10-Q 1 d925669d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

X QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015

OR

 

_ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period from             to             

Commission File Number 033-37587

 

 

Pruco Life Insurance

Company

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Arizona   22-1944557

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

  (IRS Employer Identification No.)

213 Washington Street

Newark, New Jersey 07102

(973) 802-6000

(Address and Telephone Number of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of the Regulation S-T ((§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨      Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   x      Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  ¨    No  x

As of May 14, 2015, 250,000 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock (par value $10) were outstanding.

 

 

 

Pruco Life Insurance Company meets the conditions set

forth in General Instruction (H) (1) (a) and (b) on Form 10-Q and

is therefore filing this Form 10-Q in the reduced disclosure format.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page  

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  
  Item 1.    Financial Statements:      4   
     Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014      4   
     Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014      5   
     Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014      6   
     Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014      7   
     Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements      8   
    

1.    Business and Basis of Presentation

     8   
    

2.    Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements

     8   
    

3.    Investments

     9   
    

4.    Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

     17   
    

5.    Derivative Instruments

     30   
    

6.    Commitments, Contingent Liabilities and Litigation and Regulatory Matters

     34   
    

7.    Related Party Transactions

     35   
  Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      42   
  Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      48   
  Item 4.    Controls and Procedures      48   

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

     49   
  Item 1.    Legal Proceedings      49   
  Item 1A.    Risk Factors      49   
  Item 6.    Exhibits      49   

SIGNATURES

     50   


Table of Contents

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain of the statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q including but not limited to those in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “includes,” “plans,” “assumes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “should,” “will,” “shall” or variations of such words are generally part of forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects upon Pruco Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Pruco Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries will be those anticipated by management. These forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and there are certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from expectations or estimates reflected in such forward-looking statements, including, among others: (1) general economic, market and political conditions, including the performance and fluctuations of fixed income, equity, real estate and other financial markets; (2) the availability and cost of additional debt or equity capital or external financing for our operations; (3) interest rate fluctuations or prolonged periods of low interest rates; (4) the degree to which we choose not to hedge risks, or the potential ineffectiveness or insufficiency of hedging or risk management strategies we do implement; (5) any inability to access our credit facilities; (6) reestimates of our reserves for future policy benefits and claims; (7) differences between actual experience regarding mortality, morbidity, persistency, utilization, interest rates or market returns and the assumptions we use in pricing our products, establishing liabilities and reserves or for other purposes; (8) changes in our assumptions related to deferred policy acquisition costs; (9) changes in our financial strength or credit ratings; (10) statutory reserve requirements associated with term and universal life insurance policies under Regulation XXX and Guideline AXXX; (11) investment losses, defaults and counterparty non-performance; (12) competition in our product lines and for personnel; (13) difficulties in marketing and distributing products through current or future distribution channels; (14) changes in tax law; (15) regulatory or legislative changes, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; (16) inability to protect our intellectual property rights or claims of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others; (17) adverse determinations in litigation or regulatory matters and our exposure to contingent liabilities; (18) domestic or international military actions, natural or man-made disasters including terrorist activities or pandemic disease, or other events resulting in catastrophic loss of life; (19) ineffectiveness of risk management policies and procedures in identifying, monitoring and managing risks; (20) interruption in telecommunication, information technology or other operational systems or failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data on such systems; and (21) changes in statutory or accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), practices or policies. Pruco Life Insurance Company does not intend, and is under no obligation, to update any particular forward-looking statement included in this document. See “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for discussion of certain risks relating to our business and investment in our securities.

 

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Part I—Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands, except share amounts)

 

 

     March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

ASSETS

     

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015 – $6,065,804; 2014 – $5,866,873)

   $ 6,460,973       $ 6,194,564   

Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2015 – $33,890; 2014 – $28,881)

     34,844         29,500   

Trading account assets, at fair value

     60,384         49,661   

Policy loans

     1,127,936         1,123,912   

Short-term investments

     215,653         121,272   

Commercial mortgage and other loans

     1,726,582         1,681,553   

Other long-term investments

     294,287         298,143   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

     9,920,659         9,498,605   

Cash and cash equivalents

     408,321         214,952   

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     4,888,010         5,066,855   

Accrued investment income

     92,881         90,506   

Reinsurance recoverables

     22,057,381         20,594,371   

Receivables from parent and affiliates

     285,834         261,915   

Deferred sales inducements

     772,031         836,791   

Other assets

     92,462         83,417   

Separate account assets

     112,173,480         109,194,192   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 150,691,059       $ 145,841,604   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

     

LIABILITIES

     

Policyholders’ account balances

   $ 15,446,787       $ 15,250,055   

Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities

     15,373,608         13,915,330   

Cash collateral for loaned securities

     91,015         65,418   

Income taxes

     252,089         256,168   

Short-term debt to affiliates

     429,804         423,000   

Long-term debt to affiliates

     1,288,000         1,288,000   

Payables to parent and affiliates

     67,114         66,581   

Other liabilities

     891,314         828,875   

Separate account liabilities

     112,173,480         109,194,192   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     146,013,211         141,287,619   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (See Note 6)

     

EQUITY

     

Common stock ($10 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 250,000 shares issued and outstanding)

     2,500         2,500   

Additional paid-in capital

     780,373         792,153   

Retained earnings

     3,664,871         3,580,641   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     230,104         178,691   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY

     4,677,848         4,553,985   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   $       150,691,059       $       145,841,604   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands)

 

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

REVENUES

     

Premiums

   $ 15,637       $ 15,245   

Policy charges and fee income

     540,765         513,625   

Net investment income

     103,420         98,477   

Asset administration fees

     98,687         89,424   

Other income

     17,217         13,407   

Realized investment gains (losses), net:

     

Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities

     (33)          

Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income

     22          

Other realized investment gains (losses), net

     59,036         85,531   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total realized investment gains (losses), net

     59,025         85,531   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

  TOTAL REVENUES

     834,751         815,709   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES

     

Policyholders’ benefits

     58,401         85,035   

Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances

     117,477         79,803   

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

     302,751         62,236   

General, administrative and other expenses

     258,546         242,061   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

  TOTAL BENEFITS AND EXPENSES

     737,175         469,135   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     97,576         346,574   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Income tax expense

     13,346         67,404   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCOME

   $ 84,230       $ 279,170   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:

     

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (520)         (2)   

Net unrealized investment gains (losses):

     

Unrealized investment gains (losses) for the period

     81,731         92,374   

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income

     (2,114)         (1,272)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net unrealized investment gains (losses)

     79,617         91,102   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

     79,097         91,100   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less: Income tax expense (benefit) related to:

     

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (182)         (1)   

Net unrealized investment gains (losses)

     27,866         31,886   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     27,684         31,885   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     51,413         59,215   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

   $             135,643       $             338,385   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Equity

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands)

 

 

           Common  
Stock
           Additional  
Paid-in
Capital
         Retained
  Earnings  
         Accumulated
Other
   Comprehensive  
Income
(Loss)
           Total Equity    

Balance, December 31, 2014

     $ 2,500         $ 792,153         $ 3,580,641         $ 178,691         $ 4,553,985   

Contributed (distributed)
capital-parent/child asset transfers

                 (11,780)                               (11,780)   

Comprehensive income:

                        

Net income

                           84,230                     84,230   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

                                     51,413           51,413   
                        

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

                           135,643   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2015

     $     2,500         $     780,373         $     3,664,871         $     230,104         $     4,677,848   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
           Common  
Stock
           Additional  
Paid-in
Capital
         Retained
  Earnings  
         Accumulated
Other
  Comprehensive  
Income
(Loss)
           Total Equity    

Balance, December 31, 2013

     $ 2,500         $ 804,237         $ 3,542,838         $ 56,646         $ 4,406,221   

Contributed (distributed)
capital-parent/child asset transfers

                 130                               130   

Comprehensive income:

                        

Net income

                           279,170                     279,170   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

                                     59,215           59,215   
                        

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

                           338,385   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2014

     $     2,500         $     804,367         $     3,822,008         $     115,861         $     4,744,736   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands)

 

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

     

Net income

   $ 84,230       $ 279,170   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

     

Policy charges and fee income

     (10,057)         (28,553)   

Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances

     117,477         79,803   

Realized investment (gains) losses, net

     (59,025)         (85,531)   

Amortization and other non-cash items

     (19,863)         (16,334)   

Change in:

     

Future policy benefits and other insurance liabilities

     401,279         354,670   

Reinsurance recoverables

     (411,861)         (344,170)   

Accrued investment income

     (2,374)         1,564   

Net payable to/receivable from parent and affiliates

     (35,906)         (14,694)   

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     156,424         (77,840)   

Income taxes

     (25,420)         209   

Deferred sales inducements

     (2,002)         (2,696)   

Derivatives, net

     151,514         (3,328)   

Other, net

     (21,814)         (8,447)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

   $ 322,602       $ 133,823   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

     

Proceeds from the sale/maturity/prepayment of:

     

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

   $ 229,453       $ 227,505   

Short-term investments

     145,309         48,826   

Policy loans

     31,243         27,395   

Ceded policy loans

     (1,868)         (1,394)   

Commercial mortgage and other loans

     8,346         10,051   

Other long-term investments

     1,697         854   

Equity securities, available-for-sale

     11           

Trading account assets, at fair value

     1,500           

Payments for the purchase/origination of:

     

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

     (366,407)         (371,235)   

Short-term investments

     (239,688)         (89,268)   

Policy loans

     (24,773)         (27,810)   

Ceded policy loans

     2,909        2,360   

Commercial mortgage and other loans

     (54,315)         (19,252)   

Other long-term investments

     (10,234)         (10,716)   

Equity securities, available-for-sale

     (5,010)         (10,010)   

Trading account assets, at fair value

     (12,001)         (8,800)   

Notes receivable from parent and affiliates, net

     11,784         17,191   

Derivatives, net

     (4,150)         (9,855)   

Other, net

     2,827         2,121   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flows used in investing activities

   $ (283,367)       $ (212,037)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

     

Policyholders’ account deposits

   $       829,044       $ 650,604   

Ceded policyholders’ account deposits

     (258,767)               (137,617)   

Policyholders’ account withdrawals

     (455,336)         (421,129)   

Ceded policyholders’ account withdrawals

     10,218         7,920   

Net change in securities sold under agreement to repurchase and cash collateral for loaned securities

     25,596         13,744   

Contributed (Distributed) capital - parent/child asset transfers

     (18,123)         130   

Net change in financing arrangements (maturities 90 days or less)

     6,804         (2,900)   

Drafts outstanding

     14,698         28,514   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

   $ 154,134       $ 139,266   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     193,369         61,052   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

     214,952         307,243   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 408,321       $ 368,295   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1.    BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Pruco Life Insurance Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“Prudential Insurance”) which in turn is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (“Prudential Financial”). Pruco Life Insurance Company is a stock life insurance company organized in 1971 under the laws of the State of Arizona. It is licensed to sell life insurance and annuities in the District of Columbia, Guam and in all States except New York, and sells such products primarily through affiliated and unaffiliated distributors.

Pruco Life Insurance Company has two subsidiaries, including one wholly owned insurance subsidiary, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey (“PLNJ”) and one subsidiary formed in 2009 for the purpose of holding certain commercial loan investments. Pruco Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries are together referred to as the “Company” and all financial information is shown on a consolidated basis.

PLNJ is a stock life insurance company organized in 1982 under the laws of the state of New Jersey. It is licensed to sell life insurance and annuities in New Jersey and New York only.

Acquisition of The Hartford’s Individual Life Insurance Business

On January 2, 2013, Prudential Insurance acquired the individual life insurance business of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (“The Hartford”) through a reinsurance transaction. Under the agreement, Prudential Insurance paid The Hartford cash consideration of $615 million, primarily in the form of a ceding commission to provide reinsurance for approximately 700,000 life insurance policies with net retained face amount in force of approximately $141 billion. This acquisition increased the Company’s scale in the U.S. individual life insurance market, particularly universal life products, and provides complimentary distribution opportunities through expanded wirehouse and bank distribution channels.

In connection with this transaction, Prudential Insurance retroceded to the Company the portion of the assumed business that is classified as guaranteed universal life insurance (“GUL”), with account values of approximately $4 billion as of January 2, 2013. The Company reinsured more than 79,000 GUL policies with a net retained face amount in force of approximately $30 billion. The Company then retroceded all of the GUL policies to an affiliated captive reinsurance company. Collectively, these transactions do not have a material impact on equity, as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), or the statutory capital and surplus of the Company.

Basis of Presentation

The Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP on a basis consistent with reporting interim financial information in accordance with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations have been made. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The most significant estimates include those used in determining deferred policy acquisition costs and related amortization; amortization of deferred sales inducements; valuation of investments including derivatives and the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”); future policy benefits including guarantees; reinsurance recoverables; provision for income taxes and valuation of deferred tax assets; and reserves for contingent liabilities, including reserves for losses in connection with unresolved legal matters.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

2.    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRONOUNCEMENTS

This section supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updated guidance regarding investments in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit. Under the guidance, an entity is permitted to make an accounting policy election to amortize the initial cost of its investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognize the net investment performance in the statement of operations as a component of income tax expense (benefit) if certain conditions are met. The new guidance became effective for annual periods and interim reporting periods within those annual periods that began after December 15, 2014. The Company did not elect the proportional amortization method under this guidance.

In January 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance for troubled debt restructurings clarifying when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and when a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan. The new guidance became effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods that began after December 15, 2014 and was applied prospectively. Adoption of the guidance did not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance requiring that mortgage loans be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if certain conditions are met. Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor. The new guidance became effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods that began after December 15, 2014 and was applied prospectively. Adoption of the guidance did not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance on accounting for revenue recognition. The guidance is based on the core principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The guidance also requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from cost incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. Revenue recognition for insurance contracts is explicitly scoped out of the guidance. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 and must be applied using one of two retrospective application methods. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

In February 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance that changes the rules regarding consolidation. The pronouncement eliminates specialized guidance for limited partnerships and similar legal entities, and removes the indefinite deferral for certain investment funds. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

3.    INVESTMENTS

Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities

The following tables provide information relating to fixed maturities and equity securities (excluding investments classified as trading) as of the dates indicated:

 

          March 31, 2015  
          Amortized
Cost
          Gross
Unrealized
Gains
          Gross
Unrealized
Losses
          Fair
Value
          Other-than-
temporary
Impairments
in AOCI (3)
 
          (in thousands)  

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

                             

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies

      $ 87,480         $ 10,175         $ -         $ 97,655         $  

Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions

        375,937           20,896           270           396,563            

Foreign government bonds

        53,808           4,904           124           58,588            

Public utilities

        713,079           80,872           3,135           790,816            

Redeemable preferred stock

        5,058           1,434           145           6,347            

All other corporate securities

        3,781,661           267,466           27,739           4,021,388           (246)   

Asset-backed securities (1)

        467,024           8,609           695           474,938           (3,478)   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

        458,494           21,899           207           480,186            

Residential mortgage-backed securities (2)

        123,263           11,254           25           134,492           (800)   
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale

      $           6,065,804         $           427,509         $           32,340         $           6,460,973         $           (4,524)   
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

9


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

          March 31, 2015
          Amortized
Cost
          Gross
Unrealized
Gains
          Gross
Unrealized
Losses
          Fair
Value
          Other-than-
temporary
Impairments
in AOCI (3)
          (in thousands)

Equity securities, available-for-sale

                             

Common Stocks:

                             

Public utilities

      $ 66         $ 17         $ -         $ 83        

Industrial, miscellaneous & other

        4           142           -           146        

Mutual funds

        33,480           1,116           595           34,001        

Non-redeemable preferred stocks

        340           274           -           614        
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

Total equity securities, available-for-sale

      $           33,890         $           1,549         $           595         $           34,844        
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

(1) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, education loans, and other asset types.
(2) Includes publicly-traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations.
(3) Represents the amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”), which were not included in earnings. Amount excludes $10 million of net unrealized gains on impaired available-for-sale securities relating to changes in the value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.

 

          December 31, 2014  
          Amortized
Cost
          Gross
Unrealized
Gains
          Gross
Unrealized
Losses
          Fair
Value
          Other-than-
temporary
Impairments

in AOCI (3)
 
          (in thousands)  

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

                             

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies

      $ 83,372         $ 8,711         $ 1         $ 92,082         $   

Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions

        310,518           15,323           187           325,654             

Foreign government bonds

        35,228           3,284           14           38,498             

Public utilities

        683,652           62,060           3,288           742,424             

Redeemable preferred stock

        3,185           763           137           3,811             

All other corporate securities

        3,743,804           227,939           20,820           3,950,923           (247)   

Asset-backed securities (1)

        395,180           8,281           1,210           402,251           (3,531)   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

        482,769           17,978           1,868           498,879             

Residential mortgage-backed securities (2)

        129,165           10,902           25           140,042           (836)   
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale

      $           5,866,873         $           355,241         $           27,550         $           6,194,564         $           (4,614)   
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Equity securities, available-for-sale

                             

Common Stocks:

                             

Public utilities

      $ 66         $ 23         $ -         $ 89        

Industrial, miscellaneous & other

        5           173           -           178        

Mutual funds

        28,470           468           295           28,643        

Non-redeemable preferred stocks

        340           250           -           590        
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

Total equity securities, available-for-sale

      $ 28,881         $ 914         $ 295         $ 29,500        
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

(1) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, education loans, and other asset types.
(2) Includes publicly-traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations.
(3) Represents the amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses in AOCI, which were not included in earnings. Amount excludes $10 million of net unrealized gains on impaired available-for-sale securities relating to changes in the value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities by contractual maturities at March 31, 2015, are as follows:

 

     Available-for-Sale  
     Amortized Cost      Fair Value  
     (in thousands)  

Due in one year or less

   $ 362,176       $ 371,147   

Due after one year through five years

     1,115,699         1,192,099   

Due after five years through ten years

     1,185,249         1,232,056   

Due after ten years

     2,353,899         2,576,055   

Asset-backed securities

     467,024         474,938   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     458,494         480,186   

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     123,263         134,492   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $          6,065,804       $          6,460,973   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

10


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. Asset-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, and residential mortgage-backed securities are shown separately in the table above, as they are not due at a single maturity date.

