| 2.3 | | | $ | 2.1 | | | $ | 1.8 | | | $ | 1.6 | |
As of April 18, 2024, the MBA expects residential purchase transactions, residential refinance transactions and overall mortgage originations to increase in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Average interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage increased to 6.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to 6.4% for the corresponding period of 2023. On May 1, 2024, the Federal Reserve held the benchmark interest rate steady at 5.25% to 5.50% .
A shortage in the supply of homes for sale, increasing home prices, rising mortgage interest rates, disrupted labor markets and geopolitical uncertainties associated with international conflicts created some volatility in the residential real estate market in 2023, which has continued into 2024. Existing-home sales decreased 4% in March 2024 as compared to the corresponding period in 2023 while median existing-home sales prices increased to $393,500, or approximately 5%, from the corresponding period in 2023.
Other economic indicators used to measure the health of the U.S. economy, including the unemployment rate, have remained strong. The unemployment rate was 3.8% and 3.5% in March 2024 and 2023, respectively.
We issue commercial title insurance policies in sectors including office, industrial, energy, hospitality, retail and multi-family, among others. The demand for commercial title insurance varies based on a variety of factors such as investor appetite, financing availability, and supply and demand in a particular area. Because commercial real estate transactions tend to be generally driven by supply and demand for commercial space 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. 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 experienced fluctuating demand in commercial real estate markets. Commercial volumes and commercial fee-per-file were depressed in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 when compared to recent prior periods.
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 refinance transactions as a result of changes in interest rates. The rapid rise in mortgage rates and resulting decline in housing affordability has resulted in deviations in seasonality from historical patterns in 2023, which has continued into 2024.
F&G
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.
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 in our F&G segment, 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, 2023 for further discussion of risk factors that could affect market conditions.
Interest Rate Environment
Some of our F&G products include guaranteed minimum crediting rates, most notably our fixed rate annuities. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our reserves, net of reinsurance, and average crediting rate on our fixed rate annuities were $6.0 billion and 4%. 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 Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 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 indexed annuity and indexed universal life ("IUL") products. As the “baby boomer” generation prepares for retirement, we believe that demand for retirement savings, growth, and income products will grow. Over 10,000 people will turn 65 each day in the United States over the next 15 years, and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the proportion of the U.S. population over the age of 65 is expected to grow from 19% in 2024 to 21% in 2035. 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
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 us. As a tool for addressing the unmet need for retirement planning, we believe that many middle-income Americans have grown to appreciate the financial certainty that we believe annuities such as our indexed annuity products afford. For example, the fixed index annuity market grew from nearly $12 billion of sales in 2002 to $97 billion of sales in 2023 and the registered index-linked annuities ("RILA") market grew from $11 billion of sales in 2018 to $44 billion of sales in 2023. Additionally, this market demand has positively impacted the IUL market as it has expanded from $100 million of annual premiums in 2002 to $3 billion of annual premiums in 2023.
See Item 7 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a more detailed discussion of industry factors and trends affecting our Results of Operations.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results of Operations
Net Earnings (loss). The following table presents certain financial data for the periods indicated:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |
| | Three months ended March 31, |
| 2024 | | 2023 | | |
| | (In millions) |
| Revenues: | | | | | |
| Direct title insurance premiums | $ | 440 | | | $ | 428 | | | |
| Agency title insurance premiums | 593 | | | 550 | | | |
| Escrow, title-related and other fees | 1,281 | | | 880 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Interest and investment income | 710 | | | 611 | | | |
| Recognized gains and losses, net | 275 | | | 5 | | | |
| Total revenues | 3,299 | | | 2,474 | | | |
| Expenses: | | | | | |
| Benefits and other changes in policy reserves | 1,161 | | | 812 | | | |
| Personnel costs | 727 | | | 677 | | | |
| Agent commissions | 460 | | | 420 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Other operating expenses | 369 | | | 360 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Market risk benefit (gains) losses | (11) | | | 59 | | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 167 | | | 134 | | | |
| Provision for title claim losses | 46 | | | 44 | | | |
| Interest expense | 49 | | | 42 | | | |
| Total expenses | 2,968 | | | 2,548 | | | |
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 331 | | | (74) | | | |
| Income tax expense | 63 | | | 14 | | | |
| Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 1 | | | — | | | |
| Net earnings (loss) | $ | 269 | | | $ | (88) | | | |
Revenues.
Total revenues increased by $825 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
Net earnings increased by $357 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
The change in revenue and net earnings from our reportable segments is discussed in further detail at the segment level below.
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, indexed annuity 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 indexed annuity 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 was $63 million and $14 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Income tax expense as a percentage of earnings before income taxes was 19% and (19)% in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. The increase in income tax expense as a percentage of earnings (loss) before taxes in the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the corresponding period in 2023 is primarily attributable to the 2023 period having income tax expense, due to a valuation allowance increase, despite there being a 2023 pre-tax loss.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has developed guidance known as the Global Anti-Base Erosion Pillar Two minimum tax rules, or Pillar Two, which generally provide for a minimum effective tax rate of 15% and are intended to apply to tax years beginning in 2024. The Company does not expect these rules to have a material impact on our income tax provision in 2024.
Title
The following table presents the results from operations of our Title segment:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended March 31, |
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | |
| Revenues: | (In millions) |
| Direct title insurance premiums | $ | 440 | | | $ | 428 | | | |
| Agency title insurance premiums | 593 | | | 550 | | | |
| Escrow, title-related and other fees | 484 | | | 471 | | | |
| Interest and investment income | 83 | | | 81 | | | |
| Recognized gains and losses, net | 63 | | | 22 | | | |
| Total revenues | 1,663 | | | 1,552 | | | |
| Expenses: | | | | | |
| Personnel costs | 618 | | | 598 | | | |
| Agent commissions | 460 | | | 420 | | | |
| Other operating expenses | 285 | | | 296 | | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 36 | | | 37 | | | |
| Provision for title claim losses | 46 | | | 44 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Total expenses | 1,445 | | | 1,395 | | | |
| Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | $ | 218 | | | $ | 157 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Orders opened by direct title operations (in thousands) | 315 | | | 308 | | | |
| Orders closed by direct title operations (in thousands) | 186 | | | 188 | | | |
| Fee per file (in dollars) | $ | 3,555 | | | $ | 3,446 | | | |
Total revenues for the Title segment increased by $111 million, or 7%, in the three months ended March 31, 2024 from the corresponding period in 2023.
