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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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.
  
March 31, 2017
(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
 
$
28,457

 
 
 
$
863

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
29,320

 
Municipalities
 
0

 
 
 
1,322

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,322

 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 
0

 
 
 
309

 
 
 
195

 
 
 
504

 
Public utilities
 
0

 
 
 
7,827

 
 
 
16

 
 
 
7,843

 
Sovereign and supranational
 
0

 
 
 
1,386

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,386

 
Banks/financial institutions
 
0

 
 
 
6,521

 
 
 
24

 
 
 
6,545

 
Other corporate
 
0

 
 
 
30,122

 
 
 
35

 
 
 
30,157

 
Total fixed maturities
 
28,457

 
 
 
48,350

 
 
 
270

 
 
 
77,077

 
  Perpetual securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banks/financial institutions
 
0

 
 
 
1,551

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,551

 
Other corporate
 
0

 
 
 
219

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
219

 
Total perpetual securities
 
0

 
 
 
1,770

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,770

 
Equity securities
 
1,339

 
 
 
6

 
 
 
4

 
 
 
1,349

 
Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
0

 
 
 
174

 
 
 
144

 
 
 
318

 
Foreign currency forwards
 
0

 
 
 
235

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
235

 
Foreign currency options
 
0

 
 
 
25

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
25

 
Credit default swaps
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2

 
 
 
2

 
Total other assets
 
0

 
 
 
434

 
 
 
146

 
 
 
580

 
Other investments
 
141

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
141

 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
4,205

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
4,205

 
Total assets
 
$
34,142

 
 
 
$
50,560

 
 
 
$
420

 
 
 
$
85,122

 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
99

 
 
 
$
125

 
 
 
$
224

 
Foreign currency forwards
 
0

 
 
 
853

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
853

 
Foreign currency options
 
0

 
 
 
22

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
22

 
Total liabilities
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
974

 
 
 
$
125

 
 
 
$
1,099

 


  
December 31, 2016
(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
 
$
25,387

 
 
 
$
827

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
26,214

 
Municipalities
 
0

 
 
 
1,295

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,295

 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 
0

 
 
 
1,139

 
 
 
198

 
 
 
1,337

 
Public utilities
 
0

 
 
 
7,667

 
 
 
16

 
 
 
7,683

 
Sovereign and supranational
 
0

 
 
 
1,469

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,469

 
Banks/financial institutions
 
0

 
 
 
6,038

 
 
 
25

 
 
 
6,063

 
Other corporate
 
0

 
 
 
29,699

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
29,699

 
Total fixed maturities
 
25,387

 
 
 
48,134

 
 
 
239

 
 
 
73,760

 
  Perpetual securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banks/financial institutions
 
0

 
 
 
1,420

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,420

 
Other corporate
 
0

 
 
 
213

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
213

 
Total perpetual securities
 
0

 
 
 
1,633

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,633

 
Equity securities
 
1,300

 
 
 
6

 
 
 
3

 
 
 
1,309

 
Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
0

 
 
 
365

 
 
 
125

 
 
 
490

 
Foreign currency forwards
 
0

 
 
 
672

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
672

 
Foreign currency options
 
0

 
 
 
43

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
43

 
Credit default swaps
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2

 
 
 
2

 
Total other assets
 
0

 
 
 
1,080

 
 
 
127

 
 
 
1,207

 
Other investments
 
276

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
276

 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
4,859

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
4,859

 
Total assets
 
$
31,822

 
 
 
$
50,853

 
 
 
$
369

 
 
 
$
83,044

 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
84

 
 
 
$
146

 
 
 
$
230

 
Foreign currency forwards
 
0

 
 
 
1,717

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,717

 
Foreign currency options
 
0

 
 
 
51

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
51

 
Total liabilities
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
1,852

 
 
 
$
146

 
 
 
$
1,998

 


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 (excluding loan receivables), 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.