The following table depicts the sources of fixed maturity proceeds and related investment gains (losses), as well as losses on impairments of both fixed maturities and equity securities:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  
     (in thousands)  

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

     

Proceeds from sales

   $ 88,320       $ 39,886   

Proceeds from maturities/repayments

             151,823                 182,019   

Gross investment gains from sales, prepayments and maturities

     2,517         1,679   

Gross investment losses from sales and maturities

     (391)         (407)   

Equity securities, available-for-sale

     

Proceeds from sales

   $      $  

Proceeds from maturities/repayments

             

Gross investment gains from sales

             

Gross investment losses from sales

             

Fixed maturity and equity security impairments

     

Net writedowns for other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities recognized in earnings (1)

   $ (12)       $  

Writedowns for impairments on equity securities

             

 

(1) Excludes the portion of other-than-temporary impairments recorded in “Other comprehensive income (loss),” representing any difference between the fair value of the impaired debt security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows at the time of the impairment.

As discussed in Note 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, a portion of certain OTTI losses on debt securities is recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”). For these securities, the net amount recognized in earnings (“credit loss impairments”) represents the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. Any remaining difference between the fair value and amortized cost is recognized in OCI. The following tables set forth the amount of pre-tax credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company as of the dates indicated, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in OCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  
     (in thousands)  

Balance, beginning of period

   $                     8,729       $ 14,660   

Credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period

     (64)                         (4,469)   

Additional credit loss impairments recognized in the current period on securities previously impaired

     12          

Increases due to the passage of time on previously recorded credit losses

     37         101   

Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected

     (86)         (120)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 8,628       $ 10,172   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Trading Account Assets

The following table sets forth the composition of “Trading account assets” as of the dates indicated:

 

     March 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  
     Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value
     Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value
 
     (in thousands)  

Fixed maturities

   $ 43,509       $ 42,015       $ 43,490       $ 44,121   

Equity securities

     14,761         18,369         3,447         5,540   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total trading account assets

   $             58,270       $             60,384       $             46,937       $             49,661   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The net change in unrealized gains (losses) from trading account assets still held at period end, recorded within “Other income” was $(0.6) million and $0.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

11


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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

Commercial Mortgage and Other Loans

The Company’s commercial mortgage and other loans are comprised as follows, as of the dates indicated:

 

    March 31, 2015         December 31, 2014  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
    Amount
(in thousands)
          % of
Total
        Amount
(in thousands)
          % of
Total
 

Commercial and agricultural mortgage loans by property type:

                 

Retail

  $ 452,984            26.3     $ 439,679            26.2

Apartments/Multi-Family

    418,703            24.3         401,568            23.9  

Industrial

    291,662            16.9         286,104            17.1  

Office

    254,707            14.8         244,072            14.6  

Other

    98,773            5.8         99,083            5.9  

Hospitality

    91,560            5.3         92,126            5.5  
 

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total commercial mortgage loans

    1,608,389            93.4         1,562,632            93.2  

Agricultural property loans

    113,786            6.6         114,665            6.8  
 

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total commercial and agricultural mortgage loans by property type

    1,722,175                        100.0       1,677,297                        100.0
       

 

 

           

 

 

 

Valuation allowance

    (4,003)                (4,154)         
 

 

 

           

 

 

       

Total net commercial and agricultural mortgage loans by property type

    1,718,172                1,673,143         
 

 

 

           

 

 

       

Other Loans

                 

Uncollateralized loans

    8,410                8,410         

Valuation allowance

                         
 

 

 

           

 

 

       

Total net other loans

    8,410                8,410         
 

 

 

           

 

 

       

Total commercial mortgage and other loans

    $            1,726,582                $            1,681,553         
 

 

 

           

 

 

       

The commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans are geographically dispersed throughout the United States and other countries with the largest concentrations in California (21%), Texas (11%), and New Jersey (9%) at March 31, 2015.

Activity in the allowance for credit losses for all commercial mortgage and other loans, as of the dates indicated, is as follows:

 

     March 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  
     (in thousands)  

Allowance for credit losses, beginning of year

   $ 4,154       $ 8,904   

Addition to / (release of) allowance for losses

     (151)         (1,832)   

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

                                (2,918)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total ending balance (1)

   $                     4,003       $ 4,154   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Agricultural loans represent $0.1 million of the ending allowance at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The following tables set forth the allowance for credit losses and the recorded investment in commercial mortgage and other loans as of the dates indicated:

 

     March 31, 2015    December 31, 2014  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
     (in thousands)  

Allowance for Credit Losses:

        

Individually evaluated for impairment (1)

   $ 896          $ 940   

Collectively evaluated for impairment (2)

     3,107            3,214   
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total ending balance

   $ 4,003          $ 4,154   

Recorded Investment: (3)

        

Gross of reserves: individually evaluated for impairment (1)

   $ 22,455          $ 15,875   

Gross of reserves: collectively evaluated for impairment (2)

     1,708,130            1,669,832   
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total ending balance, gross of reserves

   $                 1,730,585          $                 1,685,707   
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(1) There were no agricultural or uncollateralized loans individually evaluated for impairments at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
(2) Agricultural loans collectively evaluated for impairment had a recorded investment of $114 million and $115 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and a related allowance of $0.1 million at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Uncollateralized loans collectively evaluated for impairment had a recorded investment of $8 million at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and no related allowance for both periods.
(3) Recorded investment reflects the balance sheet carrying value gross of related allowance.

Impaired loans include those loans for which it is probable that all amounts due will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired commercial mortgage and other loans identified in management’s specific review of probable loan losses and the related

 

12


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

allowance for losses, as of March 31, 2015, had a recorded investment and unpaid principal balance of $15.9 million and related allowance of $0.9 million primarily related to office property types. Impaired commercial mortgage and other loans identified in management’s specific review of probable loan losses and the related allowance for losses, as of December 31, 2014, had a recorded investment and unpaid principal balance of $15.9 million and related allowance of $0.9 million primarily related to other property types. At both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company held no impaired agricultural or uncollateralized loans. Net investment income recognized on impaired commercial mortgage loans totaled $0.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and $0.8 million as of December 31, 2014.

Impaired commercial mortgage and other loans with no allowance for losses are loans in which the fair value of the collateral or the net present value of the loans’ expected future cash flows equals or exceeds the recorded investment. The Company had no such loans at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. See Note 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for information regarding the Company’s accounting policies for non-performing loans.

The following table sets forth certain key credit quality indicators as of March 31, 2015, based upon the recorded investment gross of allowance for credit losses.

Total commercial and agricultural mortgage loans

 

     Debt Service Coverage Ratio - March 31, 2015  
     Greater than 1.2X      1.0X to <1.2X      Less than 1.0X      Total  

Loan-to-Value Ratio

     (in thousands)   

0%-59.99%

   $ 1,010,032      $ 14,958      $ 15,757      $ 1,040,747  

60%-69.99%

     404,088        9,764        19,704        433,556  

70%-79.99%

     198,461        18,230        -        216,691  

Greater than 80%

     3,323        22,016        5,842        31,181  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commercial and agricultural mortgage loans

   $             1,615,904      $             64,968      $             41,303      $             1,722,175  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table sets forth certain key credit quality indicators as of December 31, 2014, based upon the recorded investment gross of allowance for credit losses.

 

     Debt Service Coverage Ratio - December 31, 2014  
     Greater than 1.2X      1.0X to <1.2X      Less than 1.0X      Total  

Loan-to-Value Ratio

     (in thousands)   

0%-59.99%

   $ 997,610      $ 24,491      $ 9,393      $ 1,031,494  

60%-69.99%

     372,958        15,741        13,981        402,680  

70%-79.99%

     177,956        31,463        3,493        212,912  

Greater than 80%

     2,991        22,068        5,152        30,211  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commercial and agricultural mortgage loans

   $             1,551,515      $             93,763      $             32,019      $             1,677,297  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $1.7 billion of commercial mortgage and other loans were in current status. As of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, no commercial mortgage and other loans were classified as past due. The Company defines current in its aging of past due commercial mortgage and other loans as less than 30 days past due.

As of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $15.9 million of commercial mortgage and other loans were in nonaccrual status based upon the recorded investment gross of allowance for credit losses. Nonaccrual loans are those on which the accrual of interest has been suspended after the loans become 90 days delinquent as to principal or interest payments, or earlier when the Company has doubts about collectability and loans for which a loan specific reserve has been established. See Note 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for further discussion regarding nonaccrual status loans.

For the three months ended both March 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no commercial mortgage and other loans sold or acquired, other than those through direct origination.

The Company’s commercial mortgage and other loans may occasionally be involved in a troubled debt restructuring. As of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had no significant commitments to fund to borrowers that have been involved in a troubled debt restructuring. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 there were no new troubled debt restructurings related to commercial mortgage and other loans, and no payment defaults on commercial mortgages. For the three months ended both March 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no adjusted pre-modification outstanding recorded investments or post-modification outstanding recorded investments. For the three months ended both March 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no payment defaults on commercial mortgage and other loans that were modified as a troubled debt restructuring within the 12 months preceding each respective period. See Note 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for additional information relating to the accounting for troubled debt restructurings.

 

13


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

Net Investment Income

Net investment income for the three months ended March 31, was from the following sources:

 

      Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
      2015      2014  
     (in thousands)  

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

   $ 63,938       $ 65,735   

Equity securities, available-for-sale

             

Trading account assets

     512         196   

Commercial mortgage and other loans

     20,897         19,830   

Policy loans

     15,115         14,726   

Short-term investments and cash equivalents

     275         157   

Other long-term investments

     8,070         2,467   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross investment income

     108,808                     103,111   

Less: investment expenses

     (5,388)         (4,634)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

   $             103,420       $ 98,477   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Carrying value for non-income producing assets included $9 million in fixed maturities as of March 31, 2015. Non-income producing assets represent investments that have not produced income for the preceding twelve months.

Realized Investment Gains (Losses), Net 

Realized investment gains (losses), net, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, were from the following sources:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  
     (in thousands)  

Fixed maturities

   $ 2,114       $ 1,272   

Equity securities

               

Commercial mortgage and other loans

     151         127   

Joint ventures and limited partnerships

     38           

Derivatives

     56,720         84,122   

Other

            10   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Realized investment gains (losses), net

   $             59,025       $             85,531   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The balance of and changes in each component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  
     Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
          Net Unrealized
Investment Gains
(Losses) (1)
          Total Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
     (in thousands)  

Balance, December 31, 2014

   $               (67)          $               178,758          $ 178,691   

Change in other comprehensive income before reclassifications

     (520)            81,731            81,211   

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

                (2,114)                          (2,114)   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     182            (27,866)            (27,684)   
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2015

   $ (405)          $ 230,509          $ 230,104   
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

14


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

 

     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  
     Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
          Net Unrealized
Investment Gains
(Losses) (1)
          Total Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
     (in thousands)  

Balance, December 31, 2013

   $               403          $               56,243          $               56,646   

Change in other comprehensive income before reclassifications

     (2)            92,374            92,372   

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

               (1,272)            (1,272)   

Income tax benefit (expense)

               (31,886)            (31,885)   
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2014

   $ 402          $ 115,459          $ 115,861   
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes cash flow hedges of $36 million and $12 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively and ($5) million as of both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
     (in thousands)  

Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)(2):

  

Net unrealized investment gains (losses):

  

Cash flow hedges - Currency/Interest rate (3)

   $ 1,801   

Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities (4)

     313   
  

 

 

 

Total net unrealized investment gains (losses)

     2,114   
  

 

 

 

Total reclassifications for the period

   $                 2,114   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) All amounts are shown before tax.
(2) Positive amounts indicate gains/benefits reclassified out of AOCI. Negative amounts indicate losses/costs reclassified out of AOCI.
(3) See Note 5 for additional information on cash flow hedges.
(4) See table below for additional information on unrealized investment gains (losses), including the impact on deferred policy acquisition and other costs, future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances.

Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)

Net unrealized investment gains and losses on securities classified as available-for-sale and certain other long-term investments and other assets are included in the Company’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as a component of AOCI. Changes in these amounts include reclassification adjustments to exclude from “Other comprehensive income (loss)” those items that are included as part of “Net income” for a period that had been part of “Other comprehensive income (loss)” in earlier periods. The amounts for the periods indicated below, split between amounts related to fixed maturity securities on which an OTTI loss has been recognized, and all other net unrealized investment gains and losses, are as follows:

Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses on Fixed Maturity Securities on which an OTTI loss has been recognized

 

          Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Investments
          Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs and
Other Costs
          Future Policy
Benefits and
Policyholders’
Account
Balances (1)
          Deferred
Income Tax
(Liability)
Benefit
          Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Related To  Net
Unrealized
Investment
Gains (Losses)
 
          (in thousands)  

Balance, December 31, 2014

      $ 5,333          $ (2,538)          $ 1,228          $ (1,440)          $ 2,583   

Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period

        158                                (55)            103   

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income

        (109)                                37            (72)   

Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs and other costs

                  11                     (4)             

Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances

                            (28)            10            (18)   
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2015

      $             5,382          $             (2,527)          $             1,200          $             (1,452)          $             2,603   
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(1) Balances are net of reinsurance.

 

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Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

All Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses in AOCI

 

          Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Investments (1)
         Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs and
Other Costs
          Future Policy
Benefits and
Policyholders’
Account
Balances  (2)
         Deferred
Income Tax
(Liability)
Benefit
          Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Related To Net
Unrealized
Investment
Gains (Losses)
 
          (in thousands)  

Balance, December 31, 2014

      $ 344,577         $ (112,829)          $ 39,122         $ (94,695)          $ 176,175   

Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period

        95,022                              (33,258)            61,764   

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income

        (2,006)                              703            (1,303)   

Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs and other costs

                 (23,107)                     8,087            (15,020)   

Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances

                           9,676           (3,387)            6,289   
     

 

 

      

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

       

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2015

      $             437,593           $            (135,936)          $             48,798           $            (122,550)          $             227,905   
     

 

 

      

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 5 for information on cash flow hedges.
(2) Balances are net of reinsurance.

Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments by Asset Class

The table below presents net unrealized gains (losses) on investments by asset class as of the dates indicated:

 

      March 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  
     (in thousands)  

Fixed maturity securities on which an OTTI loss has been recognized

   $ 5,382       $ 5,333   

Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale - all other

                   389,787                       322,358   

Equity securities, available-for-sale

     954         619   

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges (1)

     36,281         11,585   

Other investments

     10,571         10,015   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments

   $ 442,975       $ 349,910   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) See Note 5 for more information on cash flow hedges.

Duration of Gross Unrealized Loss Positions for Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities

The following table shows the fair value and gross unrealized losses aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual fixed maturity securities and equity securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of the dates indicated:

 

     March 31, 2015  
     Less than twelve months      Twelve months or more      Total  
    

  Fair Value  

    

Gross
  Unrealized  
Losses

    

  Fair Value  

    

Gross
  Unrealized  
Losses

    

  Fair Value  

    

Gross
  Unrealized  
Losses

 
     (in thousands)  

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

                 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
U.S. government authorities and agencies

   $ -      $ -      $ -      $ -      $ -      $ -  

Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions

     36,412        270        -        -        36,412        270  

Foreign government bonds

     3,275        124        -        -        3,275        124  

Public utilities

     36,515        2,143        6,300        992        42,815        3,135  

All other corporate securities

     441,390        24,893        68,998        2,991        510,388        27,884  

Asset-backed securities

     175,783        344        54,757        351        230,540        695  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     40,720        96        4,434        111        45,154        207  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     735        11        3,673        14        4,408        25  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $             734,830      $             27,881      $             138,162      $             4,459      $             872,992      $             32,340  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities, available-for-sale

   $ 9,406      $ 595      $ -      $ -      $ 9,406      $ 595  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

16


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

     December 31, 2014  
     Less than twelve months      Twelve months or more      Total  
       Fair Value        Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value      Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value      Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
     (in thousands)  

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

                 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
U.S. government authorities and agencies

   $ 994      $ 1      $ -      $ -      $ 994      $ 1  

Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions

     9,852        125        2,886        62        12,738        187  

Foreign government bonds

     2,246        14        -        -        2,246        14  

Public utilities

     30,974        1,618        45,756        1,670        76,730        3,288  

All other corporate securities

     356,348        13,194        260,985        7,763        617,333        20,957  

Asset-backed securities

     209,774        737        54,711        473        264,485        1,210  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     15,824        155        87,606        1,713        103,430        1,868  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     776        11        3,878        14        4,654        25  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $             626,788      $             15,855      $             455,822      $             11,695      $             1,082,610      $             27,550  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities, available-for-sale

   $ 14,706      $ 295      $ -      $ -      $ 14,706      $ 295  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, were composed of $25 million and $21 million, respectively, related to high or highest quality securities based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) or equivalent rating and $7 million and $6 million, respectively, related to other than high or highest quality securities based on NAIC or equivalent rating. At March 31, 2015, the $4.5 million of gross unrealized losses of twelve months or more were concentrated in the energy, consumer cyclical and utility sectors of the Company’s corporate securities. At December 31, 2014, the $12 million of gross unrealized losses of twelve months or more were concentrated in the energy, consumer non-cyclical, consumer cyclical and utility sectors of the Company’s corporate securities. In accordance with its policy described in Note 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company concluded that an adjustment to earnings for other-than-temporary impairments for these securities was not warranted at March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014. These conclusions are based on a detailed analysis of the underlying credit and cash flows on each security. The gross unrealized losses are primarily attributable to credit spread widening. At March 31, 2015, the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis.

At both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, none of the gross unrealized losses related to equity securities represented declines in value of greater than 20%. In accordance with our policy described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company concluded that an adjustment for other-than-temporary impairments for these equity securities was not warranted at March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

4.    FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Fair Value Measurement - Fair value represents the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The authoritative fair value guidance establishes a framework for measuring fair value that includes a hierarchy used to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 - Fair value is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible to the Company for identical assets or liabilities. The Company’s Level 1 assets and liabilities primarily include certain cash equivalents, short-term investments and equity securities that trade on an active exchange market.