The following table presents the percentages of title insurance premiums generated by our direct and agency operations:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended March 31, |
| | | | % of | | | | % of | | | | | | |
| | 2024 | | Total | | 2023 | | Total | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in millions) |
| Title premiums from direct operations | $ | 440 | | | 43 | % | | $ | 428 | | | 44 | % | | | | | | |
| Title premiums from agency operations | 593 | | | 57 | | | 550 | | | 56 | | | | | | | |
| Total title premiums | $ | 1,033 | | | 100 | % | | $ | 978 | | | 100 | % | | | | | | |
Title premiums increased by $55 million, or 6% in the three months ended March 31, 2024 from the corresponding period in 2023. The increase was comprised of an increase in Title premiums from direct operations of $12 million, or 3%, and an increase in Title premiums from agency operations of $43 million, or 8%.
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, |
| 2024 | | 2023 | | |
| Opened title insurance orders from purchase transactions (1) | 79 | % | | 78 | % | | |
| Opened title insurance orders from refinance transactions (1) | 21 | | | 22 | | | |
| 100 | % | | 100 | % | | |
| | | | | |
| Closed title insurance orders from purchase transactions (1) | 79 | % | | 78 | % | | |
| Closed title insurance orders from refinance transactions (1) | 21 | | | 22 | | | |
| 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, 2024 from the corresponding period in 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the average fee per file, partially offset by decreased closed order volume.
We experienced a slight decrease in closed title insurance order volumes from both purchase and refinance transactions in the three months ended March 31, 2024 from the corresponding period in 2023. Total closed order volume was 186,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to 188,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2023. This represented an overall decrease of 1% in the three months ended March 31, 2024 from the corresponding period in 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to higher average mortgage interest rates in the three months ended March 31, 2024 when compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
Total opened title insurance order volume decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2024 from the corresponding period in 2023. The decrease was attributable to decreased opened title orders from both purchase and refinance transactions.
The average fee per file in our direct operations was $3,555 in the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to $3,446 in the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in average fee per file in the three months ended March 31, 2024 reflects home price appreciation and an increased proportion of purchase transactions relative to total closed orders compared to the corresponding period in 2023. 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 $43 million, or 8%, in the three months ended March 31, 2024 from the corresponding period in 2023.
Escrow, title-related and other fees increased by $13 million, or 3%, in the three months ended March 31, 2024 from the corresponding period in 2023. Escrow fees increased by $7 million, or 4%, in the three months ended March 31, 2024 from the corresponding period in 2023. The increase in the three month period ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the corresponding period in 2023 is relatively consistent with the increase in direct premiums. Other fees, excluding escrow fees, increased by $6 million, or 2%, in the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase in Other fees was attributable to various immaterial items.
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 increased $2 million, or 2%, in the three months ended March 31, 2024 from the corresponding period in 2023. The increase was attributable to various immaterial items.
Net recognized gains were $63 million and $22 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in recognized gains and losses, net in the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the corresponding period in 2023 is primarily attributable to fluctuations in non-cash valuation changes on our equity and preferred security holdings in addition to various other 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 $20 million, or 3%, in the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023. The increase is due to inflationary salary increases, partially offset by lower average head count. Personnel costs as a percentage of total revenues from direct title premiums and escrow, title-related and other fees were 67% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. Average employee count in the Title segment was 20,516 and 21,516 in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Other operating expenses decreased by $11 million, or 4%, in the three months ended March 31, 2024, from the corresponding period in 2023. Other operating expenses as a percentage of total revenue excluding agency premiums, interest and investment income, and recognized gains and losses were 31% and 33% in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, 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 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended March 31, |
| | 2024 | | % | | 2023 | | % | | | | | | |
| | (Dollars in millions) |
| Agent premiums | $ | 593 | | | 100 | % | | $ | 550 | | | 100 | % | | | | | | |
| Agent commissions | 460 | | | 78 | % | | 420 | | | 76 | % | | | | | | |
| Net retained agent premiums | $ | 133 | | | 22 | % | | $ | 130 | | | 24 | % | | | | | | |
The claim loss provision for title insurance was $46 million and $44 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, 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 majority-owned F&G subsidiary, we have five distribution channels across retail and institutional markets. Our three retail channels include agent-based Independent Marketing Organizations ("IMOs"), banks and broker dealers. We have deep, long-tenured relationships with our network of leading IMOs and their agents to serve the needs of the middle-income market and develop competitive annuity and life products to align with their evolving needs. Upon FNF’s ownership and F&G’s subsequent rating upgrades in mid-2020, we launched into banks and broker dealers. Further, in 2021, we launched into two institutional markets to originate Funding Agreement Backed Notes ("FABN") and pension risk transfer ("PRT") transactions. The FABN Program offers funding agreements to institutional clients by means of capital markets transactions through investment banks. The funding agreements issued under the FABN Program are in addition to those issued to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta ("FHLB"). The PRT solutions business was launched by building an experienced team and then working with brokers and institutional consultants for distribution. These markets leverage our existing team's spread-based capabilities as well as our strategic partnership with Blackstone.
In setting the features and pricing of our flagship indexed annuity products relative to our targeted net margin, we take into account our expectations regarding (1) 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.
