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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The preparation of the accompanying financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions (including normal, recurring accruals) that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Financial results in the historical financial statements may not be indicative of the results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), financial position, equity or cash flows that would have been achieved had we operated as a separate, standalone entity during the reporting periods presented.
The years “2022”, “2021” and “2020” refer to the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Changes to U.S. GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs listed below include those that have been adopted during the current fiscal year and/or those that have been issued but not yet adopted as of December 31, 2022, and as of the date of this filing. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or not material.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
Description
Effect on the Financial Statement or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2018-12: Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944)
This ASU provides targeted improvements to existing recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure requirements for long-duration contracts issued by an insurance entity. The ASU primarily impacts four key areas, including:
1. Measurement of the liability for future policy benefits for traditional and limited payment contracts. The ASU requires companies to review, and if necessary, update cash flow assumptions at least annually for non-participating traditional and limited-payment insurance contracts. The ASU also prescribes the discount rate to be used in measuring the liability for future policy benefits for traditional and limited payment long-duration contracts.

2. Measurement of Market Risk Benefits (“MRBs”). MRBs, as defined under the ASU, will encompass certain GMxB features associated with variable annuity products and other general account annuities with other than nominal market risk.

3. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs. The ASU simplifies the amortization of deferred acquisition costs and other balances amortized in proportion to premiums, gross profits, or gross margins, requiring such balances to be amortized on a constant level basis over the expected term of the contracts.

4. Expanded footnote disclosures. The ASU requires additional disclosures including information about significant inputs, judgements, assumptions and methods used in measurement.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the new accounting standard ASU 2018-12 using the modified retrospective approach, except for MRBs which will use the full retrospective approach.

Refer to “Transition impact of ASU 2018-12, Financial Services- Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts” section within this note for further details.
Investments
Investments
The carrying values of fixed maturities classified as AFS are reported at fair value. Changes in fair value are reported in OCI, net of allowance for credit losses, policy related amounts and deferred income taxes. Prior to January 1, 2020, the amortized cost of fixed maturities was adjusted for impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary which were recognized in Investment gains (losses), net. With the adoption of the new Financial Instruments-Credit Losses standard, changes in credit losses are recognized in Investment gains (losses), net. The redeemable preferred stock investments that are reported in fixed maturities include REITs, perpetual preferred stock and redeemable preferred stock. These securities may not have a stated maturity, may not be cumulative and do not provide for mandatory redemption by the issuer. Effective January 1, 2021, the Company began classifying certain preferred stock as equity securities to better reflect the economics and nature of these securities. These preferred stock securities are reported in other equity investments.
The Company determines the fair values of fixed maturities and equity securities based upon quoted prices in active markets, when available, or through the use of alternative approaches when market quotes are not readily accessible or available. These alternative approaches include matrix or model pricing and use of independent pricing services, each supported by reference to principal market trades or other observable market assumptions for similar securities. More specifically, the matrix pricing approach to fair value is a discounted cash flow methodology that incorporates market interest rates commensurate with the credit quality and duration of the investment. The Company’s management, with the assistance of its investment advisors, evaluates AFS debt securities that experienced a decline in fair value below amortized cost for credit losses which are evaluated in accordance with the new financial instruments credit losses guidance effective January 1, 2020. The remainder of the unrealized loss related to other factors, if any, is recognized in OCI. Integral to this review is an assessment made each quarter, on a security-by-security basis, by the Company’s IUS Committee, of various indicators of credit deterioration to determine whether the investment security has experienced a credit loss. This assessment includes, but is not limited to, consideration of the severity of the unrealized loss, failure, if any, of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments, actions taken by rating agencies, adverse conditions specifically related to the security or sector, and the financial strength, liquidity and continued viability of the issuer.
The Company recognizes an allowance for credit losses on AFS debt securities with a corresponding adjustment to earnings rather than a direct write down that reduces the cost basis of the investment, and credit losses are limited to the amount by which the security’s amortized cost basis exceeds its fair value. Any improvements in estimated credit losses on AFS debt securities are recognized immediately in earnings. Management does not use the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position as a factor, either by itself or in combination with other factors, to conclude that a credit loss does not exist.
When the Company determines that there is more than 50% likelihood that it is not going to recover the principal and interest cash flows related to an AFS debt security, the security is placed on nonaccrual status and the Company reverses accrued interest receivable against interest income. Since the nonaccrual policy results in a timely reversal of accrued interest receivable, the Company does not record an allowance for credit losses on accrued interest receivable.
If there is no intent to sell or likely requirement to dispose of the fixed maturity security before its recovery, only the credit loss component of any resulting allowance is recognized in income (loss) and the remainder of the fair value loss is recognized in OCI. The amount of credit loss is the shortfall of the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected as compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. The present value is calculated by discounting management’s best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security at the date of acquisition. Projections of future cash flows are based on assumptions regarding probability of default and estimates regarding the amount and timing of recoveries. These assumptions and estimates require use of management judgment and consider internal credit analyses as well as market observable data relevant to the collectability of the security. For mortgage and asset-backed securities, projected future cash flows also include assumptions regarding prepayments and underlying collateral value.
Write-offs of AFS debt securities are recorded when all or a portion of a financial asset is deemed uncollectible. Full or partial write-offs are recorded as reductions to the amortized cost basis of the AFS debt security and deducted from the allowance in the period in which the financial assets are deemed uncollectible. The Company elected to reverse accrued interest deemed uncollectible as a reversal of interest income. In instances where the Company collects cash that it has previously written off, the recovery will be recognized through earnings.
Policy loans represent funds loaned to policyholders up to the cash surrender value of the associated insurance policies and are carried at the unpaid principal balances due to the Company from the policyholders. Interest income on policy
loans is recognized in net investment income at the contract interest rate when earned. Policy loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the associated insurance policies.
