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LINCOLN NATIONAL CORP - Quarter Report: 2017 September (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 September 30, 2017

 OR



Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from              to              

 

Commission File Number:  1-6028

 

_________________

 

LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

_________________

 



 



 

                Indiana                

35-1140070

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)



 

150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite A305, Radnor, Pennsylvania

19087

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

(484) 583-1400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

_________________

 

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     No 



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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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.  (Check one):



Large accelerated filer   Accelerated filer   Non-accelerated filer  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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 No 

 

As of October 27, 2017, there were 218,829,429 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 



_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 


 

Lincoln National Corporation

 

Table of Contents





 

 

 

 

 

Item

 

 

 

 

Page

PART I

 

1.

Financial Statements



 

 

2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

47 

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language

47 

 

 

Introduction

48 

 

 

    Executive Summary

48 



 

    Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

49 

 

 

Results of Consolidated Operations

51 

 

 

Results of Annuities

53 



 

Results of Retirement Plan Services

59 

 

 

Results of Life Insurance

65 

 

 

Results of Group Protection

71 



 

Results of Other Operations 

74 



 

Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking

76 



 

Consolidated Investments 

78 

 

 

Review of Consolidated Financial Condition

90 

 

 

   Liquidity and Capital Resources

90 



 

3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

94 



 

 

4.

Controls and Procedures

96 



 

 

PART II

 



 

 

1.

Legal Proceedings

97 



 

 

1A.

Risk Factors

97 



 

 

2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

98 



 

 

6.

Exhibits

98 



 

 



Exhibit Index for the Report on Form 10-Q

99 



 

 

 

Signatures

100 



 

 

 

 

 





 

 


 



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except share data)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of

 

 

As of

 

 

September 30,

December 31,



 

2017

 

 

2016

 



(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost:  2017 – $86,593; 2016 – $84,287)

 

$

93,767 

 

 

$

89,013 

 

Variable interest entities’ fixed maturity securities (amortized cost:  2017 – $0; 2016 – $200)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

200 

 

Equity securities (cost:  2017 – $296; 2016 – $260)

 

 

302 

 

 

 

275 

 

Trading securities

 

 

1,665 

 

 

 

1,712 

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

 

 

10,382 

 

 

 

9,889 

 

Real estate

 

 

11 

 

 

 

24 

 

Policy loans

 

 

2,417 

 

 

 

2,451 

 

Derivative investments

 

 

960 

 

 

 

927 

 

Other investments

 

 

2,210 

 

 

 

2,230 

 

Total investments

 

 

111,714 

 

 

 

106,721 

 

Cash and invested cash

 

 

1,965 

 

 

 

2,722 

 

Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired

 

 

8,543 

 

 

 

9,134 

 

Premiums and fees receivable

 

 

370 

 

 

 

430 

 

Accrued investment income

 

 

1,137 

 

 

 

1,062 

 

Reinsurance recoverables

 

 

5,062 

 

 

 

5,265 

 

Funds withheld reinsurance assets

 

 

602 

 

 

 

617 

 

Goodwill

 

 

2,273 

 

 

 

2,273 

 

Other assets

 

 

5,507 

 

 

 

5,006 

 

Separate account assets

 

 

139,612 

 

 

 

128,397 

 

Total assets

 

$

276,785 

 

 

$

261,627 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future contract benefits

 

$

22,547 

 

 

$

21,576 

 

Other contract holder funds

 

 

79,623 

 

 

 

78,903 

 

Short-term debt

 

 

450 

 

 

 

 -

 

Long-term debt

 

 

4,900 

 

 

 

5,345 

 

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

 

 

63 

 

 

 

53 

 

Funds withheld reinsurance liabilities

 

 

1,807 

 

 

 

1,976 

 

Deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

 

 

 

 

 

24 

 

Payables for collateral on investments

 

 

4,968 

 

 

 

4,995 

 

Other liabilities

 

 

6,499 

 

 

 

5,880 

 

Separate account liabilities

 

 

139,612 

 

 

 

128,397 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

260,471 

 

 

 

247,149 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingencies and Commitments (See Note 8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock – 10,000,000 shares authorized

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

Common stock – 800,000,000 shares authorized; 219,544,618 and 226,335,105 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively

 

 

5,717 

 

 

 

5,869 

 

Retained earnings

 

 

7,738 

 

 

 

7,043 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

2,859 

 

 

 

1,566 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

16,314 

 

 

 

14,478 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

276,785 

 

 

$

261,627 

 



See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1


 





LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited, in millions, except per share data)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 



September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance premiums

$

774

 

$

708

 

$

2,382

 

$

2,252

 

Fee income

 

1,401

 

 

1,376

 

 

4,148

 

 

3,899

 

Net investment income

 

1,239

 

 

1,259

 

 

3,738

 

 

3,630

 

Realized gain (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities

 

(9

)

 

(22

)

 

(17

)

 

(113

)

Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income

 

1

 

 

9

 

 

1

 

 

37

 

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

recognized in earnings

 

(8

)

 

(13

)

 

(16

)

 

(76

)

Realized gain (loss), excluding other-than-temporary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

impairment losses on securities

 

(48

)

 

50

 

 

(89

)

 

(45

)

Total realized gain (loss)

 

(56

)

 

37

 

 

(105

)

 

(121

)

Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

 

 -

 

 

18

 

 

22

 

 

55

 

Other revenues

 

153

 

 

127

 

 

403

 

 

361

 

Total revenues

 

3,511

 

 

3,525

 

 

10,588

 

 

10,076

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited

 

647

 

 

642

 

 

1,940

 

 

1,914

 

Benefits

 

1,261

 

 

922

 

 

3,839

 

 

3,462

 

Commissions and other expenses

 

1,020

 

 

1,283

 

 

3,068

 

 

3,236

 

Interest and debt expense

 

63

 

 

66

 

 

190

 

 

202

 

Strategic digitization expense

 

10

 

 

 -

 

 

33

 

 

 -

 

Total expenses

 

3,001

 

 

2,913

 

 

9,070

 

 

8,814

 

Income (loss) before taxes

 

510

 

 

612

 

 

1,518

 

 

1,262

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

 

92

 

 

145

 

 

254

 

 

260

 

Net income (loss)

 

418

 

 

467

 

 

1,264

 

 

1,002

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

148

 

 

182

 

 

1,293

 

 

2,532

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

566

 

$

649

 

$

2,557

 

$

3,534

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

1.89

 

$

2.02

 

$

5.66

 

$

4.24

 

Diluted

 

1.87

 

 

2.00

 

 

5.58

 

 

4.17

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share

$

0.29

 

$

0.25

 

$

0.87

 

$

0.75

 









See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2


 

LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited, in millions, except per share data)







 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 



September 30,

 



2017

 

2016

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

5,869

 

$

6,298

 

Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans

 

75

 

 

23

 

Retirement of common stock/cancellation of shares

 

(227

)

 

(415

)

Balance as of end-of-period

 

5,717

 

 

5,906

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

 

7,043

 

 

6,474

 

Net income (loss)

 

1,264

 

 

1,002

 

Retirement of common stock

 

(373

)

 

(260

)

Common stock dividends declared

 

(196

)

 

(176

)

Balance as of end-of-period

 

7,738

 

 

7,040

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

 

1,566

 

 

845

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

1,293

 

 

2,532

 

Balance as of end-of-period

 

2,859

 

 

3,377

 

Total stockholders’ equity as of end-of-period

$

16,314

 

$

16,323

 











See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3


 

LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, in millions)







 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 



September 30,

 



2017

 

2016

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

1,264

 

$

1,002

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred acquisition costs, value of business acquired, deferred sales inducements

 

 

 

 

 

 

and deferred front-end loads deferrals and interest, net of amortization

 

38

 

 

183

 

Trading securities purchases, sales and maturities, net

 

83

 

 

128

 

Change in premiums and fees receivable

 

60

 

 

21

 

Change in accrued investment income

 

(75

)

 

(47

)

Change in future contract benefits and other contract holder funds

 

(1,152

)

 

(807

)

Change in reinsurance related assets and liabilities

 

80

 

 

(276

)

Change in accrued expenses

 

(21

)

 

(124

)

Change in federal income tax accruals

 

154

 

 

143

 

Realized (gain) loss

 

105

 

 

121

 

Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

 

(22

)

 

(55

)

Other

 

95

 

 

391

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

609

 

 

680

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

 

(7,465

)

 