Level 2 - Fair value is based on significant inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability through corroboration with observable market data. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted market prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities, and other market observable inputs. The Company’s Level 2 assets and liabilities include: fixed maturities (corporate public and private bonds, most government securities, certain asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, etc.), certain equity securities (mutual funds, which do not actively trade and are priced based on a net asset value), certain short-term investments and certain cash equivalents, and certain over-the-counter derivatives.

Level 3 - Fair value is based on at least one or more significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The assets and liabilities in this category may require significant judgment or estimation in determining the fair value. The Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities primarily include: certain

 

17


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

private fixed maturities and equity securities, certain manually priced public equity securities and fixed maturities, certain highly structured over-the-counter derivative contracts, certain consolidated real estate funds for which the Company is the general partner, and embedded derivatives resulting from reinsurance or certain products with guaranteed benefits.

Assets and Liabilities by Hierarchy Level - The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities reported at fair value on a recurring basis, as of the dates indicated.

 

     As of March 31, 2015  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Netting (1)      Total  
     (in thousands)  

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:

              

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies

   $ -      $ 97,655      $ -       $       $ 97,655  

Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions

     -        396,563        -                 396,563  

Foreign government bonds

     -         58,588        -                 58,588  

Corporate securities

     -         4,731,636        86,915                4,818,551  

Asset-backed securities

     -         273,887        201,051                474,938  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     -         480,186        -                 480,186  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     -         134,492        -                 134,492  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-total

     -         6,173,007        287,966                6,460,973  

Trading account assets:

              

Corporate securities

     -         40,026        -                 40,026  

Asset-backed securities

     -         1,989        -                 1,989  

Equity securities

     -         -         18,369                18,369  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-total

     -         42,015        18,369                60,384  

Equity securities, available-for-sale

     97        34,000        747                34,844  

Short-term investments

     100,164        115,489        -                 215,653  

Cash equivalents

     10,632        166,970        -                 177,602  

Other long-term investments

     -         362,347        2,141        (348,147)         16,341  

Reinsurance recoverables

     -         -         5,822,107                5,822,107  

Receivables from parent and affiliates

     -         157,370        21,169                178,539  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-total excluding separate account assets

     110,893        7,051,198        6,152,499        (348,147)         12,966,443  

Separate account assets (2)

     -         111,853,083        320,397                112,173,480  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $             110,893      $             118,904,281      $             6,472,896      $             (348,147)       $             125,139,923  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Future policy benefits (3)

   $ -       $ -       $ 5,944,815      $       $ 5,944,815  

Payables to parent and affiliates

     -         30,547        -         (29,784)         763  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ -       $ 30,547      $ 5,944,815      $ (29,784)       $ 5,945,578  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

18


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

 

     As of December 31, 2014  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Netting (1)      Total  
     (in thousands)  

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:

              

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies

   $ -       $ 92,082      $ -       $       $ 92,082  

Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions

     -         325,654        -                 325,654  

Foreign government bonds

     -         38,498        -                 38,498  

Corporate securities

     -         4,612,357        84,801                4,697,158  

Asset-backed securities

     -         302,034        100,217                402,251  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     -         498,879        -                 498,879  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     -         140,042        -                 140,042  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-total

     -         6,009,546        185,018                6,194,564  

Trading account assets:

              

Corporate securities

     -         42,131        -                 42,131  

Asset-backed securities

     -         1,990        -                 1,990  

Equity securities

     -         -         5,540                5,540  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-total

     -         44,121        5,540                49,661  

Equity securities, available-for-sale

     107        28,643        750                29,500  

Short-term investments

     6,997        114,275        -                 121,272  

Cash equivalents

     41,584        26,259        -                 67,843  

Other long-term investments

     -         242,523        2,115        (215,066)         29,572  

Reinsurance recoverables

     -         -         4,897,545                4,897,545  

Receivables from parent and affiliates

     -         158,469        19,203                177,672  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-total excluding separate account assets

     48,688        6,623,836        5,110,171        (215,066)         11,567,629  

Separate account assets (2)

     -         108,891,268        302,924                109,194,192  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $                 48,688      $             115,515,104      $             5,413,095      $             (215,066)       $             120,761,821  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Future policy benefits (3)

   $ -       $ -       $ 4,993,611      $       $ 4,993,611  

Payables to parent and affiliates

     -         58,687        -         (58,687)         -   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ -       $ 58,687      $ 4,993,611      $ (58,687)       $ 4,993,611  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) “Netting” amounts represent cash collateral of $318.4 million and $156.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and the impact of offsetting asset and liability positions held with the same counterparty, subject to master netting arrangements.
(2) Separate account assets represent segregated funds that are invested for certain customers. Investment risks associated with market value changes are borne by the customers, except to the extent of minimum guarantees made by the Company with respect to certain accounts. Separate account assets classified as Level 3 consist primarily of real estate and real estate investment funds. Separate account liabilities are not included in the above table as they are reported at contract value and not fair value in the Company’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(3) As of March 31, 2015, the net embedded derivative liability position of $5,945 million includes $556 million of embedded derivatives in an asset position and $6,501 million of embedded derivatives in a liability position. As of December 31, 2014, the net embedded derivative liability position of $4,994 million includes $577 million of embedded derivatives in an asset position and $5,571 million of embedded derivatives in a liability position.

The methods and assumptions the Company uses to estimate the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.

Fixed Maturity Securities - The fair values of the Company’s public fixed maturity securities are generally based on prices obtained from independent pricing services. Prices for each security are generally sourced from multiple pricing vendors, and a vendor hierarchy is maintained by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. The Company ultimately uses the price from the pricing service highest in the vendor hierarchy based on the respective asset type. The pricing hierarchy is updated for new financial products and recent pricing experience with various vendors. Consistent with the fair value hierarchy described above, securities with validated quotes from pricing services are generally reflected within Level 2, as they are primarily based on observable pricing for similar assets and/or other market observable inputs. Typical inputs used by these pricing services include but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, and/or estimated cash flow, prepayment speeds, and default rates. If the pricing information received from third party pricing services is deemed not reflective of market activity or other inputs observable in the market, the Company may challenge the price through a formal process with the pricing service or classify the securities as Level 3. If the pricing service updates the price to be more consistent with the presented market observations, the security remains within Level 2.

Internally-developed valuations or indicative broker quotes are also used to determine fair value in circumstances where vendor pricing is not available, or where the Company ultimately concludes that pricing information received from independent pricing services is not reflective of market

 

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Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

activity. If the Company concludes the values from both pricing services and brokers are not reflective of market activity, it may override the information with an internally-developed valuation. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, overrides on a net basis were not material. Pricing service overrides, internally-developed valuations and indicative broker quotes are generally included in Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

The Company conducts several specific price monitoring activities. Daily analyses identify price changes over predetermined thresholds defined at the financial instrument level. Various pricing integrity reports are reviewed on a daily and monthly basis to determine if pricing is reflective of market activity or if it would warrant any adjustments. Other procedures performed include, but are not limited to, reviews of third-party pricing services methodologies, reviews of pricing trends, and back testing.

The fair value of private fixed maturities, which are comprised of investments in private placement securities, originated by internal private asset managers, are primarily determined using discounted cash flow models. These models primarily use observable inputs that include Treasury or similar base rates plus estimated credit spreads to value each security. The credit spreads are obtained through a survey of private market intermediaries who are active in both primary and secondary transactions, and consider, among other factors, the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer and the reduced liquidity associated with private placements. Since most private placements are valued using standard market observable inputs and inputs derived from, or corroborated by, market observable data including observed prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues, they have been reflected within Level 2. For certain private fixed maturities, the discounted cash flow model may incorporate significant unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset. To the extent management determines that such unobservable inputs are significant to the price of a security, a Level 3 classification is made.

Trading Account Assets - Trading account assets consist primarily of corporate securities, asset-backed securities and perpetual preferred stock whose fair values are determined consistent with similar instruments described above under “Fixed Maturity Securities” and below under “Equity Securities.”

Equity Securities - Equity securities consist principally of investments in common and preferred stock of publicly traded companies, perpetual preferred stock, privately traded securities, as well as mutual fund shares. The fair values of most publicly traded equity securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and are classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Estimated fair values for most privately traded equity securities are determined using discounted cash flow, earnings multiple and other valuation models that require a substantial level of judgment around inputs and therefore are classified within Level 3. The fair values of mutual fund shares that transact regularly (but do not trade in active markets because they are not publicly available) are based on transaction prices of identical fund shares and are classified within Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of perpetual preferred stock are based on inputs obtained from independent pricing services that are primarily based on indicative broker quotes. As a result, the fair values of perpetual preferred stock are classified as Level 3.

Derivative Instruments - Derivatives are recorded at fair value either as assets, within “Other long-term investments”, or as liabilities, within “Payables to parent and affiliates”, except for embedded derivatives which are recorded with the associated host contract. The fair values of derivative contracts can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, credit spreads, market volatility, expected returns, non-performance risk (“NPR”), liquidity and other factors. For derivative positions included within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, liquidity valuation adjustments are made to reflect the cost of exiting significant risk positions, and consider the bid-ask spread, maturity, complexity, and other specific attributes of the underlying derivative position.

The majority of the Company’s derivative positions are traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivative market and are classified within Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. OTC derivatives classified within Level 2 are valued using models that utilize actively quoted or observable market input values from external market data providers, third-party pricing vendors and/or recent trading activity. The Company’s policy is to use mid-market pricing in determining its best estimate of fair value. The fair values of most OTC derivatives, including interest rate, cross currency swaps, currency forward contracts and single name credit default swaps are determined using discounted cash flow models. The fair values of European style option contracts are determined using Black Scholes option pricing models. These models’ key inputs include the contractual terms of the respective contract, along with significant observable inputs, including interest rates, currency rates, credit spreads, equity prices, index dividend yields, NPR, volatility and other factors.

The Company’s cleared interest rate swaps and credit derivatives linked to an index are valued using models that utilize actively quoted or observable market inputs, including Overnight Indexed Swap discount rates, obtained from external market data providers, third-party pricing vendors and/or recent trading activity. These derivatives are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

To reflect the market’s perception of its own and the counterparty’s NPR, the Company incorporates additional spreads over LIBOR into the discount rate used in determining the fair value of OTC derivative assets and liabilities that are not otherwise collateralized.

Derivatives classified as Level 3 include structured products. These derivatives are valued based upon models such as Monte Carlo simulation models and other techniques that utilize significant unobservable inputs. Level 3 methodologies are validated through periodic comparison of the Company’s fair values to external broker-dealer values. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 there were no internally valued derivatives with the fair value classified within Level 3, and all other derivatives were classified within Level 2. See Note 5 for more details on the fair value of derivative instruments by primary underlying.

Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments - Cash equivalents and short-term investments include money market instruments, and other highly liquid debt instruments. Certain money market instruments are valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible for

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

identical assets and are primarily classified as Level 1. The remaining instruments in this category are generally fair valued based on market observable inputs and, these investments have primarily been classified within Level 2.

Separate Account Assets - Separate account assets include fixed maturity securities, treasuries, equity securities, mutual funds, and real estate investments for which values are determined consistent with similar instruments described above under “Fixed Maturity Securities” and “Equity Securities”.

Receivables from Parent and Affiliates - Receivables from parent and affiliates carried at fair value include affiliated bonds within the Company’s legal entity whose fair value are determined consistent with similar securities described above under “Fixed Maturity Securities” managed by affiliated asset managers.

Reinsurance Recoverables - Reinsurance recoverables carried at fair value include the reinsurance of the Company’s living benefit guarantees on certain variable annuity contracts. These guarantees are accounted for as embedded derivatives and are recorded in “Reinsurance Recoverables” or “Other Liabilities” when fair value is in an asset or liability position, respectively. The methods and assumption used to estimate the fair value are consistent with those described below in “Future Policy Benefits.” The reinsurance agreements covering these guarantees are derivatives with fair value determined in the same manner as the living benefit guarantee.

The Company also has an agreement with Universal Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Company (“UPARC”), an affiliated captive reinsurance company, to reinsure risks associated with the no-lapse guarantee provision available on a portion of certain universal life products (See Note 7). Under this agreement, the Company pays a premium to UPARC to reinsure the risk of uncollectible policy charges and fees associated with the no-lapse guarantee provision. Reinsurance of this risk is accounted for as an embedded derivative which is included in “Reinsurance recoverables”. The fair value of this embedded derivative is the present value of expected reimbursement from UPARC for cost of insurance charges the Company is unable to collect from policyholders, less the present value of reinsurance premiums that is attributable to the embedded derivative feature. This methodology could result in either an asset or liability, given changes in capital market conditions and various policyholder behavior assumptions. Significant inputs to the valuation model for this embedded derivative include capital market assumptions, such as interest rates, estimated NPR of the counterparty, and various assumptions that are actuarially determined, including lapse rates, premium payment patterns, and mortality rates. This embedded derivative has been classified within Level 3.

Future Policy Benefits - The liability for future policy benefits is related to guarantees primarily associated with the living benefit features of certain variable annuity contracts, including guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”), guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) and guaranteed minimum income and withdrawal benefits (“GMIWB”), accounted for as embedded derivatives. The fair values of these liabilities are calculated as the present value of future expected benefit payments to contractholders less the present value of assessed rider fees attributable to the optional living benefit feature. This methodology could result in either a liability or contra-liability balance, given changing capital market conditions and various actuarial assumptions. Since there is no observable active market for the transfer of these obligations, the valuations are calculated using internally developed models with option pricing techniques. The models are based on a risk neutral valuation framework and incorporate premiums for risks inherent in valuation techniques, inputs, and the general uncertainty around the timing and amount of future cash flows. The determination of these risk premiums requires the use of management judgment.

The significant inputs to the valuation models for these embedded derivatives include capital market assumptions, such as interest rate levels and volatility assumptions, the Company’s market-perceived NPR, as well as actuarially determined assumptions, including contractholder behavior, such as lapse rates, benefit utilization rates, withdrawal rates, and mortality rates. Since many of these assumptions are unobservable and are considered to be significant inputs to the liability valuation, the liability included in future policy benefits has been reflected within Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Capital market inputs and actual policyholders’ account values are updated each quarter based on capital market conditions as of the end of the quarter, including interest rates, equity markets, and volatility. In the risk neutral valuation, the initial swap curve drives the total return used to grow the policyholders’ account values. The Company’s discount rate assumption is based on the LIBOR swap curve adjusted for an additional spread relative to LIBOR to reflect NPR.

Actuarial assumptions, including contractholder behavior and mortality, are reviewed at least annually, and updated based upon emerging experience, future expectations and other data, including any observable market data. These assumptions are generally updated annually unless a material change that the Company feels is indicative of a long-term trend is observed in an interim period.

Transfers between Levels 1 and 2 - Overall, transfers between levels are made to reflect changes in observability of inputs and market activity. Transfers into or out of any level are assumed to occur at the beginning of the quarter in which the transfers occur. Periodically there are transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for assets held in the Company’s Separate Account. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, $1.9 million was transferred from Level 1 to Level 2.

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

Level 3 Assets and Liabilities by Price Source - The tables below present the balances of Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value with their corresponding pricing sources.

 

     As of March 31, 2015  
     Internal (1)               External (2)               Total  
     (in thousands)  

Corporate securities

   $ 23,419         $ 63,496         $ 86,915  

Asset-backed securities

     246           200,805           201,051  

Equity securities

     747           18,369           19,116  

Other long-term investments

     617           1,524           2,141  

Reinsurance recoverables

     5,822,107           -            5,822,107  

Receivables from parent and affiliates

     -            21,169           21,169  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Subtotal excluding separate account assets

     5,847,136           305,363           6,152,499  

Separate account assets

     84,895           235,502           320,397  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total assets

   $             5,932,031         $             540,865         $             6,472,896  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Future policy benefits

   $ 5,944,815         $ -          $ 5,944,815  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 5,944,815         $ -          $ 5,944,815  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 
     As of December 31, 2014  
     Internal (1)               External (2)               Total  
     (in thousands)  

Corporate securities

   $ 23,712         $ 61,089         $ 84,801  

Asset-backed securities

     264           99,953           100,217  

Equity securities

     750           5,540           6,290  

Other long-term investments

     565           1,550           2,115  

Reinsurance recoverables

     4,897,545           -            4,897,545  

Receivables from parent and affiliates

     -            19,203           19,203  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Subtotal excluding separate account assets

     4,922,836           187,335           5,110,171  

Separate account assets

     84,111           218,813           302,924  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 5,006,947         $           406,148         $ 5,413,095  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Future policy benefits

   $ 4,993,611         $ -          $ 4,993,611  
  

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $           4,993,611         $ -          $           4,993,611  
  

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents valuations which could incorporate internally-derived and market inputs, as well as third-party pricing information or quotes. See below for additional information related to internally developed valuation for significant items in the above table.
(2) Represents unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

Quantitative Information Regarding Internally-Priced Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - The tables below present quantitative information on significant internally-priced Level 3 assets and liabilities (see narrative below for quantitative information for separate account assets).

 

    As of March 31, 2015  
      Fair Value         Valuation  
Techniques
    Unobservable Inputs       Minimum         Maximum         Weighted  
Average
      Impact of Increase in  
Input on Fair Value
(1)
 
    (in thousands)                            

Assets:

             

Corporate securities

  $ 23,419      Discounted cash flow   Discount rate     10.12%        15.05%        11.45%        Decrease   
            Market Comparables   EBITDA Multiples (2)     6.2X        6.2X        6.2X        Increase   

Reinsurance recoverables - Living Benefits

  $         5,390,183      Fair values are determined in the same manner as future policy benefits.   