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, 2017
(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
 
$
21,493

 
 
$
26,607

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
26,607

 
Municipalities
 
363

 
 
0

 
 
 
467

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
467

 
Mortgage and asset-backed
securities
 
30

 
 
0

 
 
 
10

 
 
 
22

 
 
 
32

 
Public utilities
 
3,324

 
 
0

 
 
 
3,693

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,693

 
Sovereign and
supranational
 
2,702

 
 
0

 
 
 
3,009

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,009

 
Banks/financial institutions
 
3,650

 
 
0

 
 
 
3,830

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,830

 
Other corporate
 
2,839

 
 
0

 
 
 
3,285

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,285

 
Other investments (1)
 
1,309

 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,288

 
 
 
1,288

 
 Total assets
 
$
35,710

 
 
$
26,607

 
 
 
$
14,294

 
 
 
$
1,310

 
 
 
$
42,211

 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other policyholders’ funds
 
$
6,945

 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
6,824

 
 
 
$
6,824

 
Notes payable
(excluding capital leases)
 
5,230

 
 
0

 
 
 
5,226

 
 
 
266

 
 
 
5,492

 
Total liabilities
 
$
12,175

 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
5,226

 
 
 
$
7,090

 
 
 
$
12,316

 
(1) Excludes policy loans of $197 and equity method investments of $54, at carrying value

  
December 31, 2016
(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
 
$
20,702

 
 
$
26,040

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
26,040

 
Municipalities
 
350

 
 
0

 
 
 
457

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
457

 
Mortgage and asset-backed
securities
 
30

 
 
0

 
 
 
10

 
 
 
22

 
 
 
32

 
Public utilities
 
3,201

 
 
0

 
 
 
3,536

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,536

 
Sovereign and
supranational
 
2,602

 
 
0

 
 
 
2,877

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,877

 
Banks/financial institutions
 
3,731

 
 
0

 
 
 
3,900

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,900

 
Other corporate
 
2,734

 
 
0

 
 
 
3,179

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,179

 
Other investments
 
1,174

 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,142

 
 
 
1,142

 
  Total assets
 
$
34,524

 
 
$
26,040

 
 
 
$
13,959

 
 
 
$
1,164

 
 
 
$
41,163

 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other policyholders’ funds
 
$
6,659

 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
6,540

 
 
 
$
6,540

 
Notes payable
(excluding capital leases)
 
5,339

 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
5,530

 
 
 
5,530

 
Total liabilities
 
$
11,998

 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
12,070

 
 
 
$
12,070

 


Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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 Classification Subcommittee (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, 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. We also 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.





























 
 
March 31, 2017
(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
 
 
$
28,457

 
 
 
$
863

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
29,320

 
               Total government and agencies
 
 
28,457

 
 
 
863

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
29,320

 
         Municipalities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,322

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,322

 
               Total municipalities
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,322

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,322

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

 
 
 
309

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
309

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
195

 
 
 
195

 
               Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 
 
0

 
 
 
309

 
 
 
195

 
 
 
504

 
         Public utilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
7,827

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
7,827

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
16

 
 
 
16

 
               Total public utilities
 
 
0

 
 
 
7,827

 
 
 
16

 
 
 
7,843

 
         Sovereign and supranational:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,386

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,386

 
               Total sovereign and supranational
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,386

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,386

 
         Banks/financial institutions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
6,521

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
6,521

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
24

 
 
 
24

 
               Total banks/financial institutions
 
 
0

 
 
 
6,521

 
 
 
24

 
 
 
6,545

 
         Other corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
30,122

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
30,122

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
35

 
 
 
35

 
               Total other corporate
 
 
0

 
 
 
30,122

 
 
 
35

 
 
 
30,157

 
                  Total fixed maturities
 
 
28,457

 
 
 
48,350

 
 
 
270

 
 
 
77,077

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

 
 
 
1,551

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,551

 
               Total banks/financial institutions
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,551

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,551

 
         Other corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
219

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
219

 
               Total other corporate
 
 
0

 
 
 
219

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
219

 
                  Total perpetual securities
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,770

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,770

 
      Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
1,339

 
 
 
6

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,345

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
4

 
 
 
4

 
               Total equity securities
 
 
1,339

 
 
 
6

 
 
 
4

 
 
 
1,349

 
                     Total securities available for sale
 
 
$
29,796

 
 
 
$
50,126

 
 
 
$
274

 
 
 
$
80,196

 



 
 
March 31, 2017
(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
 
 
$
26,607

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
26,607

 
               Total government and agencies
 
 
26,607

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
26,607

 
         Municipalities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
467

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
467

 
               Total municipalities
 
 
0

 
 
 
467

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
467

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

 
 
 
10

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
10

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
22

 
 
 
22

 
               Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 
 
0

 
 
 
10

 
 
 
22

 
 
 
32

 
         Public utilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,693

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,693

 
               Total public utilities
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,693

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,693

 
         Sovereign and supranational:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,009

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,009

 
               Total sovereign and supranational
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,009

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,009

 
         Banks/financial institutions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,830

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,830

 
               Total banks/financial institutions
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,830