(8,278

)

Sales of available-for-sale securities

 

1,104

 

 

2,411

 

Maturities of available-for-sale securities

 

4,100

 

 

4,001

 

Purchases of alternative investments

 

(228

)

 

(222

)

Sales and repayments of alternative investments

 

140

 

 

173

 

Issuance of mortgage loans on real estate

 

(1,342

)

 

(1,402

)

Repayment and maturities of mortgage loans on real estate

 

849

 

 

649

 

Issuance and repayment of policy loans, net

 

34

 

 

72

 

Net change in collateral on investments and derivatives

 

90

 

 

1,064

 

Other

 

(66

)

 

(80

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

(2,784

)

 

(1,612

)



 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales leaseback transaction

 

45

 

 

 -

 

Deposits of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable

 

7,625

 

 

7,432

 

Withdrawals of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable

 

(4,309

)

 

(4,138

)

Transfers to and from separate accounts, net

 

(1,183

)

 

(1,200

)

Common stock issued for benefit plans

 

38

 

 

(9

)

Repurchase of common stock

 

(600

)

 

(675

)

Dividends paid to common stockholders

 

(198

)

 

(180

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

1,418

 

 

1,230

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and invested cash

 

(757

)

 

298

 

Cash and invested cash as of beginning-of-year

 

2,722

 

 

3,146

 

Cash and invested cash as of end-of-period

$

1,965

 

$

3,444

 







 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4


 

 

LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.  Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation



Nature of Operations 



Lincoln National Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries (“LNC” or the “Company,” which also may be referred to as “we,” “our” or “us”) operate multiple insurance businesses through four business segments.  See Note 13 for additional details.  The collective group of businesses uses “Lincoln Financial Group” as its marketing identity.  Through our business segments, we sell a wide range of wealth protection, accumulation and retirement income products and solutions.  These products include fixed and indexed annuities, variable annuities, universal life insurance (“UL”), variable universal life insurance (“VUL”), linked-benefit UL, indexed universal life insurance (“IUL”), term life insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plans and services, and group life, disability and dental.



Basis of Presentation



The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions for the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  Therefore, the information contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (“2016 Form 10-K”), should be read in connection with the reading of these interim unaudited consolidated financial statements.



Certain GAAP policies, which significantly affect the determination of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, are summarized in our 2016 Form 10-K.



Certain amounts reported in prior year's consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year.  Specifically, we reclassified cash flows from certain investing activities into their own respective line items within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  Previously, these amounts were reported within purchases of other investments or sales or maturities of other investments line items, as applicable, within cash flows from investing activities.  These reclassifications had no effect on net income (loss), net cash provided by (used in) investing activities, or stockholders’ equity for the prior year.



In the opinion of management, these statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s results.  Operating results for the nine month period ended September 30, 2017, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2017.  All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.







5


 

 

2.  New Accounting Standards



Adoption of New Accounting Standards



The following table provides a description of our adoption of new Accounting Standard Updates (“ASUs”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the impact of the adoption on our financial statements:







 

 

 

Standard

Description

Date of Adoption

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters

ASU 2016-05, Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships 

The amendments clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument identified in a hedging relationship in and of itself does not require dedesignation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met.  We adopted the guidance in this ASU prospectively. 

January 1, 2017

The adoption of this ASU did not have an effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

ASU 2016-06, Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments

The amendments clarify the requirements for assessing whether contingent call and put options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts.  Upon adoption of this ASU, entities will be required to assess embedded call and put options solely in accordance with the four-step decision sequence that was developed by the FASB Derivatives Implementation Group.  We adopted this ASU using a modified retrospective basis applied to existing debt instruments. 

January 1, 2017

The adoption of this ASU did not have an effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.



Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards



The following table provides a description of future adoptions of new accounting standards that may have an impact on our financial statements when adopted:







 

 

 

Standard

Description

Projected Date of Adoption

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters

ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers & ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers; Deferral of the Effective Date

This standard establishes the core principle of recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services.  The amendments define a five-step process that systematically identifies the various components of the revenue recognition process, culminating with the recognition of revenue upon satisfaction of an entity’s performance obligation.  Although these amendments will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP, ASU 2014-09 will not amend the accounting for insurance and investment contracts recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 944, Financial Services – Insurance, leases, financial instruments and guarantees.  Retrospective application is required.  After performing extensive outreach, the FASB decided to delay the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year.

January 1, 2018

Our revenue within the scope of this standard primarily includes commissions and advisory fees earned by our broker dealer operation.  We believe the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have a minimal effect on our current pattern of revenue recognition and will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.  

6


 

 

Standard

Description

Projected Date of Adoption

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters

ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

These amendments require, among other things, the fair value measurement of investments in equity securities and certain other ownership interests that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  The change in fair value of the impacted investments in equity securities must be recognized in net income.  In addition, the amendments include certain enhancements to the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial assets and financial liabilities.  Early adoption of the ASU is generally not permitted, except as defined in the ASU.  The amendments should be adopted in the financial statements through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption.

January 1, 2018

We hold equity securities classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) securities, and have identified certain securities that meet the definition of an equity security in accordance with ASU 2016-01.  We believe the most significant impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 is the requirement to recognize the change in fair value of equity securities in current period net income for those equity securities we currently classified as AFS.  See Note 4 for details regarding our equity securities currently classified as AFS. 

ASU 2016-02, Leases

This standard establishes a new accounting model for leases.  Lessees will recognize most leases on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a related lease liability.  The lease liability is measured as the present value of the lease payments over the lease term with the right-of-use asset measured at the lease liability amount and including adjustments for certain lease incentives and initial direct costs.  Lease expense recognition will continue to differentiate between finance leases and operating leases resulting in a similar pattern of lease expense recognition as under current GAAP.  This ASU permits a modified retrospective adoption approach that includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect upon adoption.  Early adoption is permitted.

January 1, 2019

We are currently identifying all of our leases that are within the scope of this standard; as such, we continue to evaluate the quantitative impact of adopting this ASU on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Based on our initial assessment, we do not expect there to be a significant difference in our pattern of lease expense recognition under this ASU.

ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)

These amendments clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations in ASU 2014-09, including how an entity should identify the unit of accounting for the principal versus agent evaluation.  In addition, the amendments clarify how to apply the control principle to certain types of arrangements, such as service transactions, by explaining what a principal controls before the good or service is transferred to the customer.  Transition requirements are consistent with ASU 2014-09.  

January 1, 2018

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.  See comments under ASU 2014-09 for more information.

ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing

These amendments clarify, among other things, the accounting guidance in ASU 2014-09 regarding how an entity will determine whether promised goods or services are separately identifiable, which is an important consideration in determining whether to account for goods or services as a separate performance obligation.   Transition requirements are consistent with ASU 2014-09.

January 1, 2018

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.  See comments under ASU 2014-09 for more information.

7


 

 

Standard

Description

Projected Date of Adoption

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters

ASU 2016-12, Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients

The standard update amends the revenue recognition guidance in ASU 2014-09 related to transition, collectability, noncash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The amendments clarify that, for a contract to be considered completed at transition, substantially all of the revenue must have been recognized under current GAAP.  The amendments also clarify how an entity should evaluate the collectability threshold and when an entity can recognize nonrefundable consideration received as revenue if an arrangement does not meet the standard’s contract criteria.  Transition requirements are consistent with ASU 2014-09.

January 1, 2018

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.  See comments under ASU 2014-09 for more information.

ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

These amendments adopt a new model to measure and recognize credit losses for most financial assets.  The method used to measure estimated credit losses for AFS debt securities will be unchanged from current GAAP; however, the amendments require credit losses to be recognized through an allowance rather than as a reduction to the amortized cost of those debt securities.  The amendments will permit entities to recognize improvements in credit loss estimates on AFS debt securities by reducing the allowance account immediately through earnings.  The amendments will be adopted through a cumulative effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings as of the first reporting period in which the amendments are effective.  Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein.        

January 1, 2020

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations, with a primary focus on our fixed maturity securities (see Note 4).  We currently reduce the amortized cost of the individual security when recognizing other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on these securities.  Upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, we will no longer reduce the amortized cost of each individual security; rather we will establish a valuation allowance, and any declines or improvements in credit quality will be recognized through the valuation allowance. 

ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments

These amendments clarify the classification of eight specific cash flow issues in an entity’s statement of cash flows where it was determined by the FASB that there is diversity in practice.  Early adoption of the amendments is permitted, and retrospective transition is required for each period presented in the statement of cash flows. 