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, demand deposits, money market accounts, overnight commercial paper and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, the recorded value is deemed to approximate fair value.
All securities owned, including U.S. government and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, futures and forwards transactions, are reported in the financial statements on a trade-date basis.
Units in AB are carried on the equity method and reported in Other invested assets with equity in earnings reported in Net investment income (loss).
Derivatives
Derivatives
Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from interest rates, foreign exchange rates, financial indices, values of securities or commodities, credit spreads, market volatility, expected returns and liquidity. Values can also be affected by changes in estimates and assumptions, including those related to counterparty behavior and non-performance risk used in valuation models. Derivative financial instruments generally used by the Company include equity and interest rate futures and equity options, all of which may be exchange-traded or contracted in the OTC market. All derivative positions are carried in the balance sheets at fair value, generally by obtaining quoted market prices or through the use of valuation models.
Freestanding derivative contracts are reported in the balance sheets either as assets within “other invested assets” or as liabilities within “other liabilities.” The Company nets the fair value of all derivative financial instruments with counterparties for which an ISDA Master Agreement and related CSA have been executed. The Company uses derivatives to manage asset/liability risk. All changes in the fair value of the Company’s freestanding derivative positions, including net receipts and payments, are included in “net derivative gains (losses)” without considering changes in the fair value of the economically associated assets or liabilities.
The Company is a party to financial instruments and other contracts that contain “embedded” derivative instruments. At inception, the Company assesses whether the economic characteristics of the embedded instrument are “clearly and closely related” to the economic characteristics of the remaining component of the “host contract” and whether a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded instrument would meet the definition of a derivative instrument. When those criteria are satisfied, the resulting embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract, carried in the balance sheets at fair value, and changes in its fair value are recognized immediately and captioned in the statements of income (loss) according to the nature of the related host contract. For certain financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative that otherwise would need to be bifurcated and reported at fair value, the Company instead may elect to carry the entire instrument at fair value.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balances, net of unamortized discounts and the allowance for credit losses. The Company calculates the allowance for credit losses in accordance with the CECL model in order to provide for the risk of credit losses in the lending process.
Expected credit losses for loans with similar risk characteristics are estimated on a collective (i.e., pool) basis in order to meet CECL’s risk of loss concept which requires the Company to consider possibilities of loss, even if remote.
For collectively evaluated mortgages, the Company estimates the allowance for credit losses based on the amortized cost basis of its mortgages over their expected life using a PD / LGD model. The PD / LGD model incorporates the Company’s reasonable and supportable forecast of macroeconomic information over a specified period. The length of the reasonable and supportable forecast period is reassessed on a quarterly basis and may be adjusted as appropriate over time to be consistent with macroeconomic conditions and the environment as of the reporting date. For periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, the model reverts to historical loss information. The PD and LGD are estimated at the loan-level based on loans’ current and forecasted risk characteristics as well as macroeconomic forecasts. The PD is estimated using both macroeconomic conditions as well as individual loan risk characteristics including LTV ratios, DSC ratios, seasoning, collateral type, geography, and underlying credit. The LGD is driven primarily by the type and value of collateral, and secondarily by expected liquidation costs and time to recovery.
For individually evaluated mortgages, the Company continues to recognize a valuation allowance on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or on its collateral value.
The CECL model is configured to the Company’s specifications and takes into consideration the detailed risk attributes of each discrete loan in the mortgage portfolio which include, but are not limited to the following:
LTV ratio - Derived from current loan balance divided by the fair market value of the property. An LTV ratio in excess of 100% indicates an underwater mortgage. 
DSC ratio - Derived from actual operating earnings divided by annual debt service. If the ratio is below 1.0x, then the income from the property does not support the debt.
Occupancy - Criteria varies by property type but low or below market occupancy is an indicator of sub-par property performance.
Lease expirations - The percentage of leases expiring in the upcoming 12 to 36 months are monitored as a decline in rent and/or occupancy may negatively impact the debt service coverage ratio. In the case of single-tenant properties or properties with large tenant exposure, the lease expiration is a material risk factor.
Other - Any other factors such as maturity, borrower/tenant related issues, payment status, property condition, or current economic conditions may call into question the performance of the loan.
Mortgage loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans in the portfolio are individually evaluated quarterly by the Company’s IUS Committee. The allowance for credit losses on these individually evaluated mortgages is a loan-specific reserve as a result of the loan review process that is recorded based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or based on the fair value of the collateral. The individually assessed allowance for mortgage loans can increase or decrease from period to period based on such factors.
Individually assessed loans may include, but are not limited to, mortgages that have deteriorated in credit quality such as a TDR and reasonably expected TDRs, mortgages for which foreclosure is probable, and mortgages which have been classified as “potential problem” or “problem” loans within the Company’s IUS Committee processes as described below.
Within the IUS process, commercial mortgages 60 days or more past due, as well as all mortgages in the process of foreclosure, are identified as problem mortgage loans. Based on its monthly monitoring of mortgages, a class of potential problem mortgage loans are also identified, consisting of mortgage loans not currently classified as problem mortgage loans but for which management has doubts as to the ability of the borrower to comply with the present loan payment terms and which may result in the loan becoming a problem or being modified. The decision whether to classify a performing mortgage loan as a potential problem involves judgments by management as to likely future industry conditions and developments with respect to the borrower or the individual mortgaged property.
Individually assessed mortgage loans without provision for losses are mortgage loans where the fair value of the collateral or the net present value of the expected future cash flows related to the loan equals or exceeds the recorded investment. Interest income earned on mortgage loans where the collateral value is used to measure impairment is recorded on a cash basis. Interest income on mortgage loans where the present value method is used to measure impairment is accrued on the net carrying value amount of the loan at the interest rate used to discount the cash flows.