Key Components of Our Historical Results of Operations
Through our insurance subsidiaries, we issue a broad portfolio of deferred annuities (indexed annuities and fixed rate annuities), IUL insurance, immediate annuities, funding agreements and PRT solutions. 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. IUL insurance is a complementary type of contract that accumulates value in a cash value account and provides a payment to designated beneficiaries upon the policyholder’s death. 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. As defined by the Iowa Insurance Division, a funding agreement is an agreement for an insurer to accept and accumulate funds and to make one or more payments at future dates in amounts that are not based on mortality or morbidity contingencies of the person to whom the funding agreement is issued. In essence, funding agreement providers issue fixed maturity contracts with fixed or floating interest rates in exchange for a single upfront premium. Our PRT products are comparable to income annuities, as we generally receive a single, upfront premium in exchange for paying a guaranteed stream of future income payments, which are typically fixed in nature but may vary in duration based on participant mortality experience.
Under GAAP, premium collections for deferred annuities (indexed annuities and fixed rate annuities), immediate annuities and PRT without life contingency, and deposits received for funding agreements 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 charges, cost of insurance and other charges deducted from contractholder funds (i.e., amortization of unearned revenue liabilities ("URL")), 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 value of business acquired ("VOBA"), deferred acquisition costs ("DAC") and deferred sales inducements ("DSI"), and other operating costs and expenses.
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 (specifically for indexed annuity contracts) on the equity indices underlying the applicable policy. These derivatives are used to offset the reserve impact of the index credits due to policyholders under the indexed annuity and IUL contracts. The majority of all such call options are one-year options purchased to match the funding requirements underlying the indexed annuity/IUL contracts. We attempt to manage the cost of these purchases through the terms of our indexed annuity/IUL 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. In addition, to reduce market risks from interest rate changes on our earnings associated with our floating rate investments, during 2023 we began to execute pay-float and receive-fixed interest rate swaps.
Market Risk Benefits ("MRBs") are contracts or contract features that both provide protection to the contract holder from other-than-nominal capital market risk (equity, interest and foreign exchange risk) and expose the Company to other-than-nominal capital market risk. MRBs are measured at fair value using a risk neutral valuation method, which is based on current net amounts at risk, market data, internal and industry experience, and other factors. The change in fair value of MRBs generally reflects impacts from actual policyholder behavior (including surrenders of the benefit), changes in interest rates, and changes in equity market returns. Generally higher interest rates and equity returns result in gains whereas lower interest rates and equity returns result in losses.
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 indexed annuity/IUL policies. With respect to indexed annuities/IULs, which 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.
F&G Results of Operations
The results of operations of our F&G segment for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | |
| March 31, 2024 | | March 31, 2023 | | | |
| Revenues | (In millions) | | | |
| Life insurance premiums and other fees | $ | 718 | | | $ | 365 | | | | |
| Interest and investment income | 616 | | | 519 | | | | |
| Owned distribution revenues | 23 | | | — | | | | |
| Recognized gains and (losses), net | 212 | | | (15) | | | | |
| Total revenues | 1,569 | | | 869 | | | | |
| Benefits and expenses | | | | | | |
| Benefits and other changes in policy reserves | 1,161 | | | 812 | | | | |
| Market risk benefit (gains) losses | (11) | | | 59 | | | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 123 | | | 90 | | | | |
| Personnel costs | 66 | | | 53 | | | | |
| Other operating expenses | 58 | | | 36 | | | | |
| Interest expense | 30 | | | 22 | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Total benefits and expenses | 1,427 | | | 1,072 | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | $ | 142 | | | $ | (203) | | | | |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 26 | | | (8) | | | | |
| Net earnings (loss) | 116 | | | (195) | | | | |
| Less: Noncontrolling interests | 1 | | | — | | | | |
| Net earnings (loss) attributable to F&G | 115 | | | (195) | | | | |
Revenues
Life insurance premiums and other fees
Life insurance premiums and other fees primarily reflect premiums on life-contingent PRTs and traditional life insurance products, which are recognized as revenue when due from the policyholder, as well as policy rider fees primarily on indexed annuity policies, the cost of insurance on IUL 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, on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in millions), for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended |
| March 31, 2024 | | March 31, 2023 | | |
| (In millions) |
| Life-contingent pension risk transfer premiums | $ | 584 | | | $ | 263 | | | |
| Traditional life insurance and life-contingent immediate annuity premiums | 12 | | | 12 | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Surrender charges | 43 | | | 23 | | | |
| Policyholder fees and other income | 79 | | | 67 | | | |
| Life insurance premiums and other fees | $ | 718 | | | $ | 365 | | | |
•Life-contingent pension risk transfer premiums increased for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, reflecting the higher PRT sales.
•Surrender charges increased for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, primarily reflecting increases in withdrawals from policyholders with surrender charges and market value adjustments (MVAs), primarily on our indexed annuities policies.
•Policyholder fees and other income increased for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, primarily due to increased GMWB rider fees and cost of insurance charges, net of changes in URL on IUL policies from growth in business. GMWB rider fees are based on the policyholder's benefit base and are collected at the end of the policy year.
Interest and investment income
Below is a summary of interest and investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended |
| March 31, 2024 | | March 31, 2023 | | |
| (In millions) |
| Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | $ | 516 | | | $ | 432 | | | |
| Equity securities | 6 | | | 5 | | | |
| Preferred securities | 6 | | | 10 | | | |
| Mortgage loans | 66 | | | 51 | | | |
| Invested cash and short-term investments | 28 | | | 16 | | | |
| Limited partnerships | 54 | | | 57 | | | |
| Other investments | 10 | | | 9 | | | |
| Gross investment income | $ | 686 | | | $ | 580 | | | |
| Investment expense | (70) | | | (61) | | | |
| Interest and investment income | $ | 616 | | | $ | 519 | | | |
Interest and investment income is shown net of amounts attributable to certain funds withheld reinsurance agreements which is passed along to the reinsurer in accordance with the terms of these agreements. Interest and investment income attributable to these agreements, and thus excluded from the totals in the table above, was $127 million and $58 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, respectively.