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,830

 
         Other corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,285

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,285

 
               Total other corporate
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,285

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,285

 
                  Total securities held to maturity
 
 
$
26,607

 
 
 
$
14,294

 
 
 
$
22

 
 
 
$
40,923

 

 
 
December 31, 2016
(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
 
 
$
25,387

 
 
 
$
827

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
26,214

 
               Total government and agencies
 
 
25,387

 
 
 
827

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
26,214

 
         Municipalities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,295

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,295

 
               Total municipalities
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,295

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,295

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

 
 
 
1,139

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,139

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
198

 
 
 
198

 
               Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,139

 
 
 
198

 
 
 
1,337

 
         Public utilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
7,667

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
7,667

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
16

 
 
 
16

 
               Total public utilities
 
 
0

 
 
 
7,667

 
 
 
16

 
 
 
7,683

 
         Sovereign and supranational:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,469

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,469

 
               Total sovereign and supranational
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,469

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,469

 
         Banks/financial institutions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
6,038

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
6,038

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
25

 
 
 
25

 
               Total banks/financial institutions
 
 
0

 
 
 
6,038

 
 
 
25

 
 
 
6,063

 
         Other corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
29,699

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
29,699

 
               Total other corporate
 
 
0

 
 
 
29,699

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
29,699

 
                  Total fixed maturities
 
 
25,387

 
 
 
48,134

 
 
 
239

 
 
 
73,760

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

 
 
 
1,420

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,420

 
               Total banks/financial institutions
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,420

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,420

 
         Other corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
213

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
213

 
               Total other corporate
 
 
0

 
 
 
213

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
213

 
                  Total perpetual securities
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,633

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,633

 
      Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
1,300

 
 
 
6

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
1,306

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3

 
 
 
3

 
               Total equity securities
 
 
1,300

 
 
 
6

 
 
 
3

 
 
 
1,309

 
                     Total securities available for sale
 
 
$
26,687

 
 
 
$
49,773

 
 
 
$
242

 
 
 
$
76,702

 


 
 
December 31, 2016
(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
 
 
$
26,040

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
0

 
 
 
$
26,040

 
               Total government and agencies
 
 
26,040

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
26,040

 
         Municipalities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
457

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
457

 
               Total municipalities
 
 
0

 
 
 
457

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
457

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

 
 
 
10

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
10

 
            Broker/other
 
 
0

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
22

 
 
 
22

 
               Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 
 
0

 
 
 
10

 
 
 
22

 
 
 
32

 
         Public utilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,536

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,536

 
               Total public utilities
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,536

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,536

 
         Sovereign and supranational:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,877

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,877

 
               Total sovereign and supranational
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,877

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
2,877

 
         Banks/financial institutions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,900

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,900

 
               Total banks/financial institutions
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,900

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,900

 
         Other corporate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            Third party pricing vendor
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,179

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,179

 
               Total other corporate
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,179

 
 
 
0

 
 
 
3,179

 
                  Total securities held to maturity
 
 
$
26,040

 
 
 
$
13,959

 
 
 
$
22

 
 
 
$
40,021

 

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 investments; 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.

Loan Receivables

Our loan receivables do not have readily determinable market prices and generally lack market liquidity. Fair values for loan receivables are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the applicable U.S. Treasury or London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) yield plus an appropriate spread that considers other risk factors, such as credit and liquidity risk. These spreads are provided by the applicable asset managers based on their knowledge of the current loan pricing environment and market conditions. The spreads are a significant component of the pricing inputs and are generally considered unobservable. Therefore, these investments have been assigned a Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Loan receivables are included in other investments on the consolidated balance sheets.

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

As of March 31, 2017, the fair values of our publicly issued notes payable classified as Level 2 were obtained from third party pricing vendors. As of December 31, 2016, the fair values of these notes payable were obtained from a limited number of independent brokers and classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. We consider this current valuation technique to be an improvement from the previous valuation technique. 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, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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, 2017
 
Fixed Maturities
 
Equity
Securities
 
Derivatives (1)
 
 
 
(In millions)
Mortgage-
and
Asset-
Backed
Securities
 
Public
Utilities
 
Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 
Other
Corporate
 
 
 
Foreign
Currency
Swaps
 
Credit
Default
Swaps
 
Total
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
198

 
$
16

 
$
25

 
$
0

 
$
3

 
$
(21
)
 
$
2

 
$
223

 
Realized investment gains (losses) included
   in earnings
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
38

 
0

 
38

 
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other
   comprehensive income (loss)
6