Mortgage loans are placed on nonaccrual status once management believes the collection of accrued interest is not probable. Once mortgage loans are classified as nonaccrual mortgage loans, interest income is recognized under the cash basis of accounting and the resumption of the interest accrual would commence only after all past due interest has been collected or the mortgage loan has been restructured to where the collection of interest is considered likely. The Company charges off loan balances and accrued interest that are deemed uncollectible.
The components of amortized cost for mortgage loans on the balance sheets excludes accrued interest amounts because the Company presents accrued interest receivables within other assets. Once mortgage loans are placed on nonaccrual status, the Company reverses accrued interest receivable against interest income. Since the nonaccrual policy results in the timely reversal of accrued interest receivable, the Company does not record an allowance for credit losses on accrued interest receivable.
Net Investment Income (Loss), Investment Gains (Losses), Net and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Net Investment Income (Loss), Investment Gains (Losses), Net, and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Realized investment gains (losses) are determined by identification with the specific asset and are presented as a component of revenue. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are included in investment gains (losses), net.
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities designated as AFS held by the Company are accounted for as a separate component of AOCI, net of related deferred income taxes, as are amounts attributable to insurance liability loss recognition, DAC and URR related to UL policies, and investment-type products.
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) reflect changes in fair value of only those fixed maturities classified as AFS and do not reflect any change in fair value of policyholders’ account balances and future policy benefits.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial InstrumentsSee Note 6 of the Notes to these Financial Statements for additional information regarding determining the fair value of financial instruments.
Recognition of Insurance Income and Related Expenses
Recognition of Insurance Income and Related Expenses
Deposits related to UL and investment-type contracts are reported as deposits to policyholders’ account balances. Revenues from these contracts consist of fees assessed during the period against policyholders’ account balances for mortality charges, policy administration charges and surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policyholders’ account balances.
DAC
DAC
Acquisition costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance business, reflecting incremental direct costs of contract acquisition with independent third parties or employees that are essential to the contract transaction, as well as the portion of employee compensation, including employee fringe benefits and other costs directly related to underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical inspection, and contract selling for successfully negotiated contracts including commissions, underwriting, agency and policy issue expenses, are deferred.
Contracts are measured on a grouped basis utilizing cohorts consistent with those used in the calculation of future policy benefit reserves. DAC is amortized on a constant level basis for the grouped contracts over the expected term of the contract. For life insurance products, DAC is amortized in proportion to the face amount in force. For annuity products DAC is amortized in proportion to policy counts. The constant level basis used for amortization determines the current period amortization considering both the current period’s actual experience and future projections. The amortization pattern is revised quarterly on a prospective basis. Amortization of DAC is included in Amortization of DAC, part of total benefits and other deductions.
For some products, policyholders can elect to modify product benefits, features, rights or coverages that occur by the exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by election or coverage within a contract. These transactions are known as internal replacements. If such modification substantially changes the contract, the associated DAC is written off immediately through income and any new acquisition costs associated with the replacement contract are deferred.
DAC - Prior to the adoption of ASU 2018-12 effective January 1, 2021
In each reporting period, DAC amortization, net of the accrual of imputed interest on DAC balances, was recorded to amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. DAC was subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy issue and loss recognition testing at the end of each accounting period. The determination of DAC, including amortization and recoverability estimates, was based on models that involve numerous assumptions and subjective judgments, including those regarding policyholder behavior, surrender and withdrawal rates, mortality experience, and other inputs including financial market volatility and market rates of return.
After the initial establishment of reserves, premium deficiency and loss recognition tests were performed each period end using best estimate assumptions as of the testing date without provisions for adverse deviation. When the liabilities for future policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums for the aggregate product group were insufficient to provide for expected future policy benefits and expenses for that line of business (i.e., reserves net of any DAC asset), DAC would first be written off and thereafter, if required, a premium deficiency reserve would be established by a charge to earnings.
Amortization Policy
In accordance with the guidance for the accounting and reporting by insurance enterprises for certain long-duration contracts and participating contracts and for realized gains and losses from the sale of investments, current and expected future profit margins for products covered by this guidance were examined regularly in determining the amortization of DAC.
DAC associated with certain variable annuity products was amortized based on estimated assessments, with DAC on the remainder of variable annuities, UL and investment-type products amortized over the expected total life of the contract group as a constant percentage of estimated gross profits arising principally from investment results, Separate Accounts fees, mortality and expense margins and surrender charges based on historical and anticipated future experience, embedded derivatives and changes in the reserve of products that have indexed features such as SCS IUL and MSO, updated at the end of each accounting period. When estimated gross profits were expected to be negative for multiple years of a contract life, DAC was amortized using the present value of estimated assessments. The effect on the amortization of DAC of revisions to estimated gross profits or assessments was reflected in earnings (loss) in the period such estimated gross profits or assessments were revised. A decrease in expected gross profits or assessments would accelerate DAC amortization. Conversely, an increase in expected gross profits or assessments would slow DAC amortization. The effect on the DAC assets that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses) was recognized with an offset to AOCI in equity as of the balance sheet date.
A significant assumption in the amortization of DAC on variable annuities and, to a lesser extent, on variable and interest-sensitive life insurance related to projected future separate account performance. Management set estimated future gross profit or assessment assumptions related to separate account performance using a long-term view of expected average market returns by applying a RTM approach, a commonly used industry practice. This future return approach influenced the projection of fees earned, as well as other sources of estimated gross profits. Returns that were higher than expectations for a given period produce higher than expected account balances, increased the fees earned resulting in higher expected future gross profits and lower DAC amortization for the period. The opposite occurred when returns were lower than expected.
