Fidelity National Financial, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
| ☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021
OR
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
Commission File Number: 001-32630
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 16-1725106 | |||||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
601 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida, 32204
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(904) 854-8100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | ||||||||||||
| FNF Common Stock, $0.0001 par value | FNF | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||||||
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 ☒ or No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of 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 such files). Yes ☒ or No¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large Accelerated Filer | ☒ | Accelerated Filer | ☐ | ||||||||
| Non-accelerated Filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting Company | ☐ | ||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | ||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ or No ☒
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock as of April 30, 2021 were:
FNF Common Stock 289,052,633
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT
Quarter Ended March 31, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | |||||
| PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |||||
2 | |||||
3 | |||||
4 | |||||
5 | |||||
6 | |||||
7 | |||||
8 | |||||
47 | |||||
| 76 | |||||
| 77 | |||||
| PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | |||||
78 | |||||
78 | |||||
78 | |||||
79 | |||||
1
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
2
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in millions, except share data)
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Investments: | |||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value, at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, net of allowance for credit losses of $7 and $19, respectively, and includes pledged fixed maturity securities of $460 and $455, respectively, related to secured trust deposits | $ | 27,718 | $ | 27,587 | |||||||
| Preferred securities, at fair value | 1,293 | 1,341 | |||||||||
| Equity securities, at fair value | 1,436 | 995 | |||||||||
| Derivative investments | 542 | 548 | |||||||||
Mortgage loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $36 and $39 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively | 2,374 | 2,031 | |||||||||
| Investments in unconsolidated affiliates | 1,424 | 1,294 | |||||||||
| Other long-term investments | 481 | 482 | |||||||||
Short-term investments, at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 includes pledged short-term investments of $1 and $1, respectively, related to secured trust deposits | 124 | 769 | |||||||||
| Total investments | 35,392 | 35,047 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 includes $283 and $270, respectively, of pledged cash related to secured trust deposits | 3,026 | 2,719 | |||||||||
Trade and notes receivables, net of allowance of $26 and $28 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively | 425 | 437 | |||||||||
Reinsurance recoverable, net of allowance for credit losses of $21 and $21 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively | 3,465 | 3,211 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 4,498 | 4,495 | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | 1,041 | 997 | |||||||||
| Lease assets | 358 | 374 | |||||||||
| Other intangible assets, net | 2,393 | 2,264 | |||||||||
| Title plants | 401 | 404 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 179 | 180 | |||||||||
| Assets of discontinued operations | 311 | 327 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 51,489 | $ | 50,455 | |||||||
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Contractholder funds | $ | 29,592 | $ | 28,718 | |||||||
| Future policy benefits | 3,959 | 4,010 | |||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 2,469 | 2,402 | |||||||||
| Notes payable | 2,663 | 2,662 | |||||||||
| Reserve for title claim losses | 1,683 | 1,623 | |||||||||
| Funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities | 1,026 | 806 | |||||||||
| Secured trust deposits | 733 | 711 | |||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 398 | 414 | |||||||||
| Income taxes payable | 142 | 56 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liability | 259 | 300 | |||||||||
| Liabilities of discontinued operations | 339 | 361 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 43,263 | 42,063 | |||||||||
| Equity: | |||||||||||
FNF common stock, $0.0001 par value; authorized 600,000,000 shares as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020; outstanding of 289,328,879 and 291,448,627 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and issued of 323,303,805 and 322,622,948 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively | — | — | |||||||||
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, none | — | — | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 5,752 | 5,720 | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 2,893 | 2,394 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive earnings | 720 | 1,304 | |||||||||
Less: Treasury stock, 33,974,926 shares and 31,174,321 shares as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, at cost | (1,179) | (1,067) | |||||||||
| Total Fidelity National Financial, Inc. shareholders’ equity | 8,186 | 8,351 | |||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 40 | 41 | |||||||||
| Total equity | 8,226 | 8,392 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 51,489 | $ | 50,455 | |||||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
3
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||
| Direct title insurance premiums | $ | 746 | $ | 546 | |||||||
| Agency title insurance premiums | 1,058 | 732 | |||||||||
| Escrow, title-related and other fees | 851 | 601 | |||||||||
| Interest and investment income | 402 | 53 | |||||||||
| Recognized gains and losses, net | 43 | (320) | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 3,100 | 1,612 | |||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||
| Personnel costs | 812 | 614 | |||||||||
| Agent commissions | 807 | 560 | |||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 458 | 411 | |||||||||
| Benefits and other changes in policy reserves | (26) | — | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 183 | 43 | |||||||||
| Provision for title claim losses | 81 | 58 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 28 | 12 | |||||||||
| Total expenses | 2,343 | 1,698 | |||||||||
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 757 | (86) | |||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 166 | (28) | |||||||||
| Earnings (loss) before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 591 | (58) | |||||||||
| Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 13 | 1 | |||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations | 604 | (57) | |||||||||
| Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax | 5 | — | |||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | 609 | (57) | |||||||||
| Less: Net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests | 4 | 4 | |||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) attributable to Fidelity National Financial, Inc. common shareholders | $ | 605 | $ | (61) | |||||||
| Earnings per share | |||||||||||
| Basic | |||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders | $ | 2.07 | $ | (0.22) | |||||||
| Net earnings per share from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders | 0.02 | — | |||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders, basic | $ | 2.09 | $ | (0.22) | |||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders | $ | 2.06 | $ | (0.22) | |||||||
| Net earnings per share from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders | 0.02 | — | |||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders, diluted | $ | 2.08 | $ | (0.22) | |||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | 289 | 274 | |||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | 291 | 274 | |||||||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
4
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
(In millions)
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | $ | 609 | $ | (57) | |||||||
| Other comprehensive loss: | |||||||||||
| Unrealized loss on investments and other financial instruments, net of adjustments to intangible assets and unearned revenue (excluding investments in unconsolidated affiliates) (1) | (545) | (9) | |||||||||
| Unrealized gain on investments in unconsolidated affiliates (2) | 9 | 7 | |||||||||
| Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation (3) | (2) | (10) | |||||||||
| Reclassification adjustments for change in unrealized gains and losses included in net earnings (4) | (46) | (3) | |||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | (584) | (15) | |||||||||
| Comprehensive earnings (loss) | 25 | (72) | |||||||||
| Less: Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests | 4 | 4 | |||||||||
| Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Fidelity National Financial, Inc. common shareholders | $ | 21 | $ | (76) | |||||||
_______________________________________
(1)Net of income tax benefit of $146 million and $3 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(2)Net of income tax expense of $3 million and $2 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(3)Net of income tax benefit of $3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020.
(4)Net of income tax expense of $12 million and $1 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
| Fidelity National Financial, Inc. Common Shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FNF | Other | Redeemable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common | Additional | Comprehensive | Treasury | Non- | Non- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock | Paid-in | Retained | Earnings | Stock | controlling | Total | controlling | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | $ | Capital | Earnings | (Loss) | Shares | $ | Interests | Equity | Interests | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2019 | 292 | $ | — | $ | 4,581 | $ | 1,356 | $ | 43 | 17 | $ | (598) | $ | (17) | $ | 5,365 | $ | 344 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Treasury stock repurchased | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | (94) | — | (94) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss - unrealized loss on investments and other financial instruments | — | — | — | — | (9) | — | — | — | (9) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive earnings - unrealized gain on investments in unconsolidated affiliates | — | — | — | — | 7 | — | — | — | 7 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss - unrealized loss on foreign currency translation | — | — | — | — | (10) | — | — | — | (10) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification adjustments for change in unrealized gains and losses included in net earnings | — | — | — | — | (3) | — | — | — | (3) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | 9 | — | — | — | — | — | 9 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared, $0.33 per common share | — | — | — | (91) | — | — | — | — | (91) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary dividends declared to non-controlling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (3) | (3) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) earnings | — | — | — | (61) | — | — | — | 4 | (57) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2020 | 292 | $ | — | $ | 4,592 | $ | 1,204 | $ | 28 | 20 | $ | (692) | $ | (16) | $ | 5,116 | $ | 344 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2020 | 322 | $ | — | $ | 5,720 | $ | 2,394 | $ | 1,304 | 31 | $ | (1,067) | $ | 41 | $ | 8,392 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options | 1 | — | 21 | — | — | — | — | — | 21 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Treasury stock repurchased | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | (112) | — | (112) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss — unrealized loss on investments and other financial instruments | — | — | — | — | (545) | — | — | — | (545) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive earnings — unrealized gain on investments in unconsolidated affiliates | — | — | — | — | 9 | — | — | — | 9 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss — unrealized loss on foreign currency translation | — | — | — | — | (2) | — | — | — | (2) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification adjustments for change in unrealized gains and losses included in net earnings | — | — | — | — | (46) | — | — | — | (46) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | 11 | — | — | — | — | — | 11 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared, $0.36 per common share | — | — | — | (106) | — | — | — | — | (106) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary dividends declared to non-controlling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (5) | (5) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | 605 | — | — | — | 4 | 609 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2021 | 323 | $ | — | $ | 5,752 | $ | 2,893 | $ | 720 | 34 | $ | (1,179) | $ | 40 | $ | 8,226 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
| For the three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | $ | 609 | $ | (57) | |||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 183 | 43 | |||||||||
| Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | (13) | (1) | |||||||||
| (Gain) loss on sales of investments and other assets and asset impairments, net | (71) | 8 | |||||||||
| Interest credited/index credits to contractholder account balances | (62) | — | |||||||||
| Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements | (134) | — | |||||||||
| Charges assessed to contractholders for mortality and admin | (41) | — | |||||||||
| Non-cash lease costs | 34 | 37 | |||||||||
| Operating lease payments | (38) | (38) | |||||||||
| Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates, return on investment | 7 | — | |||||||||
| Stock-based compensation cost | 11 | 9 | |||||||||
| Change in valuation of derivatives, equity and preferred securities, net | (18) | 312 | |||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: | |||||||||||
| Change in reinsurance recoverable | (38) | — | |||||||||
| Change in future policy benefits | (51) | — | |||||||||
| Change in funds withheld from reinsurers | 217 | — | |||||||||
| Net decrease in trade receivables | 14 | 20 | |||||||||
| Net increase in reserve for title claim losses | 60 | 9 | |||||||||
| Net change in income taxes | 144 | (32) | |||||||||
| Net change in other assets and other liabilities | (148) | (205) | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 665 | 105 | |||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales, calls and maturities of investment securities | 1,586 | 265 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of property and equipment | — | 9 | |||||||||
| Additions to property and equipment and capitalized software | (22) | (28) | |||||||||
| Purchases of investment securities | (3,283) | (300) | |||||||||
| Net proceeds from (purchases of) sales and maturities of short-term investment securities | 645 | (382) | |||||||||
| Acquisitions/disposals of businesses, net of cash acquired/disposed | (5) | — | |||||||||
| Additional investments in unconsolidated affiliates | (1) | (9) | |||||||||
| Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates, return of investment | 24 | 2 | |||||||||
| Net other investing activities | (4) | 4 | |||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (1,060) | (439) | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Dividends paid | (104) | (90) | |||||||||
| Subsidiary dividends paid to non-controlling interest shareholders | (5) | (3) | |||||||||
| Exercise of stock options | 21 | 2 | |||||||||
| Net change in secured trust deposits | 23 | 35 | |||||||||
| Payment of contingent consideration for prior period acquisitions | (2) | (7) | |||||||||
| Contractholder account deposits | 1,522 | — | |||||||||
| Contractholder account withdrawals | (641) | — | |||||||||
| Purchases of treasury stock | (112) | (89) | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 702 | (152) | |||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 307 | (486) | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 2,719 | 1,376 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 3,026 | $ | 890 | |||||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note A — Basis of Financial Statements
The financial information in this report presented for interim periods is unaudited and includes the accounts of Fidelity National Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” the "Company" or “FNF”) prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All adjustments made were of a normal, recurring nature. This report should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K (our "Annual Report") for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Description of the Business
We are a leading provider of (i) title insurance, escrow and other title-related services, including trust activities, trustee sales guarantees, recordings and reconveyances and home warranty products, (ii) technology and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries and (iii) annuity and life insurance products. FNF is one of the nation’s largest title insurance companies operating through its title insurance underwriters - Fidelity National Title Insurance Company ("FNTIC"), Chicago Title Insurance Company ("Chicago Title"), Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company ("Commonwealth Title"), Alamo Title Insurance and National Title Insurance of New York Inc. - which collectively issue more title insurance policies than any other title company in the United States. Through our subsidiary, ServiceLink Holdings, LLC ("ServiceLink"), we provide mortgage transaction services, including title-related services and facilitation of production and management of mortgage loans. We are also a provider of annuity and life insurance products, providing deferred annuities, including fixed index annuities ("FIA"), fixed rate annuities, and immediate annuities and indexed universal life ("IUL") insurance through our wholly-owned subsidiary, F&G Annuities & Life ("F&G").
For information about our reportable segments refer to Note H Segment Information.
Recent Developments
Merger of Paysafe Limited ("Paysafe") and Foley Trasimene Acquisition Corp. II ("FTAC II")
On December 7, 2020, each of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, FNTIC, Commonwealth Title, Chicago Title and F&G (collectively, the "FTAC II Subscribers"), entered into common stock subscription agreements with Paysafe and FTAC II to purchase in the aggregate $500 million (the "Purchase Price") of common shares, par value $0.001 per share, of Paysafe at a purchase price of $10.00 per share ("the PIPE Investment"). On March 30, 2021, FTAC II merged with Paysafe, an exempted limited company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and a leading integrated payments platform (the "FTAC II Paysafe Merger"), in accordance with the agreement and plan of merger dated December 7, 2020. The newly combined company operates as Paysafe and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol PSFE. The FTAC II Paysafe Merger was funded with the cash held in trust at FTAC II, forward purchase commitments, private investment in public equity ("PIPE") commitments and equity of Paysafe.
On March 30, 2021, the FTAC II Subscribers funded the subscription agreements and received 50 million common shares of Paysafe. As of March 31, 2021, we hold approximately 7% of the outstanding common shares of Paysafe. In connection with the PIPE Investment, we received a fee of 1.6% of the Purchase Price as described in the agreement and plan of merger dated December 7, 2020.
Income Tax
Income tax expense (benefit) was $166 million and $(28) million in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Income tax expense as a percentage of earnings before income taxes was 22% in the three months ended March 31, 2021. Income tax benefit as a percentage of loss before income taxes was 33% in the three months ended March 31, 2020. The 2020 period includes an additional tax benefit of $7 million related to a 2017 amended return filed in the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share, as presented on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings, is computed by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders in a given period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during such period. In periods when earnings are positive, diluted earnings per
8
share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the impact of assumed conversions of potentially dilutive securities. For periods when we recognize a net loss, diluted earnings per share is equal to basic earnings per share as the impact of assumed conversions of potentially dilutive securities is considered to be antidilutive. We have granted certain stock options, shares of restricted stock and certain other convertible share based payments which have been treated as common share equivalents for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share for periods in which positive earnings have been reported.
Options or other instruments which provide the ability to purchase shares of our common stock that are antidilutive are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. There were 1 million and 3 million antidilutive instruments outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Discontinued Operations
In connection with the F&G acquisition, certain third party offshore reinsurance businesses acquired were deemed discontinued operations and are presented as such within our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Adopted Pronouncements
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 Income Taxes - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740), which simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance and will be applied using different approaches depending on what the specific amendment relates to and, for public entities, are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2021, and it had no impact on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption.
In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-08, Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs. The amendments in this update clarify that callable debt securities should be re-evaluated each reporting period to determine if the amortized cost exceeds the amount repayable by the issuer at the next earliest call date, and, if so, the excess should be amortized to the next call date. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2021 and are applying this guidance on a prospective basis. This pronouncement had no impact on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption.
Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944), Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 including interim periods within those fiscal years. This update introduced the following requirements: assumptions used to measure cash flows for traditional and limited-payment contracts must be reviewed at least annually with the effect of changes in those assumptions being recognized in the statement of operations; the discount rate applied to measure the liability for future policy benefits and limited-payment contracts must be updated at each reporting date with the effect of changes in the rate being recognized in other comprehensive income; market risk benefits associated with deposit contracts must be measured at fair value, with the effect of the change in the fair value attributable to a change in the instrument-specific credit risk being recognized in other comprehensive income; deferred acquisition costs are required to be amortized in proportion to premiums, gross profits, or gross margins and those balances must be amortized on a constant level basis over the expected term of the related contracts; deferred acquisition costs must be written off for unexpected contract terminations; and disaggregated rollforwards of beginning to ending balances of the liability for future policy benefits, policyholder account balances, market risk benefits, separate account liabilities and deferred acquisition costs, as well as information about significant inputs, judgments, assumptions, and methods used in measurement are required to be disclosed.
The amendments in this ASU may be early adopted as of the beginning of an annual reporting period for which financial statements have not yet been issued, including interim financial statements. We do not currently expect to early adopt this standard. We have identified specific areas that will be impacted by the new guidance and are in the process of assessing the accounting, reporting and/or process changes that will be required to comply as well as the impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
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Note B — Summary of Reserve for Title Claim Losses
A summary of the reserve for title claim losses follows:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | |||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 1,623 | $ | 1,509 | |||||||
| Change in insurance recoverable | 25 | (1) | |||||||||
| Claim loss provision related to: | |||||||||||
| Current year | 81 | 58 | |||||||||
| Prior years | — | — | |||||||||
| Total title claim loss provision | 81 | 58 | |||||||||
| Claims paid, net of recoupments related to: | |||||||||||
| Current year | — | — | |||||||||
| Prior years | (46) | (48) | |||||||||
| Total title claims paid, net of recoupments | (46) | (48) | |||||||||
| Ending balance of claim loss reserve for title insurance | $ | 1,683 | $ | 1,518 | |||||||
| Provision for title insurance claim losses as a percentage of title insurance premiums | 4.5 | % | 4.5 | % | |||||||
Several lawsuits have been filed by various parties against Chicago Title Company and Chicago Title Insurance Company as its alter ego (collectively, the “Named Companies”), among others. Generally, plaintiffs claim they are investors who were solicited by Gina Champion-Cain to provide funds that purportedly were to be used for high-interest, short-term loans to parties seeking to acquire California alcoholic beverage licenses. Plaintiffs contend that under California state law, alcoholic beverage license applicants are required to escrow an amount equal to the license purchase price while their applications remain pending with the State. Plaintiffs further alleged that employees of Chicago Title Company participated with Ms. Champion-Cain and her entities in a fraud scheme involving an escrow account maintained by Chicago Title Company into which the plaintiffs’ funds were deposited. The Named Companies have settled or conditionally settled with various parties and/or are participating in court-ordered mediation with all other parties in an effort to fully resolve the claims related to this matter.
The following lawsuits were filed in the Superior Court of San Diego County for the State of California. While they have not been consolidated into one action, they have been deemed by the court to be related and are assigned to the same judge for purposes of judicial economy. Unless otherwise noted below, the Named Companies have or will respond to the operative complaints by the respective due dates.
On December 13, 2019, a lawsuit styled, Kim Funding, LLC, Kim H. Peterson, Joseph J. Cohen, and ABC Funding Strategies, LLC v. Chicago Title Co., Chicago Title Ins. Co., Thomas Schwiebert, Adelle Ducharme, and Betty Elixman, was filed in San Diego County Superior Court. Plaintiffs claim losses of more than $250 million as a result of the alleged fraud scheme, and also seek statutory, treble, and punitive damages. The Named Companies have filed a cross-complaint against Ms. Champion-Cain, among others.
On March 6, 2020, a lawsuit styled, Wakefield Capital, LLC, Wakefield Investments, LLC, 2Budz Holding, LLC, Doug and Kristine Heidrich, and Jeff and Heidi Orr v. Chicago Title Co. and Chicago Title Ins. Co., was filed in San Diego County Superior Court. Plaintiffs claim losses in excess of $7 million as a result of the alleged fraud scheme, and also seek punitive damages, recovery of attorneys’ fees, and disgorgement.
On March 16, 2020, a lawsuit styled, Randolph L. Levin, et al., v. Chicago Title Co., Chicago Title Ins. Co., Thomas Schwiebert, Adelle Ducharme, Betty Elixman, et al., was filed in San Diego County Superior Court. Plaintiffs claim losses in excess of $38 million as a result of the alleged fraud scheme, and also seek punitive damages and the recovery of attorneys’ fees. This matter has conditionally settled under confidential terms following mediation.
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On May 29, 2020, a lawsuit styled, Mark Atherton, et al., v. Chicago Title Co. and Chicago Title Ins. Co., was filed in was filed in San Diego County Superior Court. Plaintiffs claim losses of more than $30 million as a result of the alleged fraud scheme, and also seek statutory, treble, and punitive damages, as well as the recovery of attorneys’ fees. This matter has conditionally settled under confidential terms.
On June 29, 2020, a lawsuit styled, Susan Heller Fenley Separate Property Trust, DTD 03/04/2010, Susan Heller Fenley Inherited Roth IRA, Shelley Lynn Tarditi Trust and ROJ, LLC v. Chicago Title Co., Chicago Title Ins. Co., Thomas Schwiebert, Adelle Ducharme, and Betty Elixman, was filed in San Diego County Superior Court. Plaintiffs claim losses in excess of $6 million as a result of the alleged fraud scheme, and also seek statutory, treble, and punitive damages.