Reinsurance recoverables - No Lapse Guarantee

  $ 431,924      Discounted cash flow   Lapse rate (3)     0%        15%          Decrease   
      NPR spread (4)     0.06%        1.50%          Decrease   
      Mortality rate (5)     0%        11%          Decrease   
                Premium Payment (6)     1X        3.75X                Decrease   

Liabilities:

             

Future policy benefits (7)

  $ 5,944,815      Discounted cash flow   Lapse rate (8)     0%        14%          Decrease   
      NPR spread (4)     0.06%        1.50%          Decrease   
      Utilization rate (9)     63%        96%          Increase   
      Withdrawal rate (10)     74%        100%          Increase   
      Mortality rate (11)     0%        14%          Decrease   
                Equity Volatility curve     15%        28%                Increase   
    As of December 31, 2014  
    Fair Value     Valuation
Techniques
  Unobservable Inputs   Minimum     Maximum     Weighted
Average
    Impact of Increase in
Input on Fair Value
(1)
 
    (in thousands)                            

Assets:

             

Corporate securities

  $ 23,712      Discounted cash flow   Discount rate     10.00%        11.75%        10.52%        Decrease   
            Market Comparables   EBITDA Multiples (2)     6.1X        6.1X        6.1X        Increase   

Reinsurance recoverables - Living Benefits

  $         4,521,928      Fair values are determined in the same manner as future policy benefits.                   

Reinsurance recoverables - No Lapse Guarantee

  $ 375,617      Discounted cash flow   Lapse rate (3)     0%        15%          Decrease   
      NPR spread (4)     0%        1.30%          Decrease   
      Mortality rate (5)     0%        11%          Decrease   
                Premium Payment (6)     1X        3.75X                Decrease   

Liabilities:

             

Future policy benefits (7)

  $ 4,993,611      Discounted cash flow   Lapse rate (8)     0%        14%          Decrease   
      NPR spread (4)     0%        1.30%          Decrease   
      Utilization rate (9)     63%        96%          Increase   
      Withdrawal rate (10)     74%        100%          Increase   
      Mortality rate (11)     0%        14%          Decrease   
                Equity Volatility curve     17%        28%                Increase   

 

(1) Conversely, the impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact for the fair value as that presented in the table.
(2) EBITDA multiples represent multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and are amounts used when the reporting entity has determined that market participants would use such multiples when pricing the investments.
(3) For universal life, lapse rates vary based on funding level and other factors. Rates are set to zero when the no lapse guarantee is fully funded and the cash value is zero.

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

(4) To reflect NPR, the Company incorporates an additional spread over LIBOR into the discount rate used in the valuation of contracts in a liability position and generally not to those in a contra-liability position. The NPR spread reflects the financial strength ratings of the Company and its affiliates, as these are insurance liabilities and senior to debt. The additional spread over LIBOR is determined by utilizing the credit spreads associated with issuing funding agreements, adjusted for any illiquidity risk premium.
(5) Universal life mortality rates are adjusted based on underwriting information. A mortality improvement assumption is also incorporated into the projection.
(6) For universal life, premium payment assumptions vary by funding level. Some policies are assumed to pay the minimum premium required to maintain the no lapse guarantee. Other policies are assumed to pay a multiple of commissionable target premium levels (shown above and indicated as “X”). Policyholders are assumed to stop premium payments once the no lapse guarantee is fully funded.
(7) Future policy benefits primarily represent general account liabilities for the living benefit features of the Company’s variable annuity contracts which are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Since the valuation methodology for these liabilities uses a range of inputs that vary at the contract level over the cash flow projection period, presenting a range, rather than weighted average, is a more meaningful representation of the unobservable inputs used in the valuation.
(8) Lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on the in-the-moneyness of the living benefit and reflect other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. Lapse rates are reduced when contracts are more in-the-money. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower for the period where surrender charges apply.
(9) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contracts that will utilize the benefit during the contract duration, and begin lifetime withdrawals at various time intervals from contract inception. The remaining contractholders are assumed to either begin lifetime withdrawals immediately or never utilize the benefit. Utilization assumptions may vary by product type, tax status, and age. The impact of changes in these assumptions is highly dependent on the product type, the age of the contractholder at the time of the sale, and the timing of the first lifetime income withdrawal.
(10) The withdrawal rate assumption estimates the magnitude of annual contractholder withdrawals relative to the maximum allowable amount under the contract. These assumptions may vary based on the product type, contractholder age, tax status, and withdrawal timing. The fair value of the liability will generally increase the closer the withdrawal rate is to 100%.
(11) Range reflects the mortality rate for the vast majority of business with living benefits, with policyholders ranging from 35 to 90 years old. While the majority of living benefits have a minimum age requirement, certain benefits do not have an age restriction. This results in contractholders for certain benefits with mortality rates approaching 0%. Based on historical experience, the Company applies a set of age and duration specific mortality rate adjustments compared to standard industry tables. A mortality improvement assumption is also incorporated into the overall mortality table.

Interrelationships Between Unobservable Inputs - In addition to the sensitivities of fair value measurements to changes in each unobservable input in isolation, as reflected in the table above, interrelationships between these inputs may also exist, such that a change in one unobservable input may give rise to a change in another, or multiple, inputs. Examples of such interrelationships for significant internally-priced Level 3 assets and liabilities are as follows:

Corporate Securities - The rate used to discount future cash flows reflects current risk free rates plus credit and liquidity spread requirements that market participants would use to value an asset. The discount rate may be influenced by many factors, including market cycles, expectations of default, collateral, term, and asset complexity. Each of these factors can influence discount rates, either in isolation, or in response to other factors.

Future Policy Benefits - The Company expects efficient benefit utilization and withdrawal rates to generally be correlated with lapse rates. However, behavior is generally highly dependent on the facts and circumstances surrounding the individual contractholder, such as their liquidity needs or tax situation, which could drive lapse behavior independent of other contractholder behavior assumptions. To the extent more efficient contractholder behavior results in greater in-the-moneyness at the contract level, lapse rates may decline for those contracts. Similarly, to the extent that increases in equity volatility are correlated with overall declines in the capital markets, lapse rates may decline as contracts become more in-the-money.

Separate Account Assets - In addition to the significant internally-priced Level 3 assets and liabilities presented and described above, the Company also has internally-priced separate account assets reported within Level 3. Changes in the fair value of separate account assets are borne by customers and thus are offset by changes in separate account liabilities on the Company’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. As a result, changes in value associated with these investments do not impact the Company’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, fees earned by the Company related to the management of most separate account assets classified as Level 3 do not change due to changes in the fair value of these investments. Quantitative information about significant internally-priced Level 3 separate account assets is as follows:

Real Estate and Other Invested Assets - Separate account assets include $84.9 million and $84.1 million of investments in real estate as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, that are classified as Level 3 and reported at fair value which is determined by the Company’s equity in net assets of the entities. In general, these fair value estimates of real estate are based on property appraisal reports prepared by independent real estate appraisers. Key inputs and assumptions to the appraisal process include rental income and expense amounts, related growth rates, discount rates and capitalization rates. Because of the subjective nature of inputs and the judgment involved in the appraisal process, real estate investments are typically included in the Level 3 Classification. Key unobservable inputs to real estate valuation include capitalization rates, which ranged from 5.00% to 10.00% (6.56% weighted average) as of March 31, 2015 and 5.00% to 10.00% (6.68% weighted average) as of December 31, 2014 and discount rates which ranged from 6.50% to 11.00% (7.45% weighted average) as of March 31, 2015 and 6.75% to 11.00% (7.66% weighted average) as of December 31, 2014.

Valuation Process for Fair Value Measurements Categorized within Level 3 - The Company has established an internal control infrastructure over the valuation of financial instruments that requires ongoing oversight by its various Business Groups. These management control functions are segregated from the trading and investing functions. For invested assets, the Company has established oversight teams, often in the form of Pricing Committees within each asset management group. The teams, which typically include representation from investment, accounting, operations, legal

 

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and other disciplines are responsible for overseeing and monitoring the pricing of the Company’s investments and performing periodic due diligence reviews of independent pricing services. An actuarial valuation team oversees the valuation of living benefit features of the Company’s variable annuity contracts.

The Company has also established policies and guidelines that require the establishment of valuation methodologies and consistent application of such methodologies. These policies and guidelines govern the use of inputs and price source hierarchies and provide controls around the valuation processes. These controls include appropriate review and analysis of investment prices against market activity or indicators of reasonableness, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns, back-testing, review of bid/ask spreads to assess activity, approval of price source changes, price overrides, methodology changes and classification of fair value hierarchy levels. For living benefit features of the Company’s variable annuity products, the actuarial valuation unit periodically tests contract input data and actuarial assumptions are reviewed at least annually, and updated based upon emerging experience, future expectations and other data, including any observable market data. The valuation policies and guidelines are reviewed and updated as appropriate.

Within the trading and investing functions, the Company has established policies and procedures that relate to the approval of all new transaction types, transaction pricing sources and fair value hierarchy coding within the financial reporting system. For variable annuity product changes or new launches of living benefit features, the actuarial valuation unit validates input logic and new product features and agrees new input data directly to source documents.

Changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities - The following tables provide summaries of the changes in fair values of Level 3 assets and liabilities as of the dates indicated, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at the end of their respective periods.

 

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2015  
    Fixed Maturities, Available-For-Sale                                
    Corporate
Securities
        Asset-Backed
Securities
        Commercial
Mortgage-
Backed
Securities
        Trading
Account Assets-
Equity
Securities
        Equity
Securities,
Available-for-
Sale
        Short-Term
Investments
 
    (in thousands)  

Fair Value, beginning of period assets/(liabilities)

  $ 84,801        $ 100,217        $ -        $ 5,540        $ 750        $ -   

Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):

                     

Included in earnings:

                     

Realized investment gains (losses), net

    62                  -                            -   

Asset management fees and other income

                      -          2,328                   -   

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

    (438)          530          -                   (3)          -   

Net investment income

    (6)          (8)          -                            -   

Purchases

    57,340          73,630          -                            -   

Sales

    (55,033)                   -                            -   

Issuances

                      -                            -   

Settlements

    (1,341)          (72)          -          (1,500)                   -   

Transfers into Level 3 (2)

    1,530          44,798          -                            -   

Transfers out of Level 3 (2)

             (18,046)          -                            -   

Other (4)

                      -          12,001                   -   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Fair Value, end of period assets/(liabilities)

  $              86,915        $             201,051        $             -        $             18,369        $             747        $             -   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) for the period relating to those

                     

Level 3 assets that were still held at the end of the period (3):

                     

Included in earnings:

                     

Realized investment gains (losses), net

  $        $        $ -        $        $        $ -   

Asset management fees and other income

  $        $        $ -        $ 2,283        $        $ -   

 

25


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

 

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2015  
    Other
Long-term
Investments
        Reinsurance
Recoverables
        Receivables from
Parent and
Affiliates
        Separate
Account Assets
(1)
        Future Policy
Benefits
 
    (in thousands)  

Fair Value, beginning of period assets/(liabilities)

  $ 2,115        $ 4,897,545       $ 19,203        $ 302,924        $ (4.993,611)   

Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):

                 

Included in earnings:

                 

Realized investment gains (losses), net

    51          759,357                  3,479          (776,607)   

Asset management fees and other income

            -                              

Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances

             -                   42            

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

             -          (20)                     

Net investment income

    16          -                              

Purchases

             165,205                  64,453            

Sales

             -                   (50,501)            

Issuances

             -                            (174,597)   

Settlements

    (16)          -                              

Transfers into Level 3 (2)

             -          1,986                     

Transfers out of Level 3 (2)

    (30)          -                              
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Fair Value, end of period assets/(liabilities)

  $             2,141        $             5,822,107       $             21,169        $             320,397          $            (5,944,815)   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) for the period relating to those

                 

Level 3 assets that were still held at the end of the period (3):

                 

Included in earnings:

                 

Realized investment gains (losses), net

  $ 52        $ 788,607       $        $        $ (809,087)   

Asset management fees and other income

  $       $ -        $        $        $   

Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances

  $        $ -        $        $ 42        $   

 

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2014  
    Fixed Maturities, Available-for-Sale                                
    Corporate
Securities
        Asset-Backed
Securities
        Commercial
Mortgage
Backed
Securities
        Trading
Account Assets-
Equity
Securities
        Equity
Securities,
Available-for-
Sale
        Short-Term
Investments
 
    (in thousands)  

Fair Value, beginning of period assets/(liabilities)

  $ 18,293        $ 80,934        $        $ 2,731       $ 569       $ 18  

Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):

                     

Included in earnings:

                     

Realized investment gains (losses), net

    (2)                            -          -          -   

Asset management fees and other income

                               71         -          -   

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

    337          135          (2)          -          21         -   

Net investment income

    10          56                   -          -          -   

Purchases

    7,971                   28,078          -          -          -   

Sales

    (1,391)                            -          -          -   

Issuances

                               -          -          -   

Settlements

    (803)          (3,137)                   -          -          -   

Transfers into Level 3 (2)

             29,407                   -          -          -   

Transfers out of Level 3 (2)

    (1,184)          (1,314)                   -          -          -   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Fair Value, end of period assets/(liabilities)

  $             23,231        $             106,081        $             28,076        $             2,802       $             590       $             18  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) for the period relating to those

                     

Level 3 assets that were still held at the end of the period (3):

                     

Included in earnings:

                     

Realized investment gains (losses), net

  $        $        $        $ -        $ -        $ -   

Asset management fees and other income

  $        $        $        $ 71       $ -        $ -   

 

26


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

 

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2014  
    Other
Long-Term
Investments
        Receivables
from Parent
and Affiliates
        Separate
Account Assets
(1)
        Reinsurance
Recoverables
        Future Policy
Benefits
 
    (in thousands)  

Fair Value, beginning of period assets/(liabilities)

  $ 1,168        $ 4,121        $ 279,842        $ (376,868)        $ 348,399   

Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):

                 

Included in earnings:

                 

Realized investment gains (losses), net

                      2,269          1,252,368          (1,207,282)   

Asset management fees and other income

    (22)                                       

Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances

                      2,676                     

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

             (3)                              

Net investment income

                                          

Purchases

    101                   34,578          142,943            

Sales

                      (40,727)                     

Issuances

                                        (155,872)   

Settlements

                                          

Transfers into Level 3 (2)

             1,985                              

Transfers out of Level 3 (2)

             (979)                              
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value, end of period assets/(liabilities)

  $             1,247        $             5,124        $             278,638        $             1,018,443          $        (1,014,755)   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) for the period relating to those

                 

Level 3 assets that were still held at the end of the period (3):

                 

Included in earnings:

                 

Realized investment gains (losses), net

  $        $        $        $ 1,398,947        $ (1,517,648)   

Asset management fees and other income

  $        $        $        $        $   

Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances

  $        $        $ 2,676        $        $   

 

(1) Separate account assets represent segregated funds that are invested for certain customers. Investment risks associated with market value changes are borne by the customers, except to the extent of minimum guarantees made by the Company with respect to certain accounts. Separate account liabilities are not included in the above table as they are reported at contract value and not fair value in the Company’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(2) Transfers into or out of Level 3 are generally reported as the value as of the beginning of the quarter in which the transfer occurs.
(3) Unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at the end of the period do not include amortization or accretion of premiums and discounts.
(4) Other primarily represents reclassifications of certain assets between reporting categories.

Transfers - Transfers into Level 3 are generally the result of unobservable inputs utilized within valuation methodologies and the use of indicative broker quotes for assets that were previously valued using observable inputs. Transfers out of Level 3 are generally due to the use of observable inputs in valuation methodologies as well as the availability of pricing service information for certain assets that the Company is able to validate.

 

27


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The table below presents the carrying amount and fair value by fair value hierarchy level of certain financial instruments that are not reported at fair value. The financial instruments presented below are reported at carrying value on the Company’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position; however, in some cases, as described below, the carrying amount equals or approximates fair value.

 

     March 31, 2015  
     Fair Value      Carrying
Amount (1)
 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Total  
     (in thousands)  

Assets:

              

Commercial mortgage and other loans

   $ -      $ 8,525      $ 1,833,537      $ 1,842,062      $ 1,726,582  

Policy loans

     -        -        1,127,936        1,127,936        1,127,936  

Other long-term investments

     -        -        11,772        11,772        11,065  

Cash and cash equivalents

     54,955        175,764        -        230,719        230,719  

Accrued investment income

     -        92,881        -        92,881        92,881  

Receivables from parent and affiliates

     -        107,294        -        107,294        107,295  

Other assets

     -        34,509        -        34,509        34,509  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $             54,955      $ 418,973      $             2,973,245      $             3,447,173      $             3,330,987  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

              

Policyholders’ account balances - investment contracts

   $ -      $ 1,065,498      $ 39,567      $ 1,105,065      $ 1,111,284  

Cash collateral for loaned securities

     -        91,015        -        91,015        91,015  

Short-term debt

     -        434,930        -        434,930        429,804  

Long-term debt

     -        1,337,758        -        1,337,758        1,288,000  

Payables to parent and affiliates

     -        66,351        -        66,351        66,351  

Other liabilities

     -        357,874        -        357,874        357,874  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ -      $ 3,353,426      $ 39,567      $ 3,392,993      $ 3,344,328  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     December 31, 2014  
     Fair Value      Carrying
Amount (1)
 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Total  
     (in thousands)  

Assets:

              

Commercial mortgage and other loans

   $ -      $ 8,486      $ 1,775,949      $ 1,784,435      $ 1,681,553  

Policy loans

     -        -        1,123,912        1,123,912        1,123,912  

Other long-term investments

     -        -        11,085        11,085        10,168  

Cash and cash equivalents

     53,476        93,633        -        147,109        147,109  

Accrued investment income

     -        90,506        -        90,506        90,506  

Receivables from parent and affiliates

     -        70,668        -        70,668        70,689  

Other assets

     -        24,126        -        24,126        24,126  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 53,476      $ 287,419      $ 2,910,946      $ 3,251,841      $ 3,148,063  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

              

Policyholders’ account balances - investment contracts

   $ -      $ 929,694      $ 40,063      $ 969,757      $ 976,190  

Cash collateral for loaned securities

     -        65,418           65,418        65,418  

Short-term debt

     -        429,903        -        429,903        423,000  

Long-term debt

     -        1,321,501        -        1,321,501        1,288,000  

Payables to parent and affiliates

     -        53,027        -        53,027        53,027  

Other liabilities

     -        315,736        -        315,736        315,736  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ -      $             3,115,279      $ 40,063      $ 3,155,342      $ 3,121,371  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Carrying values presented herein differ from those in the Company’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position because certain items within the respective financial statement captions are not considered financial instruments or out of scope under authoritative guidance relating to disclosures of the fair value of financial instruments. Financial statement captions excluded from the above table are not considered financial instruments.