Recognized gains and losses, net
Below is a summary of the major components included in recognized gains and losses, net for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended |
| March 31, 2024 | | March 31, 2023 | | |
| (In millions) |
| Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, equity securities and other invested assets | $ | 48 | | | $ | (48) | | | |
| Change in allowance for expected credit losses | — | | | (8) | | | |
| Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on certain derivatives instruments | 179 | | | 58 | | | |
| Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivatives | (18) | | | (19) | | | |
| Change in fair value of other derivatives and embedded derivatives | 3 | | | 2 | | | |
| Recognized gains and losses, net | $ | 212 | | | $ | (15) | | | |
Recognized gains and losses, net is shown net of amounts attributable to certain funds withheld reinsurance agreements, which is passed along to the reinsurer in accordance with the terms of these agreements. Recognized losses attributable to these agreements, and thus excluded from the totals in the table above, was $19 million and $22 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, respectively.
•For the three months ended March 31, 2024, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, equity securities and other invested assets is primarily the result of unrealized fair value option (“FVO”) gains on owned distribution investments and preferred securities, partially offset by realized losses on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities and mark-to-market losses on our equity securities.
•For the three months ended March 31, 2023, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, equity securities and other invested assets is primarily the result of mark-to-market losses on our equity securities and realized losses on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities.
•For all periods, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments primarily relate to the net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on options and futures used to hedge indexed annuity and IUL products, including gains on option and futures expiration and changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps. See the table below for primary drivers of gains (losses) on certain derivatives.
•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.
We utilize a combination of static (call options) and dynamic (long futures contracts) instruments in our product 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.
We utilize interest rate swaps to reduce market risks from interest rate changes on our earnings associated with our floating rate investments.
The components of the realized and unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments hedging our indexed annuity, universal life products and floating rate investments are summarized in the table below for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended |
| March 31, 2024 | | March 31, 2023 | | |
| (In millions) |
| Call options: | | | | | |
| Realized gains (losses) | $ | 11 | | | $ | (91) | | | |
| Change in unrealized gains | 239 | | | 146 | | | |
| Futures contracts: | | | | | |
| Gains on futures contracts expiration | 7 | | | 3 | | | |
| Change in unrealized (losses) gains | (1) | | | 1 | | | |
| Interest rate swap (losses) gains | (80) | | | — | | | |
| Foreign currency forward: | | | | | |
| Gains (losses) on foreign currency forward | 3 | | | (1) | | | |
| Total net change in fair value | $ | 179 | | | $ | 58 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Annual Point-to-Point Change in S&P 500 Index during the periods | 28 | % | | (9) | % | | |
| Secured Overnight Financing Rates | 5.34 | % | | 4.87 | % | | |
| | | | | |
•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.
•The changes in unrealized gains (losses) due to the net changes in fair value of call options and futures contracts are primarily driven by the underlying performance of the S&P 500 Index during each respective period relative to the S&P 500 Index on the policyholder buy dates.
•The net change in fair value of the interest rate swaps was primarily driven by fluctuations in the interest rate index underlying the swap contracts.
The average index credits to policyholders are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended |
| March 31, 2024 | | March 31, 2023 | | |
| Average Crediting Rate | 3 | % | | — | % | | |
| S&P 500 Index: | | | | | |
| Point-to-point strategy | 3 | % | | — | % | | |
| Monthly average strategy | 3 | % | | — | % | | |
| Monthly point-to-point strategy | 3 | % | | — | % | | |
| 3 year high water mark | 5 | % | | 13 | % | | |
•Actual amounts credited to contractholder fund balances may differ from the index appreciation due to contractual features in the indexed annuity contracts and certain IUL 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 periods presented 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.
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:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended |
| March 31, 2024 | | March 31, 2023 | | |
| (In millions) |
| PRT agreements | $ | 598 | | | $ | 266 | | | |
| Indexed annuities/IUL market related liability movements | 225 | | | 369 | | | |
| Index credits, interest credited and bonuses | 327 | | | 134 | | | |
| Other changes in policy reserves | 11 | | | 43 | | | |
Total benefits and other changes in policy reserves | $ | 1,161 | | | $ | 812 | | | |
•PRT agreements increased for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, reflecting higher pension risk transfer group annuity obligations.
•The indexed annuities/IUL market related liability movements during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, respectively, are mainly driven by changes in the equity markets, non-performance spreads, and risk free rates during the periods. The change in risk free rates and non-performance spreads (decreased) increased the indexed annuities market related liability by $(84) million and $65 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, respectively. The remaining changes in market value of the market related liability movements for all periods was driven by equity market impacts. See “Revenues — Recognized gains and (losses), net” above for summary and discussion of net unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments.
•Annually, typically in the third quarter, we review assumptions associated with reserves for policy benefits and product guarantees. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, based on increases in interest rates and pricing changes, we updated certain indexed annuity assumptions used to calculate the fair value of the embedded derivative component within contractholder funds. These changes resulted in an increases in contractholder funds of $57 million and $102 million, respectively.
•Index credits, interest credited and bonuses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, were higher compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, primarily reflecting higher index credits and interest credited on indexed annuities and other policies as a result of market movement during the respective periods and higher interest credited associated with the growth in PRT agreements.
Market Risk Benefit (Gains) losses
Below is a summary of market risk benefit gains:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended |
| March 31, 2024 | | March 31, 2023 | | |
| (In millions) |
| Market risk benefits (gains) losses | $ | (11) | | | $ | 59 | | | |
•Market risk benefits (gains) losses is primarily driven by attributed fees collected, effects of market related movements (including changes in equity markets and risk-free rates), actual policyholder behavior as compared with expected and changes in assumptions during the periods.