On June 29, 2020, a lawsuit styled, Yuan Yu and Polly Yu v. Chicago Title Co., Chicago Title Ins. Co., Thomas Schwiebert, Adelle Ducharme, and Betty Elixman, was filed in San Diego County Superior Court. Plaintiffs claim losses in excess of $1 million as a result of the alleged fraud scheme, and also seek statutory, treble, and punitive damages.
On July 7, 2020, a cross-claim styled, Laurie Peterson v. Chicago Title Co., Chicago Title Ins. Co., Thomas Schwiebert, Adelle Ducharme, and Betty Elixman, was filed in an existing lawsuit styled, Banc of California, National Association v. Laurie Peterson, which is pending in San Diego County Superior Court. Cross-complaint plaintiff was sued by a bank to recover in excess of $35 million that she allegedly guaranteed to repay for certain investments made by the Banc of California in the alcoholic beverage license scheme. Cross-complaint plaintiff has, in turn, sued the Named Companies in that action seeking in excess of $250 million in monetary losses as well as exemplary damages and attorneys’ fees.
On September 3, 2020, a cross-claim styled, Kim H. Peterson Trustee of the Peterson Family Trust dated April 14 1992 v. Chicago Title Co., Chicago Title Ins. Co., Thomas Schwiebert, Adelle Ducharme, and Betty Elixman, was filed in an existing lawsuit styled, CalPrivate Bank v. Kim H. Peterson Trustee of the Peterson Family Trust dated April 14 1992, which is pending in Superior Court of San Diego County for the State of California. Cross-complaint plaintiff was sued by a bank to recover in excess of $12 million that the trustee allegedly guaranteed to repay for certain investments made by CalPrivate Bank in the alcoholic beverage license scheme. Cross-complaint plaintiff has, in turn, sued the Named Companies in that action seeking in excess of $250 million in monetary losses as well as exemplary damages and attorneys’ fees.
On October 1, 2020, a lawsuit styled, Ovation Fin. Holdings 2 LLC, Ovation Fund Mgmt. II, LLC, Banc of California, N.A. v. Chicago Title Ins. Co., was filed in San Diego County Superior Court. Plaintiffs claim losses of more than $75 million, as well as consequential and punitive damages. The Named Companies have filed a cross-complaint against Ms. Champion-Cain, among others.
On November 2, 2020, a lawsuit styled, CalPrivate Bank v. Chicago Title Co. and Chicago Title Ins. Co., was also filed in the Superior Court of San Diego County for the State of California. Plaintiff claims losses in excess of $12 million based upon business loan advances made in the alcoholic beverage license scheme, and also seeks punitive damages and the recovery of attorneys’ fees. The Named Companies have filed a cross-complaint against Ms. Champion-Cain, among others.
On February 24, 2021, a putative class action lawsuit styled, Blake E. Allred and Melissa M. Allred v. Chicago Title Co., Chicago Title Ins. Co., was filed in the Superior Court of San Diego County for the State of California. Plaintiffs are seeking compensatory, statutory, treble, and punitive damages.
On October 23, 2020, a lawsuit styled, DH Claims LLC v. Chicago Title Co., Chicago Title Ins. Co., and Della Ducharme, was filed in the Superior Court of Orange County for the State of California. Plaintiff claims losses in excess of $2 million as a result of the alleged fraud scheme, and also seeks statutory, treble, and punitive damages, as well as the recovery of attorneys’ fees. This matter has conditionally settled under confidential terms.
In addition, Chicago Title Company has conditionally resolved claims from both individual investors and a group of alleged investors under confidential terms during pre-suit mediations. As of March 31, 2021, the
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Company has recorded an incurred claim loss reserve for legal fees and any remaining unpaid amounts relating to losses on the matters resolved confidentially mentioned above which is included in its consolidated reserve for title claim losses. The Company has also recorded an insurance recoverable for amounts that it expects to recover from its insurance carriers relating to these matters.
At this time, the Company is unable to ascertain its liability, if any, and is unable to make an estimate of a reasonably possible claim loss for any of the unresolved claims due to the complex nature of the claims and litigation, the early procedural status of each claim (involving unresolved questions of fact without any rulings on the merits or determinations of liability), the extent of discovery not yet conducted, potential insurance coverage, and an incomplete evaluation of possible defenses, counterclaims, crossclaims or third-party claims that may exist. Moreover, it is likely that in some instances, the claims listed above are duplicative. As further information becomes available, the Company will continue to evaluate the adequacy of its consolidated reserve for title claim losses. As of March 31, 2021, the Company believes that its reserves are adequate to cover its losses related to this matter and other claims.
We continually update loss reserve estimates as new information becomes known, new loss patterns emerge or as other contributing factors are considered and incorporated into the analysis of reserve for claim losses. Estimating future title loss payments is difficult because of the complex nature of title claims, the long periods of time over which claims are paid, significantly varying dollar amounts of individual claims and other factors.
Due to the uncertainty inherent in the process and to the judgment used by management, the ultimate liability may be greater or less than our current reserves. If actual claims loss development varies from what is currently expected and is not offset by other factors, it is possible that additional reserve adjustments may be required in future periods in order to maintain our recorded reserve within a reasonable range of our actuary's central estimate.
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Note C — Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our measurement of fair value is based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset, or non-performance risk, which may include our own credit risk. We estimate an exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability (“exit price”) in the principal market, or the most advantageous market for that asset or liability in the absence of a principal market as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or assume a liability (“entry price”). We categorize financial instruments carried at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the priority of inputs to the respective valuation technique. The three-level hierarchy for fair value measurement is defined as follows:
Level 1 - Values are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets accessible at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices from those willing to trade in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by market data for the term of the instrument. Such inputs include market interest rates and volatilities, spreads, and yield curves.
Level 3 - Certain inputs are unobservable (supported by little or no market activity) and significant to the fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s best estimate of what hypothetical market participants would use to determine a transaction price for the asset or liability at the reporting date based on the best information available in the circumstances.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment.
When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. Because certain securities trade in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information, the determination of fair value for these securities is inherently more difficult. In addition to the unobservable inputs, Level 3 fair value investments may include observable components, which are components that are actively quoted or can be validated to market-based sources.
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The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments for which the disclosure of fair values is required, including financial assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis, with the exception of investment contracts, portions of other long-term investments and debt which are disclosed later within this footnote, was summarized according to the hierarchy previously described, as follows (in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,026 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,026 | $ | 3,026 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | — | 5,069 | 1,593 | 6,662 | 6,662 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | — | 2,865 | 25 | 2,890 | 2,890 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporates | 36 | 13,182 | 1,246 | 14,464 | 14,464 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hybrids | 161 | 791 | — | 952 | 952 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipals | — | 1,376 | 41 | 1,417 | 1,417 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | — | 320 | 487 | 807 | 807 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government | 339 | — | — | 339 | 339 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | — | 170 | 17 | 187 | 187 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | 838 | 590 | 8 | 1,436 | 1,436 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred securities | 480 | 812 | 1 | 1,293 | 1,293 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative investments | 1 | 541 | — | 542 | 542 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short term investments | 105 | 19 | — | 124 | 124 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other long-term investments | — | — | 48 | 48 | 48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial assets at fair value | $ | 4,986 | $ | 25,735 | $ | 3,466 | $ | 34,187 | $ | 34,187 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value of future policy benefits | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds | — | — | 3,293 | 3,293 | 3,293 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance related embedded derivatives, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | — | 75 | — | 75 | 75 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subscription agreements | — | 4 | — | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred shares reimbursement feature embedded derivative | — | — | 4 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial liabilities at fair value | $ | — | $ | 79 | $ | 3,297 | $ | 3,376 | $ | 3,376 | |||||||||||||||||||
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| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,719 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,719 | $ | 2,719 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | — | 4,916 | 1,350 | 6,266 | 6,266 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | — | 2,803 | 26 | 2,829 | 2,829 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporates | 25 | 13,421 | 1,289 | 14,735 | 14,735 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hybrids | 175 | 815 | 4 | 994 | 994 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipals | — | 1,360 | 43 | 1,403 | 1,403 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | — | 342 | 483 | 825 | 825 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government | 342 | — | — | 342 | 342 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | — | 176 | 17 | 193 | 193 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | 791 | — | 5 | 796 | 796 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred securities | 490 | 851 | — | 1,341 | 1,341 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subscription agreements (1) | — | 199 | — | 199 | 199 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative investments | — | 548 | — | 548 | 548 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short term investments | 769 | — | — | 769 | 769 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other long-term investments | — | — | 50 | 50 | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial assets at fair value | $ | 5,311 | $ | 25,431 | $ | 3,267 | $ | 34,009 | $ | 34,009 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value of future policy benefits | — | — | 5 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds | — | — | 3,404 | 3,404 | 3,404 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance related embedded derivatives, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | — | 101 | — | 101 | 101 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial liabilities at fair value | $ | — | $ | 101 | $ | 3,409 | $ | 3,510 | $ | 3,510 | |||||||||||||||||||
(1) Included within equity securities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020.
Valuation Methodologies
Fixed Maturity Securities & Equity Securities
We measure the fair value of our securities based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the security. The most appropriate valuation methodology is selected based on the specific characteristics of the fixed maturity or equity security, and we will then consistently apply the valuation methodology to measure the security’s fair value. Our fair value measurement is based on a market approach, which utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. Sources of inputs to the market approach include third-party pricing services, independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. We use observable and unobservable inputs in our valuation methodologies. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. In addition, market indicators and industry and economic events are monitored and further market data will be acquired when certain thresholds are met.
For certain security types, additional inputs may be used, or some of the inputs described above may not be applicable. The significant input used in the fair value measurement of equity securities for which the market approach valuation technique is employed is yield for comparable securities. Increases or decreases in the yields would result in lower or higher, respectively, fair value measurements. For broker-quoted only securities, quotes from market makers or broker-dealers are obtained from sources recognized to be market participants. We believe the broker quotes are prices at which trades could be executed based on historical trades executed at broker-quoted or slightly higher prices.
We analyze the third-party valuation methodologies and related inputs to perform assessments to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy. However, we did not adjust prices received from third parties as of March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020.
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Derivative Financial Instruments
The fair value of call option is based upon valuation pricing models, which represents what we would expect to receive or pay at the balance sheet date if we canceled the options, entered into offsetting positions, or exercised the options. Fair values for these instruments are determined internally, based on industry accepted valuation pricing models which use market-observable inputs, including interest rates, yield curve volatilities, and other factors.
The fair value of futures contracts represents the cumulative unsettled variation margin (open trade equity, net of cash settlements) which represents what we would expect to receive or pay at the balance sheet date if we canceled the contracts or entered into offsetting positions. These contracts are classified as Level 1.
The fair value measurement of the FIA embedded derivatives included in contractholder funds is determined through a combination of market observable information and significant unobservable inputs using the option budget method. The market observable inputs are the market value of option and treasury rates. The significant unobservable inputs are the budgeted option cost (i.e., the expected cost to purchase call options in future periods to fund the equity indexed linked feature), surrender rates, mortality multiplier and non-performance spread. The mortality multiplier at March 31, 2021 was applied to the Annuity 2000 mortality tables. Increases or decreases in the market value of an option in isolation would result in a higher or lower, respectively, fair value measurement. Increases or decreases in treasury rates, mortality multiplier, surrender rates, or non-performance spread in isolation would result in a lower or higher fair value measurement, respectively. Generally, a change in any one unobservable input would not directly result in a change in any other unobservable input.
The fair value of the reinsurance-related embedded derivative in the funds withheld reinsurance agreement with Kubera Insurance (SAC) Ltd. ("Kubera"), a third party insurer, is estimated based upon the fair value of the assets supporting the funds withheld from reinsurance liabilities. The fair value of the assets is based on a quoted market price of similar assets (Level 2), and therefore the fair value of the embedded derivative is based on market-observable inputs and classified as Level 2. See Note P Reinsurance in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for further discussion on F&G reinsurance agreements.
Other long-term investments
Fair value of the available-for-sale embedded derivative is based on an unobservable input, the net asset value of the fund at the balance sheet date. The embedded derivative is similar to a call option on the net asset value of the fund with a strike price of zero since Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("FGL Insurance") will not be required to make any additional payments at maturity of the fund-linked note in order to receive the net asset value of the fund on the maturity date. A Black-Scholes model determines the net asset value of the fund as the fair value of the call option regardless of the values used for the other inputs to the option pricing model. The net asset value of the fund is provided by the fund manager at the end of each calendar month and represents the value an investor would receive if it withdrew its investment on the balance sheet date. Therefore, the key unobservable input used in the Black-Scholes model is the value of the fund. As the value of the fund increases or decreases, the fair value of the embedded derivative will increase or decrease. See further discussion on the available-for-sale embedded derivative in Note E Derivative Financial Instruments.
The fair value of the credit-linked note is based on a weighted average of a broker quote and a discounted cash flow analysis. The discounted cash flow approach is based on the expected portfolio cash flows and amortization schedule reflecting investment expectations, adjusted for assumptions on the portfolio's default and recovery rates, and the note's discount rate. The fair value of the note is provided by the fund manager at the end of each quarter.
Subscription Agreements for Forward Purchases of Equity of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies
Our subscription agreements are accounted for at fair value pursuant to ASC Topic 321, Investments - Equity Securities and considered to be a Level 2 fair value measurement. Fair value is determined using observable inputs including stock prices, volatility assumptions and a discount for the lack of marketability determined using a combination of the Finnerty Model, Asian Put and Synthetic Forward considerations. The selected discount for the lack of marketability was determined as 3.0%.
Quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs used for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of financial instruments carried at fair value as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are as follows:
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| Fair Value at | Valuation Technique | Unobservable Input(s) | Range (Weighted average) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | March 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | $ | 1,430 | Broker-quoted | Offered quotes | 48.67% - 115.83% 92.15% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 163 | Third-Party Valuation | Offered quotes | 0.00% - 104.73% 78.18% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 25 | Broker-quoted | Offered quotes | 128.77% - 128.77% 128.77% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporates | 385 | Broker-quoted | Offered quotes | 91.56% - 110.78% 102.28% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporates | 17 | Discounted Cash Flow | Discount Rate | 44.00% - 100.00% 79.02% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporates | 844 | Third-Party Valuation | Offered quotes | 85.23% - 122.88% 105.67% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Municipals | 41 | Third-Party Valuation | Offered quotes | 126.62% - 126.62% 126.62% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 487 | Broker-quoted | Offered quotes | 0.00% - 115.50% 115.50% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign governments | 17 | Third-Party Valuation | Offered quotes | 107.19% - 109.61% 107.95% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred securities | 1 | Income-Approach | Yield | —% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | 2 | Black Scholes model | Risk Free Rate | 0.50% - 0.50% (0.50%) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Strike Price | $1.50 - $1.50 ($1.50) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volatility | 109.66% - 109.66% (109.66%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% - 0.00% (0.00%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | 2 | Broker Quoted | Offered quotes | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | 4 | Discounted Cash Flow | Discount rate | 10.60% - 10.60% (10.60%) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Market Comparable Company Analysis | EBITDA multiple | 6.6x - 6.6x (6.6x) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other long-term assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale embedded derivative | 29 | Third-Party Valuation | Market value of fund | 100.00% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Linked Note | 19 | Broker-quoted | Offered quotes | 100.00% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial assets at fair value | $ | 3,466 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Future policy benefits | $ | 4 | Discounted cash flow | Non-performance spread | 0.50% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds | 3,293 | Discounted cash flow | Market value of option | 0.00% - 70.30% 3.76% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Swap rates | 0.01% - 2.41% 1.21% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortality multiplier | 100.00% - 100.00% 100.00% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Surrender rates | 0.25% - 55.00% 5.32% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partial withdrawals | 2.00% - 3.50% 2.60% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-performance spread | 0.75% - 0.75% 0.75% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Option cost | 0.05% - 15.94% 2.26% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial liabilities at fair value | $ | 3,297 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Fair Value at | Valuation Technique | Unobservable Input(s) | Range (Weighted average) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | $ | 1,175 | Broker-quoted | Offered quotes | 85% - 126.15% 103.96% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 175 | Third-Party Valuation | Offered quotes | 0.00% - 107.25% 79.87% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 26 | Broker-quoted | Offered quotes | 131.59% - 131.59% 131.59% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporates | 388 | Broker-quoted | Offered quotes | 75.20% - 114.68% 103.36% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporates | 901 | Third-Party Valuation | Offered quotes | 88.42% - 125.83% 109.47% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Hybrids | 4 | Third-Party Valuation | Offered quotes | 112.06% - 112.06% 112.06% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Municipals | 43 | Third-Party Valuation | Offered quotes | 133.53% - 133.53% 133.53% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 483 | Broker-quoted | Offered quotes | 112.58% - 112.58% 112.58% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign governments | 17 | Third-Party Valuation | Offered quotes | 107.87% - 113.80% 109.72% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | 1 | Income-Approach | Yield | —% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | 1 | Black Scholes model | Risk Free Rate | 0.29% - 0.29% (0.29%) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Strike Price | $1.50 - $1.50 ($1.50) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volatility | 1.00% - 1.00% (1.00%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% - 0.00% (0.00%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | 3 | Discounted Cash Flow | Discount rate | 10.60% - 10.60% (10.60%) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Market Comparable Company Analysis | EBITDA multiple | 6.6x - 6.6x (6.6x) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other long-term assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale embedded derivative | 27 | Third-Party Valuation | Market value of fund | 100.00% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Linked Note | 23 | Broker-quoted | Offered quotes | 100.00% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial assets at fair value | $ | 3,267 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Future policy benefits | 5 | Discounted cash flow | Non-performance spread | 0.00% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Risk margin to reflect uncertainty | 0.50% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds | 3,404 | Discounted cash flow | Market value of option | 0.00% - 67.65% 2.25% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Treasury rates | 0.08% - 1.65% 0.87% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortality multiplier | 100.00% - 100.00% 100.00% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Surrender rates | 0.25% - 55.00% 5.24% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partial withdrawals | 2.00% - 3.50% 2.58% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-performance spread | 0.74% - 0.74% 0.74% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Option cost | 0.05% - 16.61% 2.25% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial liabilities at fair value | $ | 3,409 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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The following tables summarize changes to the Company’s financial instruments carried at fair value and classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. This summary excludes any impact of amortization of VOBA, DAC and DSI. The gains and losses below may include changes in fair value due in part to observable inputs that are a component of the valuation methodology.
| Three months ended March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at Beginning of Period | Total Gains (Losses) | Purchases | Sales | Settlements | Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a) | Balance at End of Period | Change in Unrealized Incl in OCI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Included in Earnings | Included in AOCI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | $ | 1,350 | $ | — | $ | (23) | $ | 358 | $ | — | $ | (92) | $ | — | $ | 1,593 | $ | (4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 26 | — | (1) | — | — | — | — | 25 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporates | 1,289 | 6 | (39) | 40 | (5) | (31) | (14) | 1,246 | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hybrids | 4 | — | — | — | — | (4) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipals | 43 | — | (2) | — | — | — | — | 41 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 483 | — | 12 | 5 | — | (13) | — | 487 | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | 17 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 17 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity and preferred securities | 5 | 1 | — | 3 | — | — | — | 9 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other long-term assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale embedded derivative | 27 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | 29 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit linked note | 23 | — | (4) | — | — | — | — | 19 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets at Level 3 fair value | $ | 3,267 | $ | 9 | $ | (57) | $ | 406 | $ | (5) | $ | (140) | $ | (14) | $ | 3,466 | $ | 49 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Future policy benefits | $ | 5 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (1) | $ | — | $ | 4 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds | 3,404 | (111) | — | — | — | — | — | 3,293 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities at Level 3 fair value | $ | 3,409 | $ | (111) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (1) | $ | — | $ | 3,297 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were exclusively to Level 2.
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| Three months ended March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at Beginning of Period | Total Gains (Losses) | Purchases | Sales | Settlements | Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a) | Balance at End of Period | Change in Unrealized Incl in OCI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Included in Earnings | Included in AOCI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporates | $ | 17 | $ | (3) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 14 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other invested assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other long-term investment | 120 | (61) | — | — | — | — | (59) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets at Level 3 fair value | $ | 138 | $ | (64) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (59) | $ | 15 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Valuation Methodologies and Associated Inputs for Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
The following discussion outlines the methodologies and assumptions used to determine the fair value of our financial instruments not carried at fair value. Considerable judgment is required to develop these assumptions used to measure fair value. Accordingly, the estimates shown are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a one-time, current market exchange of all of our financial instruments.
Mortgage Loans
The fair value of mortgage loans is established using a discounted cash flow method based on internal credit rating, maturity and future income. This yield-based approach is sourced from our third-party vendor. The internal ratings for mortgages in good standing are based on property type, location, market conditions, occupancy, debt service coverage, loan-to-value, quality of tenancy, borrower, and payment record. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our mortgage loans are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Policy Loans (included within Other long-term investments)
Fair values for policy loans are estimated from a discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar credit risk. Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations.