In applying this approach to develop estimates of future returns, it was assumed that the market would return to an average gross long-term return estimate, developed with reference to historical long-term equity market performance. Management set limitations as to maximum and minimum future rate of return assumptions, as well as a limitation on the duration of use of these maximum or minimum rates of return. As of December 31, 2020, the average gross short-term and long-term annual return estimate on variable and interest-sensitive life insurance and variable annuities was 7.0% (4.9% net of product weighted average Separate Accounts fees), and the gross maximum and minimum short-term annual rate of return limitations were 15.0% (12.9% net of product weighted average Separate Accounts fees and Investment Advisory fees) and 0.0% ((2.1)% net of product weighted average Separate Accounts fees and Investment Advisory fees), respectively. The maximum duration over which these rate limitations may be applied is five years. These assumptions of long-term growth were subject to assessment of the reasonableness of resulting estimates of future return assumptions.
In addition, projections of future mortality assumptions related to variable and interest-sensitive life products were based on a long-term average of actual experience. This assumption was updated periodically to reflect recent experience as it emerges. Improvement of life mortality in future periods from that currently projected would result in future deceleration of DAC amortization. Conversely, deterioration of life mortality in future periods from that currently projected would result in future acceleration of DAC amortization.
Other significant assumptions underlying gross profit estimates for UL and investment type products related to contract persistency and General Account investment spread.
For participating traditional life policies (substantially all of which are in the Closed Block), DAC was amortized over the expected total life of the contract group as a constant percentage based on the present value of the estimated gross margin amounts expected to be realized over the life of the contracts using the expected investment yield. As of December 31, 2020, the average rate of assumed investment yields, excluding policy loans, for the Company was 4.4% grading to 4.3% in 2025. Estimated gross margins included anticipated premiums and investment results less claims and administrative expenses, changes in the net level premium reserve and expected annual policyholder dividends. The effect on the accumulated amortization of DAC of revisions to estimated gross margins was reflected in earnings in the period such estimated gross margins were revised. The effect on the DAC assets that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses) was recognized with an offset to AOCI in equity as of the balance sheet date. Many of the factors that affect gross margins were included in the determination of the Company’s dividends to these
policyholders. DAC adjustments related to participating traditional life policies did not create significant volatility in results of operations as the Closed Block recognized a cumulative policyholder dividend obligation expense in policyholders’ benefits for the excess of actual cumulative earnings over expected cumulative earnings as determined at the time of demutualization.
DAC associated with non-participating traditional life policies was amortized in proportion to anticipated premiums. Assumptions as to anticipated premiums were estimated at the date of policy issue and were consistently applied during the life of the contracts. Deviations from estimated experience were reflected in income (loss) in the period such deviations occur. For these contracts, the amortization periods generally were for the total life of the policy. DAC related to these policies was subject to recoverability testing as part of the Company’s premium deficiency testing. If a premium deficiency existed, DAC was reduced by the amount of the deficiency or to zero through a charge to current period earnings (loss). If the deficiency exceeded the DAC balance, the reserve for future policy benefits was increased by the excess, reflected in earnings (loss) in the period such deficiency occurs.
Reinsurance
For each of its reinsurance agreements, the Company determines whether the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Cessions under reinsurance agreements do not discharge the Company’s obligations as the primary insurer. The Company reviews all contractual features, including those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the reinsurer is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims.
For reinsurance of existing in-force blocks of long-duration contracts that transfer significant insurance risk, the difference, if any, between the amounts paid (received), and the liabilities ceded (assumed) related to the underlying contracts is considered the net cost of reinsurance at the inception of the reinsurance agreement. Subsequent amounts paid (received) on the reinsurance of in-force blocks, as well as amounts paid (received) related to new business, are recorded as premiums ceded (assumed); and amounts due from reinsurers (amounts due to reinsurers) are established.
Assets and liabilities relating to reinsurance agreements with the same reinsurer may be recorded net on the balance sheet, if a right of offset exists within the reinsurance agreement. In the event that reinsurers do not meet their obligations to the Company under the terms of the reinsurance agreements, reinsurance recoverable balances could become uncollectible. In such instances, reinsurance recoverable balances are stated net of allowances for uncollectible reinsurance.
Premiums, policy charges and fee income, and policyholders’ benefits include amounts assumed under reinsurance agreements and are net of reinsurance ceded. Amounts received from reinsurers for policy administration are reported in other revenues.
For reinsurance contracts, reinsurance recoverable balances are generally calculated using methodologies and assumptions that are consistent with those used to calculate the direct liabilities.
Ceded reinsurance transactions are recognized and measured in a manner consistent with underlying reinsured contracts, including using consistent assumptions. Assumed and ceded reinsurance contract rights and obligations are accounted for on a basis consistent with our direct contract. The reinsurance cost or benefit for traditional life non-participating and limited-payment contracts is recognized in proportion to the gross premiums of the underlying direct cohorts. The locked-in single A discount rate used to calculate the reinsurance cost or benefit is established at inception of the reinsurance contract. Changes to the single A discount rate are reflected in comprehensive income at each reporting date.
If the Company determines that a reinsurance agreement does not expose the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company records the agreement using the deposit method of accounting. Deposits received are included in other liabilities and deposits made are included within other assets. As amounts are paid or received, consistent with the underlying contracts, the deposit assets or liabilities are adjusted. Interest on such deposits is recorded as other income or other operating costs and expenses, as appropriate.
Policyholders' Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits
Policyholders’ Account Balances
Policyholders’ account balances relate to contracts or contract features where the Company has no significant insurance risk. This liability represents the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholder as of the balance sheet date.
Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholders’ Liabilities
For traditional life insurance policies, future policy benefit liabilities are estimated using a net level premium method on the basis of actuarial assumptions as to mortality, persistency and interest established at policy issue. Assumptions established at policy issue as to mortality and persistency are based on the Company’s experience that, together with interest and expense assumptions, includes a margin for adverse deviation. Benefit liabilities for traditional annuities during the accumulation period are equal to accumulated policyholders’ fund balances and, after annuitization, are equal to the present value of expected future payments. Interest rates used in establishing such liabilities range from 3.5% to 4.5% of life insurance liabilities and a rate of 0.3% for retained annuity liabilities.
For traditional life insurance policies and limited pay contracts, contracts are grouped into cohorts by contract type and issue year. The Company quarterly updates its estimate of cash flows using actual experience and current future cash flow assumptions, which is reflected in an updated net premium ratio used to calculate the liability. The ratio of actual and future expected claims to actual and future expected premiums determines the net premium ratio. The policy administration expense assumption is not updated after policy issuance. If actual expenses differ from the original expense assumptions, the differences are recognized in the period identified. The revised net premium ratio is used to determine the updated liability for future policy benefits as of the beginning of the reporting period, discounted at the original contract issuance rate. Changes in the liability due to current discount rates differing from original rates are included in other comprehensive income within the statement of comprehensive income.
For non-participating traditional life insurance policies (Term) and limited pay contracts (Payout, Pension), the discount rate assumption used is corporate A rated forward curve. We use a forward curve based upon a Bloomberg index. The liability is remeasured each quarter with the remeasurement change reported in other comprehensive income. The locked-in discount rate is generally based on expected investment returns at contract inception for contracts issued prior to January 1, 2021 and the upper medium grade fixed income corporate instrument yield (i.e., single A) at contract inception for contracts issued after January 1, 2021. The Company developed an LDTI discount rate methodology used to calculate the LFPB for its traditional insurance liabilities and constructed a discount rate curve that references upper-medium grade (low credit risk) fixed-income instrument yields (i.e. Single-A rated Corporate bond yields) which are meant to reflect the duration characteristics of the corresponding insurance liabilities. The methodology uses observable market data, where available, and uses various estimation techniques in line with fair value guidance (such as interpolation and extrapolation) where data is limited. Discount rates are updated quarterly.
For limited-payment products, gross premiums received in excess of net premiums are deferred at initial recognition as a deferred profit liability (“DPL”). DPL will be amortized in relation to the expected future benefit payments. As the calculation of the DPL is based on discounted cash flows, interest accrues on the unamortized DPL balance using the discount rate determined at contract issuance. The DPL is updated at the same time as the estimates for cash flows for the liability for future policy benefits. Any difference between the recalculated and beginning of period DPL is recognized in remeasurement gain or loss in the statements of income (loss), Remeasurement of Liability for Future Policy Benefits, part of total benefits and other deductions. On the balance sheet the DPL is recorded in the liability for future policy benefits.
Additional liabilities for contract or contract feature that provide for additional benefits in addition to the account balance but are not market risk benefits or embedded derivatives (“additional insurance liabilities”) are established by estimating the expected value of death or other insurance benefits in excess of the projected contract accumulation value and recognizing the excess over the estimated life based on expected assessments (i.e., benefit ratio). The liability equals the current benefit ratio multiplied by cumulative assessments recognized to date, plus interest, less cumulative excess payments to date. These reserves are recorded within future policy benefits and other policyholders’
liabilities. The determination of this estimated future policy benefits liability is based on models that involve numerous assumptions and subjective judgments, including those regarding expected market rates of return and volatility, contract surrender and withdrawal rates, and mortality experience. There can be no assurance that actual experience will be consistent with management’s estimates. Assumptions are reviewed annually and updated with the remeasurement gain or loss reflected in total benefit expense.
The Company recognizes an adjustment in other comprehensive income for the additional insurance liabilities for unrealized gains and losses not included when calculating the present value of expected assessments for the benefit ratios.
The Company conducts annual premium deficiency testing except for liability for future policy benefits for non participating traditional and limited payment contracts. The Company reviews assumptions and determines whether the sum of existing liabilities and the present value of future gross premiums is sufficient to cover the present value of future benefits to be paid and settlement costs. Anticipated investment income is considered when performing premium deficiency for long duration contracts. The anticipated investment income is projected based on current investment portfolio returns grading to long term reinvestment rates over the projection periods, based on anticipated gross reinvestment spreads, defaults and investment expenses. Premium deficiency reserves are recorded in certain instances where the policyholder liability for a particular line of business may not be deficient in the aggregate to trigger loss recognition, but the pattern of earnings may be such that profits are expected to be recognized in earlier years followed by losses in later years. This pattern of profits followed by losses is exhibited in our VISL business and is generated by the cost structure of the product or secondary guarantees in the contract. The secondary guarantee ensures that, subject to specified conditions, the policy will not terminate and will continue to provide a death benefit even if there is insufficient policy value to cover the monthly deductions and charges. We accrue for these PFBL using a dynamic approach that changes over time as the projection of future losses change.
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses are established for the Company’s employee benefits products which include the following Group products: long-term and short-term disability, life insurance, vision, dental, critical Illness, and accident. Unpaid claim and claim adjustment expenses consist of (i) claim reserves for known claims that are unpaid as of the balance sheet date; (ii) Incurred But Not Reported reserves for claims where the insured event occurred but has not yet been reported to the Company or the insured has not yet satisfied elimination period to be eligible for the benefits; and (iii) claim adjustment expense reserves for settling the claim run-out. The Company determines Incurred But Not Reported reserves and reviews the claim reserves for the long-term disability claims provided by a reinsurer managing the claims on the Company’s behalf. The claim adjustment expense reserves are set based on the Company’s anticipated cost associated with claim administration expenses on the run-out of business.