January 1, 2018

We are currently evaluating these disclosure requirements and will amend classifications in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows upon adoption as applicable.

ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Asset Transfers Other Than Inventory

This amendment requires an entity to recognize current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs, thereby eliminating the current GAAP exception that prohibits the recognition of income taxes until the asset has been sold to an outside party.  Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of the annual reporting period for which financial statements have not been issued.   

January 1, 2018

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

8


 

 

Standard

Description

Projected Date of Adoption

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters

ASU 2016-18, Restricted Cash

This amendment requires that amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included within cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows.  Early adoption is permitted using a retrospective transition method applied to each period presented.

January 1, 2018

We will provide these additional disclosures in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows upon the adoption date as applicable.

ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

These amendments clarify 13 issues related to the adoption of ASU 2014-09.  The most significant issue of these amendments for us is the clarification that all contracts within the scope of Topic 944 are excluded from the scope of ASU 2014-09, rather than just insurance contracts as described in ASU 2014-09.  Transition requirements are consistent with ASU 2014-09.

January 1, 2018

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.  See comments under ASU 2014-09 for more information.

ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

These amendments eliminate the requirement in current GAAP to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test in favor of only applying Step 1.  Under Step 1, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value, and an impairment charge is recognized when the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value.  An entity still has the option to first perform a qualitative assessment of an individual reporting unit to determine if the quantitative assessment in Step 1 is necessary.  ASU 2017-04 should be adopted prospectively, and early adoption is permitted on impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017.      

Impairment tests performed after January 1, 2020

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. 

ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost

These amendments require that an entity report the service cost component of employee pension and postretirement benefit plans in the same line item as other compensation costs from services rendered by the applicable employees during the period.  The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations.  ASU 2017-07 requires retrospective adoption related to the presentation of net periodic pension cost and postretirement benefit cost.

January 1, 2018

The adoption of this ASU will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

ASU 2017-08, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities

These amendments require an entity to shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium so that the premium is amortized to the earliest call date.  Early adoption is permitted, and the ASU requires adoption under a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. 

January 1, 2019

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. 

ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting

These amendments provide guidance when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award would require modification accounting.  An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the following are the same immediately before and after the modification:  (a) the fair value of the award, (b) the vesting conditions of the award and (c) the classification of the award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument.  These amendments are to be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after the effective date.  Early adoption is permitted.

January 1, 2018

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. 

9


 

 

Standard

Description

Projected Date of Adoption

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters

ASU 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

These amendments better align risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results.  These amendments retain the threshold of highly effective for hedging relationships, remove the requirement to bifurcate between the portions of the hedging relationship that are effective and ineffective, record hedge item and hedging instrument results in the same financial statement line item, require quantitative assessment initially for all hedging relationships unless the hedging relationship meets the definition of either the shortcut method or critical terms match method and allow the contractual specified index rate to be designated as the hedged risk in a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk of a variable rate financial instrument.  These amendments also eliminate the benchmark interest rate concept for variable rate instruments.  Early adoption is permitted.  

January 1, 2019

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. 

 

3.  Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”)



Consolidated VIEs



See Note 4 in our 2016 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of our consolidated VIEs, which information is incorporated herein by reference.



As of March 2017 and December 2016, our $200 million and $400 million credit-linked notes (“CLNs”) matured, respectively, and we no longer reflect the assets and liabilities associated with these VIEs on our Consolidated Balance Sheets or recognize the results of operations of these VIEs on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  We no longer have any exposure related to these VIEs.



Asset and liability information (dollars in millions) for the consolidated VIEs included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of September 30, 2017

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

 



 

Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

of

 

 

Notional

 

Carrying

 

 

of

 

 

Notional

 

Carrying

 



Instruments

 

Amounts

 

Value

 

Instruments

 

Amounts

 

Value

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset-backed credit card loans (1)

 

 

N/A

 

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

$

 -

 

$

200 

 

Total return swap

 

 

 

 

 

559 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

 

533 

 

 

 -

 

Credit default swaps

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

 

200 

 

 

 -

 

Total assets

 

 

 

 

$

559 

 

$

 -

 

 

 

 

 

$

733 

 

$

200 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



(1)

Reported in variable interest entities’ fixed maturity securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.



As of September 30, 2017, we did not recognize any assets or liabilities from our consolidated VIEs and as of December 31, 2016, we did not recognize any liabilities from consolidated VIEs on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We did hold one contingent forward instrument as of December 31, 2016; however, the instrument had a zero notional and carrying value.



10


 

 

The gains (losses) for the consolidated VIEs (in millions) recorded on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

For the Three

 

For the Nine

 



 

Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 



 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 



 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

Non-Qualifying Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit default swaps

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

 

Contingent forwards

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Total non-qualifying hedges (1)

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

 



(1)

Reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).



Unconsolidated VIEs



See Note 4 in our 2016 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of our unconsolidated VIEs, which information is incorporated herein by reference.



Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies



We invest in certain limited partnerships (“LPs”) and limited liability companies (“LLCs”), including qualified affordable housing projects, that we have concluded are VIEs.  We do not hold any substantive kick-out or participation rights in the LPs and LLCs, and we do not receive any performance fees or decision maker fees from the LPs and LLCs.  Based on our analysis of the LPs and LLCs, we are not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs as we do not have the power to direct the most significant activities of the LPs and LLCs. 



The carrying amounts of our investments in the LPs and LLCs are recognized in other investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and were $1.4 billion and $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively.  Included in these carrying amounts are our investments in qualified affordable housing projects, which were $32 million and $37 million as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively.  We do not have any contingent commitments to provide additional capital funding to these qualified affordable housing projects.  We received returns from these qualified affordable housing projects in the form of income tax credits and other tax benefits of $2 million and $3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, and 2016, respectively, which were recognized in federal income tax expense (benefit) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).



Our exposure to loss is limited to the capital we invest in the LPs and LLCs, and there have been no indicators of impairment that would require us to recognize an impairment loss related to the LPs and LLCs as of September 30, 2017.



4.  Investments



AFS Securities



See Note 1 in our 2016 Form 10-K for information regarding our accounting policy relating to AFS securities, which also includes additional disclosures regarding our fair value measurements.



The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses and OTTI and fair value of AFS securities (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of September 30, 2017

 



Amortized

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

 

 

Fair

 



Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

OTTI (1)

 

Value

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

75,400

 

$

6,317

 

$

421

 

$

(5

)

$

81,301

 

Asset-backed securities ("ABS")

 

951

 

 

51

 

 

7

 

 

(23

)

 

1,018

 

U.S. government bonds

 

533

 

 

43

 

 

2

 

 

 -

 

 

574

 

Foreign government bonds

 

396

 

 

59

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

455

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")

 

3,339

 

 

171

 

 

38

 

 

(22

)

 

3,494

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")

 

532

 

 

10

 

 

2

 

 

(3

)

 

543

 

Collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs")

 

687

 

 

4

 

 

1

 

 

(4

)

 

694

 

State and municipal bonds

 

4,180

 

 

877

 

 

8

 

 

 -

 

 

5,049

 

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

 

575

 

 

87

 

 

23

 

 

 -

 

 

639

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

86,593

 

 

7,619

 

 

502

 

 

(57

)

 

93,767

 

Equity securities

 

296

 

 

19

 

 

13

 

 

 -

 

 

302

 

Total AFS securities

$

86,889

 

$

7,638

 

$

515

 

$

(57

)

$

94,069

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11


 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of December 31, 2016

 



Amortized

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

 

 

Fair

 



Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

OTTI (1)

 

Value

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

73,275

 

$

4,754

 

$

970

 

$

(5

)

$

77,064

 

ABS

 

1,047

 

 

39

 

 

14

 

 

(13

)

 

1,085

 

U.S. government bonds

 

384

 

 

37

 

 

2

 

 

 -

 

 

419

 

Foreign government bonds

 

449

 

 

58

 

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

506

 

RMBS

 

3,534

 

 

147

 

 

73

 

 

(6

)

 

3,614

 

CMBS

 

345

 

 

8

 

 

4

 

 

(1

)

 

350

 

CLOs

 

742

 

 

1

 

 

3

 

 

(4

)

 

744

 

State and municipal bonds

 

3,929

 

 

718

 

 

20

 

 

 -

 

 

4,627

 

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

 

582

 

 

70

 

 

48

 

 

 -

 

 

604

 

VIEs’ fixed maturity securities

 

200

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

200

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

84,487

 

 

5,832

 

 

1,135

 

 

(29

)

 

89,213

 

Equity securities

 

260

 

 

19

 

 

4

 

 

 -

 

 

275

 

Total AFS securities

$

84,747

 

$

5,851

 

$

1,139

 

$

(29

)

$

89,488

 



(1)

Includes unrealized (gains) and losses on impaired securities related to changes in the fair value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.