Company Owned Life Insurance
Company owned life insurance (COLI) is a life insurance program used to finance certain employee benefit expenses. The fair value of COLI is based on net realizable value, which is generally cash surrender value. COLI is classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Other Invested Assets (included within Other long-term investments)
The fair value of the bank loan is estimated using a discounted cash flow method with the discount rate based on weighted average cost of capital ("WACC"). This yield-based approach is sourced from a third-party vendor and the WACC establishes a market participant discount rate by determining the hypothetical capital structure for the asset should it be underwritten as of each period end. Other invested assets are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
20
Investment Contracts
Investment contracts include deferred annuities, FIAs, indexed universal life policies ("IULs") and immediate annuities. The fair value of deferred annuity, FIA, and IUL contracts is based on their cash surrender value (i.e. the cost the Company would incur to extinguish the liability) as these contracts are generally issued without an annuitization date. The fair value of immediate annuities contracts is derived by calculating a new fair value interest rate using the updated yield curve and treasury spreads as of the respective reporting date. The Company is not required to, and has not, estimated the fair value of the liabilities under contracts that involve significant mortality or morbidity risks, as these liabilities fall within the definition of insurance contracts that are exceptions from financial instruments that require disclosures of fair value.
Other
FHLB common stock, Accounts receivable and Notes receivable are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. FHLB common stock is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Accounts receivable and Notes receivable are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Debt
The fair value of debt is based on quoted market prices of other debt with similar characteristics. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our outstanding debt are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
The following tables provide the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments that are carried on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at amounts other than fair value, summarized according to the fair value hierarchy previously described.
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FHLB common stock | $ | — | $ | 64 | $ | — | $ | 64 | $ | 64 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage loans | — | — | 1,197 | 1,197 | 1,206 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage loans | — | — | 1,154 | 1,154 | 1,168 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Policy loans | — | — | 34 | 34 | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other invested assets | — | — | 26 | 26 | 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-owned life insurance | — | — | 309 | 309 | 309 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and notes receivables, net of allowance | — | — | 425 | 425 | 425 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | — | $ | 64 | $ | 3,145 | $ | 3,209 | $ | 3,232 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 22,880 | $ | 22,880 | $ | 26,244 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Debt | — | 2,796 | — | 2,796 | 2,663 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | — | $ | 2,796 | $ | 22,880 | $ | 25,676 | $ | 28,907 | |||||||||||||||||||
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| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FHLB common stock | $ | — | $ | 66 | $ | — | $ | 66 | $ | 66 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage loans | — | — | 926 | 926 | 903 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage loans | — | — | 1,123 | 1,123 | 1,128 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Policy loans | — | — | 33 | 33 | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other invested assets | — | — | 28 | 28 | 28 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company-owned life insurance | — | — | 305 | 305 | 305 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and notes receivables, net of allowance | — | — | 437 | 437 | 437 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | — | $ | 66 | $ | 2,852 | $ | 2,918 | $ | 2,900 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 21,719 | $ | 21,719 | $ | 25,199 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Debt | — | 2,896 | — | 2,896 | 2,662 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | — | $ | 2,896 | $ | 21,719 | $ | 24,615 | $ | 27,861 | |||||||||||||||||||
The following table includes assets that have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy as the value of these investments are measured using the equity method of accounting or the net asset value ("NAV") per share practical expedient (in millions):
| Carrying Value After Measurement (in millions) | |||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (equity method of accounting) | $ | 143 | $ | 146 | |||||||
| Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (NAV) | $ | 1,281 | 1,148 | ||||||||
For investments for which NAV is used as a practical expedient for fair value, we do not have any significant restrictions in our ability to liquidate their positions in these investments, other than obtaining general partner approval, nor do we believe it is probable a price less than NAV would be received in the event of a liquidation. Equity method investments are reported on a lag of up to three months for investee information not received timely.
We review the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Changes in the observability of the valuation attributes may result in a reclassification of certain financial assets or liabilities. Such reclassifications are reported as transfers in and out of Level 3, or between other levels, at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur. The transfers into and out of Level 3 were related to changes in the primary pricing source and changes in the observability of external information used in determining the fair value.
22
Note D — Investments
Our fixed maturity securities investments have been designated as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value, net of allowance for expected credit losses, with unrealized gains and losses included in AOCI, net of associated adjustments for DAC, VOBA, DSI, UREV, SOP 03-1 reserves, and deferred income taxes. Our equity securities investments are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in net income (loss). The Company’s consolidated investments at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized as follows (in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Allowance for Expected Credit Losses | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | $ | 6,358 | $ | — | $ | 339 | $ | (35) | $ | 6,662 | $ | 6,662 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 2,514 | (1) | 382 | (5) | 2,890 | 2,890 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporates | 14,178 | (3) | 633 | (344) | 14,464 | 14,464 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hybrids | 892 | — | 60 | — | 952 | 952 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipals | 1,399 | — | 43 | (25) | 1,417 | 1,417 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 774 | (3) | 37 | (1) | 807 | 807 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government | 333 | — | 6 | — | 339 | 339 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | 186 | — | 4 | (3) | 187 | 187 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total available-for-sale securities | $ | 26,634 | $ | (7) | $ | 1,504 | $ | (413) | $ | 27,718 | $ | 27,718 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Allowance for Expected Credit Losses | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | $ | 5,941 | $ | — | $ | 343 | $ | (18) | $ | 6,266 | $ | 6,266 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed/asset-backed securities | $ | 2,490 | $ | — | $ | 342 | $ | (3) | $ | 2,829 | $ | 2,829 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporates | 13,582 | (16) | 1,184 | (15) | 14,735 | 14,735 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hybrids | 914 | — | 80 | — | 994 | 994 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipals | 1,333 | — | 72 | (2) | 1,403 | 1,403 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 806 | (3) | 23 | (1) | 825 | 825 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government | 332 | — | 10 | — | 342 | 342 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | 179 | — | 14 | — | 193 | 193 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total available-for-sale securities | $ | 25,577 | $ | (19) | $ | 2,068 | $ | (39) | $ | 27,587 | $ | 27,587 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Securities held on deposit with various state regulatory authorities had a fair value of $17,127 million and $16,714 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company held no material investments that were non-income producing for a period greater than twelve months.
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company's accrued interest receivable balance was $246 million and $235 million, respectively. Accrued interest receivable is classified within Prepaid expenses and other assets within the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In accordance with our FHLB agreements, the investments supporting the funding agreement liabilities are pledged as collateral to secure the FHLB funding agreement liabilities and are not available to the Company for general purposes. The collateral investments had a fair value of $1,803 million and $1,622 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
23
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities by contractual maturities, as applicable, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Fair Value | ||||||||||
| Corporates, Non-structured Hybrids, Municipal and Government securities: | |||||||||||
| Due in one year or less | $ | 531 | $ | 536 | |||||||
| Due after one year through five years | 1,919 | 2,029 | |||||||||
| Due after five years through ten years | 2,260 | 2,346 | |||||||||
| Due after ten years | 12,252 | 12,418 | |||||||||
| Subtotal | 16,962 | 17,329 | |||||||||
| Other securities which provide for periodic payments: | |||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 6,358 | 6,662 | |||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 2,514 | 2,890 | |||||||||
| Structured hybrids | 26 | 30 | |||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 774 | 807 | |||||||||
| Subtotal | 9,672 | 10,389 | |||||||||
| Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities | $ | 26,634 | $ | 27,718 | |||||||
Allowance for Expected Credit Loss
We regularly review AFS securities for declines in fair value that we determine to be credit related. For our fixed maturity securities, we generally consider the following in determining whether our unrealized losses are credit related, and if so, the magnitude of the credit loss:
•The extent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis;
•The reasons for the decline in value (credit event, currency or interest-rate related, including general credit spread widening);
•The financial condition of and near-term prospects of the issuer (including issuer's current credit rating and the probability of full recovery of principal based upon the issuer's financial strength);
•Delinquencies and nonperforming assets of underlying collateral;
•Expected future default rates;
•Collateral value by vintage, geographic region, industry concentration or property type;
•Subordination levels or other credit enhancements as of the balance sheet date as compared to origination; and
•Contractual and regulatory cash obligations and the issuer's plans to meet such obligations.
We recognize an allowance for expected credit losses on fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position when it is determined, using the factors discussed above, a component of the unrealized loss is related to credit. We measure the credit loss using a discounted cash flow model that utilizes the single best estimate cash flow and the recognized credit loss is limited to the total unrealized loss on the security (i.e. the fair value floor). Cash flows are discounted using the implicit yield of bonds at their time of purchase and the current book yield for asset and mortgage backed securities as well as variable rate securities. We recognize the expected credit losses in Recognized gains and losses, net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, with an offset for the amount of non-credit impairments recognized in AOCI. We do not measure a credit loss allowance on accrued investment income because we write-off accrued interest through to Interest and investment income when collectability concerns arise.
We consider the following in determining whether write-offs of a security’s amortized cost is necessary:
• We believe amounts related to securities have become uncollectible; or
24
• We intend to sell a security; or
• It is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a security prior to recovery.
If we intend to sell a fixed maturity security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis and the fair value of the security is below amortized cost, we will write down the security to current fair value, with a corresponding charge, net of any amount previously recognized as an allowance for expected credit loss, to Recognized gains and losses, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. If we do not intend to sell a fixed maturity security or it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell a fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis but believe amounts related to a security are uncollectible (generally based on proximity to expected credit loss), an impairment is deemed to have occurred and the amortized cost is written down to the estimated recovery value with a corresponding charge, net of any amount previously recognized as an allowance for expected credit loss, to Recognized gains and losses, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The remainder of unrealized loss is held in AOCI.
The activity in the allowance for expected credit losses of available-for-sale securities aggregated by investment category were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2021 (in millions):
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | Reductions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at Beginning of Period | For credit losses on securities for which losses were not previously recorded | For initial credit losses on purchased securities accounted for as PCD financial assets (1) | (Additions) reductions in allowance recorded on previously impaired securities | For securities sold during the period | For securities intended/required to be sold prior to recovery of amortized cost basis | Write-offs charged against the allowance | Recoveries of amounts previously written off | Balance at End of Period | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | $ | — | $ | (1) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | — | $ | (1) | ||||||||||||
| Corporates | (16) | — | — | 7 | — | — | 3 | 3 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | (3) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total available-for-sale securities | $ | (19) | $ | (1) | $ | — | $ | 7 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3 | $ | 3 | $ | (7) | |||||||||||
(1) Purchased credit deteriorated financial assets ("PCD")
Purchased credit-deteriorated available-for-sale debt securities ("PCD"s) are AFS securities purchased at a discount, where part of that discount is attributable to credit. Credit loss allowances are calculated for these securities as of the date of their acquisition, with the initial allowance serving to increase amortized cost. There were no purchases of PCD AFS securities during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
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The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale securities, excluding securities in an unrealized loss position with an allowance for expected credit loss, aggregated by investment category and duration of fair value below amortized cost as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020 were as follows (dollars in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less than 12 months | 12 months or longer | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | $ | 1,095 | $ | (35) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,095 | $ | (35) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 250 | (3) | — | — | 250 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporates | 5,634 | (344) | 1 | — | 5,635 | (344) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hybrids | 31 | — | — | — | 31 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipals | 686 | (25) | — | — | 686 | (25) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 37 | (1) | — | — | 37 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government | 42 | — | — | — | 42 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Government | 98 | (3) | 5 | — | 103 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total available-for-sale securities | $ | 7,873 | $ | (411) | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 7,879 | $ | (411) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position less than twelve months | 726 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position twelve months or longer | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position | 728 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less than 12 months | 12 months or longer | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | $ | 477 | $ | (18) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 477 | $ | (18) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 51 | (3) | — | — | 51 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporates | $ | 865 | $ | (15) | $ | 36 | $ | — | $ | 901 | $ | (15) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hybrids | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipals | 115 | (2) | — | — | 115 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 30 | (1) | — | — | 30 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government | 11 | — | — | — | 11 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Government | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total available-for-sale securities | $ | 1,550 | $ | (39) | $ | 36 | $ | — | $ | 1,586 | $ | (39) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position less than twelve months | 222 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position twelve months or longer | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position | 233 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We determined the increase in unrealized losses as of March 31, 2021 was caused by higher treasury rates, offset by narrower spreads in certain sectors. This in part is expected as the economy continues its
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anticipated path to recovery and reopening. For securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2021 an expected credit loss was not determined, and we believe that the unrealized loss is being driven by interest rate increases or near-term illiquidity and uncertainty of the impact of COVID-19 on the economy as opposed to issuer specific credit concerns. Specific to asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities for which an expected credit loss was not determined, the effect of any increased expectations of underlying collateral defaults has not risen to the level of impacting the tranches of those securities.
Mortgage Loans
Our mortgage loans are collateralized by commercial and residential properties.
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Commercial mortgage loans ("CMLs") represented approximately 4% of our total investments as of March 31, 2021. We primarily invest in mortgage loans on income producing properties including hotels, industrial properties, retail buildings, multifamily properties and office buildings. We diversify our CML portfolio by geographic region and property type to attempt to reduce concentration risk. We continuously evaluate CMLs based on relevant current information to ensure properties are performing at a consistent and acceptable level to secure the related debt. The distribution of CMLs, gross of valuation allowances, by property type and geographic region is reflected in the following tables (dollars in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||
| Gross Carrying Value | % of Total | ||||||||||
| Property Type: | |||||||||||
| Hotel | $ | 19 | 2 | % | |||||||
| Industrial - General | 337 | 27 | % | ||||||||
| Industrial - Warehouse | 19 | 2 | % | ||||||||
| Multifamily | 314 | 26 | % | ||||||||
| Office | 222 | 18 | % | ||||||||
| Retail | 134 | 11 | % | ||||||||
| Other | 141 | 12 | % | ||||||||
| Student Housing | 25 | 2 | % | ||||||||
| Total commercial mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowance | $ | 1,211 | 100 | % | |||||||
| Allowance for expected credit loss | (5) | ||||||||||
| Total commercial mortgage loans | $ | 1,206 | |||||||||
| U.S. Region: | |||||||||||
| East North Central | $ | 65 | 5 | % | |||||||
| East South Central | 80 | 7 | % | ||||||||
| Middle Atlantic | 180 | 15 | % | ||||||||
| Mountain | 89 | 7 | % | ||||||||
| New England | 82 | 7 | % | ||||||||
| Pacific | 418 | 34 | % | ||||||||
| South Atlantic | 226 | 19 | % | ||||||||
| West North Central | 13 | 1 | % | ||||||||
| West South Central | 58 | 5 | % | ||||||||
| Total commercial mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowance | $ | 1,211 | 100 | % | |||||||
| Allowance for expected credit loss | (5) | ||||||||||
| Total commercial mortgage loans | $ | 1,206 | |||||||||
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| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||
| Gross Carrying Value | % of Total | ||||||||||
| Property Type: | |||||||||||
| Hotel | $ | 19 | 2 | % | |||||||
| Industrial - General | 302 | 33 | % | ||||||||
| Industrial - Warehouse | 12 | 1 | % | ||||||||
| Multifamily | 165 | 18 | % | ||||||||
| Office | 140 | 15 | % | ||||||||
| Retail | 142 | 17 | % | ||||||||
| Other | 125 | 14 | % | ||||||||
| Total commercial mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowance | $ | 905 | 100 | % | |||||||
| Allowance for expected credit loss | (2) | ||||||||||
| Total commercial mortgage loans | $ | 903 | |||||||||
| U.S. Region: | |||||||||||
| East North Central | $ | 61 | 7 | % | |||||||
| East South Central | 80 | 9 | % | ||||||||
| Middle Atlantic | 100 | 11 | % | ||||||||
| Mountain | 48 | 5 | % | ||||||||
| New England | 79 | 9 | % | ||||||||
| Pacific | 333 | 37 | % | ||||||||
| South Atlantic | 133 | 15 | % | ||||||||
| West North Central | 13 | 1 | % | ||||||||
| West South Central | 58 | 6 | % | ||||||||
| Total commercial mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowance | $ | 905 | 100 | % | |||||||
| Allowance for expected credit loss | (2) | ||||||||||
| Total commercial mortgage loans | $ | 903 | |||||||||
All of our investments in CMLs had a loan-to-value ("LTV") ratio of less than 75% at March 31, 2021, as measured at inception of the loans unless otherwise updated.
LTV and debt service coverage ("DSC") ratios are measures commonly used to assess the risk and quality of mortgage loans. The LTV ratio is expressed as a percentage of the amount of the loan relative to the value of the underlying property. A LTV ratio in excess of 100% indicates the unpaid loan amount exceeds the underlying collateral. The DSC ratio, based upon the most recently received financial statements, is expressed as a percentage of the amount of a property’s net income to its debt service payments. A DSC ratio of less than 1.00 indicates that a property’s operations do not generate sufficient income to cover debt payments. We normalize our DSC ratios to a 25-year amortization period for purposes of our general loan allowance evaluation.
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The following table presents the recorded investment in CMLs by LTV and DSC ratio categories and estimated fair value by the indicated loan-to-value ratios at March 31, 2021 (dollars in millions):
| Debt-Service Coverage Ratios | Total Amount | % of Total | Estimated Fair Value | % of Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| >1.25 | 1.00 - 1.25 | <1.00 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LTV Ratios: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less than 50% | $ | 543 | $ | 17 | $ | 9 | $ | 569 | 48 | % | $ | 584 | 49 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 50% to 60% | 270 | — | — | 270 | 22 | % | 271 | 23 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 60% to 75% | 269 | 103 | — | 372 | 30 | % | 342 | 28 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage loans | $ | 1,082 | $ | 120 | $ | 9 | $ | 1,211 | 100 | % | $ | 1,197 | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LTV Ratios: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less than 50% | $ | 520 | $ | 18 | $ | — | $ | 538 | 60 | % | $ | 557 | 60 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 50% to 60% | 237 | 9 | — | 246 | 27 | % | 251 | 27 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 60% to 75% | 121 | — | — | 121 | 13 | % | 119 | 13 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage loans | $ | 878 | $ | 27 | $ | — | $ | 905 | 100 | % | $ | 927 | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We recognize a mortgage loan as delinquent when payments on the loan are greater than 30 days past due. At March 31, 2021, we had no CMLs that were delinquent in principal or interest payments.
Allowance for Expected Credit Loss for Commercial Mortgages
We estimate expected credit losses for our commercial loan portfolio using a probability of default/loss given default model. Significant inputs to this model include the loans current performance, underlying collateral type, location, contractual life, LTV, and DSC. The model projects losses using a two year reasonable and supportable forecast and then reverts over a three year period to market-wide historical loss experience. Changes in our allowance for expected credit losses on commercial mortgage loans are recognized in Recognized gains and losses, net in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
An allowance for expected credit loss is not measured on accrued interest income for commercial mortgage loans as we have a process to write-off interest on loans that enter into non-accrual status (over 90 days past due).
Residential Mortgage Loans
Residential mortgage loans ("RMLs") represented approximately 4% of our total investments as of March 31, 2021. Our residential mortgage loans are closed end, amortizing loans and 100% of the properties are located in the United States. We diversify our RML portfolio by state to attempt to reduce concentration risk. The distribution of RMLs by state with highest-to-lowest concentration are reflected in the following tables (dollars in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||
| U.S. State: | Unpaid Principal Balance | % of Total | |||||||||
| California | $ | 182 | 15 | % | |||||||
| Florida | 154 | 13 | % | ||||||||
| New Jersey | 101 | 9 | % | ||||||||
| All Other States (1) | 747 | 63 | % | ||||||||
| Total mortgage loans | $ | 1,184 | 100 | % | |||||||
(1) The individual concentration of each state is less than 9% as of March 31, 2021.
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| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||
| U.S. State: | Unpaid Principal Balance | % of Total | |||||||||
| California | $ | 164 | 15 | % | |||||||
| Florida | 188 | 16 | % | ||||||||
| New Jersey | 96 | 8 | % | ||||||||
| All other states | 704 | 61 | % | ||||||||
| Total mortgage loans | $ | 1,152 | 100 | % | |||||||
(1) The individual concentration of each state is less than 8% as of December 31, 2020.