For long-term disability (“LTD”) the claim reserves for the reported claims are calculated as the present value of the net monthly LTD benefits (Social Security and other offsets may be estimated if unknown) and the best estimate probabilities of the claimant remaining disabled for a given benefit payment which are based on a termination rates table adjusted for experience. Should the offsets be estimated, they are estimated using the claimant’s salary, duration of disability and the probability of the offset award.
The disability termination rates vary based on the insured’s age at disability, gender, elimination period, the duration of disability, social security status and the number of months remaining in the benefit period. The rates account for the probabilities of both recovery and death. The reserves vary with plan provisions such as monthly benefit, offsets, own occupation period, benefit duration, cost of living adjustment (“COLA”), and minimum and maximum benefits. The discount rate assumptions for these liabilities are set annually and are based on projected investment returns for the asset portfolios. The interest rate is locked in for each claimant based on the year of disability.
For long-term disability, critical illness, and group accident the incurred but not reported reserves are determined using the expected loss ratio method, where the expected loss ratio is applied to the premiums to determine ultimate liabilities. For dental and vision the incurred but not reported reserves are determined using completion factors, where these factors complete paid-to-date claims to the ultimate liability based on past experience. For short-term disability and group life the incurred but not reported reserves are determined using a combination of expected loss ratio and completion factor methods.
Policyholders’ Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholders’ Liabilities - Prior to the adoption of ASU 2018-12 effective January 1, 2021
For participating traditional life insurance policies, future policy benefit liabilities were calculated using a net level premium method on the basis of actuarial insurance assumptions equal to guaranteed mortality and dividend fund interest rates. The liability for annual dividends represented the accrual of annual dividends earned. Terminal dividends were accrued in proportion to gross margins over the life of the contract.
For non-participating traditional life insurance policies, future policy benefit liabilities were estimated using a net level premium method on the basis of actuarial assumptions as to mortality, persistency and interest established at policy issue. Assumptions established at policy issue as to mortality and persistency were based on the Company’s experience that, together with interest and expense assumptions, included a margin for adverse deviation. Benefit liabilities for traditional annuities during the accumulation period were equal to accumulated policyholders’ fund balances and, after annuitization, were equal to the present value of expected future payments. Interest rates used in establishing such liabilities ranged from 3.5% to 7.3% (weighted average of 5.0%) for approximately 99.5% of life insurance liabilities and from 1.5% to 5.4% (weighted average of 3.6%) for annuity liabilities.
Individual health benefit liabilities for active lives are estimated using the net level premium method and assumptions as to future morbidity, withdrawals and interest. Benefit liabilities for disabled lives are estimated using the present value of benefits method and experience assumptions as to claim terminations, expenses and interest. While management believes its DI reserves have been calculated on a reasonable basis and are adequate, there can be no assurance reserves will be sufficient to provide for future liabilities.
The Company has issued and continues to offer certain variable annuity products with GMDB and/or contain a GMLB (collectively, the “GMxB features”) which, if elected by the policyholder after a stipulated waiting period from contract issuance, guarantees a minimum lifetime annuity based on predetermined annuity purchase rates that may be in excess of what the contract account value can purchase at then-current annuity purchase rates. This minimum lifetime annuity is based on predetermined annuity purchase rates applied to a GMIB base. The Company previously issued certain variable annuity products with GIB, GWBL, GMWB, and GMAB features. The Company has also assumed reinsurance for products with GMxB features.
Reserves for products that have GMIB features, but do not have no-lapse guarantee features, and products with GMDB features were determined by estimating the expected value of death or income benefits in excess of the projected contract accumulation value and recognizing the excess over the estimated life based on expected assessments (i.e., benefit ratio). The liability equaled the current benefit ratio multiplied by cumulative assessments recognized to date, plus interest, less cumulative excess payments to date. These reserves were recorded within future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities. The determination of this estimated future policy benefits liability was based on models that involved numerous assumptions and subjective judgments, including those regarding expected market rates of return and volatility, contract surrender and withdrawal rates, mortality experience, and, for contracts with the GMIB feature, GMIB election rates. Assumptions regarding separate account performance used for purposes of this calculation were set using a long-term view of expected average market returns by applying a RTM approach, consistent with that used for DAC amortization. There can be no assurance that actual experience will be consistent with management’s estimates.
Products that have a GMIB feature with a no-lapse guarantee rider (“GMIBNLG”), GIB, GWBL, GMWB and GMAB features and the assumed products with GMIB features (collectively “GMxB derivative features”) were considered either freestanding or embedded derivatives and discussed below under (“Embedded and Freestanding Insurance Derivatives”).
After the initial establishment of reserves, premium deficiency and loss recognition tests were performed each period end using best estimate assumptions as of the testing date without provisions for adverse deviation. When the liabilities for future policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums for the aggregate product group were insufficient to provide for expected future policy benefits and expenses for that line of business (i.e., reserves net of any DAC asset), DAC would first be written off and thereafter, if required, a premium deficiency reserve would be established by a charge to earnings.
