
)
 
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other
comprehensive income (loss)
(104
)
 
0

 
0

 
2

 
0

 
4

 
0

 
0

 
(1
)
 
0

 
(99
)
 
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

 
24

 
0

 
21

 
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
$
262

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
25

 
$
0

 
$
56

 
$
3

 
$
0

 
$
(86
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
259

 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating
to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
the end of the period included in realized
investment gains (losses)
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
2

 
$
(9
)
 
(1) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net
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, 2015
(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
 
 
$
221

 
 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes
 
N/A
(e) 
       Banks/financial institutions
 
 
26

 
 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes
 
N/A
(e) 
    Perpetual securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Banks/financial institutions
 
 
150

 
 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes
 
N/A
(e) 
    Equity securities
 
 
3

 
 
Net asset value
 
Offered quotes
 
$1 - $679 ($6)
 
  Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
       Foreign currency swaps
 
 
4

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.02% - 2.39%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.58% - 1.36%
(c) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
20 - 110 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
20.32%
(d) 
 
 
 
105

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.02% - 2.39%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.58% - 1.36%
(c) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
20.32%
(d) 
       Credit default swaps
 
 
1

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Base correlation
 
59% - 62%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
93 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recovery rate
 
36.69%
 
            Total assets
 
 
$
510

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(a) Range of base correlation for our bespoke tranche for attachment and detachment points corresponding to market indices
(b) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(c) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(d) Based on 10 year volatility of JPY/USD exchange rate
(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, 2015
(In millions)
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Foreign currency swaps
 
 
$
212

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.02% - 2.39%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.58% - 1.36%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
20 - 110 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
20.32%
(c) 
 
 
 
161

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.02% - 2.39%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.58% - 1.36%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
16 - 151 bps
 
 
 
 
19

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.02% - 2.39%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.58% - 1.36%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
20.32%
(c) 
            Total liabilities
 
 
$
392

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(a) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(b) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(c) Based on 10 year volatility of JPY/USD exchange rate
December 31, 2014
(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
 
 
$
223

 
 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes
 
N/A
(d) 
       Banks/financial institutions
 
 
26

 
 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes
 
N/A
(d) 
    Perpetual securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Banks/financial institutions
 
 
149

 
 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes
 
N/A
(d) 
    Equity securities
 
 
3

 
 
Net asset value
 
Offered quotes
 
$1-$677 ($6)
 
  Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Foreign currency swaps
 
 
8

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.28% - 2.70%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.53% - 1.34%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
16 - 105 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
20.50%
(c) 
 
 
 
98

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.28% - 2.70%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.53% - 1.34%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
20.50%
(c) 
            Total assets
 
 
$
507

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(b) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(c) Based on 10 year volatility of JPY/USD exchange rate
(d) 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.

December 31, 2014
 
(In millions)
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Foreign currency swaps
 
 
$
176

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.28% - 2.70%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.53% - 1.34%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
16 - 105 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
20.50%
(c) 
 
 
 
111

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.28% - 2.70%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.53% - 1.34%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
13 - 145 bps
 
 
 
 
31

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.28% - 2.70%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.53% - 1.34%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
20.50%
(c) 
            Total liabilities
 
 
$
318

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(b) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(c) Based on 10 year volatility of JPY/USD exchange rate
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.

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. Net asset value is an unobservable input in the determination of fair value of 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 but are reflective of valuation best estimates at that particular point in time. Offered quotes are an unobservable input in the determination of fair value of mortgage- and asset-backed securities, certain banks/financial institutions, certain other corporate, and equity securities investments.

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 that increase the sensitivity of the swaps 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 the USD/JPY foreign exchange rate in this way. In cases where there is no final foreign exchange receivable in JPY and we are paying JPY as interest payments and receiving USD, 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.

Interest rates, CDS spreads, and foreign exchange rates are unobservable inputs in the determination of fair value of foreign currency swaps.

Base Correlations, CDS Spreads, Recovery Rates

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 securities 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.

The CDO tranches in our portfolio are junior tranches and, due to the low level of credit support for these tranches, exhibit equity-like behavior. As a result, an increase in recovery rates tends to cause their values to decrease.
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.

Base correlations, CDS spreads, and recovery rates are unobservable inputs in the determination of fair value of credit default 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, 2014.