Residential mortgage loans have a primary credit quality indicator of either a performing or nonperforming loan. We define non-performing residential mortgage loans as those that are 90 or more days past due or in nonaccrual status which is assessed monthly. The credit quality of RMLs as at March 31, 2021, was as follows (dollars in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance indicators: | Carrying Value | % of Total | Carrying Value | % of Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | $ | 1,106 | 92 | % | $ | 1,059 | 91 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Non-performing | 93 | 8 | % | 106 | 9 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowance | $ | 1,199 | 100 | % | $ | 1,165 | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Allowance for expected loan loss | (31) | — | % | (37) | — | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage loans | $ | 1,168 | 100 | % | $ | 1,128 | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||
Loans segregated by risk rating exposure as of March 31, 2021, were as follows (in millions):
March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost by Origination Year | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | Prior | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgages | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current (less than 30 days past due) | $ | 144 | $ | 515 | $ | 292 | $ | 129 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,080 | |||||||||
| 30-89 days past due | — | 14 | 10 | 1 | — | — | 25 | ||||||||||||||||
| Over 90 days past due | — | 36 | 50 | 3 | — | — | 89 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgages | $ | 144 | $ | 565 | $ | 352 | $ | 133 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,194 | |||||||||
| Commercial mortgages | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current (less than 30 days past due) | $ | 308 | $ | 542 | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 355 | $ | 1,211 | |||||||||
| 30-89 days past due | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Over 90 days past due | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial mortgage | $ | 308 | $ | 542 | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 355 | $ | 1,211 | |||||||||
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| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost by Origination Year | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | Prior | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgages | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current (less than 30 days past due) | $ | 311 | $ | 545 | $ | 68 | $ | 42 | $ | 62 | $ | 2 | $ | 1,030 | |||||||||
| 30-89 days past due | 2 | 22 | 2 | — | — | — | 26 | ||||||||||||||||
| Over 90 days past due | 26 | 74 | 3 | — | — | — | 103 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgages | $ | 339 | $ | 641 | $ | 73 | $ | 42 | $ | 62 | $ | 2 | $ | 1,159 | |||||||||
| Commercial mortgages | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current (less than 30 days past due) | $ | 542 | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 11 | $ | 346 | $ | 905 | |||||||||
| 30-89 days past due | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Over 90 days past due | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial mortgage | $ | 542 | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 11 | $ | 346 | $ | 905 | |||||||||
March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost by Origination Year | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | Prior | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgages | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| LTV | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less than 50% | $ | 15 | $ | 228 | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 320 | $ | 569 | |||||||||
| 50% to 60% | 43 | 192 | — | — | — | 35 | 270 | ||||||||||||||||
| 60% to 75% | 250 | 122 | — | — | — | — | 372 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial mortgages | $ | 308 | $ | 542 | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 355 | $ | 1,211 | |||||||||
| Commercial mortgages | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| DSCR | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Greater than 1.25x | $ | 205 | $ | 542 | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 328 | $ | 1,081 | |||||||||
| 1.00x - 1.25x | 103 | — | — | — | — | 18 | 121 | ||||||||||||||||
| Less than 1.00x | — | — | — | — | — | 9 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial mortgages | $ | 308 | $ | 542 | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 355 | $ | 1,211 | |||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost by Origination Year | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | Prior | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgages | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| LTV | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less than 50% | $ | 228 | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 303 | $ | 537 | |||||||||
| 50% to 60% | 192 | — | — | — | 11 | 43 | 246 | ||||||||||||||||
| 60% to 75% | 122 | — | — | — | — | — | 122 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial mortgages | $ | 542 | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 11 | $ | 346 | $ | 905 | |||||||||
| Commercial mortgages | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| DSCR | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Greater than 1.25x | $ | 542 | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 11 | $ | 319 | $ | 878 | |||||||||
| 1.00x - 1.25x | — | — | — | — | — | 27 | 27 | ||||||||||||||||
| Less than 1.00x | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial mortgages | $ | 542 | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 11 | $ | 346 | $ | 905 | |||||||||
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Non-accrual loans by amortized cost as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, was as follows:
| Amortized cost of loans on non-accrual | March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||
| Residential mortgage: | $ | 90 | $ | 99 | |||||||
| Commercial mortgage: | — | — | |||||||||
| Total non-accrual loans | $ | 90 | $ | 99 | |||||||
Immaterial interest income was recognized on non-accrual financing receivables for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Allowance for Expected Credit Loss for Residential Mortgages
We estimate expected credit losses for our mortgage loan portfolio using a probability of default/loss given default model. Significant inputs to this model include the loans' current performance, underlying collateral type, location, contractual life, LTV, and Debt to Income or FICO. The model projects losses using a two year reasonable and supportable forecast and then reverts over a three year period to market-wide historical loss experience. Changes in our allowance for expected credit losses on mortgage loans are recognized in Recognized gains and losses, net in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| Residential Mortgage | Commercial Mortgage | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2020 | 37 | 2 | 39 | ||||||||||||||
| (Reversal of) provision for loan losses | $ | (6) | $ | 3 | $ | (3) | |||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2021 | $ | 31 | $ | 5 | $ | 36 | |||||||||||
An allowance for expected credit loss is not measured on accrued interest income for commercial mortgage loans as we have a process to write-off interest on loans that enter into non-accrual status (over 90 days past due). Allowances for expected credit losses are measured on accrued interest income for residential mortgage loans and were immaterial as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
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Interest and Investment Income
The major sources of Interest and investment income reported on the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings were as follows (in millions):
| Three months ended | |||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | March 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | $ | 307 | $ | 17 | |||||||
| Equity securities | 5 | 3 | |||||||||
| Preferred securities | 14 | 6 | |||||||||
| Mortgage loans | 23 | — | |||||||||
| Invested cash and short-term investments | — | 7 | |||||||||
| Limited partnerships | 80 | — | |||||||||
| Tax deferred property exchange income | 4 | 16 | |||||||||
| Other investments | 8 | 4 | |||||||||
| Gross investment income | 441 | 53 | |||||||||
| Investment expense | (39) | — | |||||||||
| Interest and investment income | $ | 402 | $ | 53 | |||||||
Recognized Gains and Losses, net
Details underlying Recognized gains and losses, net reported on the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings were as follows (in millions):
| Three months ended | |||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | March 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| Net realized gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities | $ | 40 | $ | 3 | |||||||
| Net realized/unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities (2) | (46) | (205) | |||||||||
| Net realized/unrealized gains (losses) on preferred securities (3) | (10) | (105) | |||||||||
| Realized losses on other invested assets | (3) | (9) | |||||||||
| Change in allowance for expected credit losses | 10 | (4) | |||||||||
| Derivatives and embedded derivatives: | |||||||||||
| Realized gains on certain derivative instruments | 60 | — | |||||||||
| Unrealized losses on certain derivative instruments | (35) | — | |||||||||
| Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivatives (1) | 27 | — | |||||||||
| Change in fair value of other derivatives and embedded derivatives | — | — | |||||||||
| Realized gains on derivatives and embedded derivatives | 52 | — | |||||||||
| Recognized gains and (losses), net | $ | 43 | $ | (320) | |||||||
(1) Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivatives is due to held for sale unaffiliated third party business under the fair value option election, and activity related to the FGL Insurance and Kubera reinsurance treaty.
(2) Includes net valuation losses of $(46) million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and net valuation losses of $(205) million for the three months ended March 31, 2020.
(3) Includes net valuation losses of $(3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and valuation losses of $(42) million for the three months ended March 31, 2020.
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The proceeds from the sale of fixed-maturity available for-sale-securities and the gross gains and losses associated with those transactions were as follows (in millions):
| Three months ended | |||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | March 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| Proceeds | $ | 424 | $ | 63 | |||||||
| Gross gains | 32 | 12 | |||||||||
| Gross losses | (8) | (1) | |||||||||
Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities
The Company owns investments in VIEs that are not consolidated within our financial statements, and one investment in a VIE that is considered consolidated within our financial statements. VIEs do not have sufficient equity to finance their own activities without additional financial support and certain of its investors lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. VIEs are consolidated by their ‘primary beneficiary’, a designation given to an entity that receives both the benefits from the VIE as well as the substantive power to make its key economic decisions. While the Company participates in the benefits from VIEs in which it invests, but does not consolidate, the substantive power to make the key economic decisions for each respective VIE resides with entities not under common control with the Company. It is for this reason that the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary for the VIE investments that are not consolidated.
We previously executed a commitment of $83 million to purchase common shares in an unaffiliated private business development company ("BDC"). The BDC invests in secured and unsecured fixed maturity and equity securities of middle market companies in the United States. Due to the voting structure of the transaction, the Company did not have voting power. As of March 31, 2021, the BDC was listed on the NASDAQ, and is no longer a VIE.
We invest in various limited partnerships, which may be VIEs, as a passive investor. These investments are in credit funds with a bias towards current income, real assets, or private equity. Limited partnership interests are accounted for under the equity method and are included in Investments in unconsolidated affiliates on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we invest in structured investments which may be VIEs, but for which we are not the primary beneficiary. These structured investments typically invest in fixed income investments and are managed by third parties and include asset-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and residential mortgage-backed securities included in fixed maturity securities available for sale on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Our maximum exposure to loss with respect to these VIEs is limited to the investment carrying amounts reported in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in addition to any required unfunded commitments. As of March 31, 2021, our maximum exposure to loss on limited partnership investments was $1,831 million comprised of recorded carrying value of $1,281 million and $550 million in unfunded commitments. See tables of fixed maturity securities available for sale above for carrying amounts of structured security VIE investments and Note F for any additional unfunded commitments associated with those investments.
Investment with Related Party
Included in equity securities as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are 5,706,134 shares of Cannae common stock (NYSE: CNNE) which were purchased during the fourth quarter of 2017 in connection with the split-off of our former portfolio company investments to Cannae. The fair value of our related party investment based on quoted market prices is $226 million and $253 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
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Note E — Derivative Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in FIA contracts, as of March 31, 2021 is as follows (in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||
| Derivative investments: | |||||||||||
| Call options | $ | 542 | $ | 548 | |||||||
| Futures contracts | 1 | — | |||||||||
| Other long-term investments: | |||||||||||
| Other embedded derivatives | 27 | 27 | |||||||||
| Funds withheld: | |||||||||||
| Embedded derivatives | 1 | — | |||||||||
| $ | 571 | $ | 575 | ||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Contractholder funds: | |||||||||||
| FIA embedded derivative | $ | 3,293 | $ | 3,404 | |||||||
| Other liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Reinsurance related embedded derivative | 75 | 101 | |||||||||
| $ | 3,368 | $ | 3,505 | ||||||||
The change in fair value of derivative instruments included in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings is as follows (in millions):
| Three Months Ended | |||||
| March 31, 2021 | |||||
| Net investment gains (losses): | |||||
| Call options | $ | 22 | |||
| Foreign currency forward | 4 | ||||
| Reinsurance related embedded derivatives | 27 | ||||
| Total net investment gains (losses) | $ | 53 | |||
| Benefits and other changes in policy reserves: | |||||
| FIA embedded derivatives | $ | (111) | |||
Additional Disclosures
FIA Embedded Derivative and Call Options and Futures
We have FIA Contracts that permit the holder to elect an interest rate return or an equity index linked component, where interest credited to the contracts is linked to the performance of various equity indices, primarily the S&P 500 Index. This feature represents an embedded derivative under GAAP. The FIA embedded derivative is valued at fair value and included in the liability for contractholder funds in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in fair value included as a component of Benefits and other changes in policy reserves in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. See a description of the fair value methodology used in Note C Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
We purchase derivatives consisting of a combination of call options and futures contracts on the applicable market indices to fund the index credits due to FIA contractholders. The call options are , , , and year options purchased to match the funding requirements of the underlying policies. On the
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respective anniversary dates of the index policies, the index used to compute the interest credit is reset and we purchase new , , , or year call options to fund the next index credit. We manage the cost of these purchases through the terms of our FIA contracts, which permit us to change caps, spreads or participation rates, subject to guaranteed minimums, on each contract’s anniversary date. The change in the fair value of the call options and futures contracts is generally designed to offset the portion of the change in the fair value of the FIA embedded derivative related to index performance through the current credit period. The call options and futures contracts are marked to fair value with the change in fair value included as a component of Realized gains and losses, net. The change in fair value of the call options and futures contracts includes the gains and losses recognized at the expiration of the instrument term or upon early termination and the changes in fair value of open positions.
Other market exposures are hedged periodically depending on market conditions and our risk tolerance. Our FIA hedging strategy economically hedges the equity returns and exposes us to the risk that unhedged market exposures result in divergence between changes in the fair value of the liabilities and the hedging assets. We use a variety of techniques, including direct estimation of market sensitivities, to monitor this risk daily. We intend to continue to adjust the hedging strategy as market conditions and our risk tolerance changes.
Credit Risk
We are exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by our counterparties on the call options and reflect assumptions regarding this non-performance risk in the fair value of the call options. The non-performance risk is the net counterparty exposure based on the fair value of the open contracts less collateral held. We maintain a policy of requiring all derivative contracts to be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement.
Information regarding our exposure to credit loss on the call options we hold as of March 31, 2021, is presented in the following table (in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty | Credit Rating (Fitch/Moody's/S&P) (1) | Notional Amount | Fair Value | Collateral | Net Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Merrill Lynch | AA-/*/A+ | $ | 1,716 | $ | 91 | $ | 51 | $ | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Morgan Stanley | */Aa3/A+ | 1,612 | 65 | 70 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Barclay's Bank | A+/A1/A | 5,294 | 105 | 109 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce | AA/Aa2/A+ | 2,166 | 79 | 79 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wells Fargo | A+/A2/BBB+ | 2,537 | 101 | 100 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goldman Sachs | A/A2/BBB+ | 268 | 12 | 13 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Suisse | A/Aa3/A+ | 2,013 | 57 | 59 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Truist | A+/A2/A | 1,024 | 32 | 32 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 16,630 | $ | 542 | $ | 513 | $ | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||
(1) An * represents credit ratings that were not available.
Collateral Agreements
The Company is required to maintain minimum ratings as a matter of routine practice as part of its over-the-counter derivative agreements on ISDA forms. Under some ISDA agreements, the Company has agreed to maintain certain financial strength ratings. A downgrade below these levels provides the counterparty under the agreement the right to terminate the open option contracts between the parties, at which time any amounts payable by the Company or the counterparty would be dependent on the market value of the underlying option contracts. The Company's current rating doesn't allow any counterparty the right to terminate ISDA agreements. In certain transactions, the Company and the counterparty have entered into a collateral support agreement requiring either party to post collateral when the net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds. For all counterparties, except Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse, and Truist, this threshold is set to zero. As of March 31, 2021, counterparties posted $513 million of collateral of which $371 million is included in cash and cash equivalents with an associated payable for this collateral included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accordingly, the maximum amount of loss due to credit
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risk that the Company would incur if parties to the call options failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts was $41 million at March 31, 2021.
The Company is required to pay counterparties the effective federal funds rate each day for cash collateral posted to F&G for daily mark to market margin changes. The Company reinvests derivative cash collateral to reduce the interest cost. Cash collateral is invested in overnight investment sweep products which are included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company held 404 futures contracts at March 31, 2021. The fair value of the futures contracts represents the cumulative unsettled variation margin (open trade equity, net of cash settlements). The Company provides cash collateral to the counterparties for the initial and variation margin on the futures contracts which is included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of cash collateral held by the counterparties for such contracts was $4 million at March 31, 2021.
Reinsurance Related Embedded Derivatives
FGL Insurance entered into a reinsurance agreement with Kubera effective December 31, 2018, to cede certain MYGA and deferred annuity statutory reserve on a coinsurance funds withheld basis, net of applicable existing reinsurance. Fair value movements in the funds withheld balances associated with this arrangement create an obligation for FGL Insurance to pay Kubera at a later date, which results in an embedded derivative. This embedded derivative is considered a total return swap with contractual returns that are attributable to the assets and liabilities associated with this reinsurance arrangement. The fair value of the total return swap is based on the change in fair value of the underlying assets held in the funds withheld portfolio. Investment results for the assets that support the coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance arrangement, including gains and losses from sales, were passed directly to the reinsurer pursuant to contractual terms of the reinsurance arrangement. The reinsurance related embedded derivative is reported in prepaid expenses and other assets if in a net gain position, or accounts payable and accrued liabilities, if in a net loss position, on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related gains or losses are reported in Recognized gains and losses, net on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Note F — Commitments and Contingencies
Legal and Regulatory Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various pending and threatened litigation matters related to our operations, some of which include claims for punitive or exemplary damages. With respect to our title insurance operations, this customary litigation includes but is not limited to a wide variety of cases arising out of or related to title and escrow claims, for which we make provisions through our loss reserves. See Note B Summary of Reserve for Title Claim Losses for further discussion. Additionally, like other companies, our ordinary course litigation includes a number of class action and purported class action lawsuits, which make allegations related to aspects of our operations. We believe that no actions, other than the matters discussed below, if any, depart from customary litigation incidental to our business.
We review lawsuits and other legal and regulatory matters (collectively “legal proceedings”) on an ongoing basis when making accrual and disclosure decisions. When assessing reasonably possible and probable outcomes, management bases its decision on its assessment of the ultimate outcome assuming all appeals have been exhausted. For legal proceedings in which it has been determined that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, a liability based on known facts and which represents our best estimate has been recorded. Our accrual for legal and regulatory matters was $15 million and $13 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. None of the amounts we have currently recorded are considered to be material to our financial condition individually or in the aggregate. Actual losses may materially differ from the amounts recorded and the ultimate outcome of our pending legal proceedings is generally not yet determinable. While some of these matters could be material to our operating results or cash flows for any particular period if an unfavorable outcome results, at present we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of currently pending legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
Two lawsuits have been filed related to FNF’s acquisition of F&G. On August 4, 2020, a stockholder derivative lawsuit styled, City of Miami General Employees’ and Sanitation Employees’ Retirement Trust v. Fidelity National Financial, et al., was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against the
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Company, its Board of Directors and others alleging breach of fiduciary duties as directors and officers relating to FNF’s acquisition of F&G. The Company’s Board of Directors (“Board”) has designated a Special Litigation Committee (the “SLC”) consisting of two of the Board’s Directors, and has authorized the SLC, among other things, to investigate and evaluate the claims and allegations asserted in the lawsuit. The Board has also given the SLC the sole authority and power to consider and determine whether or not prosecution of the claims asserted in the lawsuit is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders, and what action the Company should take with respect to the lawsuit. The parties have agreed to stay the action until June 2021, to allow sufficient time for the SLC to investigate the allegations and provide its evaluation.
On August 17, 2020, a lawsuit styled, In the Matter of FGL Holdings, was filed in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands where dissenting shareholders, Kingfishers LP, Kingstown 1740 Fund LP, Kingstown Partners II LP, Kingstown Partners Master Ltd., and Ktown LP, have asserted statutory appraisal rights relative to their ownership of 12,000,000 shares of F&G stock in connection with the acquisition. They seek a judicial determination of the fair value of their shares of F&G stock under the law of the Cayman Islands, together with interest. Discovery is ongoing. We do not believe the result in either case will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
From time to time we receive inquiries and requests for information from state insurance departments, attorneys general and other regulatory agencies about various matters relating to our business. Sometimes these take the form of civil investigative demands or subpoenas. We cooperate with all such inquiries and we have responded to or are currently responding to inquiries from multiple governmental agencies. Also, regulators and courts have been dealing with issues arising from foreclosures and related processes and documentation. Various governmental entities are studying the title insurance product, market, pricing, and business practices, and potential regulatory and legislative changes, which may materially affect our business and operations. From time to time, we are assessed fines for violations of regulations or other matters or enter into settlements with such authorities which may require us to pay fines or claims or take other actions. We do not anticipate such fines and settlements, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
F&G Commitments
In our F&G segment, we have unfunded investment commitments as of March 31, 2021 based upon the timing of when investments are executed compared to when the actual investments are funded, as some investments require that funding occur over a period of months or years. A summary of unfunded commitments by invested asset class as of March 31, 2021 is included below (in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | |||||
| Asset Type | |||||
| Other invested assets | $ | 584 | |||
| Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | 496 | ||||
| Other assets | 83 | ||||
| Commercial mortgage loans | 46 | ||||
| Residential mortgage loans | 4 | ||||
| Total | $ | 1,213 | |||
Subscription Agreements with Acrobat Holdings, Inc., now known as Alight, Inc. ("Alight"), and Foley Trasimene Acquisition Corp. ("FTAC")
On January 25, 2021, certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, FNTIC, Commonwealth Title, and Chicago Title, entered into common stock subscription agreements (the "FTAC Subscription Agreements") with Alight and FTAC to purchase in the aggregate $150 million of Class A Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, of Alight at a purchase price of $10.00 per share. The closing of the transactions is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2021. For further information related to the FTAC Subscription Agreements, refer to Note A Basis of Presentation in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
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Note G — Dividends
On May 6, 2021, our Board of Directors declared cash dividends of $0.36 per share, payable on June 30, 2021, to FNF common shareholders of record as of June 16, 2021.
Note H — Segment Information
Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following tables. On June 1, 2020, we completed our acquisition of F&G. As a result we have a new segment as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2021, F&G, which contains our fixed annuity and life insurance businesses.
As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2021:
| Title | F&G | Corporate and Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title premiums | $ | 1,804 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,804 | |||||||||||||||
| Other revenues | 745 | 64 | 42 | 851 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from external customers | 2,549 | 64 | 42 | 2,655 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and investment income, including recognized gains and losses | (30) | 475 | — | 445 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 2,519 | 539 | 42 | 3,100 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 33 | 144 | 6 | 183 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | — | 8 | 20 | 28 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates | 439 | 356 | (38) | 757 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 103 | 72 | (9) | 166 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates | 336 | 284 | (29) | 591 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates | 8 | — | 5 | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 344 | $ | 284 | $ | (24) | $ | 604 | |||||||||||||||
| Assets | $ | 9,389 | $ | 40,614 | $ | 1,486 | $ | 51,489 | |||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 2,481 | 1,751 | 266 | 4,498 | |||||||||||||||||||
As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2020:
| Title | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Title premiums | $ | 1,278 | $ | — | $ | 1,278 | |||||||||||
| Other revenues | 610 | (9) | 601 | ||||||||||||||
| Revenues from external customers | 1,888 | (9) | 1,879 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest and investment income, including recognized gains and losses | (265) | (2) | (267) | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 1,623 | (11) | 1,612 | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 37 | 6 | 43 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | — | 12 | 12 | ||||||||||||||
| Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | (53) | (33) | (86) | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit | (19) | (9) | (28) | ||||||||||||||
| Loss before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | (34) | (24) | (58) | ||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 1 | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (33) | $ | (24) | $ | (57) | |||||||||||
| Assets | $ | 8,728 | $ | 1,476 | $ | 10,204 | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | 2,460 | 266 | 2,726 | ||||||||||||||
The activities in our segments include the following:
•Title. This segment consists of the operations of our title insurance underwriters and related businesses. This segment provides core title insurance and escrow and other title-related services including trust activities, trustee sales guarantees, and home warranty products. This segment also includes our transaction services business, which includes other title-related services used in the production and management of mortgage loans, including mortgage loans that experience default.