•Changes in market risk benefit (gains) losses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, primarily reflect favorable market related movements.
Depreciation and Amortization
Below is a summary of the major components included in depreciation and amortization:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | |
| March 31, 2024 | | March 31, 2023 | | | |
| (In millions) |
| Amortization of VOBA, DAC and DSI | $ | 107 | | | $ | 82 | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Amortization of other intangible assets and fixed asset depreciation | 16 | | | 8 | | | | |
| Total depreciation and amortization | $ | 123 | | | $ | 90 | | | | |
•DAC, VOBA and DSI are amortized on a constant level basis for the grouped contracts over the expected term of the related contracts to approximate straight-line amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, primarily reflecting increased DAC and DSI associated with the growth of the business, as well as a slightly increased amortization rate on some DAC and DSI balances due to updates to the surrender and mortality assumptions for the indexed annuity and fixed-rate annuity blocks that occurred in the third quarter of 2023.
•The three months ended March 31, 2024 also includes amortization of other intangible assets from F&G's majority owned interest in Roar.
Personnel Costs and Other Operating Expenses
Below is a summary of personnel costs and other operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended | |
| | March 31, 2024 | | March 31, 2023 | | | |
| | (In millions) |
| Personnel costs | | $ | 66 | | | $ | 53 | | | | |
| Other operating expenses | | 58 | | | 36 | | | | |
| Total personnel costs and other operating expenses | | $ | 124 | | | $ | 89 | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
•Personnel costs and other operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 were higher compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, reflecting costs in line with the growth in sales and assets along with continued investments in our operating platform. In addition, the three months ended March 31, 2024 includes $11 million from our majority owned interest in Roar.
Other Items Affecting Net Earnings (Loss)
Income Tax Expense
Below is a summary of the major components included in income tax expense:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended |
| March 31, 2024 | | March 31, 2023 | | |
| (Dollars in millions) |
| Earnings (loss) before taxes | $ | 142 | | | $ | (203) | | | |
| | | | | |
| Income tax expense (benefit) before valuation allowance | 25 | | | (45) | | | |
| Change in valuation allowance | 1 | | | 37 | | | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | $ | 26 | | | $ | (8) | | | |
| Effective rate | 18 | % | | 4 | % | | |
•Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $26 million, compared to income tax benefit of $(8) million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The effective tax rate was 18% and 4% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 respectively. The increase in income tax expense quarter over quarter is primarily related to the increase in pre-tax income, partially offset by the valuation allowance expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
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, excluding short term mark to market effects, and balance risk across diverse asset classes and is primarily invested in high quality fixed income securities.
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the fair value of our investment portfolio was approximately $53 billion and $52 billion, respectively, and was divided among the following asset classes and sectors:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2024 | | December 31, 2023 |
| Fair Value | | Percent | | Fair Value | | Percent |
| | | | | |
| Fixed maturity securities, available for sale: | (Dollars in millions) |
| United States Government full faith and credit | $ | 276 | | | — | % | | $ | 261 | | | 1 | % |
| United States Government sponsored entities | 33 | | | — | % | | 31 | | | — | % |
| United States municipalities, states and territories | 1,504 | | | 3 | % | | 1,567 | | | 3 | % |
| Foreign Governments | 224 | | | — | % | | 226 | | | — | % |
| Corporate securities: | | | | | | | |
| Finance, insurance and real estate | 7,571 | | | 14 | % | | 6,895 | | | 13 | % |
| Manufacturing, construction and mining | 1,119 | | | 2 | % | | 947 | | | 2 | % |
| Utilities, energy and related sectors | 2,456 | | | 5 | % | | 2,374 | | | 5 | % |
| Wholesale/retail trade | 2,512 | | | 5 | % | | 2,433 | | | 5 | % |
| Services, media and other | 4,011 | | | 8 | % | | 3,930 | | | 8 | % |
| Hybrid securities | 633 | | | 1 | % | | 618 | | | 1 | % |
| Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities | 2,426 | | | 5 | % | | 2,393 | | | 5 | % |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 4,758 | | | 9 | % | | 4,410 | | | 9 | % |
| Asset-backed securities | 9,491 | | | 18 | % | | 8,929 | | | 17 | % |
Collateral loan obligations ("CLO") | 5,617 | | | 10 | % | | 5,405 | | | 10 | % |
| Total fixed maturity available for sale securities | 42,631 | | | 80 | % | | 40,419 | | | 79 | % |
| Equity securities (a) | 519 | | | 1 | % | | 606 | | | 1 | % |
| Limited partnerships: | | | | | | | |
| Private equity | 1,389 | | | 3 | % | | 1,277 | | | 2 | % |
| Real assets | 473 | | | 1 | % | | 463 | | | 1 | % |
| Credit | 1,156 | | | 2 | % | | 1,039 | | | 2 | % |
| Limited Partnerships | $ | 3,018 | | | 6 | % | | $ | 2,779 | | | 5 | % |
| Commercial mortgage loans | 2,229 | | | 4 | % | | 2,253 | | | 4 | % |
| Residential mortgage loans | 2,590 | | | 5 | % | | 2,545 | | | 5 | % |
| Other (primarily derivatives, company owned life insurance and unconsolidated owned distribution investments) | 2,008 | | | 4 | % | | 1,697 | | | 3 | % |
| Short term investments | 263 | | | — | % | | 1,452 | | | 3 | % |
| Total investments | $ | 53,258 | | | 100 | % | | $ | 51,751 | | | 100 | % |
(a) Includes investment grade non-redeemable preferred stocks ($333 million and $428 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 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 primarily high-grade fixed-income assets across a wide range of sectors, including Corporate securities, U.S. Government and government-sponsored agency securities, and Structured securities, among others.
