Derivative Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

General Discussion of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are equity price risk and interest rate risk. Equity contracts (options sold) on various equity securities are intended to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchases or sales of such securities.

The Company also enters into derivative contracts to enhance returns on its investment portfolio.

On February 13, 2014, Fannette Funding LLC ("FFL"), a special purpose investment vehicle, formed by and consolidated into the Company, entered into a total return swap agreement with Citibank. The agreement had an initial term of one year, subject to periodic renewal. In July 2018, the agreement was renewed through January 24, 2020. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the underlying obligations were liquidated and the total return swap agreement between FFL and Citibank was terminated. Under the agreement, FFL received the income equivalent on underlying obligations due to Citibank and paid to Citibank interest on the outstanding notional amount of the underlying obligations. The Company paid interest equal to LIBOR plus 128 basis points prior to the renewal of the agreement in January 2018, LIBOR plus 120 basis points subsequent to the January 2018 renewal through July 2018, and LIBOR plus105 basis points subsequent to the July 2018 renewal until December 2019, on approximately $100 million of underlying obligations as of December 31, 2018.

The following tables present the location and amounts of derivative fair values in the consolidated balance sheets and derivative gains or losses in the consolidated statements of operations:


	Liability Derivatives
	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(Amounts in thousands)
Options sold - Other liabilities	$	—	$	77
Total derivatives	$	—	$	77


	Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income
	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
	(Amounts in thousands)
Total return swaps - Net realized investment gains (losses)	$	—	$	1,039	$	(3,783)
Options sold - Net realized investment gains (losses)	22,306		6,339		10,498
Total	$	22,306	$	7,378	$	6,715

Most options sold consist of covered calls. The Company writes covered calls on underlying equity positions held as an enhanced income strategy that is permitted for the Company’s insurance subsidiaries under statutory regulations. The Company manages the risk associated with covered calls through strict capital limitations and asset diversification throughout various industries. For additional disclosures regarding equity contracts, see Note 4. Fair Value Measurements for additional disclosures regarding options sold.