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•F&G. This segment consists of operations of our annuities and life insurance related businesses. This segment issues a broad portfolio of deferred annuities (fixed index and fixed rate annuities), immediate annuities and indexed universal life insurance.
•Corporate and Other. This segment consists of the operations of the parent holding company, our real estate technology subsidiaries and our remaining real estate brokerage businesses. This segment also includes certain other unallocated corporate overhead expenses and eliminations of revenues and expenses between it and our Title segment.
Note I — Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following supplemental cash flow information is provided with respect to certain cash payment and non-cash investing and financing activities.
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Cash paid for: | ||||||||||||||
| Interest | $ | 29 | $ | 22 | ||||||||||
| Income taxes | 7 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred sales inducements | 21 | — | ||||||||||||
| Non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Change in proceeds of sales of investments available for sale receivable in period | $ | (9) | $ | — | ||||||||||
| Change in purchases of investments available for sale payable in period | 164 | — | ||||||||||||
| Change in treasury stock purchases payable in period | — | 5 | ||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities recognized in exchange for lease right-of-use assets | 5 | 8 | ||||||||||||
| Remeasurement of lease liabilities | 13 | 22 | ||||||||||||
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Note J — Revenue Recognition
Disaggregation of Revenue
Our revenue consists of:
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue Stream | Income Statement Classification | Segment | Total Revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from insurance contracts: | (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct title insurance premiums | Direct title insurance premiums | Title | $ | 746 | $ | 546 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Agency title insurance premiums | Agency title insurance premiums | Title | 1,058 | 732 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Life insurance premiums, insurance and investment product fees, and other | Escrow, title-related and other fees | F&G | 64 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home warranty | Escrow, title-related and other fees | Title | 39 | 43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue from insurance contracts | 1,907 | 1,321 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from contracts with customers: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Escrow fees | Escrow, title-related and other fees | Title | 324 | 221 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other title-related fees and income | Escrow, title-related and other fees | Title | 205 | 159 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ServiceLink, excluding title premiums, escrow fees, and subservicing fees | Escrow, title-related and other fees | Title | 90 | 106 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real estate technology | Escrow, title-related and other fees | Corporate and other | 32 | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real estate brokerage | Escrow, title-related and other fees | Corporate and other | — | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | Escrow, title-related and other fees | Corporate and other | 10 | (42) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue from contracts with customers | 661 | 477 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan subservicing revenue | Escrow, title-related and other fees | Title | 87 | 81 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and investment income | Interest and investment income | Various | 402 | 53 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recognized gains and losses, net | Recognized gains and losses, net | Various | 43 | (320) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | Total revenues | $ | 3,100 | $ | 1,612 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Our Direct title insurance premiums are recognized as revenue at the time of closing of the underlying transaction as the earnings process is then considered complete. Regulation of title insurance rates varies by state. Premiums are charged to customers based on rates predetermined in coordination with each states' respective Department of Insurance. Cash associated with such revenue is typically collected at closing of the underlying real estate transaction. Premium revenues from agency title operations are recognized when the underlying title order and transaction closing, if applicable, are complete.
Revenues from our home warranty business are generated from contracts with customers to provide warranty for major home appliances. Substantially all of our home warranty contracts are one year in length and revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the contract.
Escrow fees and Other title-related fees and income in our Title segment are closely related to Direct title insurance premiums and are primarily associated with managing the closing of real estate transactions including the processing of funds on behalf of the transaction participants, gathering and recording the required closing documents, providing notary and home inspection services, and other real estate or title-related activities. Revenue is primarily recognized upon closing of the underlying real estate transaction or completion of services. Cash associated with such revenue is typically collected at closing.
Revenues from ServiceLink, excluding its title premiums, escrow fees and loan subservicing fees primarily include revenues from real estate appraisal services and foreclosure processing and facilitation services. Revenues from real estate appraisal services are recognized when all appraisal work is complete, a final report is issued to the client and the client is billed. Revenues from foreclosure processing and facilitation services are primarily recognized upon completion of the services and when billing to the client is complete.
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Life insurance premiums in our F&G segment reflect premiums for traditional life insurance products and life-contingent immediate annuity products which are recognized as revenue when due from the policyholder. We have ceded the majority of our traditional life business to unaffiliated third party reinsurers. While the base contract has been reinsured, we continue to retain the return of premium rider. Insurance and investment product fees and other consist primarily of the cost of insurance on IUL policies, unearned revenue ("UREV") on IUL policies, policy rider fees primarily on FIA policies and surrender charges assessed against policy withdrawals in excess of the policyholder's allowable penalty-free amounts.
Real estate technology revenues are primarily comprised of subscription fees for use of software provided to real estate professionals. Subscriptions are only offered on a month-by-month basis and fees are billed monthly. Revenue is recognized in the month services are provided.
Real estate brokerage revenues are primarily comprised of commission revenues earned in association with the facilitation of real estate transactions and are recognized upon closing of the sale of the underlying real estate transaction.
Loan subservicing revenues are generated by certain subsidiaries of ServiceLink and are associated with the servicing of mortgage loans on behalf of its customers. Revenue is recognized when the underlying work is performed and billed. Loan subservicing revenues are subject to the recognition requirements of ASC Topic 860.
Interest and investment income consists primarily of interest payments received on fixed maturity security holdings and dividends received on equity and preferred security holdings.
We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, primarily related to revenue from our home warranty business, and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.
Contract Balances
The following table provides information about trade receivables and deferred revenue:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| (In millions) | |||||||||||
| Trade receivables | $ | 390 | $ | 404 | |||||||
| Deferred revenue (contract liabilities) | 116 | 117 | |||||||||
Deferred revenue is recorded primarily for our home warranty contracts. Revenues from home warranty products are recognized over the life of the policy, which is primarily one year. The unrecognized portion is recorded as deferred revenue in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recognized $41 million of revenue, which was included in deferred revenue at the beginning of the period.
Note K — Value of Business Acquired, Deferred Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements
A summary of the changes in the carrying amounts of the Company's VOBA, DAC and DSI intangible assets are as follows (in millions):
| VOBA | DAC | DSI | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 1,466 | $ | 222 | $ | 36 | $ | 1,724 | |||||||||||||||
| Deferrals | — | 133 | 21 | 154 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization | (132) | (8) | (8) | (148) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest | 8 | 2 | — | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unlocking | 1 | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment for net unrealized investment (gains) losses | 132 | (5) | — | 127 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2021 | $ | 1,475 | $ | 344 | $ | 49 | $ | 1,868 | |||||||||||||||
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Amortization of VOBA, DAC, and DSI is based on the current and future expected gross margins or profits recognized, including investment gains and losses. The interest accrual rate utilized to calculate the accretion of interest on VOBA ranged from 0% to 4.71%. The adjustment for unrealized net investment losses (gains) represents the amount of VOBA, DAC, and DSI that would have been amortized if such unrealized gains and losses had been recognized. This is referred to as the “shadow adjustments” as the additional amortization is reflected in AOCI rather than the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of March 31, 2021, the VOBA balances included cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment gains of $152 million, the DAC balances included cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment gains of $30 million, and the DSI balance included net unrealized investment gains of $4 million.
For the inforce liabilities as of March 31, 2021, the estimated amortization expense for VOBA in future fiscal periods is as follows (in millions):
| Estimated Amortization Expense | |||||
| Fiscal Year | |||||
| 2021 | 59 | ||||
| 2022 | 190 | ||||
| 2023 | 185 | ||||
| 2024 | 172 | ||||
| 2025 | 168 | ||||
| Thereafter | 853 | ||||
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Note L — F&G Reinsurance
F&G reinsures portions of its policy risks with other insurance companies. The use of indemnity reinsurance does not discharge an insurer from liability on the insurance ceded. The insurer is required to pay in full the amount of its insurance liability regardless of whether it is entitled to or able to receive payment from the reinsurer. The portion of risks exceeding F&G's retention limit is reinsured. F&G primarily seeks reinsurance coverage in order to limit its exposure to mortality losses and enhance capital management. F&G follows reinsurance accounting when there is adequate risk transfer. If the underlying policy being reinsured is an investment contract or there is inadequate risk transfer, deposit accounting is followed.
The effect of reinsurance on net premiums earned and net benefits incurred (benefits paid and reserve changes) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were as follows (in millions):
| Three months ended | ||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Net Premiums Earned | Net Benefits Incurred | |||||||||||||
| Direct | $ | 44 | $ | 293 | ||||||||||
| Ceded | (33) | (319) | ||||||||||||
| Net | $ | 11 | $ | (26) | ||||||||||
Amounts payable or recoverable for reinsurance on paid and unpaid claims are not subject to periodic or maximum limits. F&G did not write off any significant reinsurance balances during the three months ended March 31, 2021. F&G did not commute any ceded reinsurance treaties during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Following the adoption of ASC 326, F&G estimates expected credit losses on reinsurance recoverables using a probability of default/loss given default model. Significant inputs to the model include the reinsurers credit risk, expected timing of recovery, industry-wide historical default experience, senior unsecured bond recovery rates, and credit enhancement features. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the expected credit loss reserve was not adjusted and remained at $21 million as of March 31, 2021.
No policies issued by F&G have been reinsured with any foreign company, which is controlled, either directly or indirectly, by a party not primarily engaged in the business of insurance.
F&G has not entered into any reinsurance agreements in which the reinsurer may unilaterally cancel any reinsurance for reasons other than non-payment of premiums or other similar credit issues.
Effective May 1, 2020, FGL Insurance entered into an indemnity reinsurance agreement with Canada Life Assurance Company United States Branch, a third party reinsurer, to reinsure FIA policies with guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits ("GMWB"). In accordance with the terms of this agreement, FGL Insurance cedes a quota share percentage of the net retention of guarantee payments in excess of account value for GMWB. Effective January 1, 2021, FGL Insurance amended to include the GMWB rider for product F&G SecureIncome 7. The effects of this agreement are not accounted for as reinsurance as it does not satisfy the risk transfer requirements for GAAP, since it is not “reasonably possible” that the reinsurer may realize significant loss from assuming the insurance risk.
On January 15, 2021, FGL Insurance executed a Funds Withheld Coinsurance Agreement with ASPIDA Life Re Ltd, a Bermuda reinsurer. The effective date of the agreement is January 1, 2021. In accordance with the terms of this agreement, F&G shall cede to the reinsurer, on a fifty percent (50%) funds withheld coinsurance basis, certain multiyear guaranteed annuity business written effective January 1, 2021.
Concentration of Reinsurance Risk
F&G has a significant concentration of reinsurance risk with third party reinsurers, Wilton Reassurance Company (“Wilton Re”) and Kubera, that could have a material impact on the Company’s financial position in the event that either Wilton Re or Kubera fail to perform their obligations under the various reinsurance treaties. Wilton Re is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board ("CPPIB"). CPPIB has an AAA issuer credit rating from Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") as of March 31, 2021. Kubera is not rated, however, management has attempted to mitigate the risk of non-performance through the funds withheld arrangement. As of March 31, 2021, the net amount recoverable from Wilton Re was $1,489 million and the net amount recoverable from Kubera was $803 million. The Company monitors both the financial condition of individual reinsurers and risk concentration arising from similar activities and economic characteristics of reinsurers to attempt to reduce the risk of default by such reinsurers. The Company believes that all amounts due from Wilton Re and Kubera for periodic treaty settlements are collectible as of March 31, 2021.
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On March 6, 2019, Scottish Re (U.S.), Inc. (“SRUS”), a Delaware domestic life and health reinsurer of FGL Insurance, was ordered into receivership for purposes of rehabilitation. As of March 31, 2021, the net amount recoverable from SRUS was $50 million. The financial exposure related to these ceded reserves are substantially mitigated via a reinsurance agreement whereby Wilton Re assumes treaty non-performance including credit risk for this business.
On July 9, 2019, Pavonia Life Insurance Company of Michigan ("Pavonia"), a Michigan domiciled life, accident, and health insurance company, was placed into rehabilitation. While the court order indicated that Pavonia had a stable financial condition and lack of non-insurance affiliated investments, the Director of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services ("MDIFS") has concerns relating to Pavonia's parent company. To insulate Pavonia from its parent until a pending acquisition transaction could be consummated, MDIFS placed Pavonia under supervision and rehabilitation. As of March 31, 2021, the net amount recoverable from Pavonia was $94 million. The financial exposure related to these ceded reserves is substantially mitigated via a reinsurance agreement whereby Wilton Re assumes treaty non-performance including credit risk for this business.
There have been no other material changes in the reinsurance and the intercompany reinsurance agreements described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Note M — F&G Insurance Subsidiary Financial Information and Regulatory Matters
Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries, FGL Insurance, Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company of New York ("FGL NY Insurance"), and Raven Re, file financial statements with state insurance regulatory authorities and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) that are prepared in accordance with Statutory Accounting Principles (“SAP”) prescribed or permitted by such authorities, which may vary materially from GAAP. Prescribed SAP includes the Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual of the NAIC as well as state laws, regulations and administrative rules. Permitted SAP encompasses all accounting practices not so prescribed. The principal differences between SAP financial statements and financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP are that SAP financial statements do not reflect DAC, DSI and VOBA, some bond portfolios may be carried at amortized cost, assets and liabilities are presented net of reinsurance, contractholder liabilities are generally valued using more conservative assumptions and certain assets are non-admitted. Accordingly, SAP operating results and SAP capital and surplus may differ substantially from amounts reported in the GAAP basis financial statements for comparable items.
FSRC (Cayman) and F&G Life Re (Bermuda) file financial statements with their respective regulators that are based on U.S. GAAP.
FGL Insurance applies Iowa-prescribed accounting practices that permit Iowa-domiciled insurers to report equity call options used to economically hedge FIA index credits at amortized cost for statutory accounting purposes and to calculate FIA statutory reserves such that index credit returns will be included in the reserve only after crediting to the annuity contract. This resulted in a $133 million and $144 million decrease to statutory capital and surplus at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
FGL Insurance’s statutory carrying value of Raven Re reflects the effect of permitted practices Raven Re received to treat the available amount of a letter of credit as an admitted asset which increased Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus by $85 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Raven Re is also permitted to follow Iowa prescribed statutory accounting practice for its reserves on reinsurance assumed from FGL Insurance which increased Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus by $5 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Without such permitted statutory accounting practices Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus (deficit) would be less than $1 million as of March 31, 2021 and would be $(6) million as of December 31, 2020, and its risk-based capital would fall below the minimum regulatory requirements. The letter of credit facility is collateralized by NAIC 1 rated debt securities. If the permitted practice was revoked, the letter of credit could be replaced by the collateral assets with Nomura’s consent. FGL Insurance’s statutory carrying value of Raven Re was $90 million and $84 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
As of March 31, 2021, FGL NY Insurance did not follow any prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices that differ from the NAIC's statutory accounting practices.
The prescribed and permitted statutory accounting practices have no impact on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements which are prepared in accordance with GAAP.
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Note N — Acquisitions
F&G
On June 1, 2020, we acquired 100% of the outstanding equity of F&G for approximately $2.7 billion. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination under FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations ("Topic 805"). The purchase price has been allocated to F&G's assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on our best estimates of their fair values as of the acquisition date. The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed represent a preliminary allocation as our evaluation of facts and circumstances available as of June 1, 2020 is ongoing. We expect to finalize the purchase price allocation as soon as practicable, but no later than one year from the acquisition date. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, there were no changes to our preliminary allocation of purchase price.
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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our expectations, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. It is important to note that our actual results could vary materially from those forward-looking statements contained herein due to many factors, including, but not limited to: the ability of FNF to successfully integrate F&G's operations and employees; the potential impact of the F&G acquisition on relationships, including with employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; changes in general economic, business and political and COVID-19 conditions, including changes in the financial markets; weakness or adverse changes in the level of real estate activity, which may be caused by, among other things, high or increasing interest rates, a limited supply of mortgage funding, a weak U.S. economy; our potential inability to find suitable acquisition candidates, acquisitions in lines of business that will not necessarily be limited to our traditional areas of focus, or difficulties in consummating and integrating acquisitions; our dependence on distributions from our title insurance underwriters as our main source of cash flow; significant competition that our operating subsidiaries face; compliance with extensive government regulation of our operating subsidiaries; and other risks detailed in the “Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information,” “Risk Factors” and other sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K (our "Annual Report") for the year ended December 31, 2020 and other filings with the SEC.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report.
Overview
For a description of our business, including descriptions of segments and recent business developments, see the discussion in Note A Basis of Financial Statements in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Report, which is incorporated by reference into this Part I, Item 2.
Business Trends and Conditions
Title
Our Title segment revenue is closely related to the level of real estate activity which includes sales, mortgage financing and mortgage refinancing. Declines in the level of real estate activity or the average price of real estate sales will adversely affect our title insurance revenues.
We have found that residential real estate activity is generally dependent on the following factors:
•mortgage interest rates;
•mortgage funding supply;
•housing inventory and home prices;
•supply and demand for commercial real estate; and
•the strength of the United States economy, including employment levels.
While we cannot predict the severity and duration of the negative impacts related to the outbreak of COVID-19, the most recent forecast of the Mortgage Bankers Association ("MBA"), as of April 22, 2021, estimates (actual for fiscal year 2020) the size of the U.S. residential mortgage originations market as shown in the following table for 2020 - 2023 in its "Mortgage Finance Forecast" (in trillions):
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase transactions | $ | 1.8 | $ | 1.7 | $ | 1.7 | $ | 1.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Refinance transactions | $ | 0.5 | $ | 0.6 | $ | 1.6 | $ | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total U.S. mortgage originations forecast | $ | 2.3 | $ | 2.3 | $ | 3.3 | $ | 3.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
As of April 22, 2021, the MBA expects residential purchase transactions to steadily increase in 2021 and beyond from 2020 levels. Additionally the MBA expects residential refinance transactions to decrease in 2021 and beyond as interest rates are expected to rise while the supply of refinance candidates decreases. The MBA expects overall mortgage originations to decrease in 2021 and beyond as a result of record refinance originations in 2020.
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In recent years, total originations have been reflective of a strong residential real estate market driven by increasing home prices and low mortgage interest rates. Mortgage rates rose consistently between 2016 and the beginning of 2019. Concerns over a slowing global economy and the impact of a prolonged trade war resulted in interest rate cuts in the second half of the 2019, which significantly increased refinance transactions and slightly increased purchase transactions when compared to 2018. In the beginning of 2020, refinance and purchase transactions remained strong until the outbreak of COVID-19.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared that the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 “can be characterized as a pandemic,” which is defined as a worldwide spread of a new disease for which most people do not have immunity. On March 15, 2020, the Federal Reserve took emergency action and reduced its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point to nearly zero. Following this emergency action, average interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgages fell throughout the remainder of the year, bottoming out at 2.65% on January 7, 2021. The outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in significant uncertainty in the economic outlook in the second quarter of 2020, and as a result real estate activity decreased significantly as consumers moved to the sidelines to assess the ongoing impact of COVID-19. However, real estate activity began to rebound in June 2020, with increases in purchase activity and a surge in refinance transactions as a result of historically low interest rates.
Strong purchase and refinance activity continued into the first quarter of 2021. However, the slight widening of credit spreads has resulted in recent increases to mortgage interest rates, which combined with historically low housing inventory has resulted in month-over-month decreases in existing-home sales in February and March of 2021. Mortgage interest rates averaged 3.1% in the first quarter of 2021. Despite the recent increase in interest rates and drop in existing-home sales, the market is still outperforming pre-pandemic levels.
Other economic indicators used to measure the health of the U.S. economy, including the unemployment rate and consumer confidence, indicated that the U.S was on strong footing prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. However, the impact of COVID-19 reduced the outlook related to these economic indicators in March 2020. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor, the unemployment rate was at a historically low 3.5% in February 2020 but subsequently rose to a record 14.8% in April 2020 before declining to a still-elevated level of 6.7% in December 2020. In 2021, the unemployment rate has continued to fall to 6.0% in March 2021. Additionally, the Conference Board's monthly Consumer Confidence Index remained at high levels through February 2020 before falling as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Consumer confidence has since rebounded, and as of March 2021, is at its highest level since the onset of the pandemic.
Because commercial real estate transactions tend to be generally driven by supply and demand for commercial space and occupancy rates in a particular area rather than by interest rate fluctuations, we believe that our commercial real estate title insurance business is less dependent on the industry cycles discussed above than our residential real estate title business. Commercial real estate transaction volume is also often linked to the availability of financing. Factors including U.S. tax reform and a shift in U.S. monetary policy have had, or are expected to have, varying effects on availability of financing in the U.S. Lower corporate and individual tax rates and corporate tax-deductibility of capital expenditures have provided increased capacity and incentive for investments in commercial real estate. In recent years, we have experienced strong demand in commercial real estate markets and from 2015 through 2019, we experienced historically high volumes and fee-per-file in our commercial business. In 2020, we experienced decreases in commercial volumes and commercial fee-per-file as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19. In the second half of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, commercial volumes have continued to recover, but at a slower rate than residential volumes. While COVID-19 will likely have an impact on the timing and volume of commercial real estate transactions in the short term as the logistics of transactions evolve and some buyers move to the sidelines until the pandemic is resolved, we believe that refinance activity will likely remain elevated in response to the pandemic related Federal rate cuts.