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 NAIC published comparison of NRSRO ratings to NAIC designations.
The NAIC determines ratings for non-agency Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (“RMBS”) and CMBS using modeling that estimates security level expected losses under a variety of economic scenarios. For such assets issued prior to January 1, 2013, an insurer’s amortized cost basis in applicable assets can impact the assigned rating. In the tables below, we present the rating of structured securities based on ratings from the 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 NAIC methodologies.
The following table summarizes the credit quality by NRSRO rating, or NAIC designation equivalent, of our fixed income portfolio at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| Fair Value | | Fair Value Percent | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| 28,052 | | $ | 26,170 | | | 65 | % | | | | | | |
| 12,302 | | | 30 | % | | | | | | |
| 1,554 | | | 4 | % | | | | | | |
| 215 | | | 1 | % | | | | | | |
| 72 | | | — | % | | | | | | |
| 106 | | | — | % | | | | | | |
| 43,601 | | $ | 40,419 | | | 100 | % | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment Concentrations
The tables below present the top ten structured security and industry categories of our fixed maturity and equity securities including the fair value and percent of total fixed maturity and equity securities fair value as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2024 |
| Top 10 Concentrations | | Fair Value (In millions) | | Percent of Total Fair Value |
| ABS other | | $ | 9,491 | | | 22 | % |
| CLO securities | | 5,617 | | | 13 | % |
| Commercial mortgage backed securities | | 4,758 | | | 11 | % |
| Diversified financial services | | 3,657 | | | 8 | % |
| Banking | | 2,158 | | | 5 | % |
| Whole loan collateralized mortgage obligation | | 2,078 | | | 5 | % |
| Insurance | | 1,616 | | | 4 | % |
| Municipal | | 1,504 | | | 3 | % |
| Electric | | 1,146 | | | 3 | % |
| Telecommunications | | 700 | | | 2 | % |
| Total | | $ | 32,725 | | | 76 | % |
| | | | |
| | December 31, 2023 |
| Top 10 Concentrations | | Fair Value (In millions) | | Percent of Total Fair Value |
| ABS other | | $ | 8,929 | | | 22 | % |
| CLO securities | | 5,405 | | | 13 | % |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | 4,410 | | | 11 | % |
| Diversified financial services | | 3,272 | | | 8 | % |
| Banking | | 2,048 | | | 5 | % |
| Whole loan collateralized mortgage obligation | | 2,043 | | | 5 | % |
| Municipal | | 1,600 | | | 4 | % |
| Insurance | | 1,567 | | | 4 | % |
| Electric | | 1,086 | | | 3 | % |
| Telecommunications | | 696 | | | 2 | % |
| Total | | $ | 31,056 | | | 77 | % |
| | | | |
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities by contractual maturities as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2024 | | December 31, 2023 |
| Amortized Cost | | Fair Value | | Amortized Cost | | Fair Value | | |
| Corporate, Non-structured Hybrids, Municipal and U.S. Government securities: | (In millions) | | |
| Due in one year or less | $ | 404 | | | $ | 393 | | | $ | 383 | | | $ | 374 | | | |
| Due after one year through five years | 3,700 | | | 3,614 | | | 3,207 | | | 3,129 | | | |
| Due after five years through ten years | 3,492 | | | 3,333 | | | 2,822 | | | 2,680 | | | |
| Due after ten years | 15,424 | | | 12,966 | | | 15,333 | | | 13,068 | | | |
| Subtotal | $ | 23,020 | | | $ | 20,306 | | | $ | 21,745 | | | $ | 19,251 | | | |
| Other securities, which provide for periodic payments: | | | | | | | | | |
| Asset-backed securities | $ | 15,247 | | | $ | 15,108 | | | $ | 14,623 | | | $ | 14,334 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Commercial-mortgage-backed securities | 4,980 | | | 4,758 | | | 4,732 | | | 4,410 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 2,545 | | | 2,459 | | | 2,501 | | | 2,424 | | | |
| Subtotal | $ | 22,772 | | | $ | 22,325 | | | $ | 21,856 | | | $ | 21,168 | | | |
| Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities | $ | 45,792 | | | $ | 42,631 | | | $ | 43,601 | | | $ | 40,419 | | | |
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 securities and Alt-A RMBS securities were $33 million and $47 million as of March 31, 2024, respectively, and $33 million and $49 million as of December 31, 2023, respectively. As of both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, approximately 95% of the subprime and Alt-A RMBS exposures were rated NAIC 2 or higher.
ABS and CLO Exposures
Our ABS exposures are largely diversified by underlying collateral and issuer type. Our CLO exposures are generally senior tranches of CLOs, which have leveraged loans as their underlying collateral.
As of March 31, 2024, the CLO and ABS positions were trading at a net unrealized gain of $113 million and a net unrealized loss of $242 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the CLO and ABS positions were trading at a net unrealized gain position of $65 million and a net unrealized loss of $344 million, respectively.
