FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Fair Value Hierarchy

U.S. 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 as of December 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		$	18,669		$	607		$	0		$	19,276
Municipalities		0			1,208			0			1,208
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		0			362			220			582
Public utilities		0			7,479			0			7,479
Sovereign and supranational		0			1,407			0			1,407
Banks/financial institutions		0			5,993			26			6,019
Other corporate		0			29,378			0			29,378
Total fixed maturities		18,669			46,434			246			65,349
Perpetual securities:
Banks/financial institutions		0			1,742			0			1,742
Other corporate		0			205			0			205
Total perpetual securities		0			1,947			0			1,947
Equity securities		489			6			3			498
Other assets:
Foreign currency swaps		0			462			101			563
Foreign currency forwards		0			107			0			107
Foreign currency options		0			5			0			5
Credit default swaps		0			0			1			1
Total other assets		0			574			102			676
Other investments		176			0			0			176
Cash and cash equivalents		4,350			0			0			4,350
Total assets		$	23,684		$	48,961		$	351		$	72,996
Liabilities:
Foreign currency swaps		$	0		$	21		$	293		$	314
Foreign currency forwards		0			49			0			49
Foreign currency options		0			8			0			8
Total liabilities		$	0		$	78		$	293		$	371



	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 as of December 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		$	20,004		$	23,391		$	0		$	0		$	23,391
Municipalities		341			0			415			0			415
Mortgage and asset-backed securities		36			0			12			26			38
Public utilities		3,092			0			3,203			0			3,203
Sovereign and supranational		2,555			0			2,711			0			2,711
Banks/financial institutions		4,431			0			4,546			0			4,546
Other corporate		3,000			0			3,216			0			3,216
Other investments		118			0			0			118			118
Total assets		$	33,577		$	23,391		$	14,103		$	144		$	37,638
Liabilities:
Other policyholders’ funds		$	6,285		$	0		$	0		$	6,160		$	6,160
Notes payable (excluding capital leases)		4,991			0			0			5,285			5,285
Total liabilities		$	11,276		$	0		$	0		$	11,445		$	11,445



				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 nature of these instruments. Liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims are not financial instruments as defined by U.S. 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.

For the periods presented, 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 as of December 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		$	18,669		$	607		$	0		$	19,276
Total government and agencies		18,669			607			0			19,276
Municipalities:
Third party pricing vendor		0			1,208			0			1,208
Total municipalities		0			1,208			0			1,208
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
Third party pricing vendor		0			362			0			362
Broker/other		0			0			220			220
Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities		0			362			220			582
Public utilities:
Third party pricing vendor		0			7,479			0			7,479
Total public utilities		0			7,479			0			7,479
Sovereign and supranational:
Third party pricing vendor		0			1,407			0			1,407
Total sovereign and supranational		0			1,407			0			1,407
Banks/financial institutions:
Third party pricing vendor		0			5,993			0			5,993
Broker/other		0			0			26			26
Total banks/financial institutions		0			5,993			26			6,019
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor		0			29,378			0			29,378
Total other corporate		0			29,378			0			29,378
Total fixed maturities		18,669			46,434			246			65,349
Perpetual securities:
Banks/financial institutions:
Third party pricing vendor		0			1,742			0			1,742
Total banks/financial institutions		0			1,742			0			1,742
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor		0			205			0			205
Total other corporate		0			205			0			205
Total perpetual securities		0			1,947			0			1,947
Equity securities:
Third party pricing vendor		489			6			0			495
Broker/other		0			0			3			3
Total equity securities		489			6			3			498
Total securities available for sale		$	19,158		$	48,387		$	249		$	67,794



	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		$	23,391		$	0		$	0		$	23,391
Total government and agencies		23,391			0			0			23,391
Municipalities:
Third party pricing vendor		0			415			0			415
Total municipalities		0			415			0			415
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
Third party pricing vendor		0			12			0			12
Broker/other		0			0			26			26
Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities		0			12			26			38
Public utilities:
Third party pricing vendor		0			3,203			0			3,203
Total public utilities		0			3,203			0			3,203
Sovereign and supranational:
Third party pricing vendor		0			2,711			0			2,711
Total sovereign and supranational		0			2,711			0			2,711
Banks/financial institutions:
Third party pricing vendor		0			4,546			0			4,546
Total banks/financial institutions		0			4,546			0			4,546
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor		0			3,189			0			3,189
Broker/other		0			27			0			27
Total other corporate		0			3,216			0			3,216
Total securities held to maturity		$	23,391		$	14,103		$	26		$	37,520



	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



	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 and options used to hedge foreign exchange risk from our net investment in Aflac Japan and economically hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in yen; 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.