We continually monitor mortgage origination trends and believe that, based on our ability to produce industry leading operating margins through all economic cycles, we are well positioned to adjust our operations for adverse changes in real estate activity and to take advantage of increased volume when demand increases.
Seasonality. Historically, real estate transactions have produced seasonal revenue fluctuations in the real estate industry. The first calendar quarter is typically the weakest quarter in terms of revenue due to the generally low volume of home sales during January and February. The second and third calendar quarters are typically the strongest quarters in terms of revenue, primarily due to a higher volume of residential transactions in the spring and summer months. The fourth quarter is typically strong due to the desire of commercial entities to complete transactions by year-end. We have noted short-term fluctuations through recent years in resale and
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refinance transactions as a result of changes in interest rates. Due to COVID-19, seasonality deviated from historical patterns in 2020 and we may continue to see deviations in 2021.
F&G
We acquired F&G on June 1, 2020. The following factors represent some of the key trends and uncertainties that have influenced the development of our F&G segment and its historical financial performance, and we believe these key trends and uncertainties will continue to influence the business and financial performance of our F&G segment in the future.
COVID-19 Pandemic
While continuously evolving, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant economic and financial turmoil in the U.S. and around the world. These conditions may continue in the near term. At this time, it is not possible to estimate the longer term-effects the COVID-19 pandemic could have on our F&G segment or our consolidated financial statements. Increased economic uncertainty and increased unemployment resulting from the economic impacts of the spread of COVID-19 may result in F&G policyholders seeking sources of liquidity and withdrawing at rates greater than was previously expected. If policyholder lapse and surrender rates significantly exceed expectations, it could have an adverse effect on our F&G segment's, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows. Such events or conditions could also have an adverse effect on its sales of new policies. F&G is monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on its investment portfolio and the potential for ratings changes caused by the sudden slowdown of economic activity. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our F&G segment's, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or prospects will depend on future developments which cannot be predicted.
Market Conditions
Market volatility has affected and may continue to affect our business and financial performance in varying ways. Volatility can pressure sales and reduce demand as consumers hesitate to make financial decisions. To enhance the attractiveness and profitability of our products and services, we continually monitor the behavior of our customers, as evidenced by annuitization rates and lapse rates, which vary in response to changes in market conditions. See Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for further discussion of risk factors that could affect market conditions.
Interest Rate Environment
Some of our products include guaranteed minimum crediting rates, most notably our fixed rate annuities. As of March 31, 2021, the Company's reserves, net of reinsurance, and average crediting rate on our fixed rate annuities were $4.0 billion and 3%, respectively. We are required to pay the guaranteed minimum crediting rates even if earnings on our investment portfolio decline, which would negatively impact earnings. In addition, we expect more policyholders to hold policies with comparatively high guaranteed rates for a longer period in a low interest rate environment. Conversely, a rise in average yield on our investment portfolio would increase earnings if the average interest rate we pay on our products does not rise correspondingly. Similarly, we expect that policyholders would be less likely to hold policies with existing guarantees as interest rates rise and the relative value of other new business offerings are increased, which would negatively impact our earnings and cash flows.
See Item 7A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for a more detailed discussion of interest rate risk.
Aging of the U.S. Population
We believe that the aging of the U.S. population will increase the demand for our products. As the “baby boomer” generation prepares for retirement, we believe that demand for retirement savings, growth, and income products will grow. The impact of this growth may be offset to some extent by asset outflows as an increasing percentage of the population begins withdrawing assets to convert their savings into income.
Industry Factors and Trends Affecting Our Results of Operations
Demographics and macroeconomic factors are increasing the demand for our FIA and IUL products. Over 10,000 people will turn 65 each day in the United States over the next 15 years, and according to the U.S.
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Census Bureau, the proportion of the U.S. population over the age of 65 is expected to grow from 17% in 2020 to 21% in 2035.
We operate in the sector of the insurance industry that focuses on the needs of middle-income Americans. The underserved middle-income market represents a major growth opportunity for the Company. As a tool for addressing the unmet need for retirement planning, we believe that many middle-income Americans have grown to appreciate the “sleep at night protection” that annuities such as our FIA products afford. See Item 7A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for a more detailed discussion of industry factors and trends affecting our Results of Operations.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results of Operations
Net Earnings. The following table presents certain financial data for the periods indicated:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (In millions) | |||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||
| Direct title insurance premiums | $ | 746 | $ | 546 | |||||||
| Agency title insurance premiums | 1,058 | 732 | |||||||||
| Escrow, title-related and other fees | 851 | 601 | |||||||||
| Interest and investment income | 402 | 53 | |||||||||
| Recognized gains and losses, net | 43 | (320) | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 3,100 | 1,612 | |||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||
| Benefits and other changes in policy reserves | (26) | — | |||||||||
| Personnel costs | 812 | 614 | |||||||||
| Agent commissions | 807 | 560 | |||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 458 | 411 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 183 | 43 | |||||||||
| Provision for title claim losses | 81 | 58 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 28 | 12 | |||||||||
| Total expenses | 2,343 | 1,698 | |||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 757 | (86) | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 166 | (28) | |||||||||
| Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 13 | 1 | |||||||||
| Net earnings from continuing operations | $ | 604 | $ | (57) | |||||||
Revenues.
Total revenues increased by $1,488 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020.
Net earnings increased by $661 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020.
The change in revenue and net earnings from our reportable segments is discussed in further detail at the segment level below.
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Expenses.
Our operating expenses consist primarily of Personnel costs; Other operating expenses, which in our title business are incurred as orders are received and processed; Agent commissions, which are incurred as title agency revenue is recognized; and Benefits and other changes in policy reserves, which in our F&G segment are charged to earnings in the period they are earned by the policyholder based on their selected strategy. For traditional life and immediate annuities, policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred, net of reinsurance recoveries. Title insurance premiums, escrow and title-related fees are generally recognized as income at the time the underlying transaction closes or other service is provided. Direct title operations revenue often lags approximately 45-60 days behind expenses and therefore gross margins may fluctuate. The changes in the market environment, mix of business between direct and agency operations and the contributions from our various business units have historically impacted margins and net earnings. We have implemented programs and have taken necessary actions to maintain expense levels consistent with revenue streams. However, a short-term lag exists in reducing controllable fixed costs and certain fixed costs are incurred regardless of revenue levels.
Personnel costs include base salaries, commissions, benefits, stock-based compensation and bonuses paid to employees, and are one of our most significant operating expenses.
Agent commissions represent the portion of premiums retained by our third-party agents pursuant to the terms of their respective agency contracts.
Benefit expenses for deferred annuity, FIA and IUL policies include index credits and interest credited to contractholder account balances and benefit claims in excess of contract account balances, net of reinsurance recoveries. Other changes in policy reserves include the change in the fair value of the FIA embedded derivative and the change in the reserve for secondary guarantee benefit payments. Other changes in policy reserves also include the change in reserves for life insurance products.
Other operating expenses consist primarily of facilities expenses, title plant maintenance, premium taxes (which insurance underwriters are required to pay on title premiums in lieu of franchise and other state taxes), appraisal fees and other cost of sales on ServiceLink product offerings and other title-related products, postage and courier services, computer services, professional services, travel expenses, general insurance and bad debt expense on our trade and notes receivable.
The Provision for title claim losses includes an estimate of anticipated title and title-related claims, and escrow losses.
The change in expenses attributable to our reportable segments is discussed in further detail at the segment level below.
Income tax expense (benefit) was $166 million and $(28) million in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Income tax expense as a percentage of earnings before income taxes was 22% in the three months ended March 31, 2021. Income tax benefit as a percentage of loss before income taxes was 33% in the three months ended March 31, 2020. The 2020 period includes an additional tax benefit of $7 million related to a 2017 amended return filed in the 2020 period.
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Title
The following table presents the results from operations of our Title segment:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (In millions) | |||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||
| Direct title insurance premiums | $ | 746 | $ | 546 | |||||||
| Agency title insurance premiums | 1,058 | 732 | |||||||||
| Escrow, title-related and other fees | 745 | 610 | |||||||||
| Interest and investment income | 29 | 48 | |||||||||
| Recognized gains and losses, net | (59) | (313) | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 2,519 | 1,623 | |||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||
| Personnel costs | 754 | 641 | |||||||||
| Agent commissions | 807 | 560 | |||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 405 | 380 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 33 | 37 | |||||||||
| Provision for title claim losses | 81 | 58 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | — | — | |||||||||
| Total expenses | 2,080 | 1,676 | |||||||||
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | $ | 439 | $ | (53) | |||||||
| Orders opened by direct title operations (in thousands) | 770 | 682 | |||||||||
| Orders closed by direct title operations (in thousands) | 597 | 377 | |||||||||
| Fee per file (in dollars) | $ | 1,944 | $ | 2,224 | |||||||
Total revenues for the Title segment increased by $896 million, or 55%, in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from the corresponding period in 2020.
The following table presents the percentages of title insurance premiums generated by our direct and agency operations:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| % of | % of | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | Total | 2020 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title premiums from direct operations | $ | 746 | 41 | % | $ | 546 | 43 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Title premiums from agency operations | 1,058 | 59 | 732 | 57 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total title premiums | $ | 1,804 | 100 | % | $ | 1,278 | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||
Title premiums increased by 41% in the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The increase is comprised of an increase in Title premiums from direct operations of $200 million, or 37%, and an increase in Title premiums from agency operations of $326 million, or 45%.
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The following table presents the percentages of opened and closed title insurance orders generated by purchase and refinance transactions by our direct operations:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Opened title insurance orders from purchase transactions (1) | 42 | % | 41 | % | |||||||
| Opened title insurance orders from refinance transactions (1) | 58 | 59 | |||||||||
| 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Closed title insurance orders from purchase transactions (1) | 34 | % | 46 | % | |||||||
| Closed title insurance orders from refinance transactions (1) | 66 | 54 | |||||||||
| 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||||
_______________________________________
(1) Percentages exclude consideration of an immaterial number of non-purchase and non-refinance orders.
Title premiums from direct operations increased in the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in total closed order volume, driven by an increase in both residential purchase and refinance order volume, partially offset by a decline in residential and commercial fee per file. The residential refinance market has considerably lower fees per closed order than commercial or residential purchase transactions.
We experienced an increase in closed title insurance order volumes from purchase transactions and refinance transactions in the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the corresponding period in 2020. Total closed order volumes were 597,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to 377,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2020. This represented an overall increase of 58% in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from the corresponding period in 2020. The increase in refinance transactions in the 2021 period is primarily due to lower average interest rates when compared to the corresponding 2020 period.
Total opened title insurance order volumes increased in the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The increase was attributable to increased opened title orders from purchase and refinance transactions.
The average fee per file in our direct operations was $1,944 in the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $2,224 in the three months ended March 31, 2020. The decrease in average fee per file reflects an increased proportion of refinance transactions relative to total closed orders and a relatively flat commercial market compared to the corresponding prior year period. The fee per file tends to change as the mix of refinance and purchase transactions changes, because purchase transactions involve the issuance of both a lender’s policy and an owner’s policy, resulting in higher fees, whereas refinance transactions only require a lender’s policy, resulting in lower fees.
Title premiums from agency operations increased $326 million, or 45%, in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from the corresponding period in 2020. The current trends in the agency business reflect a strong residential purchase environment in many markets throughout the country and a concerted effort by management to increase remittances with existing agents as well as cultivate new relationships with potential new agents. In addition, lower mortgage rates have resulted in a surge in refinance business with agents, which is further impacted by changes in underlying real estate activity in the geographic regions in which the independent agents operate.
Escrow, title-related and other fees increased by $135 million, or 22%, in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from the corresponding period in 2020. Escrow fees, which are more closely related to our direct operations, increased by $103 million, or 47%, in the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The increase is primarily due to stronger residential refinance revenue, which has relatively higher escrow fees than residential purchase and commercial transactions. Other fees in the Title segment, excluding escrow fees, increased by $32 million, or 8%, in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The increase in Other fees was primarily driven by increases in various individually immaterial items.
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Interest and investment income levels are primarily a function of securities markets, interest rates and the amount of cash available for investment. Interest and investment income decreased $19 million, or 40%, in the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The decrease was primarily driven by a decline in interest income related to the Company's tax-deferred property exchange business and decline in interest on cash and short-term investments, due to a decline in short-term rates in the 2021 period as compared to the corresponding period in 2020.
Net recognized losses decreased $254 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from the comparable period in 2020. The decrease is primarily attributable to fluctuations in non-cash valuation changes on our equity and preferred security holdings in addition to various other individually immaterial items.
Personnel costs include base salaries, commissions, benefits, stock-based compensation and bonuses paid to employees, and are one of our most significant operating expenses. Personnel costs increased $113 million, or 18%, in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The increase is primarily attributable to increased salaries, bonuses, and commissions in the 2021 period associated with increased headcount to manage the surge in refinance and strong purchase orders compared to the prior year period. Personnel costs as a percentage of total revenues from direct title premiums and escrow, title-related and other fees were 51% and 55% for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Average employee count in the Title segment was 26,344 and 24,427 in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Other operating expenses increased by $25 million, or 7%, in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from the corresponding period in 2020. Other operating expenses as a percentage of total revenue excluding agency premiums, interest and investment income, and recognized gains and losses were 27% and 33% in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Agent commissions represent the portion of premiums retained by agents pursuant to the terms of their respective agency contracts. Agent commissions and the resulting percentage of agent premiums that we retain vary according to regional differences in real estate closing practices and state regulations.
The following table illustrates the relationship of agent premiums and agent commissions, which has remained relatively consistent since 2020:
| Three months ended March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % | 2020 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agent premiums | $ | 1,058 | 100 | % | $ | 732 | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Agent commissions | 807 | 76 | % | 560 | 77 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Net retained agent premiums | $ | 251 | 24 | % | $ | 172 | 23 | % | |||||||||||||||
The claim loss provision for title insurance was $81 million and $58 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The provision reflects an average provision rate of 4.5% of title premiums in all periods. We continually monitor and evaluate our loss provision level, actual claims paid, and the loss reserve position each quarter. This loss provision rate is set to provide for losses on current year policies, but due to development of prior years and our long claim duration, it periodically includes amounts of estimated adverse or positive development on prior years' policies.
F&G
Segment Overview
Through our wholly owned F&G subsidiary, which we acquired on June 1, 2020, we provide our principal life and annuity products through the insurance subsidiaries composing our F&G segment, FGL Insurance and FGL NY Insurance. Our customers range across a variety of age groups and are concentrated in the middle-income market. Our FIAs provide for pre-retirement wealth accumulation and post-retirement income management. Our IUL products provide wealth protection and transfer opportunities. Life and annuity products are primarily distributed through Independent Marketing Organizations ("IMOs") and independent insurance agents, and beginning in 2020, independent broker dealers and banks.
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In setting the features and pricing of new FIA products relative to our targeted net margin, we take into account our expectations regarding (1) net investment spread (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures section), which is the difference between the net investment income we earn and the sum of the interest credited to policyholders and the cost of hedging our risk on the policies; (2) fees, including surrender charges and rider fees, partly offset by vesting bonuses that we pay our policyholders; and (3) a number of related expenses, including benefits and changes in reserves, acquisition costs, and general and administrative expenses.
Annuity and Life Sales
We regularly monitor and report the production volume metric titled “Sales”. Sales are not derived from any specific GAAP income statement accounts or line items and should not be viewed as a substitute for any financial measure determined in accordance with GAAP. Annuity and IUL sales are recorded as deposit liabilities (i.e. contractholder funds) within the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Report in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that presentation of sales, as measured for management purposes, enhances the understanding of our business and helps depict longer term trends that may not be apparent in the results of operations due to the timing of sales and revenue recognition.
Key Components of Our Historical Results of Operations
Under U.S. GAAP, premium collections for fixed indexed annuities, fixed rate annuities, and immediate annuities without life contingency are reported in the financial statements as deposit liabilities (i.e., contractholder funds) instead of as sales or revenues. Similarly, cash payments to customers are reported as decreases in the liability for contractholder funds and not as expenses. Sources of revenues for products accounted for as deposit liabilities are net investment income, surrender, cost of insurance and other charges deducted from contractholder funds, and net realized gains (losses) on investments. Components of expenses for products accounted for as deposit liabilities are interest-sensitive and index product benefits (primarily interest credited to account balances or the hedging cost of providing index credits to the policyholder), amortization of DAC, DSI, and VOBA, other operating costs and expenses, and income taxes.
Through our insurance subsidiaries, we issue a broad portfolio of deferred annuities (fixed indexed and fixed rate annuities), indexed universal life insurance and immediate annuities. A deferred annuity is a type of contract that accumulates value on a tax deferred basis and typically begins making specified periodic or lump sum payments a certain number of years after the contract has been issued. An immediate annuity is a type of contract that begins making specified payments within one annuity period (e.g., one month or one year) and typically makes payments of principal and interest earnings over a period of time.
F&G hedges certain portions of its exposure to product related equity market risk by entering into derivative transactions. We purchase derivatives consisting predominantly of call options and, to a lesser degree, futures contracts on the equity indices underlying the applicable policy. These derivatives are used to offset the statutory reserve impact of the index credits due to policyholders under the FIA contracts. The majority of all such call options are one-year options purchased to match the funding requirements underlying the FIA contracts. We attempt to manage the cost of these purchases through the terms of our FIA contracts, which permit us to change caps, spread, or participation rates on each policy's annual anniversary, subject to certain guaranteed minimums that must be maintained. The call options and futures contracts are marked to fair value with the change in fair value included as a component of net investment gains (losses). The change in fair value of the call options and futures contracts includes the gains and losses recognized at the expiration of the instruments’ terms or upon early termination and the changes in fair value of open positions.
Earnings from products accounted for as deposit liabilities are primarily generated from the excess of net investment income earned over the sum of interest credited to policyholders and the cost of hedging our risk on FIA policies, known as the net investment spread. With respect to FIAs, the cost of hedging our risk includes the expenses incurred to fund the index credits. Proceeds received upon expiration or early termination of call options purchased to fund annual index credits are recorded as part of the change in fair value of derivatives, and are largely offset by an expense for index credits earned on annuity contractholder fund balances.
Our profitability depends in large part upon the amount of assets under management (“AUM”), the net investment spreads earned on our AUM, our ability to manage our operating expenses and the costs of acquiring new business (principally commissions to agents and bonuses credited to policyholders). As we grow AUM, earnings generally increase. AUM increases when cash inflows, which include sales, exceed cash outflows. Managing net investment spreads involves the ability to maximize returns on our AUM and minimize risks such as interest rate changes and defaults or impairment of investments. It also includes our ability to manage interest
55
rates credited to policyholders and costs of the options and futures purchased to fund the annual index credits on the FIAs or IULs. We analyze returns on average assets under management ("AAUM" - see Non-GAAP Financial Measures section) pre- and post-DAC, DSI and VOBA as well as pre- and post-tax to measure our profitability in terms of growth and improved earnings.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures may be useful in certain instances to provide additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. Our non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other organizations because other organizations may not calculate such non-GAAP measures in the same manner as we do. Reconciliations of such measures to the most comparable GAAP measures are included herein.
Adjusted net earnings is a non-GAAP economic measure we use to evaluate financial performance each period. Adjusted net earnings is calculated by adjusting net earnings (loss) from continuing operations to eliminate:
(i) Recognized (gains) and losses, net: the impact of net investment gains/losses, including changes in allowance for expected credit losses recognized in operations; the impact of market volatility on the alternative asset portfolio; and the effect of changes in fair value of the reinsurance related embedded derivative;
(ii) Indexed product related derivatives: the impacts related to changes in the fair value, including both realized and unrealized gains and losses, of index product related derivatives and embedded derivatives, net of hedging cost, and the fair value accounting impact of assumed reinsurance,
(iii) Purchase price amortization: the impacts related to the amortization of certain intangibles (internally developed software, trademarks and value of distribution asset (VODA)) recognized as a result of acquisition activities, and
(iv) Transaction costs: the impacts related to acquisition, integration and merger related items.
Adjustments to Adjusted net earnings are net of the corresponding impact on amortization of intangibles, as appropriate. The income tax impact related to these adjustments is measured using an effective tax rate, as appropriate by tax jurisdiction. While these adjustments are an integral part of the overall performance of F&G, market conditions and/or the non-operating nature of these items can overshadow the underlying performance of the core business. Accordingly, management considers this to be a useful measure internally and to investors and analysts in analyzing the trends of our operations.