The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities by contractual maturities (in millions) as of September 30, 2017, were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



Amortized

 

Fair

 



Cost

 

Value

 

Due in one year or less

$

3,699 

 

$

3,750 

 

Due after one year through five years

 

18,220 

 

 

19,076 

 

Due after five years through ten years

 

17,029 

 

 

17,759 

 

Due after ten years

 

42,136 

 

 

47,433 

 

Subtotal

 

81,084 

 

 

88,018 

 

Structured securities (ABS, MBS, CLOs)

 

5,509 

 

 

5,749 

 

Total fixed maturity AFS securities

$

86,593 

 

$

93,767 

 



Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or pre-pay obligations.



12


 

 

The fair value and gross unrealized losses, including the portion of OTTI recognized in OCI, of AFS securities (dollars in millions), aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of September 30, 2017

 

 

Less Than or Equal

 

Greater Than

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



to Twelve Months

 

Twelve Months

 

Total

 



 

 

Gross 

 

 

 

Gross 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

Unrealized



Fair

Losses and

Fair

Losses and

Fair

 

Losses and



Value

 

OTTI

 

Value

 

OTTI

 

Value

 

 

OTTI

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

7,624 

 

$

206 

 

$

2,273 

 

$

218 

 

$

9,897 

 

 

$

424 

 

ABS

 

88 

 

 

 

 

156 

 

 

17 

 

 

244 

 

 

 

19 

 

U.S. government bonds

 

172 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

172 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

770 

 

 

31 

 

 

128 

 

 

 

 

898 

 

 

 

39 

 

CMBS

 

126 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

133 

 

 

 

 

CLOs

 

175 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

181 

 

 

 

 

State and municipal bonds

 

88 

 

 

 

 

57 

 

 

 

 

145 

 

 

 

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 

20 

 

 

 -

 

 

125 

 

 

23 

 

 

145 

 

 

 

23 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

9,063 

 

 

247 

 

 

2,752 

 

 

272 

 

 

11,815 

 

 

 

519 

 

Equity securities

 

26 

 

 

11 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34 

 

 

 

13 

 

Total AFS securities

$

9,089 

 

$

258 

 

$

2,760 

 

$

274 

 

$

11,849 

 

 

$

532 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,052 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of December 31, 2016

 

 

Less Than or Equal

 

Greater Than

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



to Twelve Months

 

Twelve Months

 

Total

 



 

 

Gross 

 

 

 

Gross 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

Unrealized



Fair

Losses and

Fair

Losses and

Fair

 

Losses and



Value

 

OTTI

 

Value

 

OTTI

 

Value

 

 

OTTI

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

15,820 

 

$

569 

 

$

3,187 

 

$

403 

 

$

19,007 

 

 

$

972 

 

ABS

 

201 

 

 

 

 

298 

 

 

25 

 

 

499 

 

 

 

29 

 

U.S. government bonds

 

18 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

18 

 

 

 

 

Foreign government bonds

 

29 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

29 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

989 

 

 

58 

 

 

392 

 

 

23 

 

 

1,381 

 

 

 

81 

 

CMBS

 

190 

 

 

 

 

19 

 

 

 

 

209 

 

 

 

 

CLOs

 

259 

 

 

 

 

25 

 

 

 -

 

 

284 

 

 

 

 

State and municipal bonds

 

227 

 

 

12 

 

 

47 

 

 

 

 

274 

 

 

 

20 

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 

76 

 

 

 

 

143 

 

 

44 

 

 

219 

 

 

 

48 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

17,809 

 

 

657 

 

 

4,111 

 

 

505 

 

 

21,920 

 

 

 

1,162 

 

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

44 

 

 

 

 

48 

 

 

 

 

Total AFS securities

$

17,813 

 

$

659 

 

$

4,155 

 

$

507 

 

$

21,968 

 

 

$

1,166 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,744 

 



13


 

 

The fair value, gross unrealized losses, the portion of OTTI recognized in OCI (in millions) and number of AFS securities where the fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by greater than 20% were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of September 30, 2017

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 



Fair

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

of

 



Value

 

Losses

 

OTTI

 

Securities (1)

Less than six months

$

43 

 

$

18 

 

$

 -

 

 

 

17 

 

Six months or greater, but less than nine months

 

15 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months

 

32 

 

 

10 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

Twelve months or greater

 

229 

 

 

84 

 

 

10 

 

 

 

50 

 

Total

$

319 

 

$

119 

 

$

10 

 

 

 

77 

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of December 31, 2016

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 



Fair

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

of

 



Value

 

Losses

 

OTTI

 

Securities (1)

Less than six months

$

174 

 

$

52 

 

$

 

 

 

19 

 

Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months

 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

Twelve months or greater

 

364 

 

 

167 

 

 

10 

 

 

 

62 

 

Total

$

539 

 

$

220 

 

$

12 

 

 

 

83 

 



(1)

We may reflect a security in more than one aging category based on various purchase dates. 



We regularly review our investment holdings for OTTI.  Our gross unrealized losses, including the portion of OTTI recognized in OCI, on AFS securities decreased by $634 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  As discussed further below, we believe the unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2017, did not represent OTTI as (i) we did not intend to sell these fixed maturity AFS securities; (ii) it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these fixed maturity AFS securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis; (iii) the estimated future cash flows were equal to or greater than the amortized cost basis of the debt securities; and (iv) we had the ability and intent to hold the equity AFS securities for a period of time sufficient for recovery. 



Based upon this evaluation as of September 30, 2017, management believes we have the ability to generate adequate amounts of cash from our normal operations (e.g., insurance premiums and fees and investment income) to meet cash requirements with a prudent margin of safety without requiring the sale of our temporarily-impaired securities.



As of September 30, 2017, the unrealized losses associated with our corporate bond securities were attributable primarily to widening credit spreads and rising interest rates since purchase.  We performed a detailed analysis of the financial performance of the underlying issuers and determined that we expected to recover the entire amortized cost for each temporarily-impaired security.



As of September 30, 2017, the unrealized losses associated with our mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and ABS were attributable primarily to widening credit spreads and rising interest rates since purchase.  We assessed for credit impairment using a cash flow model that incorporates key assumptions including default rates, severities and prepayment rates.  We estimated losses for a security by forecasting the underlying loans in each transaction.  The forecasted loan performance was used to project cash flows to the various tranches in the structure, as applicable.  Our forecasted cash flows also considered, as applicable, independent industry analyst reports and forecasts and other independent market data.  Based upon our assessment of the expected credit losses of the security given the performance of the underlying collateral compared to our subordination or other credit enhancement, we expected to recover the entire amortized cost of each temporarily-impaired security.



As of September 30, 2017, the unrealized losses associated with our hybrid and redeemable preferred securities were attributable primarily to wider credit spreads caused by illiquidity in the market and subordination within the capital structure, as well as credit risk of underlying issuers.  For our hybrid and redeemable preferred securities, we evaluated the financial performance of the underlying issuers based upon credit performance and investment ratings and determined that we expected to recover the entire amortized cost of each temporarily-impaired security.



14


 

 

Changes in the amount of credit loss of OTTI recognized in net income (loss) where the portion related to other factors was recognized in OCI (in millions) on fixed maturity AFS securities were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 



September 30,

 

September 30,

 



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

Balance as of beginning-of-period

$

390

 

$

431

 

$

430

 

$

382

 

Increases attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit losses on securities for which an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTTI was not previously recognized

 

8

 

 

6

 

 

13

 

 

67

 

Credit losses on securities for which an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTTI was previously recognized

 

1

 

 

5

 

 

4

 

 

12

 

Decreases attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities sold, paid down or matured

 

(21

)

 

(6

)

 

(69

)

 

(25

)

Balance as of end-of-period

$

378

 

$

436

 

$

378

 

$

436

 



During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we recorded credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized as we determined the cash flows expected to be collected would not be sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security.  The credit losses we recorded on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized were attributable primarily to one or a combination of the following reasons:



·

Failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments;

·

Deterioration of creditworthiness of the issuer;

·

Deterioration of conditions specifically related to the security;

·

Deterioration of fundamentals of the industry in which the issuer operates; and

·

Deterioration of the rating of the security by a rating agency.