Market Risk Benefits
Market risk benefits (“MRBs”) are contracts or contract features that provide protection to the contract holder from other than nominal capital market risk and expose the Company to other than nominal capital market risk. Market risk benefits include contract features that provide minimum guarantees to policyholders and include GMIB, GMDB, and ROP DB benefits. MRBs are measured at fair value on a seriatim basis using an ascribed fee approach based upon policyholder behavior projections and risk neutral economic scenarios adjusted based on the facts and circumstances of
the Company’s product features. The MRB Asset and MRB Liability will be equal to the present value of benefits and risk margins less the present value of ascribed fees. Ascribed fees will consist of the fee needed, under a stochastically generated set of risk-neutral scenarios, so that the present value of claims, including any risk charge, is equal to the present value of the projected attributed fees. which will be capped at present value of total policyholder contractual fees. The attributed fee percentage is considered a fixed term of the MRB feature and is held static over the life of the contract. Changes in fair value are recognized as a remeasurement gain/loss in the Change in market risk benefits and purchased market risk benefits, part of total benefits and other deductions except for the portion of the change in the fair value due to change in the Company’s own credit risk, which is recognized in other than comprehensive income. Additionally, when an annuitization occurs (for annuitization benefits) or upon extinguishment of the account balance (for withdrawal benefits) the balance related to the MRB will be derecognized and the amount deducted (after derecognition of any related amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income) shall be used in the calculation of the liability for future policy benefits for the payout annuity. Upon derecognition, any related balance will be removed from AOCI.
The Company has issued and continues to offer certain variable annuity products with GMDB and/or contain a GMIB (collectively, the “GMxB features”) which, if elected by the policyholder after a stipulated waiting period from contract issuance, guarantees a minimum lifetime annuity based on predetermined annuity purchase rates that may be in excess of what the contract account value can purchase at then-current annuity purchase rates. This minimum lifetime annuity is based on predetermined annuity purchase rates applied to a GMIB base.
Features in ceded reinsurance contracts that meet the definition of MRBs are accounted for at fair value. The fees used to determine the fair value of the reinsured market risk benefit are those defined in the reinsurance contract. The expected periodic future premiums would represent cash outflows and the expected future benefits would represent cash inflows in the fair value calculation. On the ceded side, the Purchased MRB will be measured considering the counterparty credit risk of the reinsurer, while the direct contract liabilities will be measured considering the instrument-specific credit risk of the insurer. As a result of the difference in the treatment of the counterparty credit risk, the fair value of the direct and ceded contracts may be different even if the contractual fees and benefits are the same. Changes in instrument-specific credit risk of the Company is included in the fair value of its market risk benefit, whether in an asset or liability position, and whether related to an issued or purchased MRB, is recognized in OCI. The counterparty credit risk of the reinsurer is recorded in the statements of income (loss).
Embedded and Freestanding Insurance Derivatives
Embedded and Freestanding Insurance Derivatives - Prior to the adoption of ASU 2018-12 effective January 1, 2021
Reserves for products considered either embedded or freestanding derivatives are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity product, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The estimated fair values of these derivatives are determined based on the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees attributable to the guarantee. The projections of future benefits and future fees require capital markets and actuarial assumptions, including expectations concerning policyholder behavior. A risk-neutral valuation methodology is used under which the cash flows from the guarantees are projected under multiple capital market scenarios using observable risk-free rates.
Changes in the fair value of embedded and freestanding derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses). Embedded derivatives in direct contracts are reported in future policyholders’ benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities at fair value in the balance sheets.
Embedded derivatives fair values are determined based on the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees. At policy inception, a portion of the projected future guarantee fees to be collected from the policyholder equal to the present value of projected future guaranteed benefits is attributed to the embedded derivative. The percentage of fees included in the fair value measurement is locked-in at inception. Fees above those amounts represent “excess” fees and are reported in policy charges and fee income.
Separate Accounts
Separate Accounts
Generally, Separate Accounts established under Arizona Insurance Law are not chargeable with liabilities that arise from any other business of the Company. Separate Accounts assets are subject to General Account claims only to the extent Separate Accounts assets exceed separate accounts liabilities. Assets and liabilities of the Separate Account represent the net deposits and accumulated net investment earnings (loss) less fees, held primarily for the benefit of policyholders, and for which the Company does not bear the investment risk. Separate Accounts assets and liabilities are shown on separate lines in the balance sheets. Assets held in Separate Accounts are reported at quoted market values or, where quoted values are not readily available or accessible for these securities, their fair value measures
most often are determined through the use of model pricing that effectively discounts prospective cash flows to present value using appropriate sector-adjusted credit spreads commensurate with the security’s duration, also taking into consideration issuer-specific credit quality and liquidity. Investment performance (including investment income, net investment gains (losses) and changes in unrealized gains (losses)) and the corresponding amounts credited to policyholders of such Separate Accounts are offset within the same line in the statements of income (loss).
Deposits to Separate Accounts are reported as increases in Separate Accounts assets and liabilities and are not reported in the statements of income (loss). Mortality, policy administration and surrender charges on all policies including those funded by Separate Accounts are included in revenues.
The Company reports the General Account’s interests in Separate Accounts as trading securities, at fair value in the balance sheets.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
The Company files as part of a consolidated Federal income tax return. The Company provides for federal and state income taxes currently payable, as well as those deferred due to temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Current federal income taxes are charged or credited to operations based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations for the current year. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between financial statement carrying amounts and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted income tax rates and laws. Valuation allowances are established when management determines, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Under accounting for uncertainty in income taxes guidance, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. Tax positions are then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement.
Recognition of Investment Management and Service Fees
Recognition of Investment Management and Service Fees
Reported as investment management and service fees in the Company’s statements of income (loss) are administrative fees earned by the Company related to administrative services provided to EIMG and EIM related to the establishment and maintenance of the Separate Accounts, shareholder servicing, customer support, and other similar services. Accordingly, these administrative service base fees are recorded over time as services are performed and entitle the Company to variable consideration. Base fees, generally calculated as a percentage of AUM, are recognized as revenue at month-end when the transaction price no longer is variable and the value of the consideration is determined. These fees are not subject to claw back and there is minimal probability that a significant reversal of the revenue recorded will occur.
Amounts for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were previously reported in other income and have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.