 

28


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

The fair values presented above have been determined by using available market information and by applying market valuation methodologies, as described in more detail below.

Commercial Mortgage and Other Loans

The fair value of most commercial mortgage loans is based upon the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the appropriate U.S. Treasury rate plus an appropriate credit spread for similar quality loans. The quality ratings for these loans, a primary determinant of the credit spreads and a significant component of the pricing process, are based on an internally-developed methodology.

Policy Loans

The fair value of policy loans is determined by discounting expected cash flows at the current loan coupon rate. Policy loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of underlying insurance policies. As a result, the carrying value of the policy loans approximates the fair value.

Other Long-term Investments

Other long-term investments include investments in joint ventures and limited partnerships. The estimated fair values of these cost method investments are generally based on the Company’s share of the net asset value (“NAV”) as provided in the financial statements of the investees. In certain circumstances, management may adjust the NAV by a premium or discount when it has sufficient evidence to support applying such adjustments. No such adjustments were made as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accrued Investment Income, Receivables from Parent and Affiliates and Other Assets

The Company believes that due to the short-term nature of certain assets, the carrying value approximates fair value. These assets include: cash and cash equivalents instruments, accrued investment income, and other assets that meet the definition of financial instruments, including receivables, such as unsettled trades and accounts receivable. Also included in receivables from parent and affiliates is an affiliated note whose fair value is determined in the same manner as the underlying debt described below under “Short-Term and Long-Term Debt”.

Policyholders’ Account Balances - Investment Contracts

Only the portion of policyholders’ account balances related to products that are investment contracts (those without significant mortality or morbidity risk) are reflected in the table above. For fixed deferred annuities fair values are generally derived using discounted projected cash flows based on interest rates that are representative of the Company’s financial strength ratings, and hence reflect the Company’s own NPR. For those balances that can be withdrawn by the customer at any time without prior notice or penalty, the fair value is the amount estimated to be payable to the customer as of the reporting date, which is generally the carrying value.

Cash Collateral for Loaned Securities

Cash collateral for loaned securities represents the collateral received or paid in connection with loaning or borrowing securities. For these transactions, the carrying value of the related asset/liability approximates fair value as they equal the amount of cash collateral received or paid.

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt

The fair value of short-term and long-term debt is generally determined by either prices obtained from independent pricing services, which are validated by the Company, or discounted cash flow models. These fair values consider the Company’s own NPR. Discounted cash flow models predominately use market observable inputs such as the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for debt and financial instruments with similar terms and remaining maturities. For debt with a maturity of less than 90 days, the carrying value approximates fair value.

Other Liabilities and Payables to Parent and Affiliates

Other liabilities and payables to parent and affiliates are primarily payables, such as unsettled trades, drafts, escrow deposits and accrued expense payables. Due to the short-term until settlement of most of these liabilities, the Company believes that carrying value approximates fair value.

 

29


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

5.    DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Types of Derivative Instruments and Derivative Strategies

Interest Rate Contracts

Interest rate swaps are used by the Company to reduce risks from changes in interest rates, manage interest rate exposures arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (including duration mismatches) and to hedge against changes in the value of assets it owns or anticipates acquiring or selling. Swaps may be attributed to specific assets or liabilities or may be used on a portfolio basis. Under interest rate swaps, the Company agrees with counterparties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed-rate and floating-rate interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional principal amount. Generally, no cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract and no principal payments are made by either party. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty at each due date.

Equity Contracts

Equity index options are contracts which will settle in cash based on differentials in the underlying indices at the time of exercise and the strike price. The Company uses combinations of purchases and sales of equity index options to hedge the effects of adverse changes in equity indices within a predetermined range.

Total return swaps are contracts whereby the Company agrees with counterparties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the return on an asset (or market index) and LIBOR plus an associated funding spread based on a notional amount. The Company generally uses total return swaps to hedge the effect of adverse changes in equity indices.

Foreign Exchange Contracts

Currency derivatives, including currency swaps and forwards, are used by the Company to reduce risks from changes in currency exchange rates with respect to investments denominated in foreign currencies that the Company either holds or intends to acquire or sell.

Under currency forwards, the Company agrees with counterparties to deliver a specified amount of an identified currency at a specified future date. Typically, the price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made at the specified future date. The Company executes forward sales of the hedged currency in exchange for U.S. dollars at a specified exchange rate. The maturities of these forwards correspond with the future periods in which the non-U.S. dollar-denominated earnings are expected to be generated. These earnings hedges do not qualify for hedge accounting.

Under currency swaps, the Company agrees with counterparties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at an exchange rate and calculated by reference to an agreed principal amount. Generally, the principal amount of each currency is exchanged at the beginning and termination of the currency swap by each party. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty for payments made in the same currency at each due date.

Credit Contracts

Credit derivatives are used by the Company to enhance the return on the Company’s investment portfolio by creating credit exposure similar to an investment in public fixed maturity cash instruments. With credit derivatives the Company can sell credit protection on a single name reference, or certain index reference, and in return receives a quarterly premium. With credit default derivatives, this premium or credit spread generally corresponds to the difference between the yield on the referenced name’s public fixed maturity cash instruments and swap rates, at the time the agreement is executed. If there is an event of default by the referenced name, as defined by the agreement, then the Company is obligated to pay the counterparty the referenced amount of the contract and receive in return the referenced defaulted security or similar security or pay the referenced amount less the auction recovery rate. See credit derivatives section below for discussion of guarantees related to credit derivatives written. In addition to selling credit protection, the Company has purchased credit protection using credit derivatives in order to hedge specific credit exposures in the Company’s investment portfolio.

Embedded Derivatives

The Company sells variable annuity products, which may include guaranteed benefit features that are accounted for as embedded derivatives. The Company has reinsurance agreements to transfer the risk related to certain of these benefit features to an affiliate, Pruco Reinsurance Ltd., or “Pruco Re”. Some of the Company’s universal life products contain a no-lapse guarantee provision that is reinsured with an affiliate, UPARC. The reinsurance agreement contains an embedded derivative related to the interest rate risk of the reinsurance contract. The embedded derivatives are carried at fair value. These embedded derivatives are marked to market through “Realized investment gains (losses), net” based on the change in value of the underlying contractual guarantees, which are determined using valuation models, as described in Note 4 to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

30


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

The table below provides a summary of the gross notional amount and fair value of derivatives contracts by the primary underlying, excluding embedded derivatives which are recorded with the associated host. Many derivative instruments contain multiple underlyings. The fair value amounts below represent the gross fair value of derivative contracts prior to taking into account the netting effects of master netting agreements, cash collateral held with the same counterparty, and non-performance risk.

 

         March 31, 2015          December 31, 2014  
                Gross Fair Value                 Gross Fair Value  
Primary Underlying        Notional      Assets      Liabilities           Notional      Assets      Liabilities  
         (in thousands)  
Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments:                      
Currency/Interest Rate                      

Currency Swaps

     $ 317,007      $ 37,707      $ (207)         $ 291,100      $ 14,733      $ (3,008)   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Qualifying Hedges

     $ 317,007      $ 37,707      $ (207)         $ 291,100      $ 14,733      $ (3,008)   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:

                     

Interest Rate

                     

Interest Rate Swaps

     $ 3,234,400      $ 283,980      $ (8,004)         $ 3,184,400      $ 192,181      $ (20,574)   

Currency

                     

Forwards

       2,119        95                 1,025        40         

Credit

                     

Credit Default Swaps

       7,275        163        (430)           12,275        150        (513)   

Currency/Interest Rate

                     

Currency Swaps

       123,969        14,487        (427)           101,653        6,677        (712)   

Equity

                     

Total Return Swaps

       549,612        2,182        (9,166)           577,054        2,405        (19,670)   

Equity Options

       42,457,061        24,350        (12,313)           39,735,182        26,932        (14,210)   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Non-Qualifying Hedges

     $ 46,374,436      $ 325,257      $ (30,340)         $ 43,611,589      $ 228,385      $ (55,679)   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Derivatives (1)

     $     46,691,443      $     362,964      $     (30,547)         $     43,902,689      $     243,118      $     (58,687)   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (1) Excludes embedded derivatives which contain multiple underlyings. The fair value of the embedded derivatives related to living benefit feature was a net liability of $5,945 million and $4,994 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, included in “Future policy benefits.” The fair value of the embedded derivatives related to the reinsurance of certain of these benefits to Pruco Re was an asset of $5,390 million and $4,522 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, included in “Reinsurance recoverables.” The fair value of the embedded derivative related to the no-lapse guarantee with UPARC was an asset of $432 million and $376 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, included in “Reinsurance recoverables.” See Note 7 for additional information on the reinsurance agreement.

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The following table presents recognized derivative instruments (including bifurcated embedded derivatives), and repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements that are offset in the balance sheet, and/or are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in the balance sheet.

 

     March 31, 2015  
     Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Financial
Instruments
     Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
     Net
Amounts
Presented in
the Statement
of Financial
Position
     Financial
Instruments/
Collateral (1)
     Net
Amount
 
     (in thousands)  

Offsetting of Financial Assets:

              

Derivatives (1)

   $ 362,322      $ (348,147)       $ 14,175      $ (13,731)       $ 444  

Securities purchased under agreement to resell

     175,764               175,764        (175,764)         -  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $     538,086      $     (348,147)       $     189,939      $     (189,495)       $     444  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Offsetting of Financial Liabilities:

              

Derivatives (1)

   $ 30,547      $ (29,784)       $ 763      $ (763)      $ -  

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

     -               -               -  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ 30,547      $ (29,784)       $ 763      $ (763)      $ -  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

     December 31, 2014  
     Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Financial
Instruments
     Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement  of
Financial
Position
     Net
Amounts
Presented in
the Statement
of  Financial
Position
     Financial
Instruments/
Collateral (1)
     Net
Amount
 
     (in thousands)  

Offsetting of Financial Assets:

              

Derivatives (1)

   $ 242,523      $ (215,066)       $ 27,457      $ (7,194)       $ 20,263  

Securities purchased under agreement to resell

     93,633               93,633        (93,633)         -  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 336,156      $ (215,066)       $ 121,090      $ (100,827)       $     20,263  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Offsetting of Financial Liabilities:

              

Derivatives (1)

   $ 58,687      $ (58,687)       $ -      $      $ -  

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

     -               -               -  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ 58,687      $ (58,687)       $ -      $      $ -  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Amounts exclude the excess of collateral received/pledged from/to the counterparty.

For information regarding the rights of offset associated with the derivative assets and liabilities in the table above see “Credit Risk” below. For securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, the Company monitors the value of the securities and maintains collateral, as appropriate, to protect against credit exposure. Where the Company has entered into repurchase and resale agreements with the same counterparty, in the event of default, the Company would generally be permitted to exercise rights of offset. For additional information on the Company’s accounting policy for securities repurchase and resale agreements, see Note 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Cash Flow Hedges

The primary derivative instruments used by the Company in its cash flow hedge accounting relationships are currency swaps. These instruments are only designated for hedge accounting in instances where the appropriate criteria are met. The Company does not use futures, options, credit, equity or embedded derivatives in any of its cash flow hedge accounting relationships.

The following tables provide the financial statement classification and impact of derivatives used in qualifying and non-qualifying hedge relationships, excluding the offset of the hedged item in an effective hedge relationship:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2015  
    Realized
Investment
Gains (Losses)
     Net
  Investment  
Income
     Other
Income
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
  Income (Loss) (1)
 
    (in thousands)  

Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting

Instruments:

          

Cash flow hedges

          

Currency/Interest Rate

  $       $ 537      $ 1,264      $ 24,696  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash flow hedges

            537        1,264        24,696  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge

Accounting Instruments:

          

Interest Rate

                115,132         -         -         -   

Currency

    136         -         -         -   

Currency/Interest Rate

    8,265         -         135        -   

Credit

    (75)         -         -         -   

Equity

    (15,324)         -         -         -   

Embedded Derivatives

    (51,414)         -         -         -   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-qualifying hedges

    56,720         -         135        -   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  $ 56,720       $             537      $             1,399      $             24,696  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2014  
    Realized
Investment
Gains (Losses)
     Net
Investment
Income
    

Other

Income

     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss) (1)
 
    (in thousands)  
Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments:           

Cash flow hedges

          

Currency/Interest Rate

  $  -        $ 253      $ (71)       $ 108  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash flow hedges

            253        (71)         108  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:           

Interest Rate

    91,578         -                 -   

Currency

           -                 -   

Currency/Interest Rate

    927         -         14         -   

Credit

    (43)         -                 -   

Equity

                (8,083)         -                 -   

Embedded Derivatives

    (260)         -                 -   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-qualifying hedges

    84,122         -         14         -   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  $ 84,122       $             253      $             (57)       $             108  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (1) Amounts deferred in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).”

For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the ineffective portion of derivatives accounted for using hedge accounting was not material to the Company’s results of operations. Also, there were no material amounts reclassified into earnings relating to instances in which the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transaction did not occur by the anticipated date or within the additional time period permitted by the authoritative guidance for the accounting for derivatives and hedging.

Presented below is a roll forward of current period cash flow hedges in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” before taxes:

 

         (in thousands)      

Balance, December 31, 2014

     11,585   

Net deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges from January 1 to March 31, 2015

     26,497   

Amount reclassified into current period earnings

     (1,801)   
  

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2015

   $                 36,281   
  

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not have any qualifying cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions other than those related to the variability of the payment or receipt of interest or foreign currency amounts on existing financial instruments. The maximum length of time for which these variable cash flows are hedged is 19 years. Income amounts deferred in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” as a result of cash flow hedges are included in the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Equity.

Credit Derivatives

The Company has no exposure from credit derivatives where it has written credit protection as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The Company has purchased credit protection using credit derivatives in order to hedge specific credit exposures in the Company’s investment portfolio. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had $7 million and $12 million of outstanding notional amounts, respectively, reported at fair value as a liability of less than $1 million for both periods.

Credit Risk

The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by our counterparty to financial derivative transactions.

The Company has credit risk exposure to an affiliate, Prudential Global Funding, LLC (“PGF”), related to its OTC derivative transactions. PGF manages credit risk with external counterparties by entering into derivative transactions with highly rated major international financial institutions and other creditworthy counterparties, and by obtaining collateral, such as cash and securities, when appropriate. Additionally, limits are set on single party credit exposures which are subject to periodic management review.

Under fair value measurements, the Company incorporates the market’s perception of its own and the counterparty’s non-performance risk in determining the fair value of the portion of its OTC derivative assets and liabilities that are uncollateralized. Credit spreads are applied to the

 

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Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

derivative fair values on a net basis by counterparty. To reflect the Company’s own credit spread a proxy based on relevant debt spreads is applied to OTC derivative net liability positions. Similarly, the Company’s counterparty’s credit spread is applied to OTC derivative net asset positions.

6.    COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND LITIGATION AND REGULATORY MATTERS

Commitments

The Company has made commitments to fund commercial loans. As of March 31, 2015, the outstanding balance on this commitment was $47 million. The Company also made commitments to purchase or fund investments, mostly private fixed maturities. As of March 31, 2015, $107 million of this commitment was outstanding.

Contingent Liabilities

On an ongoing basis, the Company’s internal supervisory and control functions review the quality of sales, marketing and other customer interface procedures and practices and may recommend modifications or enhancements. From time to time, this review process results in the discovery of product administration, servicing or other errors, including errors relating to the timing or amount of payments or contract values due to customers. In certain cases, if appropriate, the Company may offer customers remediation and may incur charges, including the costs of such remediation, administrative costs and regulatory fines.

The Company is subject to the laws and regulations of states and other jurisdictions concerning the identification, reporting and escheatment of unclaimed or abandoned funds, and is subject to audit and examination for compliance with these requirements. For additional discussion of these matters, see “Litigation and Regulatory Matters” below.

It is possible that the results of operations or the cash flow of the Company in a particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected as a result of payments in connection with the matters discussed above or other matters depending, in part, upon the results of operations or cash flow for such period. Management believes, however, that ultimate payments in connection with these matters, after consideration of applicable reserves and rights to indemnification, should not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.

Litigation and Regulatory Matters

The Company is subject to legal and regulatory actions in the ordinary course of its business. Pending legal and regulatory actions include proceedings specific to the Company and proceedings generally applicable to business practices in the industry in which it operates. The Company is subject to class action lawsuits and other litigation involving a variety of issues and allegations involving sales practices, claims payments and procedures, premium charges, policy servicing and breach of fiduciary duty to customers. The Company is also subject to litigation arising out of its general business activities, such as its investments, contracts, leases and labor and employment relationships, including claims of discrimination and harassment, and could be exposed to claims or litigation concerning certain business or process patents. In addition, the Company, along with other participants in the businesses in which it engages, may be subject from time to time to investigations, examinations and inquiries, in some cases industry-wide, concerning issues or matters upon which such regulators have determined to focus. In some of the Company’s pending legal and regulatory actions, parties are seeking large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive or exemplary damages. The outcome of litigation or a regulatory matter, and the amount or range of potential loss at any particular time, is often inherently uncertain. The following is a summary of certain pending proceedings.

The Company establishes accruals for litigation and regulatory matters when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of that loss can be reasonably estimated. For litigation and regulatory matters where a loss may be reasonably possible, but not probable, or is probable but not reasonably estimable, no accrual is established, but the matter, if material, is disclosed, including matters discussed below. As of March 31, 2015, the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of accruals established is not currently estimable. The Company reviews relevant information with respect to its litigation and regulatory matters on a quarterly and annual basis and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible loss based on such reviews.

In October 2012, the State of West Virginia, through its State Treasurer, filed a lawsuit, State of West Virginia ex. Rel. John D. Perdue v. PRUCO Life Insurance Company, in the Circuit Court of Putnam County, West Virginia. The complaint alleges violations of the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Fund Act by failing to properly identify and report all unclaimed insurance policy proceeds which should either be paid to beneficiaries or escheated to West Virginia. The complaint seeks to examine the records of the Company to determine compliance with the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Fund Act, and to assess penalties and costs in an undetermined amount. In April 2013, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. In December 2013, the Court granted the Company’s motion and dismissed the complaint with prejudice. In January 2014, the State of West Virginia appealed the decision.