We recognize the OTTI attributed to the noncredit portion as a separate component in OCI referred to as unrealized OTTI on AFS securities. 



Details of the amount of credit loss of OTTI recognized in net income (loss) for which a portion related to other factors was recognized in OCI (in millions), were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of September 30, 2017

 



 

 

 

Net

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

OTTI in

 



Amortized

 

Gain/(Loss)

 

Fair

 

Credit

 



Cost

 

Position

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Corporate bonds

$

20 

 

$

 

$

25 

 

$

32 

 

ABS

 

193 

 

 

23 

 

 

216 

 

 

111 

 

RMBS

 

275 

 

 

22 

 

 

297 

 

 

188 

 

CMBS

 

15 

 

 

 

 

18 

 

 

39 

 

CLOs

 

11 

 

 

 

 

15 

 

 

 

State and municipal bonds

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

Total

$

514 

 

$

57 

 

$

571 

 

$

378 

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of December 31, 2016

 



 

 

 

Net

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

OTTI in

 



Amortized

 

Gain/(Loss)

 

Fair

 

Credit

 



Cost

 

Position

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Corporate bonds

$

80 

 

$

 

$

85 

 

$

77 

 

ABS

 

212 

 

 

13 

 

 

225 

 

 

112 

 

RMBS

 

332 

 

 

 

 

338 

 

 

194 

 

CMBS

 

29 

 

 

 

 

30 

 

 

39 

 

CLOs

 

11 

 

 

 

 

15 

 

 

 

State and municipal bonds

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$

666 

 

$

29 

 

$

695 

 

$

430 

 



15


 

 

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate



See Note 1 in our 2016 Form 10-K for information regarding our accounting policy relating to mortgage loans on real estate.



Mortgage loans on real estate principally involve commercial real estate.  The commercial loans are geographically diversified throughout the U.S. with the largest concentrations in California, which accounted for 21% and 20% of mortgage loans on real estate as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively, and Texas which accounted for 11% of mortgage loans as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016.



The following provides the current and past due composition of our mortgage loans on real estate (in millions):





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of

 

 

As of

 



September 30,

December 31,



 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Current

 

$

10,378

 

 

$

9,888

 

60 to 90 days past due

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

Greater than 90 days past due

 

 

6

 

 

 

2

 

Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate

 

 

(2

)

 

 

(2

)

Unamortized premium (discount)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

1

 

Total carrying value

 

$

10,382

 

 

$

9,889

 



The number of impaired mortgage loans on real estate, each of which had an associated specific valuation allowance, and the carrying value of impaired mortgage loans on real estate (dollars in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of

 

 

As of

 



September 30,

December 31,



 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Number of impaired mortgage loans on real estate

 

2

 

 

2

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal balance of impaired mortgage loans on real estate

 

$

7

 

 

$

7

 

Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate

 

 

(2

)

 

 

(2

)

Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans on real estate

 

$

5

 

 

$

5

 



The changes in the valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate (in millions) were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

For the Three

 

For the Nine

 



 

Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 



 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 



 

2017

 

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

Balance as of beginning-of-period

 

$

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Additions

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Balance as of end-of-period

 

$

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 



Additional information related to impaired mortgage loans on real estate (in millions) was as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 



September 30,

 

September 30,

 



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

Average carrying value for impaired mortgage loans on real estate

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Interest income recognized on impaired mortgage loans on real estate

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Interest income collected on impaired mortgage loans on real estate

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 



16


 

 

As described in Note 1 in our 2016 Form 10-K, we use the loan-to-value and debt-service coverage ratios as credit quality indicators for our mortgage loans, which were as follows (dollars in millions):





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of September 30, 2017

 

As of December 31, 2016

 



 

 

 

 

 

Debt-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt-

 



 

 

 

 

 

Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service

 



Carrying

 

% of

 

Coverage

 

Carrying

 

% of

 

Coverage

 

Loan-to-Value Ratio

Value

 

Total

 

Ratio

 

Value

 

Total

 

Ratio

 

Less than 65%

$

9,243 

 

89.0% 

 

2.25

 

$

8,709 

 

88.0% 

 

2.16

 

65% to 74%

 

1,002 

 

9.6% 

 

1.92

 

 

1,009 

 

10.2% 

 

1.87

 

75% to 100%

 

132 

 

1.3% 

 

0.87

 

 

166 

 

1.7% 

 

0.82

 

Greater than 100%

 

 

0.1% 

 

1.04

 

 

 

0.1% 

 

1.04

 

Total mortgage loans on real estate

$

10,382 

 

100.0% 

 

 

 

$

9,889 

 

100.0% 

 

 

 



Alternative Investments 



As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, alternative investments included investments in 216 and 206 different partnerships, respectively, and the portfolios represented approximately 1% of our overall invested assets.



Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments



The detail of the realized gain (loss) related to certain investments (in millions) was as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 



September 30,

 

September 30,

 



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross gains

$

7

 

$

2

 

$

19

 

$

64

 

Gross losses

 

(22

)

 

(37

)

 

(47

)

 

(200

)

Equity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross gains

 

1

 

 

4

 

 

2

 

 

6

 

Gross losses

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

Gain (loss) on other investments

 

 -

 

 

(4

)

 

(6

)

 

(67

)

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and changes in other contract holder funds

 

(5

)

 

(7

)

 

(17

)

 

(15

)

Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments, pre-tax

$

(19

)

$

(42

)

$

(49

)

$

(213

)



(1)

These amounts are represented net of related fair value hedging activity.  See Note 5 for more information.

17


 

 

Details underlying write-downs taken as a result of OTTI (in millions) that were recognized in net income (loss) and included in realized gain (loss) on AFS securities above, and the portion of OTTI recognized in OCI (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 



September 30,

 

September 30,

 



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

(8

)

$

(6

)

$

(13

)

$

(68

)

ABS

 

(1

)

 

(1

)

 

(2

)

 

(4

)

RMBS

 

 -

 

 

(3

)

 

(1

)

 

(6

)

CMBS

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

State and municipal bonds

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

(9

)

 

(11

)

 

(17

)

 

(79

)

Equity securities

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)

 

(9

)

 

(11

)

 

(17

)

 

(80

)

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

1

 

 

(2

)

 

1

 

 

4

 

Net OTTI recognized in net income (loss), pre-tax

$

(8

)

$

(13

)

$

(16

)

$

(76

)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portion of OTTI Recognized in OCI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross OTTI recognized in OCI

$

1

 

$

12

 

$

1

 

$

48

 

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

 -

 

 

(3

)

 

 -

 

 

(11

)

Net portion of OTTI recognized in OCI, pre-tax

$

1

 

$

9

 

$

1

 

$

37

 



Determination of Credit Losses on Corporate Bonds and ABS



As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, we reviewed our corporate bond and ABS portfolios for potential shortfall in contractual principal and interest based on numerous subjective and objective inputs.  The factors used to determine the amount of credit loss for each individual security, include, but are not limited to, near term risk, substantial discrepancy between book and market value, sector or company-specific volatility, negative operating trends and trading levels wider than peers.



Credit ratings express opinions about the credit quality of a security.  Securities rated investment grade, that is those rated BBB- or higher by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Rating Services or Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s), are generally considered by the rating agencies and market participants to be low credit risk.  As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016,  96% and 95%, respectively, of the fair value of our corporate bond portfolio was rated investment grade.  As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, the portion of our corporate bond portfolio rated below investment grade had an amortized cost of $3.3 billion and $3.8 billion, respectively, and a fair value of $3.3 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively.  As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016,  96% of the fair value of our ABS portfolio was rated investment grade.  As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, the portion of our ABS portfolio rated below investment grade had an amortized cost of $86 million and $91 million, respectively, and a fair value of $73 million and  $75 million, respectively.  Based upon the analysis discussed above, we believe as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, that we would recover the amortized cost of each fixed maturity security.



Determination of Credit Losses on MBS



As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, default rates were projected by considering underlying MBS loan performance and collateral type.  Projected default rates on existing delinquencies vary between 10% to 100% depending on loan type and severity of delinquency status.  In addition, we estimate the potential contributions of currently performing loans that may become delinquent in the future based on the change in delinquencies and loan liquidations experienced in the recent history.  Finally, we develop a default rate timing curve by aggregating the defaults for all loans in the pool (delinquent loans, foreclosure and real estate owned and new delinquencies from currently performing loans) and the associated loan-level loss severities. 