Assumption Updates and Model Changes
Assumption Updates and Model Changes
The Company conducts its annual review of its assumptions and models during the third quarter of each year. The annual review encompasses assumptions underlying the valuation of unearned revenue liabilities, embedded derivatives for our insurance business, liabilities for future policyholder benefits, DAC and DSI assets.
However, the Company updates its assumptions as needed in the event it becomes aware of economic conditions or events that could require a change in assumptions that it believes may have a significant impact to the carrying value of product liabilities and assets and consequently materially impact its earnings in the period of the change.
Impact of Assumption Updates
The net impact of assumption changes during 2022 increased remeasurement of liability for future policy benefits by $1 million, decreased policyholders’ benefits by $11 million, and decreased amortization of DAC by $1 million. This resulted in an increase in income (loss) from operations, before income taxes of $11 million and increased net income (loss) by $9 million.
The net impact of assumption changes during 2021 decreased remeasurement of liability for future policy benefits by $4 million, increased policyholders’ benefits by $14 million, and increased change in market risk benefits and
purchased market risk benefits by$1 million . This resulted in a decrease in income (loss) from operations, before income taxes of $11 million and decreased net income (loss) by $9 million.
The net impact of assumption changes during 2020 decreased policy charges and fee income by $9 million, decreased policyholders’ benefits by $1 million, and increased amortization of DAC by $8 million. This resulted in a decrease in income (loss) from operations, before income taxes of $16 million and decreased net income (loss) by $13 million. The 2020 impacts related to assumption updates were primarily driven by the first quarter updates.
MRB Annual Update
During the third quarter of 2022 and 2021 we completed our annual assumption update to reflect emerging experience for withdrawals, mortality and lapse election. The actuarial balance assumption process is very similar to the process used in prior years and includes actuarial judgement informed by actual experience of how policy holders are expected to use these policies in the future. In addition, as part of the 2021 assumption update, the reference interest rate utilized in our GAAP fair value calculations was updated from the LIBOR swap curve to the US Treasury curve due to the impending cessation of LIBOR and our GAAP fair value liability risk margins. There were no other significant change to the process used to calculate the MRB balances.
LFPB Annual Update
During the third quarter of 2022 and 2021 we completed our annual assumption we completed our annual assumption update. The significant assumptions for the LFPB balances include mortality and lapses for our Term business. The primary assumption for the payout block of business is mortality. Impacts to expected net premiums and expected future policy benefits due to assumption changes in 2021 can be observed in the liability for future policy benefit rollforward tables.
Additional Liability Annual Update
During the third quarter of 2022 and 2021, we completed our annual assumption update. The significant assumptions for the additional insurance liability balances include mortality, lapses, premium payment pattern, interest crediting assumption.
The current period change in reserve is reviewed in the rollforward as shown in the Effect of changes in interest rate and cash flow assumptions and model changes row in the rollforward based on current inforce and the expected inforce based on the policy runoff from the Company’s best estimate policy holder assumptions.
Model Changes
There were no material model changes during the year ended December 31, 2022 or 2020.
The Company updated its models in the third quarter of 2021 to better reflect our crediting rate strategy on indexed universal life products. This resulted in an increase in income (loss) from operations, before income taxes of $21 million and increased net income (loss) by $17 million.
Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements
Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements
The Company identified an error in its previously issued financial statements specifically related to the amortization of the cost of reinsurance asset. The impact of this error to prior periods’ financial statements was not considered to be material. In addition, during 2022 we identified an error in previously issued financial statements specifically related to the preparation of the statement of cash flows. In order to improve the consistency and comparability of the financial statements, management revised the financial statements to include the revisions discussed herein. The impact of the errors to prior periods’ financial statements was not considered to be material. See Note 18 of the Notes to these Financial Statements for details of the revision.
Out of Period Adjustments
Out of Period Adjustments
During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded out of period adjustments resulting in an aggregate decrease of $7 million to Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes. These adjustments relate to understated expenses and overstated revenue in prior quarters of 2022 and were not material to any prior period.
Fair Value Disclosures
U.S. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value, and identifies three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1    Unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 1 fair values generally are supported by market transactions that occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
Level 2    Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar instruments, quoted prices in markets that are not active, and inputs to model-derived valuations that are directly observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3    Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and often requiring significant management judgment or estimation, such as an entity’s own assumptions about the cash flows or other significant components of value that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company uses unadjusted quoted market prices to measure fair value for those instruments that are actively traded in financial markets. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using present value or other valuation techniques. The fair value determinations are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the financial instrument, including estimates of the timing and amount of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of counterparties. Such adjustments do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument, nor do they consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In many cases,
the fair value cannot be substantiated by direct comparison to independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.
Management is responsible for the determination of the value of investments carried at fair value and the supporting methodologies and assumptions. Under the terms of various service agreements, the Company often utilizes independent valuation service providers to gather, analyze, and interpret market information and derive fair values based upon relevant methodologies and assumptions for individual securities. These independent valuation service providers typically obtain data about market transactions and other key valuation model inputs from multiple sources and, through the use of widely accepted valuation models, provide a single fair value measurement for individual securities for which a fair value has been requested. As further described below with respect to specific asset classes, these inputs include, but are not limited to, market prices for recent trades and transactions in comparable securities, benchmark yields, interest rate yield curves, credit spreads, quoted prices for similar securities, and other market-observable information, as applicable. Specific attributes of the security being valued also are considered, including its term, interest rate, credit rating, industry sector, and when applicable, collateral quality and other security- or issuer-specific information. When insufficient market observable information is available upon which to measure fair value, the Company either will request brokers knowledgeable about these securities to provide a non-binding quote or will employ internal valuation models. Fair values received from independent valuation service providers and brokers and those internally modeled or otherwise estimated are assessed for reasonableness.