In January 2012, a Global Resolution Agreement entered into by the Company and a third party auditor became effective upon its acceptance by the unclaimed property departments of 20 states and jurisdictions. Under the terms of the Global Resolution Agreement, the third party auditor acting on behalf of the signatory states will compare expanded matching criteria to the Social Security Master Death File (“SSMDF”) to identify deceased insureds and contractholders where a valid claim has not been made. In February 2012, a Regulatory Settlement Agreement entered into by the Company to resolve a multi-state market conduct examination regarding its adherence to state claim settlement practices became effective upon its

 

34


Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

acceptance by the insurance departments of 20 states and jurisdictions. The Regulatory Settlement Agreement applies prospectively and requires the Company to adopt and implement additional procedures comparing its records to the SSMDF to identify unclaimed death benefits and prescribes procedures for identifying and locating beneficiaries once deaths are identified. Substantially all other jurisdictions that are not signatories to the Global Resolution Agreement or the Regulatory Settlement Agreement have entered into similar agreements with the Company.

The New York Attorney General has subpoenaed the Company, along with other companies, regarding its unclaimed property procedures and may ultimately seek remediation and other relief, including damages. Additionally, the New York Office of Unclaimed Funds is conducting an audit of the Company’s compliance with New York’s unclaimed property laws.

The Company’s litigation and regulatory matters are subject to many uncertainties, and given their complexity and scope, their outcome cannot be predicted. It is possible that the Company’s results of operations or cash flow in a particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by an ultimate unfavorable resolution of pending litigation and regulatory matters depending, in part, upon the results of operations or cash flow for such period. In light of the unpredictability of the Company’s litigation and regulatory matters, it is also possible that in certain cases an ultimate unfavorable resolution of one or more pending litigation or regulatory matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position. Management believes, however, that, based on information currently known to it, the ultimate outcome of all pending litigation and regulatory matters, after consideration of applicable reserves and rights to indemnification, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.

7.    RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company has extensive transactions and relationships with Prudential Insurance and other affiliates. Although we seek to ensure that these transactions and relationships are fair and reasonable, it is possible that the terms of these transactions are not the same as those that would result from transactions among unrelated parties.

Expense Charges and Allocations

Many of the Company’s expenses are allocations or charges from Prudential Insurance or other affiliates. These expenses can be grouped into general and administrative expenses and agency distribution expenses.

The Company’s general and administrative expenses are charged to the Company using allocation methodologies based on business production processes. Management believes that the methodology is reasonable and reflects costs incurred by Prudential Insurance to process transactions on behalf of the Company. The Company operates under service and lease agreements whereby services of officers and employees, supplies, use of equipment and office space are provided by Prudential Insurance. The Company reviews its allocation methodology periodically which it may adjust accordingly. General and administrative expenses include allocations of stock compensation expenses related to a stock option program and a deferred compensation program issued by Prudential Financial. The expense charged to the Company for the stock option program was less than $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The expense charged to the Company for the deferred compensation program was $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

The Company is charged for its share of employee benefits expenses. These expenses include costs for funded and non-funded contributory and non-contributory defined benefit pension plans. Some of these benefits are based on final group earnings and length of service while others are based on an account balance, which takes into consideration age, service and earnings during career. The Company’s share of net expense for the pension plans was $5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Prudential Insurance sponsors voluntary savings plans for its employee’s 401(k) plans. The plans provide for salary reduction contributions by employees and matching contributions by the Company of up to 4% of annual salary. The Company’s expense for its share of the voluntary savings plan was $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

The Company is charged distribution expenses from Prudential Insurance’s agency network for both its domestic life and annuity products through a transfer pricing agreement, which is intended to reflect a market based pricing arrangement.

The Company pays commissions and certain other fees to Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. (“PAD”) in consideration for PAD’s marketing and underwriting of the Company’s products. Commissions and fees are paid by PAD to broker-dealers who sell the Company’s products. Commissions and fees paid by the Company to PAD were $204 million and $202 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 respectively.

Corporate Owned Life Insurance

The Company has sold five Corporate Owned Life Insurance or, “COLI,” policies to Prudential Insurance, and one to Prudential Financial. The cash surrender value included in separate accounts for these COLI policies was $2,955 million at March 31, 2015 and $2,812 million at December 31, 2014. Fees related to these COLI policies were $11 million and $10 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company retains the majority of the mortality risk associated with these COLI policies. In October 2013, the Company increased the maximum amount of mortality risk on any life to $3.5 million for certain COLI policies.

 

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Table of Contents

PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

Derivative Trades

In its ordinary course of business, the Company enters into OTC derivative contracts with an affiliate, PGF.

Reinsurance with Affiliates

The Company participates in reinsurance with its affiliates Prudential Life Insurance Company of Taiwan Inc. (“Prudential of Taiwan”), Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Captive Company (“PARCC”), UPARC, Pruco Re, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Term Company (“PAR Term”), Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Universal Company (“PAR U”), PURC, and Prudential Term Reinsurance Company (“Term Re”), and its parent company, Prudential Insurance, in order to provide risk diversification and additional capacity for future growth, limit the maximum net loss potential, manage the statutory capital for its individual life business, facilitate its capital market hedging program and align accounting methodology for the assets and liabilities of living benefit riders contained in annuities contracts. Life reinsurance is accomplished through various plans of reinsurance, primarily yearly renewable term and coinsurance. Reinsurance ceded arrangements do not discharge the Company as the primary insurer. Ceded balances would represent a liability of the Company in the event the reinsurers were unable to meet their obligations to the Company under the terms of the reinsurance agreements. The Company believes a material reinsurance liability resulting from such inability of reinsurers to meet their obligations is unlikely.

On January 2, 2013, the Company began to assume GUL business from Prudential Insurance in connection with the acquisition of the Hartford Life Business. The GUL business assumed from Prudential Insurance is subsequently retroceded to PAR U. Collectively, reinsurance of this GUL business does not have a material impact on the equity of the Company.

Reserves related to reinsured long duration contracts are accounted for using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying contracts. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers, for long duration reinsurance arrangements, are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liabilities and policy benefits associated with the reinsured policies. Reinsurance premiums ceded for interest-sensitive life products are accounted for as a reduction of policy charges and fee income. Reinsurance premiums ceded for term insurance products are accounted for as a reduction of premiums.

Realized investment gains and losses include the impact of reinsurance agreements that are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are recognized through “Realized investment gains (losses), net”. The Company has entered into reinsurance agreements to transfer the risk related to certain living benefit options on variable annuities to Pruco Re. The Company has also entered into an agreement with UPARC to reinsure a portion of the no-lapse guarantee provision on certain universal life products. These reinsurance agreements are derivatives and have been accounted for in the same manner as an embedded derivative. See Note 5 for additional information related to the accounting for embedded derivatives.

Reinsurance amounts included in the Company’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

     March 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  
     (in thousands)  

Reinsurance recoverable

   $             22,057,381       $             20,594,371   

Policy loans

     (70,996)         (69,501)   

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     (1,706,142)         (1,709,625)   

Other assets

     38,159         39,458   

Policyholders’ account balances

     4,793,402         4,827,071   

Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities

     2,450,533         2,193,735   

Other liabilities (reinsurance payables)

     450,021         433,627   

The reinsurance recoverables by counterparty is broken out below.

 

     March 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  
     (in thousands)  

UPARC

   $ 463,474       $ 407,209   

PAR U

     9,393,529         9,147,870   

PURC

     1,679,140         1,564,913   

PARCC

     2,512,718         2,499,567   

PAR Term

     1,079,239         1,001,181   

Term Re

     145,014         97,099   

Prudential Insurance

     198,979         188,466   

Pruco Re

     5,390,957         4,522,665   

Prudential of Taiwan

     1,185,438         1,157,881   

Unaffiliated

     8,893         7,520   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Reinsurance Recoverables

   $             22,057,381       $             20,594,371   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

Reinsurance amounts, excluding investment gains (losses) on affiliated asset transfers, included in the Company’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

 

     2015      2014  
     (in thousands)  

Premiums:

     

Direct

   $ 366,243       $ 339,567   

Assumed

               

Ceded

     (350,606)         (324,322)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Premiums

     15,637         15,245   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Policy charges and fee income:

     

Direct

     732,565         663,786   

Assumed

     168,786         30,221   

Ceded

     (360,586)         (180,382)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net policy charges and fee income:

     540,765         513,625   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

     

Direct

     104,049         98,991   

Assumed

     329         338   

Ceded

     (957)         (852)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

     103,420         98,477   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net other income:

     

Direct

     12,527         13,407   

Assumed & Ceded

     4,690           
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net other income

     17,217         13,407   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances:

     

Direct

     142,405         100,893   

Assumed

     32,714         29,247   

Ceded

     (57,642)         (50,337)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest credited to policyholders’ account balances

     117,477         79,803   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Policyholders’ benefits (including change in reserves):

     

Direct

     480,655         497,482   

Assumed

     235,461         154,785   

Ceded

                 (657,715)         (567,232)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net policyholders’ benefits (including change in reserves)

     58,401         85,035   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net reinsurance expense allowances, net of capitalization and amortization

     (69,712)         (63,553)   

Realized investment gains (losses), net:

     

Direct

     (666,435)                     (1,121,522)   

Assumed

               

Ceded

     725,460         1,207,053   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Realized investment gains (losses), net

   $ 59,025       $ 85,531   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The gross and net amounts of life insurance face amount in force as of March 31 were as follows:

 

     2015      2014  
     (in thousands)  

Direct gross life insurance face amount in force

   $ 724,268,816       $ 673,138,081   

Assumed gross life insurance face amount in force

     44,296,568         45,210,236   

Reinsurance ceded

                 (708,312,995)                     (661,545,542)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net life insurance face amount in force

   $ 60,252,389       $ 56,802,775   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

UPARC

Through June 30, 2011, the Company, excluding its subsidiaries, reinsured its Universal Protector policies having no-lapse guarantees with UPARC, an affiliated company. UPARC reinsured an amount equal to 90% of the net amount at risk related to the first $1 million in face amount plus 100% of the net amount at risk related to the face amount in excess of $1 million as well as 100% of the risk of uncollectible policy charges and fees associated with the no-lapse guarantee provision of these policies.

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

Effective July 1, 2011, the agreement between the Company and UPARC to reinsure its Universal Protector policies having no-lapse guarantees was amended for policies with effective dates prior to January 1, 2011. Under the amended agreement, UPARC reinsures an amount equal to 27% of the net amount at risk related to the first $1 million in face amount plus 30% of the net amount at risk related to the face amount in excess of $1 million as well as 30% of the risk of uncollectible policy charges and fees associated with the no-lapse guarantee provision of these policies. During the first quarter of 2013, the agreement between the Company and UPARC was further amended to revise language relating to the consideration due to the Company.

Effective July 1, 2013 the agreement between the Company and UPARC to reinsure its Universal Protector policies having no-lapse guarantees was amended for policies with effective dates January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2012. Under the amended agreement, UPARC reinsures an amount equal to 27% of the net amount at risk related to the first $1 million in face amount plus 30% of the net amount at risk related to the face amount in excess of $1 million as well as 30% of the risk of uncollectible policy charges and fees associated with the no-lapse guarantee provision of these policies.

Effective January 1, 2014 the agreement between the Company and UPARC to reinsure its Universal Protector policies having no-lapse guarantees was amended for policies with effective dates on or after January 1, 2014. Under the amended agreement, UPARC will no longer reinsure Universal Protector policies having no-lapse guarantees.

Effective July 1, 2014 the agreement between the Company and UPARC to reinsure its Universal Protector policies having no-lapse guarantees was further amended for policies with effective dates January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. Under the amended agreement, UPARC reinsures an amount equal to 27% of the net amount at risk related to the first $1 million in face amount plus 30% of the net amount at risk related to the face amount in excess of $1 million as well as 30% of the risk of uncollectible policy charges and fees associated with the no-lapse guarantee provision of these policies.

PAR U

Effective July 1, 2011, the Company, excluding its subsidiaries, entered into an automatic coinsurance agreement with PAR U to reinsure an amount equal to 70% of all the risks associated with its Universal Protector policies having no lapse guarantees as well as its Universal Plus policies, with effective dates prior to January 1, 2011. During the first quarter of 2013, the agreement between the Company, excluding its subsidiaries, and PAR U was amended to revise language relating to the consideration due to PAR U.

Effective July 1, 2012, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, PLNJ, entered into an automatic coinsurance agreement with PAR U to reinsure an amount equal to 95% of all the risks associated with its universal life policies. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the agreement between PLNJ and PAR U was amended to revise language relating to the consideration due to PAR U.

On January 2, 2013, the Company began to assume GUL business from Prudential Insurance in connection with the acquisition of the Hartford Life Business. The GUL business assumed from Prudential Insurance is subsequently retroceded to PAR U. Collectively, reinsurance of the GUL business does not have a material impact on the equity of the Company.

Effective July 1, 2013, the agreement between the Company, excluding its subsidiaries, and PAR U was amended for policies with effective dates from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2012. Under the amended agreement, PAR U reinsures an amount equal to 70% of all the risks associated with its Universal Protector policies having no-lapse guarantees as well as its Universal Plus policies, with effective dates from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2012 in addition to policies covered by the initial reinsurance agreement discussed above.

Effective October 1, 2013, the Company entered into an Assumption and Novation Agreement with PAR U and PURC. Under this agreement, PAR U novates, assigns, and transfers to PURC all of its rights, title, interests, duties, obligations, and liabilities under the aforementioned amendment entered into on July 1, 2013. PURC will succeed PAR U and become the counterparty to the Company with respect to the novated business pursuant to the Novated Coinsurance Agreement (the “PURC Novated Coinsurance Agreement”). There is no financial impact to the Company as a result of this transaction.

PURC

The Company, excluding its subsidiaries, reinsures an amount equal to 70% of all the risks associated with its Universal Protector policies having no lapse guarantees as well as its Universal Plus policies, with effective dates from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2012 with PURC pursuant to the PURC Novated Coinsurance Agreement (as defined in “PARU” above).

Effective January 1, 2014, the Company, excluding its subsidiaries, entered into an automatic coinsurance agreement with PURC to reinsure an amount equal to 95% of all the risks associated with its Universal Protector policies having no-lapse guarantees, as well as its Universal Plus policies, with effective dates on or after January 1, 2014.

Effective July 1, 2014, the agreement between the Company, excluding its subsidiaries, and PURC was amended to reinsure policies with effective dates from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. Under the amended agreement, PURC reinsures an amount equal to 70% of all the risks associated with its Universal Protector policies having no-lapse guarantees as well as its Universal Plus policies, in addition to policies initially covered by the PURC Novated Coinsurance Agreement.

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

PARCC

The Company reinsures 90% of the risks under its term life insurance policies, with effective dates prior to January 1, 2010, through an automatic coinsurance agreement with PARCC.

PAR Term

The Company reinsures 95% of the risks under its term life insurance policies with effective dates January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2013, through an automatic coinsurance agreement with PAR Term.

Term Re

The Company reinsures 95% of the risks under its term life insurance policies with effective dates on or after January 1, 2014 through an automatic coinsurance agreement with Term Re.

Prudential Insurance

The Company has a yearly renewable term reinsurance agreement with Prudential Insurance and reinsures the majority of all mortality risks not otherwise reinsured.

On January 2, 2013, the Company began to assume GUL business from Prudential Insurance in connection with the acquisition of the Hartford Life Business. The GUL business assumed from Prudential Insurance is subsequently retroceded to PAR U. Collectively, reinsurance of this GUL business does not have a material impact on the equity of the Company.

The Company has reinsured a group annuity contract with Prudential Insurance, in consideration for a single premium payment by the Company, providing reinsurance equal to 100% of all payments due under the contract.

Pruco Re

The Company uses reinsurance as part of its risk management and capital management strategies for certain of its optional living benefit features available under certain of its annuity products. Starting from 2005, the Company has entered into various automatic coinsurance agreements with Pruco Re, an affiliated company, to reinsure its living benefit features sold on certain of its annuities.

Taiwan Branch Reinsurance Agreement

On January 31, 2001, the Company transferred all of its assets and liabilities associated with its Taiwan branch, including its Taiwan insurance book of business to Prudential of Taiwan, an affiliated company.

The mechanism used to transfer this block of business in Taiwan is referred to as a “full acquisition and assumption” transaction. Under this mechanism, the Company is jointly liable with Prudential of Taiwan for two years from the giving of notice to all obligees for all matured obligations and for two years after the maturity date of not-yet-matured obligations. Prudential of Taiwan is also contractually liable, under indemnification provisions of the transaction, for any liabilities that may be asserted against the Company.

The transfer of the insurance related assets and liabilities was accounted for as a long-duration coinsurance transaction under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Under this accounting treatment, the insurance related liabilities remain on the books of the Company and an offsetting reinsurance recoverable is established. These assets and liabilities are denominated in US dollars.

Affiliated Asset Administration Fee Income

The Company has a revenue sharing agreement with AST Investment Services, Inc. and Prudential Investments LLC whereby the Company receives fee income calculated on contractholder separate account balances invested in the Advanced Series Trust. Income received from AST Investment Services, Inc. and Prudential Investments LLC related to this agreement was $95 million and $86 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These revenues are recorded as “Asset administration fees” in the Company’s Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The Company has a revenue sharing agreement with Prudential Investments LLC, whereby the Company receives fee income based on policyholders’ separate account balances invested in The Prudential Series Fund (“PSF”). Income received from Prudential Investments LLC related to this agreement was $3 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. These revenues are recorded as “Asset administration fees” in the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

Affiliated Investment Management Expenses

In accordance with an agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (“PIMI”), the Company pays investment management expenses to PIMI who acts as investment manager to certain Company general account and separate account assets. Investment management expenses paid to PIMI related to this agreement were $4 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. These expenses are recorded as “Net investment income” in the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Affiliated Asset Transfers

From time to time, the Company participates in affiliated asset trades with parent and sister companies. Book and market value differences for trades with a parent and sister are recognized within Additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) and Realized investment gains (losses), net, respectively. The table below shows affiliated asset trades for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Affiliate

   Date        Transaction        Security Type        Fair Value          Book Value        Additional
Paid-in
  Capital, Net  
of  Tax
Increase/
(Decrease)
     Realized
Investment
Gain/(Loss)
     Derivative
Gain/(Loss)
 
                      (in millions)  

Prudential Insurance

     Mar-14       Purchase    Fixed Maturities    $ 13      $ 13      $       $       $   

Prudential Financial

     Sep-14       Transfer In    Fixed Maturities
& Private Equity
     81        77                         

Prudential Financial

     Sep-14       Transfer Out    Fixed Maturities      142        136                (4)                   

PURC

     Sep-14       Transfer Out    Fixed Maturities,
Commercial
Mortgages, &
Private Equity
     178        172                               (8)   

Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation

     Oct-14       Purchase    Fixed Maturities      10        9                        (1)           

Prudential Insurance

     Dec-14       Purchase    Fixed Maturities,
Commercial
Mortgages, &
Private Equity
     122        102        (13)                   

PURC

     Dec-14       Purchase    JV/LP
Investment
     3        3                          

Prudential Insurance

     Mar-15       Purchase    Fixed Maturities
& Trading
Account Assets
     92        74        (12)                   

Debt Agreements

The Company is authorized to borrow funds up to $2.2 billion from affiliates to meet its capital and other funding needs.