The following table summarizes the credit quality by NRSRO rating, or NAIC designation equivalent, of our AFS ABS portfolio (dollars in millions) at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2024 | | December 31, 2023 |
| | Fair Value | | Percent | | Fair Value | | Percent |
| NRSRO Rating | NAIC Designation | | | | | | | |
| AAA/AA/A | 1 | $ | 7,444 | | | 78% | | $ | 7,023 | | | 79% |
| BBB | 2 | 1,495 | | 16% | | 1,375 | | 15% |
| BB | 3 | 441 | | 5% | | 418 | | 5% |
| B | 4 | 61 | | 1% | | 59 | | 1% |
| CCC | 5 | 8 | | —% | | 13 | | —% |
| CC and lower | 6 | 42 | | —% | | 41 | | —% |
| Total | | $ | 9,491 | | | 100% | | $ | 8,929 | | | 100% |
The following table summarizes the credit quality by NRSRO rating, or NAIC designation equivalent, of our AFS CLO portfolio (dollars in millions) at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2024 | | December 31, 2023 |
| | Fair Value | | Percent | | Fair Value | | Percent |
| NRSRO Rating | NAIC Designation | | | | | | | |
| AAA/AA/A | 1 | $ | 3,433 | | | 61% | | $ | 3,288 | | | 61% |
| BBB | 2 | 1,649 | | 29% | | 1,582 | | 29% |
| BB | 3 | 476 | | 9% | | 480 | | 9% |
| B | 4 | 18 | | —% | | 17 | | —% |
| CCC | 5 | — | | —% | | 0 | | —% |
| CC and lower | 6 | 41 | | 1% | | 38 | | 1% |
| Total | | $ | 5,617 | | | 100% | | $ | 5,405 | | | 100% |
Municipal Bond Exposure
Our municipal bond exposure is a combination of general obligation bonds (fair value of $227 million and $231 million and an amortized cost of $265 million and $268 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively) and special revenue bonds (fair value of $1,275 million and $1,334 million and an amortized cost of $1,457 million and $1,506 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively).
Across all municipal bonds, the largest issuer represented 5% of the category for both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, and is rated NAIC 1. Our focus within municipal bonds is on NAIC 1 rated instruments, and 98% of our municipal bond exposure is rated NAIC 1 for both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Mortgage Loans
Commercial Mortgage Loans
We diversify our commercial mortgage loans ("CMLs") 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 level to secure the related debt. LTV and DSC ratios are utilized to assess the risk and quality of CMLs. For both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our mortgage loans on real estate portfolio had a weighted average DSC ratio of 2.3 times, and a weighted average LTV ratio of 55%.
We consider a CML delinquent when a loan payment is greater than 30 days past due. For 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. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had no CMLs that were delinquent in principal or interest payments and none in the process of foreclosure. See Note D - Investments to the Condensed Financial Statements included in this report for additional information on our CMLs, including our distribution by property type, geographic region, LTV and DSC ratios.
Residential Mortgage Loans
F&G's RMLs are closed end, amortizing loans, and 100% of the properties are in the United States. F&G diversifies its RML portfolio by state to attempt to reduce concentration risk. RMLs have a primary credit quality indicator of either a performing or nonperforming loan. F&G defines non-performing RMLs as those that are 90 or more days past due and/or in nonaccrual status.
Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they are over 90 days delinquent. If a loan becomes over 90 days delinquent, it is our general policy to initiate foreclosure proceedings unless a workout arrangement to bring the loan current can be put in place. See Note D Investments to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information on our RMLs.
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, 2024 and December 31, 2023, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2024 |
| Number of Securities | | Amortized Cost | | Allowance for Expected Credit Losses | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair Value |
| Fixed maturity securities, available for sale: | (In millions) |
| United States Government full faith and credit | 23 | | | $ | 171 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (2) | | | $ | 169 | |
| United States Government sponsored agencies | 55 | | | 29 | | | — | | | (3) | | | 26 | |
| United States municipalities, states and territories | 173 | | | 1,464 | | | — | | | (231) | | | 1,233 | |
| Foreign Governments | 46 | | | 212 | | | — | | | (43) | | | 169 | |
| Corporate securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| Finance, insurance and real estate | 778 | | | 6,233 | | | — | | | (718) | | | 5,515 | |
| Manufacturing, construction and mining | 133 | | | 1,185 | | | — | | | (149) | | | 1,036 | |
| Utilities, energy and related sectors | 353 | | | 2,537 | | | — | | | (494) | | | 2,043 | |
| Wholesale/retail trade | 405 | | | 2,402 | | | — | | | (431) | | | 1,971 | |
| Services, media and other | 495 | | | 3,765 | | | — | | | (751) | | | 3,014 | |
| Hybrid securities | 34 | | | 574 | | | — | | | (38) | | | 536 | |
| Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities | 297 | | | 1,301 | | | (1) | | | (113) | | | 1,187 | |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 404 | | | 2,809 | | | (21) | | | (239) | | | 2,549 | |
| Asset-backed securities | 614 | | | 6,565 | | | (11) | | | (408) | | | 6,146 | |
| Total fixed maturity available for sale securities | 3,810 | | | 29,247 | | | (33) | | | (3,620) | | | 25,594 | |
| Equity securities | 35 | | | 441 | | | — | | | (89) | | | 352 | |
| Total investments | 3,845 | | | $ | 29,688 | | | $ | (33) | | | $ | (3,709) | | | $ | 25,946 | |
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| December 31, 2023 |
| Number of Securities | | Amortized Cost | | Allowance for Expected Credit Losses | | Unrealized Losses | | Fair Value |
| Fixed maturity securities, available for sale: | (In millions) |
| United States Government full faith and credit | 8 | | | $ | 15 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (1) | | | $ | 14 | |
| United States Government sponsored agencies | 56 | | | 30 | | | — | | | (3) | | | 27 | |
| United States municipalities, states and territories | 180 | | | 1,498 | | | — | | | (222) | | | 1,276 | |
| Foreign Governments | 50 | | | 209 | | | — | | | (39) | | | 170 | |
| Corporate securities: | | | | | | | | | |
| Finance, insurance and real estate | 637 | | | 5,529 | | | — | | | (690) | | | 4,839 | |
| Manufacturing, construction and mining | 117 | | | 965 | | | — | | | (135) | | | 830 | |
| Utilities, energy and related sectors | 316 | | | 2,402 | | | — | | | (471) | | | 1,931 | |
| Wholesale/retail trade | 332 | | | 2,165 | | | — | | | (397) | | | 1,768 | |
| Services, media and other | 401 | | | 3,370 | | | — | | | (686) | | | 2,684 | |
| Hybrid securities | 36 | | | 597 | | | — | | | (53) | | | 544 | |
| Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities | 244 | | | 1,118 | | | (2) | | | (101) | | | 1,015 | |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 435 | | | 3,198 | | | (22) | | | (323) | | | 2,853 | |
| Asset-backed securities | 800 | | | 8,078 | | | (9) | | | (470) | | | 7,599 | |
| Total fixed maturity available for sale securities | 3,612 | | | 29,174 | | | (33) | | | (3,591) | | | 25,550 | |
| Equity securities | 41 | | | 567 | | | — | | | (100) | | | 467 | |
| Total investments | 3,653 | | | $ | 29,741 | | | $ | (33) | | | $ | (3,691) | | | $ | 26,017 | |
The gross unrealized loss position on the fixed maturity available-for-sale fixed and equity portfolio was $3,709 million and $3,691 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Most components of the portfolio exhibited price depreciation caused primarily by higher treasury rates. The total amortized cost of all securities in an unrealized loss position was $29,688 million and $29,741 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The average market value/book value of the investment category with the largest unrealized loss position was 80% for services, media and other as of March 31, 2024. In the aggregate, services, media and other represented 20% of the total unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2024. The average market value/book value of the investment category with the largest unrealized loss position was 88% for finance, insurance and real estate as of December 31, 2023. In aggregate, finance, insurance and real estate represented 19% of the total unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2023.