Adjusted net earnings should not be used as a substitute for net earnings (loss). However, we believe the adjustments made to net earnings (loss) in order to derive adjusted net earnings provide an understanding of our overall results of operations. For example, we could have strong operating results in a given period, yet report net income that is materially less, if during such period the fair value of our derivative assets hedging the FIA and IUL index credit obligations decreased due to general equity market conditions but the embedded derivative liability related to the index credit obligation did not decrease in the same proportion as the derivative assets because of non-equity market factors such as interest rate and non-performance credit spread movements. Similarly, we could also have poor operating results in a given period yet show net earnings (loss) that is materially greater, if during such period the fair value of the derivative assets increases but the embedded derivative liability did not increase in the same proportion as the derivative assets. We hedge our index credits with a combination of static and dynamic strategies, which can result in earnings volatility, the effects of which are generally likely to reverse over time. Our management and board of directors review Adjusted net Earnings and net earnings (loss) as part of their examination of our overall financial results. However, these examples illustrate the significant impact derivative and embedded derivative movements can have on our net earnings (loss). Accordingly, our management performs a review and analysis of these items, as part of their review of our hedging results each period.
Amounts attributable to the fair value accounting for derivatives hedging the FIA and IUL index credits and the related embedded derivative liability fluctuate from period to period based upon changes in the fair values of call options purchased to fund the annual index credits, changes in the interest rates and non-performance credit spreads used to discount the embedded derivative liability, and the fair value assumptions reflected in the embedded derivative liability. The accounting standards for fair value measurement require the discount rates used in the calculation of the embedded derivative liability to be based on risk-free interest rates adjusted for our non-performance as of the reporting date. The impact of the change in fair values of FIA-
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related derivatives, embedded derivatives and hedging costs has been removed from net earnings (loss) in calculating adjusted net earnings.
AAUM is a non-GAAP measure we use to assess the rate of return on assets available for reinvestment. AAUM is calculated as the sum of:
(i) total invested assets at amortized cost, excluding derivatives;
(ii) related party loans and investments;
(iii) accrued investment income;
(iv) the net payable/receivable for the purchase/sale of investments, and
(v) cash and cash equivalents, excluding derivative collateral, at the beginning of the period and the end of each month in the period, divided by the total number of months in the period plus one.
Management considers this non-GAAP financial measure to be useful internally and to investors and analysts when assessing the rate of return on assets available for reinvestment.
Yield on AAUM is calculated by dividing annualized net investment income by AAUM. Management considers this non-GAAP financial measure to be useful internally and to investors and analysts when assessing the level of return earned on AAUM.
Alternative investment yield adjustment is the current period yield impact of market volatility on the alternative investment portfolio. Management considers this non-GAAP financial measure to be useful internally and to investors and analysts when assessing the level of return earned on AAUM.
Adjusted Yield on AAUM is calculated by dividing annualized net investment income by AAUM, plus or minus the alternative investment yield adjustment. Management considers this non-GAAP financial measure to be useful internally and to investors and analysts when assessing the level of return earned on AAUM.
Net investment spread is the excess of net investment income, adjusted for market volatility on the alternative asset investment portfolio, earned over the sum of interest credited to policyholders and the cost of hedging our risk on indexed product policies. Management considers this non-GAAP financial measure to be useful internally and to investors and analysts when assessing the performance of the Company’s invested assets against the level of investment return provided to policyholders, inclusive of hedging costs.
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F&G Results of Operations
The following table presents the results of operations of our F&G segment (in millions):
| Three months ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||
| Life insurance premiums and other fees (a) | $ | 64 | ||||||
| Interest and investment income | 373 | |||||||
| Recognized gains and losses, net | 102 | |||||||
| Total revenues | 539 | |||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||
| Benefits and other changes in policy reserves | (26) | |||||||
| Personnel costs | 29 | |||||||
| Other operating expenses | 28 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 144 | |||||||
| Interest expense | 8 | |||||||
| Total expenses | 183 | |||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations, before income taxes | 356 | |||||||
| Federal income tax (expense) benefit | (72) | |||||||
| Net earnings from continuing operations | $ | 284 | ||||||
| Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | 5 | |||||||
| Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders | $ | 289 | ||||||
| (a) Included within Escrow, title-related and other fees in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings | ||||||||
The following table summarizes sales by product type of our F&G segment (in millions):
| Three months ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Fixed index annuities ("FIA") | $ | 1,047 | ||||||
| Fixed rate annuities ("MYGA") | 467 | |||||||
| Institutional spread based | 125 | |||||||
| Total annuity | $ | 1,639 | ||||||
| Index universal life ("IUL") | $ | 15 | ||||||
•FIA sales were strong during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and reflect disciplined pricing to achieve profit and capital targets.
•MYGA sales during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were strong and reflect our entrance into the bank and independent broker-dealer channels.
•Institutional spread based products include funding agreements with Federal Home Loan Bank, and reflect a new funding agreement in the quarter ended March 31, 2021.
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Revenues
Life insurance premiums and other fees
Life insurance premiums and other fees primarily reflect insurance premiums for traditional life insurance products, which are recognized as revenue when due from the policyholder, as well as the cost of insurance on IUL policies, policy rider fees primarily on FIA policies and surrender charges assessed against policy withdrawals in excess of the policyholder's allowable penalty-free amounts (up to 10% of the prior year's value, subject to certain limitations). The following table summarizes the Life insurance premiums and other fees, included within Escrow, title-related and other fees on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings:
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||
| Three months ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Traditional life insurance | $ | 7 | ||||||
| Life-contingent immediate annuity | 4 | |||||||
| Surrender charges | 9 | |||||||
| Cost of insurance fees and other income | 44 | |||||||
| Life insurance premiums and other fees | $ | 64 | ||||||
•Traditional life insurance premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are primarily related to the return of premium riders on traditional life contracts. FGL Insurance has ceded the majority of its traditional life business to unaffiliated third party reinsurers. While the base contract has been reinsured, we continue to retain the return of premium rider.
•Immediate annuity premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2021 reflect policyholder behavior for annuitizations.
•Cost of insurance fees and other income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 primarily reflect GMWB rider fees of $33 million, and COI charges on IUL policies of $23 million, partially offset by unearned revenue deferrals. GMWB rider fees are based on the policyholder's benefit base and are collected at the end of the policy year.
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Interest and investment income
Below is a summary of interest and investment income (in millions):
| Three months ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | $ | 292 | ||||||
| Equity securities | 12 | |||||||
| Mortgage loans | 23 | |||||||
| Other investments | 84 | |||||||
| Gross investment income | 411 | |||||||
| Investment expense | (38) | |||||||
| Interest and investment income | $ | 373 | ||||||
Our net investment spread and AAUM are summarized as follows (annualized) (dollars in millions) (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures Section):
| Three months ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Yield on AAUM (at amortized cost) | 5.15 | % | ||||||
| Alternative investment yield adjustment | (0.56) | % | ||||||
| Adjusted yield on AAUM | 4.59 | % | ||||||
| Less: Interest credited and option cost | (2.04) | % | ||||||
| Net investment spread | 2.55 | % | ||||||
| AAUM | $ | 29,016 | ||||||
•AAUM for the three months ended March 31, 2021 reflect net new business asset flows.
•The $373 million NII for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was the result of increased yield on AAUM due to strong alternative asset returns in the quarter and investment income related to CLO redemptions held at a discount to par, in addition to invested asset growth during the quarter.
•The alternative investment yield adjustment reflects the yield impact of market volatility on the alternative investment portfolio.
Recognized gains and losses, net
Below is a summary of the major components included in recognized gains and losses, net (in millions):
| Three months ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, equity securities and other invested assets | $ | 46 | ||||||
| Change in allowance for expected credit losses | 4 | |||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains on certain derivatives instruments | 25 | |||||||
| Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivatives | 27 | |||||||
| Recognized gains and losses, net | $ | 102 | ||||||
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•For the three months ended March 31, 2021, net realized gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, equity securities and other invested assets is primarily the result of trading gains and mark-to-market movement on our equity securities.
•Allowance for expected credit losses decreased during the periods, primarily related to bonds and mortgage loans.
•The fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative is based on the change in fair value of the underlying assets held in the funds withheld ("FWH") portfolio.
•For the three months ended March 31, 2021, net realized and unrealized gains on certain derivative instruments primarily relates to the realized and unrealized losses on futures and options used to hedge FIA and IUL products. See the table below for primary drivers of gains (losses) on certain derivatives.
We utilize a combination of static (call options) and dynamic (long futures contracts) instruments in our hedging strategy. A substantial portion of the call options and futures contracts are based upon the S&P 500 Index with the remainder based upon other equity, bond and gold market indices.
The components of the realized and unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments hedging our indexed annuity and universal life products are summarized in the table below (dollars in millions):
| Three months ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Call Options: | ||||||||
| Gains on option expiration | $ | 55 | ||||||
| Change in unrealized gains | (33) | |||||||
| Futures contracts: | ||||||||
| Gains on futures contracts expiration | 1 | |||||||
| Change in unrealized losses | (2) | |||||||
| Foreign currency forward: | ||||||||
| Losses on foreign currency forward | 4 | |||||||
| Total net change in fair value | $ | 25 | ||||||
| Annual Point-to-Point Change in S&P 500 Index during the period | 51 | % | ||||||
•Realized gains and losses on certain derivative instruments are directly correlated to the performance of the indices upon which the call options and futures contracts are based and the value of the derivatives at the time of expiration compared to the value at the time of purchase. Gains (losses) on option expiration reflect the movement during the three months ended March 31, 2021 on options settled during the period.
•The change in unrealized gains and losses due to fair value of call options are primarily driven by the underlying performance of the S&P 500 Index during each respective year relative to the S&P Index on the policyholder buy dates.
•The net change in fair value of the call options and futures contracts for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was primarily driven by movements in the S&P 500 Index relative to the policyholder buy dates.
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The average index credits to policyholders are as follows:
| Three months ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Average Crediting Rate | 3 | % | ||||||
| S&P 500 Index: | ||||||||
| Point-to-point strategy | 5 | % | ||||||
| Monthly average strategy | 1 | % | ||||||
| Monthly point-to-point strategy | 2 | % | ||||||
| 3 year high water mark | 10 | % | ||||||
•Actual amounts credited to contractholder fund balances may differ from the index appreciation due to contractual features in the FIA contracts (caps, spreads and participation rates) which allow F&G to manage the cost of the options purchased to fund the annual index credits.
•The credits for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were based on comparing the S&P 500 Index on each issue date in the period to the same issue date in the respective prior year periods. Surrender charges were higher in the prior year periods, primarily due to a higher number of universal life policy surrenders.
Benefits and expenses
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
Below is a summary of the major components included in Benefits and other changes in policy reserves (in millions):
| Three months ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| FIA embedded derivative impact | $ | (273) | ||||||
| Index credits, interest credited & bonuses | 191 | |||||||
| Annuity payments | 58 | |||||||
| Other | (2) | |||||||
| Total benefits and other changes in policy reserves | $ | (26) | ||||||
•The FIA fair value option liability increased, driven by the changes in the equity markets, change in non-performance spread, and risk free rates during the period. The change risk-free rates decreased the FIA embedded derivative liability by $201 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, with the remaining change in the market value of the derivative assets hedging our FIA policies driven by equity market impacts. See table in the net investment gains/losses discussion above for summary and discussion of net unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments.
•The increase in index credits, interest credited & bonuses were primarily due to higher index credits on FIA policies. Refer to average policyholder index discussion above for details on drivers.
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Depreciation and amortization
Below is a summary of the major components included in depreciation and amortization (in millions):
| Three months ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Amortization of DAC, VOBA, and DSI | $ | 148 | ||||||
| Interest | (10) | |||||||
| Unlocking | (1) | |||||||
| Amortization of other intangible assets and other depreciation | 7 | |||||||
| Total depreciation and amortization | $ | 144 | ||||||
•Amortization of DAC, VOBA, and DSI is based on current and future expected gross margins (pre-tax operating income before amortization). The amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is the result of actual gross profits ("AGPs") in the period.
Other items affecting net earnings
Income tax expense (benefit)
Below is a summary of the major components included in income tax expense (benefit) (dollars in millions):
| Three months ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | $ | 356 | ||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | $ | 72 | ||||||
| Effective rate | 20 | % | ||||||
Adjusted Net Earnings (See Non-GAAP Financial Measures section)
The table below shows the adjustments made to reconcile Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders to Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders (in millions):
| Three months ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders | $ | 284 | ||||||
| Non-GAAP adjustments: | ||||||||
| Recognized gains and losses, net | (82) | |||||||
| Indexed product related derivatives | (185) | |||||||
| Purchase price amortization | 7 | |||||||
| Transaction costs and other nonrecurring items | 2 | |||||||
| Income tax benefit on non-GAAP adjustments | 52 | |||||||
| Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders | $ | 78 | ||||||
| Notable items included in adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders (discussed below) | $ | 12 | ||||||
•Adjusted net earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2021 primarily reflects net investment income for the period, partially offset by product costs and other expenses, and includes $7 million of net favorable mortality driven by the single premium immediate annuity ("SPIA") line of business and $5 million of favorable investment income related to CLO redemptions held at a discount to par.
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Investment Portfolio
The types of assets in which we may invest are influenced by various state laws, which prescribe qualified investment assets applicable to insurance companies. Within the parameters of these laws, we invest in assets giving consideration to four primary investment objectives: (i) maintain robust absolute returns; (ii) provide reliable yield and investment income; (iii) preserve capital and (iv) provide liquidity to meet policyholder and other corporate obligations.
Our investment portfolio is designed to contribute stable earnings and balance risk across diverse asset classes and is primarily invested in high quality fixed income securities.
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value of our investment portfolio was approximately $32 billion and $31 billion, respectively, and was divided among the following asset classes and sectors (dollars in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Percent | Fair Value | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities, available for sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States Government full faith and credit | $ | 45 | — | % | $ | 45 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| United States Government sponsored entities | 99 | — | % | 106 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| United States municipalities, states and territories | 1,336 | 4 | % | 1,309 | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | 135 | 1 | % | 140 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance, insurance and real estate | 4,508 | 14 | % | 4,572 | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing, construction and mining | 886 | 3 | % | 936 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Utilities, energy and related sectors | 2,609 | 9 | % | 2,762 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale/retail trade | 2,218 | 7 | % | 2,106 | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Services, media and other | 2,792 | 9 | % | 2,793 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Hybrid securities | 922 | 3 | % | 963 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities | 688 | 2 | % | 694 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 2,868 | 9 | % | 2,806 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 2,193 | 7 | % | 1,999 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Collateral loan obligations ("CLO") | 4,469 | 14 | % | 4,268 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed maturity available for sale securities | 25,768 | 82 | % | 25,499 | 81 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Alternative investments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private equity | 674 | 2 | % | 614 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Real assets | 295 | 1 | % | 288 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit | 312 | 1 | % | 254 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities (a) | 1,048 | 3 | % | 1,047 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage loans | 1,197 | 4 | % | 926 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage loans | 1,154 | 4 | % | 1,123 | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (primarily derivatives and company owned life insurance) | 989 | 3 | % | 997 | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Short term investments | 72 | — | % | 456 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments | $ | 31,509 | 100 | % | $ | 31,204 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
(a) Includes investment grade non-redeemable preferred stocks ($794 million and $853 million, respectively).
Insurance statutes regulate the type of investments that our life insurance subsidiaries are permitted to make and limit the amount of funds that may be used for any one type of investment. In light of these statutes and regulations, and our business and investment strategy, we generally seek to invest in (i) corporate securities rated investment grade by established nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (each, an “NRSRO”), (ii) U.S. Government and government-sponsored agency securities, or (iii) securities of comparable investment quality, if not rated.
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As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our fixed maturity available-for-sale ("AFS") securities portfolio was approximately $26 billion and $25 billion, respectively. The following table summarizes the credit quality, by NRSRO rating, of our fixed income portfolio (dollars in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rating | Fair Value | Percent | Fair Value | Percent | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| AAA | $ | 457 | 2 | % | $ | 488 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| AA | 1,777 | 7 | % | 1,590 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A | 6,891 | 27 | % | 7,040 | 28 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| BBB | 9,534 | 37 | % | 9,669 | 38 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Not rated (b) | 4,686 | 18 | % | 4,336 | 17 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investment grade | 23,345 | 91 | % | 23,123 | 91 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| BB | 1,456 | 6 | % | 1,493 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| B and below (a) | 633 | 2 | % | 612 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Not rated (b) | 334 | 1 | % | 271 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total below investment grade | 2,423 | 9 | % | 2,376 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 25,768 | 100 | % | $ | 25,499 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
(a) Includes $103 million and $106 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, of non-agency RMBS that carry a NAIC 1 designation.
(b) Securities denoted as not-rated by an NRSRO were classified as investment or non-investment grade according to the securities' respective NAIC designation.
The NAIC’s Securities Valuation Office ("SVO") is responsible for the day-to-day credit quality assessment and valuation of securities owned by state regulated insurance companies. Insurance companies report ownership of securities to the SVO when such securities are eligible for regulatory filings. The SVO conducts credit analysis on these securities for the purpose of assigning an NAIC designation or unit price. Typically, if a security has been rated by an NRSRO, the SVO utilizes that rating and assigns an NAIC designation based upon the following system:
| NAIC Designation | NRSRO Equivalent Rating | |||||||
| 1 | AAA/AA/A | |||||||
| 2 | BBB | |||||||
| 3 | BB | |||||||
| 4 | B | |||||||
| 5 | CCC and lower | |||||||
| 6 | In or near default | |||||||
The NAIC has adopted revised designation methodologies for non-agency RMBS, including RMBS backed by subprime mortgage loans and for commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"). The NAIC’s objective with the revised designation methodologies for these structured securities was to increase accuracy in assessing expected losses and to use the improved assessment to determine a more appropriate capital requirement for such structured securities. The NAIC designations for structured securities, including subprime and Alternative A-paper ("Alt-A") RMBS, are based upon a comparison of the bond’s amortized cost to the NAIC’s loss expectation for each security. Securities where modeling does not generate an expected loss in all scenarios are given the highest designation of NAIC 1. A number of our RMBS securities carry a NAIC 1 designation while the NRSRO rating indicates below investment grade. The revised methodologies reduce regulatory reliance on rating agencies and allow for greater regulatory input into the assumptions used to estimate expected losses from such structured securities. In the tables below, we present the rating of structured securities based on ratings from the revised NAIC rating methodologies described above (which in some cases do not correspond to rating agency designations). All NAIC designations (e.g., NAIC 1-6) are based on the revised NAIC methodologies.
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The table below presents our fixed maturity securities by NAIC designation as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| NAIC Designation | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | Percent of Total Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||
| 1 | $ | 12,573 | $ | 12,743 | 49 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 2 | 10,037 | 10,551 | 41 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| 3 | 1,371 | 1,579 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| 4 | 637 | 733 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| 5 | 155 | 161 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| 6 | — | 1 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 24,773 | $ | 25,768 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| NAIC Designation | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | Percent of Total Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||
| 1 | $ | 11,696 | $ | 12,370 | 49 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 2 | 9,753 | 10,659 | 42 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| 3 | 1,373 | 1,595 | 6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| 4 | 616 | 700 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| 5 | 162 | 174 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| 6 | 1 | 1 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 23,601 | $ | 25,499 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||
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Investment Industry Concentration
The tables below present the top ten industry categories of our fixed maturity and equity securities and FHLB common stock, including the fair value and percent of total fixed maturity and equity securities and FHLB common stock fair value as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Top 10 Industry Concentration | Fair Value | Percent of Total Fair Value | ||||||||||||
| CLO securities | $ | 4,469 | 17 | % | ||||||||||
| Banking | 2,559 | 10 | % | |||||||||||
| Whole loan collateralized mortgage obligation ("CMO") | 2,427 | 9 | % | |||||||||||
| ABS other | 2,076 | 8 | % | |||||||||||
| Life insurance | 1,651 | 6 | % | |||||||||||
| Electric | 1,462 | 5 | % | |||||||||||
| Municipal | 1,336 | 4 | % | |||||||||||
| CMBS | 798 | 3 | % | |||||||||||
| Technology | 766 | 3 | % | |||||||||||
| Healthcare | 728 | 3 | % | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 18,272 | 68 | % | ||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| Top 10 Industry Concentration | Fair Value | Percent of Total Fair Value | ||||||||||||
| CLO securities | $ | 4,268 | 16 | % | ||||||||||
| Banking | 2,592 | 10 | % | |||||||||||
| Whole loan collateralized mortgage obligation ("CMO") | 2,343 | 9 | % | |||||||||||
| ABS other | 1,873 | 7 | % | |||||||||||
| Life insurance | 1,657 | 6 | % | |||||||||||
| Electric | 1,548 | 6 | % | |||||||||||
| Municipal | 1,308 | 5 | % | |||||||||||
| CMBS | 795 | 3 | % | |||||||||||
| Technology | 784 | 3 | % | |||||||||||
| Healthcare | 658 | 2 | % | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 17,826 | 67 | % | ||||||||||
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities by contractual maturities as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
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| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate, Non-structured Hybrids, Municipal and Government securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Due in one year or less | $ | 180 | $ | 182 | $ | 111 | $ | 112 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Due after one year through five years | 924 | 974 | 1,055 | 1,107 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Due after five years through ten years | 1,916 | 1,988 | 1,808 | 1,918 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Due after ten years | 12,146 | 12,306 | 11,436 | 12,489 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | $ | 15,166 | $ | 15,450 | $ | 14,410 | $ | 15,626 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other securities which provide for periodic payments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | $ | 2,136 | $ | 2,193 | $ | 1,920 | $ | 1,999 | ||||||||||||||||||
| CLO securities | 4,222 | 4,469 | 4,021 | 4,268 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial-mortgage-backed securities | 2,493 | 2,868 | 2,468 | 2,806 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 756 | 788 | 782 | 800 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | $ | 9,607 | $ | 10,318 | $ | 9,191 | $ | 9,873 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities | $ | 24,773 | $ | 25,768 | $ | 23,601 | $ | 25,499 | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-Agency RMBS Exposure
Our investment in non-agency RMBS securities is predicated on the conservative and adequate cushion between purchase price and NAIC 1 rating, general lack of sensitivity to interest rates, positive convexity to prepayment rates and correlation between the price of the securities and the unfolding recovery of the housing market.