 

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PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

 

The following table provides the breakout of the Company’s short-term and long-term debt with affiliates:

 

Affiliate

   Date
Issued
       Amount of Notes -
March 31, 2015
       Amount of Notes -
December  31, 2014
       Interest Rate          Date of Maturity    
            (in thousands)                

Prudential Financial

     6/20/2011       $ 50,000      $ 50,000        2.64%         6/21/2015   

Prudential Financial

     12/15/2011         11,000        11,000        3.61%         12/15/2016   

Prudential Financial

     12/16/2011         22,000        22,000        3.32% - 3.61%         12/2015 -12/2016   

Prudential Insurance

     12/20/2010         204,000        204,000        3.47%         12/21/2015   

Washington Street Investment

     6/20/2012         237,000        237,000        2.44% - 3.02%         6/2015 - 6/2017   

Washington Street Investment

     12/17/2012         198,000        198,000        1.33% - 1.87%         12/2015 - 12/2017   

Washington Street Investment

     12/17/2012         39,000        39,000        1.33% - 1.87%         6/2015 - 6/2017   

Prudential Financial

     11/15/2013         9,000        9,000        2.24%         12/15/2018   

Prudential Financial

     11/15/2013         23,000        23,000        3.19%         12/15/2020   

Prudential Insurance

     12/6/2013         120,000        120,000        2.60%         12/15/2018   

Prudential Insurance

     12/6/2013         130,000        130,000        4.39%         12/15/2023   

Prudential Insurance

     12/6/2013         250,000        250,000        3.64%         12/15/2020   

Prudential Insurance

     9/25/2014         30,000        30,000        1.89%         6/20/2017   

Prudential Insurance

     9/25/2014         40,000        40,000        3.95%         6/20/2024   

Prudential Insurance

     9/25/2014         20,000        20,000        2.80%         6/20/2019   

Prudential Insurance

     9/25/2014         50,000        50,000        3.95%         6/20/2024   

Prudential Insurance

     9/25/2014         50,000        50,000        2.80%         6/20/2019   

Prudential Insurance

     9/25/2014         100,000        100,000        3.47%         6/20/2021   

Prudential Insurance

     9/25/2014         100,000        100,000        3.95%         6/20/2024   

Prudential Financial

     12/15/2014         5,000        5,000        2.57%         12/15/2019   

Prudential Financial

     12/15/2014         23,000        23,000        3.14%         12/15/2021   

Prudential Funding

     3/11/2015         2,001        -        0.28%         4/10/2015   

Prudential Funding

     3/31/2015         4,803        -        0.25%         4/1/2015   
     

 

 

    

 

 

       

Total Loans Payable to Affiliates

      $         1,717,804      $         1,711,000        
     

 

 

    

 

 

       

The total interest expense to the Company related to loans payable to affiliates was $13.2 million and $13.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Contributed Capital and Dividends

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company did not pay any dividends. In June and December 2014, the Company paid dividends of $338 million and $410 million, respectively, to Prudential Insurance.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A,”) addresses the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Pruco Life Insurance Company, or the “Company,” as of March 31, 2015, compared with December 31, 2014, and its consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. You should read the following analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the MD&A, the “Risk Factors” section, and the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as well as the statements under “Forward-Looking Statements” and the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Overview

The Company sells variable and fixed annuities, universal life insurance, variable life insurance and term life insurance primarily through affiliated and unaffiliated distributors in the United States.

Regulatory Developments

In April 2015, the U.S. Department of Labor released a proposed regulation accompanied by new class exemptions and proposed amendments to long standing exemptions from the prohibited transaction provisions under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. If enacted, the proposals would redefine who will be considered a “fiduciary” for purposes of transactions with qualified plans, plan participants and Individual Retirement Accounts. The exact nature and scope of any new final regulations is undeterminable at this time. The Company is evaluating the potential impacts of the proposals on its businesses.

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (“NJDOBI”) has notified Prudential Financial that New Jersey’s recently enacted legislation authorizing group-wide supervision of internationally active insurance groups (the “GWS Law”) authorizes NJDOBI to act as the group-wide supervisor (“GWS”) of Prudential Financial under the GWS Law. The GWS Law, among other provisions, authorizes NJDOBI to examine Prudential Financial and its subsidiaries, in addition to its New Jersey domiciled insurance subsidiaries, for the purpose of ascertaining the financial condition of the insurance companies and compliance with New Jersey insurance laws. We cannot predict what additional requirements or costs may result from NJDOBI’s assertion of GWS status with respect to Prudential Financial.

For additional information on the potential impacts of regulation on the Company, including the topics described above, see “Business—Regulation” and “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Revenues and Expenses

The Company earns revenues principally from insurance premiums; mortality and expense, and asset administration fees from insurance and investment products; and investment of general account and other funds. The Company earns premiums primarily from the sale of individual life insurance and certain annuity products. The Company earns mortality and expense fees, and asset administration fees primarily from the sale and servicing of universal life insurance and separate account products including variable life insurance and variable annuities. The Company’s operating expenses principally consist of insurance benefits provided and reserves established for anticipated future insurance benefits, general business expenses, commissions and other costs of selling and servicing the various products we sell and interest credited on general account liabilities.

Effective February 25, 2013, the Advanced Series Trust (“AST”) adopted a Rule 12b-1 Plan under the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to most of the AST portfolios that are offered through the Company’s variable annuity and variable life investment products. Under the Rule 12b-1 Plan, AST pays an affiliate of the Company for distribution and administrative services. Prior to the adoption of the 12b-1 Plan, the Company received an administrative service fee from AST and incurred expenses associated with administrative services provided. In April 2015, AST filed a proxy statement and distributed the proxy statement to shareholders for the purpose of seeking shareholder approval, among other things, to amend the Rule 12b-1 Plan. Shareholder approval is pending as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. If approved by shareholders, there will be an increase in the amount AST pays its affiliate for distribution and administrative services. However, there will be a reduction in management fees.

Profitability

The Company’s profitability depends principally on its ability to price our insurance and annuity products at a level that enables us to earn a margin over the costs associated with providing benefits and administering those products. Profitability also depends on, among other items, our actuarial and policyholder behavior experience on insurance and annuity products, our ability to attract and retain customer assets, generate and maintain favorable investment results, and manage expenses.

See “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for a discussion of risks that have materially affected and may affect in the future the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition, or cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expected or those expressed in any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.

 

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Products

Individual Annuities

The Company offers a wide array of annuities, including variable annuities with (1) fixed interest rate allocation options, subject to a market value adjustment, that are registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and (2) fixed-rate allocation options not subject to a market value adjustment and not registered with the SEC. The Company also offers fixed annuitization options during the payout phase of its variable annuities.

We offer certain variable annuities that provide our contractholders with tax-deferred asset accumulation together with a base death benefit and a suite of optional guaranteed living benefits (including versions with guaranteed minimum death benefits) and annuitization options. The majority of our currently sold contracts include an optional living benefit guarantee which provides, among other features, the ability to make withdrawals based on the highest daily contract value plus a specific return, credited for a period of time. This guaranteed contract value is a notional amount that forms the basis for determining periodic withdrawals for the life of the contractholder, and cannot be accessed as a lump-sum surrender value. Certain optional living benefits can also be purchased with a companion optional death benefit, also based on a highest daily contract value. In the first quarter of 2014, we launched the Prudential Premier® Retirement with Highest Daily Lifetime Income (“HDI”) 3.0 Variable Annuity, which offers lifetime income based on the highest daily account value plus a compounded deferral credit. In the first quarter of 2013, we launched the Prudential Defined Income (“PDI”) Variable Annuity to complement the variable annuity products we offer with the highest daily benefit. PDI provides guaranteed lifetime withdrawal payments, but restricts contractholder investments to a single bond sub-account within the separate account. PDI includes a living benefit rider which provides for a specified lifetime income withdrawal rate applied to the initial premium paid, subject to annual roll-up increases until lifetime withdrawals commence, but does not have the highest daily feature.

In addition, certain in-force contracts include guaranteed benefits which are not currently offered, such as annuitization benefits based on a guaranteed notional amount and benefits payable at specified dates after the accumulation period. Most contracts also guarantee the contractholder’s beneficiary a return of total purchase payments made to the contract, adjusted for any partial withdrawals, upon death.

We also offer immediate annuities and variable annuities without guaranteed living benefits. In the second quarter of 2014, we launched the Prudential Premier® Investment Variable Annuity, which offers tax-deferred asset accumulation with an optional death benefit that guarantees the contractholder’s beneficiary a return of total purchase payments made to the contract, adjusted for any partial withdrawals, upon death.

Excluding our PDI product, the majority of our variable annuities generally provide our contractholders with the opportunity to allocate purchase payments to sub-accounts that invest in underlying proprietary and/or non-proprietary mutual funds, frequently under asset allocation programs. Certain products also allow or require allocation to fixed-rate accounts that are invested in the general account and are credited with interest at rates we determine, subject to certain minimums. We also offer fixed annuities that provide a guarantee of principal and interest credited at rates we determine, subject to certain contractual minimums. Certain allocations made in the fixed-rate accounts of our variable annuities and certain fixed annuities impose a market value adjustment if the contract is not held to maturity.

The primary risk exposures of our variable annuity contracts relate to actual deviations from, or changes to, the assumptions used in the original pricing of these products, including equity market returns, interest rates, market volatility, contractholder longevity/mortality, timing and amount of annuitization and withdrawals, withdrawal efficiency and contract lapses. The return we realize from our variable annuity contracts will vary based on the extent of the differences between our actual experience and the assumptions used in the original pricing of these products. Our returns can also vary due to the impact and effectiveness of our hedging programs for any capital markets movements that we may hedge, the impact of affiliated reinsurance, the impact of that portion of our variable annuity contracts with an asset transfer feature, the impact of risks we have retained and the impact of risks that are not able to be hedged.

Our risk management strategy helps to limit our exposure to certain of these risks primarily through a combination of product design elements, our living benefits hedging program and affiliated reinsurance arrangements. The product design elements we utilize for certain products include, among others, asset allocation restrictions, minimum issuance age requirements, monthly rate setting, certain limitations on the amount of premiums accepted and/or subsequent contractholder deposits and an asset transfer feature, as well as required allocation to our general account for certain of our products. The objective of the asset transfer feature, included in the majority of our variable annuity contracts with optional living benefits features and all new contracts sold with our highest daily living benefits feature, is to help mitigate our exposure to equity market risk and market volatility by transferring assets between certain variable investment sub-accounts selected by the annuity contractholder, and investments that are expected to be more stable (e.g., a bond fund sub-account within the separate account or a fixed-rate account within the general account). The transfers are based on the static mathematical formula used with the particular optional benefit which considers a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the impact of investment performance on the contractholder’s total account value. This occurs at the contractholder level, rather than at the fund level, which we believe enhances our risk mitigation. As of March 31, 2015, approximately $92 billion or 90% of total variable annuity account values contain a living benefit feature, compared to approximately $89 billion or 90% as of December 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2015, approximately $88 billion or 95% of variable annuity account values with living benefit features included an asset transfer feature in the product design, compared to approximately $85 billion or 95% as of December 31, 2014.

As mentioned above, in addition to our asset transfer feature, we also manage certain risks associated with our variable annuity products through our living benefits hedging programs and affiliated reinsurance agreements. We reinsure the majority of our variable annuity living benefit guarantees to an affiliated reinsurance company, Pruco Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Pruco Re”). The living benefits hedging program is primarily executed within Pruco Re to manage capital markets risk associated with the reinsured optional living benefit guarantees. We use our hedging program to help manage certain risks associated with certain of our guarantees. The hedging program’s objective is to help mitigate fluctuations in net income and capital from living benefit liabilities due to capital market movements, within firm established tolerances. Through our hedging program, we enter into derivative

 

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positions that seek to offset the net change in our hedge target. In addition to mitigating fluctuations of the living benefit liabilities due to capital market movements, the hedging program is also focused on a long-term goal of accumulating assets that could be used to pay claims under these benefits irrespective of market path.

Term Life Insurance

The Company offers a variety of term life insurance products, which represent 64% of our net individual life insurance in force face amount at March 31, 2015, that provide coverage for a specified time period. Most term products include a conversion feature that allows the policyholder to convert the policy into permanent life insurance coverage. The Company also offers term life insurance that provides for a return of premium if the insured is alive at the end of the level premium period. There continues to be significant demand for term life insurance protection.

Variable Life Insurance

The Company offers a number of individual variable life insurance products, which represent 22% of our net individual life insurance in force face amount at March 31, 2015, that provide a return linked to an underlying investment portfolio selected by the policyholder while providing the policyholder with the flexibility to change both the death benefit and premium payments. The policyholder generally has the option of investing premiums in a fixed rate option that is part of our general account or investing in separate account investment options consisting of equity and fixed income funds. Funds invested in the fixed rate option will accrue interest at rates that we determine, subject to certain contractual minimums. In the separate accounts, the policyholder bears the fund performance risk. The Company also offers a variable product that allows for a more flexible guarantee against lapse where policyholders can select the guarantee period. The Company also offers a policy rider which allows the policyholder to accelerate the death benefit if the insured is chronically or terminally ill and otherwise meets the contractual requirements. While variable life insurance continues to be an important product, marketplace demand continues to favor term and universal life insurance. A significant portion of the Company’s insurance profits, however, is associated with our large in force block of variable life insurance policies. Profit patterns on these policies are not level and insureds generally begin paying reduced policy charges as the policies age. This reduction in policy charges, coupled with net policy count and insurance in force runoff over time, reduces our expected future profits from this product line.

Universal Life Insurance

The Company offers universal life insurance products, which represent 14% of our net individual life insurance in force face amount at March 31, 2015, which feature flexible premiums, a choice of guarantees against lapse, and a crediting rate that we determine, subject to certain contractual minimums. In addition, the Company offers universal life insurance products that allow the policyholder to allocate a portion of their account balance into accounts that provide interest or an interest component linked to S&P 500 index performance over the following year, subject to certain participation rates and contractual minimums and maximums. The Company also offers a policy rider which allows the policyholder to accelerate the death benefit if the insured is chronically or terminally ill and otherwise meets the contractual requirements. The Company’s profits from universal life insurance are impacted by mortality and expense margins and net interest spread.

Accounting Policies & Pronouncements

Application of Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the application of accounting policies that often involve a significant degree of judgment. Management, on an ongoing basis, reviews estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of financial statements. If management determines that modifications in assumptions and estimates are appropriate given current facts and circumstances, the Company’s results of operations and financial position as reported in the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements could change significantly.

Management believes the accounting policies relating to the following areas are most dependent on the application of estimates and assumptions and require management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments:

 

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and other costs, including deferred sales inducements (“DSI”);

 

Valuation of investments, including derivatives, and the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments;

 

Policyholder liabilities;

 

Reinsurance recoverables;

 

Taxes on income; and

 

Reserves for contingencies, including reserves for losses in connection with unresolved legal matters.

DAC and Other Costs

DAC and other costs associated with the variable and universal life policies and the variable and fixed annuity contracts is generally amortized over the expected life of these policies in proportion to total gross profits. Total gross profits include both actual gross profits and estimates of gross profits for future periods. In calculating gross profits, we consider mortality, persistency, and other elements as well as rates of return on investments associated with these contracts and the cost related to our guaranteed minimum death and guaranteed minimum income benefits. For variable annuities, gross profits and amortization rates also include the impacts of the embedded derivatives associated with certain of the living benefit features of our variable annuity contracts and related hedging activities. In calculating amortization expense, we estimate the amounts of gross profits

 

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that will be included in our U.S. GAAP results and utilize these estimates to calculate amortization rates and expense amounts. In addition, in calculating gross profits, we include the profits and losses related to contracts issued by the Company that are reported in affiliated legal entities other than the Company as a result of, for example, reinsurance agreements with those affiliated entities. The Company is an indirect subsidiary of Prudential Financial (an SEC registrant) and has extensive transactions and relationships with other subsidiaries of Prudential Financial, including reinsurance agreements, as discussed in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Incorporating all product-related profits and losses in gross profits, including those that are reported in affiliated legal entities, produces a DAC amortization pattern representative of the total economics of the products. For a further discussion of the amortization of DAC and DSI, see “MD&A—Results of Operations.”

The near-term future equity rate of return assumptions used in evaluating DAC and DSI for our domestic variable annuity and variable life insurance products are derived using a reversion to the mean approach, a common industry practice. Under this approach, we consider historical equity returns and adjust projected equity returns over an initial future period of five years (the “near-term”) so that equity returns converge to the long-term expected rate of return. If the near-term projected future rate of return is greater than our near-term maximum future rate of return of 15%, we use our maximum future rate of return. As of March 31, 2015, our variable annuities and variable life insurance businesses assume an 8.0% long-term equity expected rate of return and a 4.0% near-term mean reversion equity rate of return.

The weighted average rate of return assumptions for these businesses consider many factors specific to each business, including asset durations, asset allocations and other factors. We generally update the near term equity rates of return and our estimate of total gross profits each quarter to reflect the result of the reversion to the mean approach. These market performance related adjustments to our estimate of total gross profits result in cumulative adjustments to prior amortization, reflecting the application of the new required rate of amortization to all prior periods’ gross profits.