We use certain available loan characteristics such as lien status, loan sizes and occupancy to estimate the loss severity of loans.  Second lien loans are assigned 100% severity, if defaulted.  For first lien loans, we assume a minimum of 30% severity with higher severity assumed for investor properties and further adjusted by housing price assumptions.  With the default rate timing curve and loan-level loss severity, we derive the future expected credit losses.



18


 

 

Payables for Collateral on Investments



The carrying value of the payables for collateral on investments (in millions) included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and the fair value of the related investments or collateral consisted of the following:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



As of September 30, 2017

 

As of December 31, 2016

 



Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 



Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Collateral payable for derivative investments (1)

$

935 

 

$

935 

 

$

894 

 

$

894 

 

Securities pledged under securities lending agreements (2)

 

200 

 

 

192 

 

 

216 

 

 

209 

 

Securities pledged under repurchase agreements (3)

 

533 

 

 

591 

 

 

535 

 

 

589 

 

Investments pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) (4)

 

3,300 

 

 

4,973 

 

 

3,350 

 

 

4,947 

 

Total payables for collateral on investments

$

4,968 

 

$

6,691 

 

$

4,995 

 

$

6,639 

 



(1)

We obtain collateral based upon contractual provisions with our counterparties.  These agreements take into consideration the counterparties’ credit rating as compared to ours, the fair value of the derivative investments and specified thresholds that if exceeded result in the receipt of cash that is typically invested in cash and invested cash.  See Note 5 for additional information.

(2)

Our pledged securities under securities lending agreements are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We generally obtain collateral in an amount equal to 102% and 105% of the fair value of the domestic and foreign securities, respectively.  We value collateral daily and obtain additional collateral when deemed appropriate.  The cash received in our securities lending program is typically invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities.

(3)

Our pledged securities under repurchase agreements are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We obtain collateral in an amount equal to 95% of the fair value of the securities, and our agreements with third parties contain contractual provisions to allow for additional collateral to be obtained when necessary.  The cash received in our repurchase program is typically invested in fixed maturity AFS securities.

(4)

Our pledged investments for FHLBI are included in fixed maturity AFS securities and mortgage loans on real estate on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The collateral requirements are generally 105% to 115% of the fair value for fixed maturity AFS securities and 155% to 175% of the fair value for mortgage loans on real estate.  The cash received in these transactions is primarily invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities.



Increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments (in millions) consisted of the following:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

For the Nine

 



 

Months Ended

 



 

September 30,

 



 

2017

 

2016

 

Collateral payable for derivative investments

 

$

41

 

$

995

 

Securities pledged under securities lending agreements

 

 

(16

)

 

(3

)

Securities pledged under repurchase agreements

 

 

(2

)

 

110

 

Investments pledged for FHLBI

 

 

(50

)

 

(105

)

Total increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments

 

$

(27

)

$

997

 





We have elected not to offset our repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions in our financial statements.  The remaining contractual maturities of repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions accounted for as secured borrowings were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 



As of September 30, 2017

 



Overnight and Continuous

 

Up to 30 Days

 

30 -  90 Days

 

Greater Than 90 Days

 

Total

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

 -

 

$

100 

 

$

283 

 

$

150 

 

$

533 

 

Total

 

 -

 

 

100 

 

 

283 

 

 

150 

 

 

533 

 

Securities Lending

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

200 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

200 

 

Total

 

200 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

200 

 

Total gross secured borrowings

$

200 

 

$

100 

 

$

283 

 

$

150 

 

$

733 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



19


 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of December 31, 2016

 



Overnight and Continuous

 

Up to 30 Days

 

30 -  90 Days

 

Greater Than 90 Days

 

Total

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

389 

 

$

146 

 

$

535 

 

Total

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

389 

 

 

146 

 

 

535 

 

Securities Lending

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

212 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

212 

 

Foreign government bonds

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

Total

 

216 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

216 

 

Total gross secured borrowings

$

216 

 

$

 -

 

$

389 

 

$

146 

 

$

751 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



We accept collateral in the form of securities in connection with repurchase agreements.  In instances where we are permitted to sell or re-pledge the securities received, we report the fair value of the collateral received and a related obligation to return the collateral in the financial statements.  In addition, we receive securities in connection with securities borrowing agreements, which we are permitted to sell or re-pledge.  As of September 30, 2017, the fair value of all collateral received that we are permitted to sell or re-pledge was $175 million.  As of September 30, 2017, we have re-pledged $53 million of this collateral to cover initial margin on certain derivative investments.



Investment Commitments



As of September 30, 2017, our investment commitments were $1.6 billion, which included $801 million of LPs, $328 million of mortgage loans on real estate and $475 million of private placement securities.



Concentrations of Financial Instruments



As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, our most significant investments in one issuer were our investments in securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation with a fair value of $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively, or 1% of our invested assets portfolio, and our investments in securities issued by Federal National Mortgage Association with a fair value of $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, or 1% of our invested assets portfolio.  These concentrations include both AFS and trading securities.  



As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, our most significant investments in one industry were our investments in securities in the consumer non-cyclical industry with a fair value of $14.9 billion and $13.7 billion, respectively, or 13% of our invested assets portfolio, and our investments in securities in the utilities industry with a fair value of $14.0 billion and $13.2 billion, respectively, or 13% and 12%, respectively, of our invested assets portfolio.  These concentrations include both AFS and trading securities.    



5.  Derivative Instruments

 

We maintain an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk, equity market risk, default risk, basis risk and credit risk.  See Note 1 in our 2016 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of the accounting treatment for derivative instruments.  See Note 6 in our 2016 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of our derivative instruments and use of them in our overall risk management strategy, which information is incorporated herein by reference.  See Note 12 for additional disclosures related to the fair value of our derivative instruments.







20


 

 

We have derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks whose notional or contract amounts exceed the related credit exposure.  Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of September 30, 2017

 

As of December 31, 2016

 



Notional

 

Fair Value

 

Notional

 

Fair Value

 



Amounts

 

Asset

 

Liability

 

Amounts

 

Asset

 

Liability

 

Qualifying Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

$

3,524 

 

$

37 

 

$

97 

 

$

3,552 

 

$

68 

 

$

122 

 

Foreign currency contracts (1)

 

1,579 

 

 

99 

 

 

46 

 

 

1,177 

 

 

153 

 

 

10 

 

Total cash flow hedges

 

5,103 

 

 

136 

 

 

143 

 

 

4,729 

 

 

221 

 

 

132 

 

Fair value hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

 

1,449 

 

 

261 

 

 

180 

 

 

1,512 

 

 

258 

 

 

182 

 

Non-Qualifying Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

 

72,319 

 

 

752 

 

 

142 

 

 

70,290 

 

 

985 

 

 

701 

 

Foreign currency contracts (1)

 

25 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

14 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Equity market contracts (1)

 

29,959 

 

 

534 

 

 

471 

 

 

28,315 

 

 

541 

 

 

616 

 

Credit contracts (1)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

66 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Embedded derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guaranteed living benefit ("GLB")

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

direct (2) (3)

 

 -

 

 

570 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

371 

 

GLB ceded (2) (3)

 

 -

 

 

53 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Reinsurance related (4)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

63 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

53 

 

Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (2) (5)

 

 -

 

 

 

 

1,318 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

1,139 

 

Total derivative instruments

$

108,855 

 

$

2,309 

 

$

2,324 

 

$

104,926 

 

$

2,005 

 

$

3,194 

 



(1)

Reported in derivative investments and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2)

Reported in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3)

Reported in other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4)

Reported in reinsurance related embedded derivatives on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(5)

Reported in future contract benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.



Beginning in the first quarter 2017, consistent with changes enacted by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”), the Company offset the variation margin payments with the derivative balances that are cleared through CME.