Hierarchy Levels and Level 3 Rollfoward

There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The following tables present the changes in fair value of our available-for-sale investments and derivatives classified as Level 3 as of December 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		(15		)	1		(14		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(1		)	0		0		0		0		(2		)	0		0		(1		)	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		(147		)	0		0		0			0		(147		)
Settlements	(2		)	0		0		0		0		0			0		0		36			0		34
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	$	220		$	0	$	0	$	26	$	0	$	0		$	3	$	0	$	(192	)	$	1	$	58
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	$	(15	)	$	1	$	(14	)

⁽¹⁾Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net



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		)	(191		)	3			(189		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(134		)	0		0		3		0		8			0		0			(17		)	0			(140		)
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		(60		)	0		0			0			0			(60		)
Settlements	(12		)	0		0		0		0		0			0		0			95			0			83
Transfers into Level 3⁽²⁾	0			0		0		0		0		149			0		0			0			0			149
Transfers out of Level 3	0			0		0		0		0		0			0		0			0			0			0
Balance, end of period	$	223		$	0	$	0	$	26	$	0	$	149		$	3	$	0		$	(212	)	$	0		$	189
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	)	$	(191	)	$	3		$	(189	)

⁽¹⁾Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net

⁽²⁾Due to use of estimated redemption price

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 as of December 31. Included in the tables are the inputs or range of possible inputs that have an effect on the overall valuation of the financial instruments.

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

220

Consensus pricing

Offered quotes

N/A

^(d)

Banks/financial institutions

Consensus pricing

Offered quotes

N/A

^(d)

Equity securities

Net asset value

Offered quotes

$1 - $677 ($7)

Other assets:

Foreign currency swaps

Discounted cash flow

Interest rates (USD)

2.20% - 2.62%

^(a)

Interest rates (JPY)

.42% - 1.22%

^(b)

CDS spreads

32 - 147 bps

Foreign exchange rates

20.05%

^(c)

Discounted cash flow

Interest rates (USD)

2.20% - 2.62%

^(a)

Interest rates (JPY)

.42% - 1.22%

^(b)

Foreign exchange rates

20.05%

^(c)

Credit default swaps

Discounted cash flow

Base correlation

53.26% - 58.40%

^(e)

CDS spreads

123 bps

Recovery rate

36.87%

Total assets

351

(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

(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.

(e) Range of base correlation for our bespoke tranche for attachment and detachment points corresponding to market indices

2015

(In millions)

Fair Value

Valuation Technique(s)

Unobservable Input

Range
(Weighted Average)

Liabilities:

Foreign currency swaps

158

Discounted cash flow

Interest rates (USD)

2.20% - 2.62%

^(a)

Interest rates (JPY)

.42% - 1.22%

^(b)

CDS spreads

32 - 147 bps

Foreign exchange rates

20.05%

^(c)

120

Discounted cash flow

Interest rates (USD)

2.20% - 2.62%

^(a)

Interest rates (JPY)

.42% - 1.22%

^(b)

CDS spreads

35 - 213 bps

Discounted cash flow

Interest rates (USD)

2.20% - 2.62%

^(a)

Interest rates (JPY)

.42% - 1.22%

^(b)

Foreign exchange rates

20.05%

^(c)

Total liabilities

293

(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

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

Consensus pricing

Offered quotes

N/A

^(d)

Perpetual securities:

Banks/financial institutions

149

Consensus pricing

Offered quotes

N/A

^(d)

Equity securities

Net asset value

Offered quotes

$1-$677 ($6)

Other assets:

Foreign currency swaps

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)

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

(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.

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

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

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 U.S. dollar 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 remaining CDO is a tranche on a basket of single-name credit default swaps. The risk in this synthetic CDO comes 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 this tranche, the 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 the portfolio underlying the synthetic CDO to be valued, several processing steps are taken to map the CDO 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 tranche in our portfolio is a senior mezzanine tranche and, due to the low level of credit support for this type of tranche, exhibits equity-like behavior. As a result, an increase in recovery rates tends to cause its value to decrease.

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.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details