For additional information on our policies for DAC and other costs and for the remaining critical accounting estimates listed above, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Accounting Policies & Pronouncements—Application of Critical Accounting Estimates”.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 to our Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of newly adopted accounting pronouncements.

Changes in Financial Position

March 31, 2015 versus December 31, 2014

Assets increased by $4.9 billion, from $145.8 billion at December 31, 2014 to $150.7 billion at March 31, 2015. Significant components were:

 

 

Separate account assets increased $2,979 million from $109,194 million at December 31, 2014 to $112,173 million at March 31, 2015, primarily driven by market appreciation and positive net flows from variable annuity new business sales.

 

Reinsurance recoverables increased $1,463 million from $20,594 million at December 31, 2014 to $22,057 million at March 31, 2015. The increase was primarily driven by the mark-to-market of the reinsurance recoverable related to the reinsured liability for variable annuity living benefits, reflecting lower interest rates, as well as higher ceded liabilities arising from the GUL business assumed from Hartford Life, and the impact of term and universal life business growth which increased ceded reserves and ceded policyholders’ account balances. See Note 7 to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding affiliated reinsurance transactions.

 

Total investments increased $422 million from $9,499 million at December 31, 2014 to $9,921 million at March 31, 2015, primarily driven by growth in the assets supporting the universal life and term life business and increased general account investments from variable annuity sales, in addition to favorable mark-to-market gains on investments due to lower interest rates.

Total liabilities increased $4.7 billion, from $141.3 billion at December 31, 2014 to $146.0 billion at March 31, 2015. Significant components were:

 

 

Separate account liabilities increased $2,979 million, corresponding to the increase in separate account assets described above.

 

Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities increased $1,459 million, from $13,915 million at December 31, 2014 to $15,374 million at March 31, 2015, primarily driven by the mark-to-market of the liability for living benefit embedded derivatives, as described above, in addition to higher reserve associated with the GUL business and in supporting term and universal life business arising from business growth.

 

Policyholder account balances increased $197 million, from $15,250 million at December 31, 2014 to $15,447 million at March 31, 2015, primarily driven by liabilities related to continued universal life business growth, as well as growth in the variable annuity product that offers HDI 3.0, which requires fund allocation into the general account.

Results of Operations

Income (Loss) from Operations before Income Taxes

2015 to 2014 Three Months Comparison. Income from operations before income taxes decreased $249 million from income of $347 million in the first quarter of 2014 to $98 million in the first quarter of 2015. Excluding the impact on the amortization of DAC and DSI of the mark-to-market of the living benefit embedded derivative liability and related hedge positions, as well as the impact of changes in the estimated profitability of the business, as discussed below, income from operations before income taxes decreased $15 million. This decrease was primarily driven by lower realized investment gains on the embedded derivatives related to the no-lapse guarantee reinsurance with UPARC, and higher amortization costs and reserve provisions for the guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) and guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) features of our variable annuity products and higher operating expenses. Partially offsetting these decreases was higher net asset-based fee income, net of a related increase in asset-based commissions, reflecting higher average variable annuity account values invested in separate accounts driven by market appreciation and positive net flows from new business.

 

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The DAC and DSI impact of the mark-to-market of the living benefit embedded derivative liability and related hedge positions reflected an unfavorable variance of $294 million, with an amortization expense of $245 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared to an amortization benefit of $49 million in the first quarter of 2014. The unfavorable variance was primarily driven by a higher charge in the current quarter due to higher NPR gains. Adjustments to the reserves for the GMDB and GMIB features of our products and to the amortization of DAC, DSI, and unearned revenue reserve (“URR”) included the impact from changes in the estimated profitability of the business. These adjustments resulted in a net benefit of $49 million in the first quarter of 2015, compared to a net charge of $10 million in the first quarter of 2014. The net benefit in the first quarter of 2015 primarily reflected favorable equity market performance, which more than offset the impact of lower expected rates of return on fixed income investments within contractholder accounts and on future expected claims relative to our assumptions. The net charge in the first quarter of 2014 primarily reflected the impact of lower expected rates of return on fixed income investments within contractholder accounts and on future expected claims relative to our assumptions, which more than offset favorable equity market performance.

For variable annuity and variable and universal life contracts, we generally amortize DAC and DSI over the expected lives of the contracts based on the level and timing of gross profits. In calculating gross profits, we consider mortality, persistency, and other elements as well as rates of return on investments associated with these contracts and include gross profits related to these contracts that are reported in affiliated legal entities other than the Company as a result of, for example, reinsurance agreements with those affiliated entities.

Revenues, Benefits and Expenses

2015 to 2014 Three Months Comparison. Revenues increased $19 million, primarily driven by an increase of $27 million in policy charges and fee income, consisting primarily of mortality and expense and other insurance charges, assessed on contractholders’ fund balances. The higher policy charges and fee income reflects higher average separate account asset balances on annuity products driven by market appreciation and positive net flows from new business sales. Also contributing to the increase was an increase of $9 million in asset administration fees, driven by higher average separate account asset balances on annuity products as discussed above. Net investment income increased $5 million, reflecting growth in our general account investment portfolio. Other income increased $4 million, driven by amortization of reinsurance deferred gain from the third quarter 2014 reinsurance transaction with PURC in our life products. Partially offsetting these increases was a $27 million decrease in realized investment gains, primarily reflecting a lower gain in the mark-to-market of the no-lapse guarantee reinsured to UPARC in our life products.

Benefits and expenses increased $268 million. This increase was primarily driven by an unfavorable variance of $241 million in DAC amortization and $38 million in interest credited to policyholders’ account balances which includes DSI amortization. Higher DAC and DSI amortization is mainly related to the impact of the mark-to-market of the living benefit embedded derivative liability and related hedge positions and the impact of changes in the estimated profitability of the business, as discussed above. General, administrative and other expenses, net of capitalization, increased $17 million, driven by higher asset-based commissions in our annuity products due to account value growth, and higher operating expenses. Partially offsetting these increases was a $27 million decrease in policyholders’ benefits, including changes in reserves, mainly driven by adjustments to the GMDB and GMIB reserves related to the impact of changes in the estimated profitability of our business as discussed above.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense decreased $54 million from an expense of $67 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 to $13 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease in income tax expense was primarily driven by the decrease in pre-tax income.

The Company’s liability for income taxes includes the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties which relate to tax years still subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or other taxing authorities. Audit periods remain open for review until the statute of limitations has passed. Generally, for tax years which produce net operating losses, capital losses or tax credit carryforwards (“tax attributes”), the statute of limitations does not close, to the extent of these tax attributes, until the expiration of the statute of limitations for the tax year in which they are fully utilized. The completion of review or the expiration of the statute of limitations for a given audit period could result in an adjustment to the liability for income taxes.

The Company does not anticipate any significant changes within the next 12 months to its total unrecognized tax benefits related to tax years for which the statute of limitations has not expired.

As of March 31, 2015, the Company remains subject to examination in the U.S. for tax years 2007 through 2014.

The dividends received deduction (“DRD”) reduces the amount of dividend income subject to U.S. tax and is a significant component of the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory tax rate of 35%. The DRD for the current period was estimated using information from 2014 and current year results, and was adjusted to take into account the current year’s equity market performance and expected business results. The actual current year DRD can vary from the estimate based on factors such as, but not limited to, changes in the amount of dividends received that are eligible for the DRD, changes in the amount of distributions received from mutual fund investments, changes in the account balances of variable life and annuity contracts, and the Company’s taxable income before the DRD.

There is a possibility that the IRS and the U.S. Treasury will address, through guidance, issues related to the calculation of the DRD. For the last several years, revenue proposals included in the Obama Administration’s budgets have included proposed changes to the method used to determine the amount of the DRD. A change in the DRD, including the possible retroactive or prospective elimination of this deduction through guidance or legislation, could increase actual tax expense and reduce the Company’s consolidated net income.

For tax years 2007 through 2015, the Company is participating in the IRS’s Compliance Assurance Program (“CAP”). Under CAP, the IRS assigns an examination team to review completed transactions as they occur in order to reach agreement with the Company on how they should be reported in the relevant tax returns. If disagreements arise, accelerated resolutions programs are available to resolve the disagreements in a timely manner before the tax returns are filed.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

This section supplements and should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Overview

Liquidity refers to the ability to generate sufficient cash resources to meet the payment obligations of the Company. Capital refers to the long-term financial resources available to support the operations of our businesses, fund business growth, and provide a cushion to withstand adverse circumstances. Our ability to generate and maintain sufficient liquidity and capital depends on the profitability of our businesses, general economic conditions, our ability to borrow from affiliates and our access to the capital markets through affiliates as described herein.

Effective and prudent liquidity and capital management is a priority across the organization. Management monitors the liquidity of Prudential Financial, Prudential Insurance and the Company on a daily basis and projects borrowing and capital needs over a multi-year time horizon through our quarterly planning process. We believe that cash flows from the sources of funds available to us are sufficient to satisfy the current liquidity requirements of Prudential Financial and the Company, including under reasonably foreseeable stress scenarios. Prudential Financial has a capital management framework in place that governs the allocation of capital and approval of capital uses, and Prudential Financial forecasts capital sources and uses on a quarterly basis. Prudential Financial and the Company also employ a “Capital Protection Framework” to ensure the availability of capital resources to maintain adequate capitalization and competitive risk-based capital ratios under various stress scenarios.

Prudential Financial is a “Designated Financial Company” under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. As a Designated Financial Company, Prudential Financial is subject to supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and to prudential regulatory standards, which include or will include requirements and limitations (some of which are the subject of ongoing rule-making) relating to risk-based capital, leverage, liquidity, stress-testing, overall risk management, resolution plans, early remediation; and may also include additional standards regarding capital, public disclosure, short-term debt limits, and other related subjects. In addition, the Financial Stability Board (“FSB”) has identified Prudential Financial as a global systemically important insurer (“G-SII”). For information on the potential impact of this regulation on us, see “Business—Regulation” and “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Capital

Our capital management framework is primarily based on statutory risk based capital measures. The Risk Based Capital, or RBC, ratio is a primary measure of the capital adequacy of the Company. RBC is calculated based on statutory financial statements and risk formulas consistent with the practices of the NAIC. RBC considers, among other things, risks related to the type and quality of the invested assets, insurance-related risks associated with an insurer’s products and liabilities, interest rate risks and general business risks. RBC ratio calculations are intended to assist insurance regulators in measuring an insurer’s solvency and ability to pay future claims. The reporting of RBC measures is not intended for the purpose of ranking any insurance company or for use in connection with any marketing, advertising or promotional activities, but is available to the public. The RBC ratio is an annual calculation, however, as of March 31, 2015 we estimate that the Company’s RBC ratio exceeds the minimum level required by applicable insurance regulations.

The regulatory capital level of the Company can be materially impacted by interest rate and equity market fluctuations, changes in the values of derivatives, the level of impairments recorded, credit quality migration of the investment portfolio, and business growth, among other items. In addition, the recapture of business subject to reinsurance arrangements due to defaults by, or credit quality migration affecting, the reinsurers or for other reasons could negatively impact regulatory capital levels. The Company’s regulatory capital level is also affected by statutory accounting rules, which are subject to change by each applicable insurance regulator. The Company evaluates its regulatory capital under reasonably foreseeable stress scenarios and believes we have adequate resources to maintain our capital levels comfortably above regulatory requirements under these scenarios.

The Capital Protection Framework incorporates the potential impacts from market related stresses, including equity markets, real estate, interest rates, and credit losses. Potential sources of capital include on-balance sheet capital, derivatives, reinsurance and contingent sources of capital. Although we continue to enhance our approach, we believe we currently have access to sufficient resources to maintain adequate capitalization and a competitive RBC ratio under a range of potential stress scenarios.

Affiliated Captive Reinsurance Companies

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital—Affiliated Captive Reinsurance Companies” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for a discussion of our use of captive reinsurance companies.

Liquidity

The Company’s liquidity position has increased since December 31, 2014. We continue to believe that cash generated by ongoing operations and the liquidity profile of our assets provide sufficient liquidity under reasonably foreseeable stress scenarios for the Company.

The principal sources of the Company’s liquidity are premiums and certain annuity considerations, investment and fee income, investment maturities and sales as well as internal borrowings. The principal uses of that liquidity include benefits, claims, and payments to policyholders and

 

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contractholders in connection with surrenders, withdrawals and net policy loan activity. Other uses of liquidity include commissions, general and administrative expenses, purchases of investments, and payments in connection with financing activities. We use a projection process for cash flows from operations to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet projected cash outflows, including claims.

Our liquidity is managed to ensure stable, reliable and cost-effective sources of cash flows to meet all of our obligations. Liquidity is provided by a variety of sources, as described more fully below, including portfolios of liquid assets. Our investment portfolios are integral to the overall liquidity of the Company. We segment our investment portfolios and employ an asset/liability management approach specific to the requirements of each of our product lines. This enhances the discipline applied in managing the liquidity, as well as the interest rate and credit risk profiles, of each portfolio in a manner consistent with the unique characteristics of the product liabilities. The impact of Prudential Funding, LLC’s financing capacity on liquidity (as described below) is considered in the internal liquidity measures of the Company.

Liquid assets include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and fixed maturities that are not designated as held-to-maturity and public equity securities. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 the Company had liquid assets of $7,180 million and $6,610 million, respectively. The portion of liquid assets comprised of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments was $624 million and $336 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. As of March 31, 2015, $6,063 million, or 94%, of the fixed maturity investments in Company general account portfolios were rated high or highest quality based on NAIC or equivalent rating. The remaining $398 million, or 6%, of these fixed maturity investments were rated other than high or highest quality.

Prudential Financial and Prudential Funding, LLC, or Prudential Funding, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Insurance, borrow funds in the capital markets through the direct issuance of commercial paper. The borrowings serve as an additional source of financing to meet our working capital needs. Prudential Funding operates under a support agreement with Prudential Insurance whereby Prudential Insurance has agreed to maintain Prudential Funding’s positive tangible net worth at all times.

Affiliated captive reinsurance companies are used to finance the portion of the statutory reserves required to be held under Regulation XXX and Guideline AXXX that is considered non-economic. The financing arrangements involve term and universal life business we reinsure to our affiliated captive reinsurers. The surplus notes issued by those captives are treated as capital for statutory purposes. As of March 31, 2015, our affiliated captive reinsurance companies have entered into agreements with external counterparties providing for the issuance of up to $8.3 billion of surplus notes in return for the receipt of credit-linked notes. Under the agreements, the captive receives in exchange for the surplus notes one or more credit-linked notes issued by a special-purpose affiliate with an aggregate principal amount equal to the surplus notes outstanding. The captive holds the credit-linked notes as assets supporting Regulation XXX or Guideline AXXX non-economic reserves, as applicable. As of March 31, 2015, an aggregate of $5.2 billion of surplus notes was outstanding under our Credit-Linked Note Structures, reflecting an increase of $262 million from December 31, 2014.

In addition, as of March 31, 2015, our affiliated captive reinsurance companies had outstanding an aggregate of $4.0 billion of debt issued for the purpose of financing Regulation XXX and Guideline AXXX non-economic reserves, of which approximately $2.4 billion relates to Regulation XXX reserves and approximately $1.6 billion relates to Guideline AXXX reserves, and all of which was issued directly by or guaranteed by Prudential Financial. Under certain of the financing arrangements pursuant to which this debt was issued, Prudential Financial has agreed to make capital contributions to the applicable captive reinsurance company to reimburse it for investment losses or to maintain its capital above prescribed minimum levels. In addition, as of March 31, 2015, for purposes of financing Guideline AXXX reserves, our affiliated captives had outstanding approximately $4.0 billion of surplus notes that were issued to Prudential Financial in exchange for promissory notes of affiliates guaranteed by Prudential Financial.

In December 2014, the NAIC adopted a new actuarial guideline, known as “AG 48,” that governs the reinsurance of term and universal life insurance business to captives by prescribing requirements for the types of assets that may be held by captives to support the reserves. The requirements in AG 48 became effective on January 1, 2015 and apply in respect of term and universal life insurance policies written from and after January 1, 2015, or written prior to January 1, 2015 but not included in a captive reserve financing arrangement as of December 31, 2014. We expect that AG 48 will require us to hold cash or rated securities in greater amounts than we currently hold to support economic reserves for certain of our term and universal life policies. However, we are continuing to review the application of AG 48 to our business and have not yet finalized its impact on us. We are also currently evaluating the effect of AG 48 more generally on our use of captives and any future financing of statutory reserves for our term and universal life business.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of fluctuations in the value of financial instruments as a result of absolute or relative changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, equity prices or commodity prices. To varying degrees, our products and services, and the investment activities supporting them, generate exposure to market risk. The market risk incurred, and our strategies for managing this risk, vary by product. There have been no material changes in our market risk exposures from December 31, 2014, a description of which may be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2014, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, for a discussion of how difficult conditions in the financial markets and the economy generally may materially adversely affect our business and results of our operations.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

In order to ensure that the information we must disclose in our filings with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis, the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness

 

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of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) Rule 13a-15(e), as of March 31, 2015. Based on such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of March 31, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. No change in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2015, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

OTHER INFORMATION

PART II

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

See Note 6 to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements under “—Litigation and Regulatory Matters” for a description of material pending litigation and regulatory matters affecting us, and certain risks to our businesses presented by such matters, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. These risks could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition or cause our actual results to differ materially from those expected or those expressed in any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. These risks are not exclusive, and additional risks to which we are subject include, but are not limited to, the factors mentioned under “Forward-Looking Statements” above and the risks of our businesses described elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 6. Exhibits

 

31.1    Section 302 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
31.2    Section 302 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
32.1    Section 906 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
32.2    Section 906 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
101.INS    -XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH    -XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL    -XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB    -XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE    -XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF    -XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Pruco Life Insurance Company
By:  

  /s/    Yanela C. Frias

Name:   Yanela C. Frias
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (Authorized Signatory and Principal Financial Officer)

Date: May 14, 2015

 

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