The maturity of the notional amounts of derivative instruments (in millions) was as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Remaining Life as of September 30, 2017

 



Less Than

 

1 - 5

 

6 - 10

 

11 - 30

 

Over 30

 

 

 



1 Year

 

Years

 

Years

 

Years

 

Years

 

Total

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

$

8,901 

 

$

20,768 

 

$

30,938 

 

$

15,472 

 

$

1,213 

 

$

77,292 

 

Foreign currency contracts (2)

 

36 

 

 

212 

 

 

391 

 

 

954 

 

 

11 

 

 

1,604 

 

Equity market contracts

 

17,652 

 

 

10,037 

 

 

819 

 

 

15 

 

 

1,436 

 

 

29,959 

 

Credit contracts

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Total derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with notional amounts

$

26,589 

 

$

31,017 

 

$

32,148 

 

$

16,441 

 

$

2,660 

 

$

108,855 

 



(1)

As of September 30, 2017, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was April 2067.

(2)

As of September 30, 2017, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was September 2049.



21


 

 

The change in our unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI (“AOCI”) (in millions) was as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 



September 30,

 



2017

 

2016

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

49

 

$

132

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts

 

(15

)

 

(319

)

Foreign currency contracts

 

46

 

 

22

 

Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment

 

(119

)

 

42

 

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

(3

)

 

 -

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

32

 

 

89

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

included in net income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

 

3

 

 

4

 

Interest rate contracts (2)

 

(13

)

 

(6

)

Interest rate contracts (3)

 

 -

 

 

1

 

Foreign currency contracts (1)

 

12

 

 

7

 

Foreign currency contracts (3)

 

5

 

 

6

 

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

(1

)

 

(1

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

(2

)

 

(4

)

Balance as of end-of-period

$

(14

)

$

(41

)



(1)

The OCI offset is reported within net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(2)

The OCI offset is reported within interest and debt expense on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(3)

The OCI offset is reported within realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).





22


 

 

The gains (losses) on derivative instruments (in millions) recorded within income (loss) from continuing operations on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

For the Nine

 

 



Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 

 



September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

Qualifying Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

$

2

 

$

1

 

$

3

 

$

4

 

 

Interest rate contracts (2)

 

(5

)

 

(4

)

 

(13

)

 

(6

)

 

Interest rate contracts (3)

 

 -

 

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

1

 

 

Foreign currency contracts (1)

 

4

 

 

4

 

 

12

 

 

7

 

 

Foreign currency contracts (3)

 

 -

 

 

3

 

 

5

 

 

6

 

 

Total cash flow hedges

 

1

 

 

5

 

 

7

 

 

12

 

 

Fair value hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

 

(5

)

 

(8

)

 

(18

)

 

(22

)

 

Interest rate contracts (2)

 

6

 

 

8

 

 

21

 

 

24

 

 

Interest rate contracts (3)

 

2

 

 

5

 

 

2

 

 

(81

)

 

Total fair value hedges

 

3

 

 

5

 

 

5

 

 

(79

)

 

Non-Qualifying Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (3)

 

18

 

 

19

 

 

161

 

 

1,609

 

 

Foreign currency contracts (3)

 

1

 

 

(2

)

 

1

 

 

(5

)

 

Equity market contracts (3)

 

(347

)

 

(519

)

 

(1,163

)

 

(1,100

)

 

Equity market contracts (4)

 

6

 

 

7

 

 

21

 

 

9

 

 

Credit contracts (3)

 

 -

 

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

(6

)

 

Embedded derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLB (3)

 

233

 

 

581

 

 

784

 

 

(924

)

 

Reinsurance related (3)

 

3

 

 

(3

)

 

3

 

 

(50

)

 

Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (3)

 

(46

)

 

(64

)

 

(230

)

 

(76

)

 

Total derivative instruments

$

(128

)

$

30

 

$

(411

)

$

(610

)

 



(1)

Reported in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(2)

Reported in interest and debt expense on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(3)

Reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(4)

Reported in commissions and other expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).



Gains (losses) recognized as a component of OCI (in millions) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

For the Nine

 

 



Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 

 



September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

Offset to net investment income

$

6

 

$

5

 

$

15

 

$

11

 

 

Offset to realized gain (loss)

 

 -

 

 

4

 

 

5

 

 

7

 

 

Offset to interest and debt expense

 

(5

)

 

(4

)

 

(13

)

 

(6

)

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2017,  $8 million of the deferred net gains (losses) on derivative instruments in AOCI were expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months.  This reclassification would be due primarily to interest rate variances related to our interest rate swap agreements.



For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, there were no material reclassifications to earnings due to hedged firm commitments no longer deemed probable or due to hedged forecasted transactions that had not occurred by the end of the originally specified time period.







23


 

 

Information related to our credit default swaps for which we are the seller (dollars in millions) was as follows:



As of September 30, 2017, we did not have any exposure related to these instruments.







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Reason

 

Nature

 

Rating of

 

Number

 

 

 

 

Maximum



 

 

 

for

 

of

Underlying

of

 

Fair

 

Potential

Credit Contract Type

 

Maturity

 

Entering

 

Recourse

Obligation (1)

Instruments

 

Value (2)

 

Payout

Single name credit default swaps

 

3/20/2017 (3)

 

(4)

 

(5)

 

BBB+

 

 

$

 -

 

$

40 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 -

 

$

40 



(1)

Represents average credit ratings based on the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch Ratings, as scaled to the corresponding S&P ratings.

(2)

Broker quotes are used to determine the market value of our credit default swaps.

(3)

These credit default swaps were sold to a counterparty of the consolidated VIEs discussed in Note 4 in our 2016 Form 10-K.

(4)

Credit default swaps were entered into in order to generate income by providing default protection in return for a quarterly payment.

(5)

Sellers do not have the right to demand indemnification or compensation from third parties in case of a loss (payment) on the contract.



Details underlying the associated collateral of our credit default swaps for which we are the seller if credit risk-related contingent features were triggered (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of

 

 

As of

 

 



September 30,

December 31,

 



 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

Maximum potential payout

 

$

 -

 

 

$

40 

 

 

Less:  Counterparty thresholds

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

Maximum collateral potentially required to post

 

$

 -

 

 

$

40 

 

 



Certain of our credit default swap agreements contain contractual provisions that allow for the netting of collateral with our counterparties related to all of our collateralized financing transactions that we have outstanding.  If these netting agreements were not in place, we would have been required to post collateral if the market value was less than zero.



Credit Risk



We are exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by our counterparties on various derivative contracts and reflect assumptions regarding the credit or non-performance risk (“NPR”).  The NPR is based upon assumptions for each counterparty’s credit spread over the estimated weighted average life of the counterparty exposure less collateral held.  As of September 30, 2017, the NPR adjustment was less than $1 million.  The credit risk associated with such agreements is minimized by entering into agreements with financial institutions with long-standing, superior performance records.  Additionally, we maintain a policy of requiring derivative contracts to be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement.  We are required to maintain minimum ratings as a matter of routine practice in negotiating ISDA agreements.  Under some ISDA agreements, our insurance subsidiaries have agreed to maintain certain financial strength or claims-paying ratings.  A downgrade below these levels could result in termination of derivative contracts, at which time any amounts payable by us would be dependent on the market value of the underlying derivative contracts.  In certain transactions, we and the counterparty have entered into a credit support annex requiring either party to post collateral when net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds.  These thresholds vary by counterparty and credit rating.  The amount of such exposure is essentially the net replacement cost or market value less collateral held for such agreements with each counterparty if the net market value is in our favor.  As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, our exposure was $4 million and $5 million, respectively.    