The fair value of our investments in subprime and Alt-A RMBS securities was $65 million and $91 million as of March 31, 2021, respectively, and $68 million and $94 million as of December 31, 2020, respectively.
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The following tables summarize our exposure to subprime and Alt-A RMBS by credit quality using NAIC designations, NRSRO ratings and vintage year as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NAIC Designation: | Fair Value | Percent of Total | Fair Value | Percent of Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | $ | 148 | 95 | % | $ | 153 | 94 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | — | — | % | 1 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | 2 | 1 | % | 2 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | 4 | 3 | % | 3 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | 2 | 1 | % | 3 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | — | — | % | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 156 | 100 | % | $ | 162 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| NRSRO: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AAA | $ | 1 | 1 | % | $ | 1 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| AA | 19 | 12 | % | 4 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A | 1 | 1 | % | 17 | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| BBB | 16 | 10 | % | 17 | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Not rated - Above investment grade (a) | 19 | 12 | % | 19 | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| BB and below | 100 | 64 | % | 104 | 65 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 156 | 100 | % | $ | 162 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Vintage: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007 | 37 | 24 | % | 37 | 23 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2006 | 41 | 26 | % | 43 | 27 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2005 and prior | 78 | 50 | % | 82 | 50 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 156 | 100 | % | $ | 162 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
(a) Securities denoted as not-rated by an NRSRO were classified as investment or non-investment grade according to the securities' respective NAIC designation.
ABS and CLO Exposures
Our ABS exposures are largely diversified by underlying collateral and issuer type, including automobile and home equity receivables and our CLO exposures are generally senior tranches of CLOs which have leveraged loans as their underlying collateral.
As of March 31, 2021, the CLO and ABS positions were trading at a net unrealized gain position of $247 million and $58 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, the CLO and ABS positions were trading at a net unrealized gain position of $247 million and $79 million, respectively.
Municipal Bond Exposure
Our municipal bond exposure is a combination of general obligation bonds (fair value of $257 million and an amortized cost of $255 million as of March 31, 2021) and special revenue bonds (fair value of $1,079 million and amortized cost of $1,065 million as of March 31, 2021).
Across all municipal bonds, the largest issuer represented 9% of the category, less than 1% of the entire portfolio and is rated NAIC 1. Our focus within municipal bonds is on NAIC 1 rated instruments, and 91% of our municipal bond exposure is rated NAIC 1.
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Mortgage Loans
We rate all CMLs to quantify the level of risk. We place those loans with higher risk on a watch list and closely monitor them for collateral deficiency or other credit events that may lead to a potential loss of principal and/or interest. If we determine the value of any CML to be impaired (i.e., when it is probable that we will be unable to collect on amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement), the carrying value of the CML is reduced to either the present value of expected cash flows from the loan, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or fair value of the collateral. For those mortgage loans that are determined to require foreclosure, the carrying value is reduced to the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of estimated costs to obtain and sell at the point of foreclosure. The carrying value of the impaired loans is reduced by establishing a specific write-down recorded in Recognized gains and losses, net in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
LTV and DSC ratios are utilized as part of the review process described above. As of March 31, 2021, our mortgage loans on real estate portfolio had a weighted average DSC ratio of 2.4 times, and a weighted average LTV ratio of 51%. See Note E to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Report for additional information regarding our LTV and DSC ratios.
F&G's RMLs are closed end, amortizing loans and 100% of the properties are located in the United States. F&G diversifies its RML portfolio by state to attempt to reduce concentration risk. RML's have a primary credit quality indicator of either a performing or nonperforming loan. F&G defines non-performing RML's as those that are 90 or more days past due and/or in nonaccrual status which is assessed monthly.
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Unrealized Losses
The amortized cost and fair value of the fixed maturity securities and the equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, were as follows (in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of securities | Amortized Cost | Allowance for Expected Credit Losses | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities, available for sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States Government full faith and credit | $ | 7 | $ | 7 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| United States Government sponsored agencies | 15 | 21 | — | — | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States municipalities, states and territories | 66 | 705 | — | (25) | 680 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | 7 | 100 | — | (2) | 98 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance, insurance and real estate | 118 | 1,680 | — | (64) | 1,616 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing, construction and mining | 21 | 234 | — | (9) | 225 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Utilities, energy and related sectors | 96 | 1,375 | — | (88) | 1,287 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale/retail trade | 74 | 1,098 | — | (81) | 1,017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Services, media and other | 99 | 1,466 | — | (100) | 1,366 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hybrid securities | 5 | 32 | — | (1) | 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-agency residential mortgage backed securities | 30 | 31 | (1) | (1) | 29 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage backed securities | 34 | 254 | (1) | (5) | 248 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset backed securities | 118 | 1,130 | — | (35) | 1,095 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed maturity available for sale securities | 690 | 8,133 | (2) | (411) | 7,720 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | 10 | 103 | — | (1) | 102 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments | $ | 700 | $ | 8,236 | $ | (2) | $ | (412) | $ | 7,822 | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of securities | Amortized Cost | Allowance for Expected Credit Losses | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities, available for sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States Government full faith and credit | $ | 4 | $ | 5 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| United States Government sponsored agencies | 11 | 23 | — | — | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States municipalities, states and territories | 14 | 117 | — | (2) | 115 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance, insurance and real estate | 21 | 347 | — | (3) | 344 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Utilities, energy and related sectors | 12 | 185 | — | (3) | 182 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale/retail trade | 11 | 86 | — | (1) | 85 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Services, media and other | 13 | 221 | — | (7) | 214 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hybrid securities | 1 | 1 | — | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-agency residential mortgage backed securities | 29 | 32 | (1) | (1) | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage backed securities | 19 | 51 | — | (3) | 48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset backed securities | 66 | 517 | — | (18) | 499 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed maturity available for sale securities | 201 | 1,585 | (1) | (38) | 1,546 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | 1 | 16 | — | — | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments | $ | 202 | $ | 1,601 | $ | (1) | $ | (38) | $ | 1,562 | |||||||||||||||||||
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The gross unrealized loss position on the fixed maturity available-for-sale fixed and equity portfolio was $412 million and $38 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Most components of the portfolio exhibited price depreciation caused by higher treasury rates, offset by narrower spreads in certain sectors. The total amortized cost of all securities in an unrealized loss position was $8,236 million and $1,601 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The average market value/book value of the investment category with the largest unrealized loss position was 93% for Services, media and other as of March 31, 2021. In aggregate, Services, media and other represented 24% of the total unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2021. The average market value/book value of the investment category with the largest unrealized loss position was 97% for Asset backed securities as of December 31, 2020. In aggregate, Asset backed securities represented 47% of the total unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2020.
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity available for sale securities under watch list analysis and the number of months in a loss position with investment grade securities (NRSRO rating of BBB/Baa or higher) as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, were as follows (dollars in millions):
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of securities | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | Allowance for Credit Loss | Gross Unrealized Losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment grade: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less than six months | 11 | $ | 229 | $ | 216 | $ | — | $ | (13) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Six months or more and less than twelve months | 1 | 10 | 9 | — | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Twelve months or greater | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investment grade | 12 | 239 | 225 | — | (14) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Below investment grade: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less than six months | 6 | 65 | 58 | — | (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Six months or more and less than twelve months | 3 | 13 | 10 | — | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Twelve months or greater | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total below investment grade | 9 | 78 | 68 | — | (10) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 21 | $ | 317 | $ | 293 | $ | — | $ | (24) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of securities | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | Allowance for Credit Loss | Gross Unrealized Losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment grade: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less than six months | 3 | $ | 102 | $ | 95 | $ | (6) | $ | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Six months or more and less than twelve months | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Twelve months or greater | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investment grade | 3 | 102 | 95 | (6) | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Below investment grade: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less than six months | 1 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Six months or more and less than twelve months | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Twelve months or greater | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total below investment grade | 1 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 4 | $ | 102 | $ | 95 | $ | (6) | $ | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Expected Credit Losses and Watch List
F&G prepares a watch list to identify securities to evaluate for expected credit losses. Factors used in preparing the watch list include fair values relative to amortized cost, ratings and negative ratings actions and other factors. Detailed analysis is performed for each security on the watch list to further assess the presence of credit impairment loss indicators and, where present, calculate an allowance for expected credit loss or direct write-down of a security’s amortized cost. At March 31, 2021, our watch list included twenty-one securities in an unrealized loss position with an amortized cost of $317 million, allowance for expected credit losses of $0 million, unrealized losses of $24 million and a fair value of $293 million.
At December 31, 2020, our watch list included four securities in an unrealized loss position with an amortized cost of $102 million, allowance for expected credit losses of $6 million, unrealized losses of $1 million and a fair value of $95 million.
The watch list excludes structured securities due to a revision of processes as a result of ASU 2016-13.
There were 28 and 36 structured securities with a fair value of $37 million and $65 million to which we had potential credit exposure as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Our analysis of these structured securities, which included cash flow testing, resulted in allowances for expected credit losses of $3 million and $3 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Exposure to Sovereign Debt
Our investment portfolio had no direct exposure to European sovereign debt as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company also had no material exposure risk related to financial investments in Puerto Rico.
Interest and investment income
For discussion regarding our net investment income and net investment gains (losses) refer to Note D to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Report.
AFS Securities
For additional information regarding our AFS securities, including the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains (losses), and fair value as well as the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities by contractual maturities, as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, refer to Note D to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Report.
Concentrations of Financial Instruments
There have been no material changes in the concentrations of financial instruments described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Derivatives
We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by our counterparties on call options. We attempt to reduce this credit risk by purchasing such options from large, well-established financial institutions.
We also hold cash and cash equivalents received from counterparties for call option collateral, as well as U.S. Government securities pledged as call option collateral, if our counterparty’s net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds.
The Company is required to pay counterparties the effective federal funds rate each day for cash collateral posted to F&G for daily mark to market margin changes. The Company reduces the negative interest cost associated with cash collateral posted from counterparties under various ISDA agreements by reinvesting derivative cash collateral. This program permits collateral cash received to be invested in short term Treasury securities, bank deposits and commercial paper rated A1/P1 which are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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See Note E to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Report for additional information regarding our derivatives and our exposure to credit loss on call options.
Corporate and Other
The Corporate and Other segment consists of the operations of the parent holding company, our various real estate brokerage businesses and our real estate technology subsidiaries. This segment also includes certain other unallocated corporate overhead expenses and eliminations of revenues and expenses between it and our Title segment.
The following table presents the results from operations of our Corporate and Other segment:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (In millions) | |||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||
| Escrow, title-related and other fees | $ | 42 | $ | (9) | |||||||
| Interest and investment income | — | 5 | |||||||||
| Recognized gains and losses, net | — | (7) | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 42 | (11) | |||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||
| Personnel costs | 29 | (27) | |||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 25 | 31 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 6 | 6 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 20 | 12 | |||||||||
| Total expenses | 80 | 22 | |||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations, before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | $ | (38) | $ | (33) | |||||||
The revenue in the Corporate and Other segment for all periods represents revenue generated by our non-title real estate technology and brokerage subsidiaries as well as mark-to-market valuation changes on certain corporate deferred compensation plans.
Total revenues in the Corporate and Other segment increased $53 million, or 482%, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 from the corresponding period in 2020. The increase is primarily attributable to valuation gains of $8 million associated with our deferred compensation plan assets in the 2021 period as compared to valuation losses of $44 million associated with our deferred compensation plan assets in the 2020 period.
Personnel costs in the Corporate and Other segment increased $56 million, or 207%, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 from the corresponding period in 2020. The increase is primarily attributable to increased expense associated with the aforementioned increase in the valuation of deferred compensation plan assets compared to the corresponding period in 2020.
Other operating expenses in the Corporate and Other segment decreased $6 million, or 19%, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 from the corresponding period in 2020. The decrease is primarily attributable to reduced real estate brokerage expenses of $6 million in the 2021 period related to previous divestitures.
Interest expense in the Corporate and Other segment increased $8 million, or 67%, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 from the corresponding period in 2020. The increase is primarily attributable to increased average debt outstanding in the 2021 period.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Requirements. Our current cash requirements include personnel costs, operating expenses, claim payments, taxes, payments of interest and principal on our debt, capital expenditures, business acquisitions, stock repurchases and dividends on our common stock. We paid dividends of $0.36 per share in the first quarter of 2021, or approximately $104 million to our common shareholders. On May 6, 2021, our Board of Directors declared cash dividends of $0.36 per share, payable on June 30, 2021, to FNF common shareholders of record as of June 16, 2021. There are no restrictions on our retained earnings regarding our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders, although there are limits on the ability of certain subsidiaries to pay dividends to us, as described below. The declaration of any future dividends is at the discretion of our Board of Directors. On January 25, 2021, certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into common stock subscription agreements with Alight and FTAC to purchase in the aggregate $150 million of Class A Common Stock of Alight. The closing of the transactions is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2021. For more information related to the subscription agreements, refer to Note F Commitments and Contingencies.
As of March 31, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $3,026 million, short term investments of $124 million and available capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility of $800 million. We continually assess our capital allocation strategy, including decisions relating to the amount of our dividend, reducing debt, repurchasing our stock, investing in growth of our subsidiaries, making acquisitions and/or conserving cash. We believe that all anticipated cash requirements for current operations will be met from internally generated funds, through cash dividends from subsidiaries, cash generated by investment securities, potential sales of non-strategic assets, potential issuances of additional debt or equity securities, and borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility. Our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements are monitored regularly to ensure that we can meet our cash requirements. We forecast the needs of all of our subsidiaries and periodically review their short-term and long-term projected sources and uses of funds, as well as the asset, liability, investment and cash flow assumptions underlying such forecasts.
Our insurance subsidiaries generate cash from premiums earned and their respective investment portfolios, and these funds are adequate to satisfy the payments of claims and other liabilities. Due to the magnitude of our investment portfolio in relation to our title claim loss reserves, we do not specifically match durations of our investments to the cash outflows required to pay claims, but do manage outflows on a shorter time frame.
Our two significant sources of internally generated funds are dividends and other payments from our subsidiaries. As a holding company, we receive cash from our subsidiaries in the form of dividends and as reimbursement for operating and other administrative expenses we incur. The reimbursements are paid within the guidelines of management agreements among us and our subsidiaries. Our insurance subsidiaries are restricted by state regulation in their ability to pay dividends and make distributions. Each applicable state of domicile regulates the extent to which our title underwriters can pay dividends or make other distributions. As of December 31, 2020, $2,559 million of our net assets were restricted from dividend payments without prior approval from the relevant departments of insurance. We anticipate that our title insurance subsidiaries will pay or make dividends in the remainder of 2021 of approximately $415 million. Our underwritten title companies and non-insurance subsidiaries are not regulated to the same extent as our insurance subsidiaries.
The maximum dividend permitted by law is not necessarily indicative of an insurer’s actual ability to pay dividends, which may be constrained by business and regulatory considerations, such as the impact of dividends on surplus, which could affect an insurer’s ratings or competitive position, the amount of premiums that can be written and the ability to pay future dividends. Further, depending on business and regulatory conditions, we may in the future need to retain cash in our underwriters or even contribute cash to one or more of them in order to maintain their ratings or their statutory capital position. Such a requirement could be the result of investment losses, reserve charges, adverse operating conditions in the current economic environment or changes in statutory accounting requirements by regulators.
Cash flow from our operations will be used for general corporate purposes including to reinvest in operations, repay debt, pay dividends, repurchase stock, pursue other strategic initiatives and/or conserve cash.
Operating Cash Flow. Our cash flows provided by operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $665 million and $105 million, respectively. The increase in cash provided by operating activities of $560 million is primarily attributable to the increase in pre-tax earnings, excluding non-cash valuation gains in the 2021 period and non-cash valuation losses in the 2020 period, and the net change in funds
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withheld from reinsurers of $217 million, partially offset by deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements in the 2021 period of $134 million, and the timing of receipts and payments of prepaid assets, payables, receivables and income taxes. The aforementioned activity related to funds withheld from reinsurers, deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements in the 2021 period are attributable to our acquisition of F&G on June 1, 2020.
Investing Cash Flows. Our cash flows used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were $1,060 million and $439 million, respectively. The increase in cash used in investing activities of $621 million in the 2021 period compared with the 2020 period is primarily attributable to increased purchases of investment securities of $2,983, partially offset by increased sales, calls, and maturities of investment securities of $1,321 million, increased sales and maturities of short-term investments of $1,027 million and increased distributions from unconsolidated affiliates of $22 million. The increased activity in the 2021 period is primarily a result of our acquisition of F&G.
Capital Expenditures. Total capital expenditures for property and equipment and capitalized software were $22 million and $28 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Financing Cash Flows. Our cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were $702 million and $(152) million, respectively. The increase in cash provided by financing activities of $854 million from the comparable 2020 period is primarily attributable to increased cash inflows from contractholder account deposits of $1,522 million, partially offset by increased cash outflows from contractholder withdrawals of $641 million. The activity related to contractholder deposits and withdrawals in the 2021 period is a result of our acquisition of F&G.
Financing Arrangements. For a description of our financing arrangements see Note G Notes Payable included in Item 8 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Capital Stock Transactions. On July 17, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a new three-year stock repurchase program effective August 1, 2018 (the "2018 Repurchase Program") under which we may purchase up to 25 million shares of our FNF common stock through July 31, 2021. We may make repurchases from time to time in the open market, in block purchases or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions and other factors. On October 28, 2020, we announced that we intend to purchase approximately $500 million of FNF common shares over the next 12 months, based on market conditions. We repurchased 2,800,000 shares of FNF common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2021 for approximately $112 million, at an average price of $39.95 per share. Subsequent to March 31, 2021 and through market close on May 6, 2021, we repurchased a total of 300,000 shares for $13 million, at an average price of $41.06 under this program. Since the original commencement of the 2018 Repurchase Program, we repurchased a total of 13,330,000 FNF common shares for $475 million, at an average price of $35.57 per share.
Equity and Preferred Security Investments. Our equity and preferred security investments may be subject to significant volatility. Currently prevailing accounting standards require us to record the change in fair value of equity and preferred security investments held as of any given period end within earnings. Our results of operations in future periods is anticipated to be subject to such volatility.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. Other than our unfunded investment commitments discussed below, there have been no significant changes to our off-balance sheet arrangements since our Annual Report.
We have unfunded investment commitments as of March 31, 2021 based upon the timing of when investments are executed compared to when the actual investments are funded, as some investments require that funding occur over a period of months or years. Please refer to Note F Commitments and Contingencies to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Report for additional details on unfunded investment commitments.
Critical Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
There have been no material changes in the market risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is: (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms; and (b) accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We completed the F&G acquisition on June 1, 2020. The scope of management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures did not include the internal controls over financial reporting of F&G. This exclusion is in accordance with the SEC Staff’s general guidance that an assessment of a recently acquired business may be omitted from the scope of management’s assessment for one year following the acquisition. F&G represented approximately 17% of our gross revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. Total assets of the acquired business as of March 31, 2021 represented approximately 79% of total consolidated assets, consisting principally of investments, goodwill and other intangible assets.
As a result of the closing of the F&G acquisition, we have incorporated internal controls over significant processes specific to the acquisition that we believe are appropriate and necessary in consideration of the level of related integration. As the post-closing integration continues, we will continue to review the internal controls and processes of F&G and may take further steps to integrate such controls and processes with those of the Company.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, other than described above.
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PART II
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See discussion of legal proceedings in Note F Commitment and Contingencies to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 1 of Part II.
| Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes repurchases of equity securities by FNF during the three months ended March 31, 2021:
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1) | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1/1/2021 - 1/31/2021 | 400,000 | $ | 39.00 | 400,000 | 14,370,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2/1/2021 - 2/28/2021 | 100,000 | 39.03 | 100,000 | 14,270,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2021 - 3/31/2021 | 2,300,000 | 40.16 | 2,300,000 | 11,970,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 2,800,000 | $ | 39.95 | 2,800,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) On July 17, 2018, our Board of Directors approved the 2018 Repurchase Program, effective August 1, 2018, under which we may purchase up to 25 million shares of our FNF common stock through July 31, 2021.
(2) As of the last day of the applicable month.
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits:
| 31.1 | ||||||||
| 31.2 | ||||||||
| 32.1 | ||||||||
| 32.2 | ||||||||
| 101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document* | |||||||
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |||||||
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101. | |||||||
* The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document. | ||||||||
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| Date: | May 7, 2021 | FIDELITY NATIONAL FINANCIAL, INC. (registrant) | ||||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Anthony J. Park | |||||||||||||
| Anthony J. Park | ||||||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | ||||||||||||||
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