 
0

 
(1
)
 
0

 
0

 
2

 
0

 
7

 
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases
0

 
0

 
0

 
35

 
2

 
0

 
0

 
37

 
Issuances
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
Sales
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(1
)
 
0

 
0

 
(1
)
 
Settlements
(9
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(9
)
 
Transfers into Level 3
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
Transfers out of Level 3
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
Balance, end of period
$
195

 
$
16

 
$
24

 
$
35

 
$
4

 
$
19

 
$
2

 
$
295

 
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

 
$
38

 
$
0

 
$
38

 

(1) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2016
 
Fixed Maturities
 
Equity
Securities
 
Derivatives (1)
 
 
 
(In millions)
Mortgage-
and
Asset-
Backed
Securities
 
Public
Utilities
 
Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 
 
 
Foreign
Currency
Swaps
 
Credit
Default
Swaps
 
Total
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
220

 
$
0

 
$
26

 
$
3

 
$
(192
)
 
$
1

 
$
58

 
Realized investment gains (losses) included
   in earnings
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
125

 
1

 
126

 
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other
   comprehensive income (loss)
21

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
4

 
0

 
25

 
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
Issuances
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
Sales
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
Settlements
(4
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(4
)
 
Transfers into Level 3
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
Transfers out of Level 3
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
Balance, end of period
$
237

 
$
0

 
$
26

 
$
3

 
$
(63
)
 
$
2

 
$
205

 
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

 
$
125

 
$
1

 
$
126

 
(1) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net
Fair Value Sensitivity

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, 2017
(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
 
 
$
195

 
 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes
 
N/A
(d) 
       Public utilities
 
 
16

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Historical volatility
 
N/A
(d) 
       Banks/financial institutions
 
 
24

 
 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes
 
N/A
(d) 
       Other corporate
 
 
35

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Historical volatility
 
N/A
(e) 
    Equity securities
 
 
4

 
 
Net asset value
 
Offered quotes
 
$1 - $728 ($8)
 
  Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
       Foreign currency swaps
 
 
25

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.18% - 2.45%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.20% - .73%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
11 - 147 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
21.34%
(c) 
 
 
 
50

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.18% - 2.45%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.20% - .73%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
10 - 79 bps
 
 
 
 
69

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.18% - 2.45%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.20% - .73%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
21.34%
(c) 
       Credit default swaps
 
 
2

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Base correlation
 
61.55% - 66.55%
(e) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
48 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recovery rate
 
36.69%
 
            Total assets
 
 
$
420

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(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.
(e) Range of base correlation for our bespoke tranche for attachment and detachment points corresponding to market indices.
March 31, 2017
(In millions)
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Foreign currency swaps
 
 
$
106

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.18% - 2.45%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.20% - .73%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
11 - 147 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
21.34%
(c) 
 
 
 
13

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.18% - 2.45%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.20% - .73%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
15 - 168 bps
 
 
 
 
6

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.18% - 2.45%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.20% - .73%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
21.34%
(c) 
            Total liabilities
 
 
$
125

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(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, 2016
(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
 
 
$
198

 
 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes
 
N/A
(d) 
       Public utilities
 
 
16

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Historical volatility
 
N/A
(d) 
       Banks/financial institutions
 
 
25

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

 
 
Net asset value
 
Offered quotes
 
$1-$701 ($8)
 
  Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Foreign currency swaps
 
 
16

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.34% - 2.59%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.22% - .80%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
17 - 172 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
21.47%
(c) 
 
 
 
29

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.34% - 2.59%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.22% - .80%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
16 - 88 bps
 
 
 
 
80

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.34% - 2.59%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.22% - .80%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
21.47%
(c) 
       Credit default swaps
 
 
2

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Base correlation
 
    52.18% - 56.07%
(e) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
54 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recovery rate
 
36.69%
 
            Total assets
 
 
$
369

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

December 31, 2016
 
(In millions)
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Foreign currency swaps
 
 
$
113

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.34% - 2.59%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.22% - .80%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
17 - 172 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
21.47%
(c) 
 
 
 
23

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.34% - 2.59%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.22% - .80%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDS spreads
 
24 - 216 bps
 
 
 
 
10

 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Interest rates (USD)
 
2.34% - 2.59%
(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates (JPY)
 
.22% - .80%
(b) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange rates
 
21.47%
(c) 
            Total liabilities
 
 
$
146

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(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 techniques 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 will 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 collateralized debt obligation (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 and Notes 1, 3 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2016 Annual Report.