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, 2024 and December 31, 2023, were as follows:
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| March 31, 2024 |
| Number of Securities | | Amortized Cost | | Fair Value | | Allowance for Credit Loss | | Gross Unrealized Losses |
| Investment grade: | (Dollars in millions) |
| Less than six months | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| Six months or more and less than twelve months | 1 | | | 15 | | | 14 | | | — | | | (1) | |
| Twelve months or greater | 83 | | | 1,112 | | | 768 | | | — | | | (344) | |
| Total investment grade | 84 | | | 1,127 | | | 782 | | | — | | | (345) | |
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| Below investment grade: | | | | | | | | | |
| Less than six months | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Six months or more and less than twelve months | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Twelve months or greater | 3 | | | 41 | | | 30 | | | — | | | (11) | |
| Total below investment grade | 3 | | | 41 | | | 30 | | | — | | | (11) | |
| Total | 87 | | | $ | 1,168 | | | $ | 812 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (356) | |
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| December 31, 2023 |
| Number of Securities | | Amortized Cost | | Fair Value | | Allowance for Credit Loss | | Gross Unrealized Losses |
| Investment grade: | (Dollars in Millions) |
| Less than six months | 1 | | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 14 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (1) | |
| Six months or more and less than twelve months | 1 | | | 54 | | | 44 | | | — | | | (10) | |
| Twelve months or greater | 47 | | | 634 | | | 444 | | | — | | | (190) | |
| Total investment grade | 49 | | | 703 | | | 502 | | | — | | | (201) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Below investment grade: | | | | | | | | | |
| Less than six months | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Six months or more and less than twelve months | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Twelve months or greater | 3 | | | 19 | | | 15 | | | — | | | (4) | |
| Total below investment grade | 3 | | | 19 | | | 15 | | | — | | | (4) | |
| Total | 52 | | | $ | 722 | | | $ | 517 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (205) | |
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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, 2024, our watch list included 87 securities in an unrealized loss position with an amortized cost of $1,168 million, no allowance for expected credit losses, unrealized losses of $356 million and a fair value of $812 million.
At December 31, 2023, our watch list included 52 securities in an unrealized loss position with an amortized cost of $722 million, no allowance for expected credit losses, unrealized losses of $205 million and a fair value of $517 million.
The watch list excludes structured securities as we have separate processes to evaluate the credit quality on the structured securities.
There were 49 and 101 structured securities with a fair value of $146 million and $316 million to which we had potential credit exposure as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Our analysis of these structured securities, which included cash flow testing, resulted in allowances for expected credit losses of $33 million and $35 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Exposure to Sovereign Debt and Certain Other Exposures
Our investment portfolio had an immaterial amount of direct exposure to European sovereign debt as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. We have no exposure to investments in Russia or Ukraine and de minimis investments in peripheral countries in the region.
Interest and Investment Income
For discussion regarding our interest and investment income and recognized gains and (losses), net refer to Note D - Investments to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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, 2024 and December 31, 2023, refer to Note D Investments to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Concentrations of Financial Instruments
For certain information regarding our concentrations of financial instruments, refer to Note D Investments to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
There have been no other material changes in the concentrations of financial instruments described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Derivatives
We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by our counterparties on derivative instruments. We attempt to reduce this credit risk by purchasing such derivative instruments from large, well-established financial institutions.
We also hold cash and cash equivalents received from counterparties for derivative instrument collateral, as well as U.S. Government securities pledged as derivative instrument collateral, if our counterparty’s net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds.
We are 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. We reduce 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.
See Note E Derivative Financial Instruments to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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 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 of operations of our Corporate and Other segment:
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| | Three months ended March 31, |
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | |
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| Revenues: | (In millions) |
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| Escrow, title-related and other fees | $ | 56 | | | $ | 44 | | | |
| Interest and investment income | 38 | | | 11 | | | |
| Recognized gains and losses, net | — | | | (2) | | | |
| Total revenues | 94 | | | 53 | | | |
| Expenses: | | | | | |
| Personnel costs | 43 | | | 26 | | | |
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| Other operating expenses | 26 | | | 28 | | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 8 | | | 7 | | | |
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| Interest expense | 19 | | | 20 | | | |
| Total expenses | 96 | | | 81 | | | |
| Loss from continuing operations, before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | $ | (2) | | | $ | (28) | | | |
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** Furnished herewith in accordance with Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K.
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 10, 2024 | 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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