24


 

 

The amounts recognized (in millions) by S&P credit rating of counterparty, for which we had the right to reclaim cash collateral or were obligated to return cash collateral, were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of September 30, 2017

 

As of December 31, 2016

 



 

Collateral

 

Collateral

 

Collateral

 

Collateral

 



 

Posted by

 

Posted by

 

Posted by

 

Posted by

 

S&P

 

Counter-

 

LNC

 

Counter-

 

LNC

 

Credit

 

Party

 

(Held by

 

Party

 

(Held by

 

Rating of

 

(Held by

 

Counter-

 

(Held by

 

Counter-

 

Counterparty

 

LNC)

 

Party)

 

LNC)

 

Party)

 

AA-

 

$

103

 

$

 -

 

$

53

 

$

(32

)

A+

 

 

28

 

 

(258

)

 

10

 

 

(217

)

A

 

 

500

 

 

(309

)

 

466

 

 

(381

)

A-

 

 

52

 

 

 -

 

 

67

 

 

 -

 

BBB+

 

 

252

 

 

(3

)

 

298

 

 

 -

 



 

$

935

 

$

(570

)

$

894

 

$

(630

)



Balance Sheet Offsetting



Information related to the effects of offsetting on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions) was as follows:    







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of September 30, 2017

 



 

 

 

 

Embedded

 

 

 

 



Derivative

Derivative

 

 

 

 



Instruments

Instruments

 

Total

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized assets

 

$

1,560

 

 

$

626

 

 

$

2,186

 

Gross amounts offset

 

 

(600

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(600

)

Net amount of assets

 

 

960

 

 

 

626

 

 

 

1,586

 

Gross amounts not offset:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash collateral

 

 

(935

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(935

)

Net amount

 

$

25

 

 

$

626

 

 

$

651

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized liabilities

 

$

658

 

 

$

1,388

 

 

$

2,046

 

Gross amounts offset

 

 

(124

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(124

)

Net amount of liabilities

 

 

534

 

 

 

1,388

 

 

 

1,922

 

Gross amounts not offset:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash collateral

 

 

(570

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(570

)

Net amount

 

$

(36

)

 

$

1,388

 

 

$

1,352

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of December 31, 2016

 



 

 

 

 

Embedded

 

 

 

 



Derivative

Derivative

 

 

 

 



Instruments

Instruments

 

Total

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized assets

 

$

1,470

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$

1,470

 

Gross amounts offset

 

 

(543

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(543

)

Net amount of assets

 

 

927

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

927

 

Gross amounts not offset:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash collateral

 

 

(894

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(894

)

Net amount

 

$

33

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$

33

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized liabilities

 

$

1,089

 

 

$

1,563

 

 

$

2,652

 

Gross amounts offset

 

 

(536

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(536

)

Net amount of liabilities

 

 

553

 

 

 

1,563

 

 

 

2,116

 

Gross amounts not offset:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash collateral

 

 

(630

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(630

)

Net amount

 

$

(77

)

 

$

1,563

 

 

$

1,486

 





25


 

 

6.  Federal Income Taxes



The effective tax rate is the ratio of tax expense over pre-tax income (loss).  The effective tax rate was 18% and 17% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.  The effective tax rate was 24% and 21% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.  The effective tax rate on pre-tax income was lower than the prevailing corporate federal income tax rate.  Differences in the effective rates and the U.S. statutory rate of 35% were the result of certain tax preferred investment income, separate account dividends-received deductions, foreign tax credits and other tax preference items.





7.  Guaranteed Benefit Features



Information on the guaranteed death benefit (“GDB”) features outstanding (dollars in millions) was as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of

 

As of

 



September 30,

 

December 31,

 



2017 (1)

 

 

2016 (1)

 

 

Return of Net Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total account value

$

94,303 

 

 

$

87,707 

 

 

Net amount at risk (2)

 

102 

 

 

 

824 

 

 

Average attained age of contract holders

 

64 years

 

 

 

63 years

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Return

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total account value

$

109 

 

 

$

105 

 

 

Net amount at risk (2)

 

19 

 

 

 

22 

 

 

Average attained age of contract holders

 

76 years

 

 

 

75 years

 

 

Guaranteed minimum return

 

5% 

 

 

 

5% 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anniversary Contract Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total account value

$

26,128 

 

 

$

24,605 

 

 

Net amount at risk (2)

 

429 

 

 

 

782 

 

 

Average attained age of contract holders

 

70 years

 

 

 

69 years

 

 



(1)

Our variable contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract; therefore, the amounts listed are not mutually exclusive.

(2)

Represents the amount of death benefit in excess of the account balance that is subject to market fluctuations.



The determination of GDB liabilities is based on models that involve a range of scenarios and assumptions, including those regarding expected market rates of return and volatility, contract surrender rates and mortality experience.  The following summarizes the balances of and changes in the liabilities for GDBs (in millions), which were recorded in future contract benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Nine

 

 



Months Ended

 

 



September 30,

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

110

 

$

115

 

 

Changes in reserves

 

4

 

 

22

 

 

Benefits paid

 

(14

)

 

(31

)

 

Balance as of end-of-period

$

100

 

$

106

 

 



26


 

 

Variable Annuity Contracts



Account balances of variable annuity contracts, including those with guarantees, (in millions) were invested in separate account investment options as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of

 

 

As of

 

 



September 30,

December 31,

 



2017

 

 

2016

 

 

Asset Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic equity

$

56,973 

 

 

$

52,244 

 

 

International equity

 

19,164 

 

 

 

17,396 

 

 

Bonds

 

28,271 

 

 

 

27,532 

 

 

Money market

 

13,536 

 

 

 

12,010 

 

 

Total

$

117,944 

 

 

$

109,182 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of total variable annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

separate account values

 

99% 

 

 

 

99% 

 

 



Secondary Guarantee Products



Future contract benefits and other contract holder funds include reserves for our secondary guarantee products sold through our Life Insurance segment.  These UL and VUL products with secondary guarantees represented 34% and 35% of total life insurance in-force reserves as of September  30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively.  UL and VUL products with secondary guarantees represented 26% and 27% of total sales for the three and nine months ended September  30, 2017, respectively, compared to 35% and 33% for the corresponding periods in 2016.  



8.  Contingencies and Commitments



Regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the SEC, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and other regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, laws governing the activities of broker-dealers, registered investment advisors and unclaimed property laws.

 

LNC is involved in various pending or threatened legal or regulatory proceedings, including purported class actions, arising from the conduct of business both in the ordinary course and otherwise.  In some of the matters, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought.  Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief.  Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court.  In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding verdicts obtained in the jurisdiction for similar matters.  This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experiences of LNC in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value.

 

Due to the unpredictable nature of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time is normally difficult to ascertain.  Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal.  Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law.

 

We establish liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when information related to the loss contingencies shows both that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that some matters could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated as of September 30, 2017.    While the potential future charges could be material in the particular quarterly or annual periods in which they are recorded, based on information currently known by management, management does not believe any such charges are likely to have a material adverse effect on LNC’s financial condition.



For some matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss.  For such matters in which a loss is probable, an accrual has been made.  For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made.  Accordingly, the estimate contained in this paragraph reflects two types of matters.  For some matters included within this estimate, an accrual has been made, but there is a reasonable possibility that an exposure exists in excess of the amount accrued.  In these cases, the estimate reflects the reasonably possible range of loss in excess of the accrued amount.  For other matters included within this estimation, no accrual has been made because a loss, while potentially estimable, is believed to be reasonably possible but not probable.  In these cases, the estimate reflects the reasonably possible loss or range of loss.  As of September  30, 2017, we estimate the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses to be up to approximately $50 million.



27


 

 

For other matters, we are not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss.  We are often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts and the progress of settlement negotiations.  On a quarterly and annual basis, we review relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and update our accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews.



Cost of Insurance Litigation



Tutor v. Lincoln National Corporation and The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, No. 2:17-cv-04150, is a putative class action filed on September 18, 2017.  Plaintiff owns a universal life insurance policy originally issued by former Jefferson-Pilot.  Plaintiff alleges we breached the terms of policyholders’ contracts when it increased cost of insurance rates beginning in 2017.  We are vigorously defending this matter.



See Note 13 in our 2016 Form 10-K and Note 8 in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, for additional discussion of commitments and contingencies, which information is incorporated herein by reference.



9.  Shares and Stockholders’ Equity



Common Shares



The changes in our common stock (number of shares) were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 



September 30,

 

September 30,

 



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-period

222,237,262

 

232,784,691

 

226,335,105

 

243,835,893

 

Stock issued for exercise of warrants

2,464

 

16,767

 

337,394

 

54,915

 

Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans

139,179

 

46,267

 

1,600,465

 

716,409

 

Retirement/cancellation of shares

(2,834,287

)

(4,318,438

)

(8,728,346

)

(16,077,930

)

Balance as of end-of-period

219,544,618

 

228,529,287

 

219,544,618

 

228,529,287

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock as of End-of-Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic basis

219,544,618

 

228,529,287

 

219,544,618

 

228,529,287

 

Diluted basis (1)

222,701,021

 

231,421,682

 

222,701,021

 

231,421,682

 



(1)

Effective October 1, 2016, we early adopted ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.  We have updated certain previously reported interim results and metrics as of January 1, 2016, in accordance with this guidance.  For more information, see Note 1 – Earnings Per Share in our 2016 Form 10-K.



Our common stock is without par value.



28


 

 

Average Shares



A reconciliation of the denominator (number of shares) in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share was as follows:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 



September 30,

 

September 30,

 



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

Weighted-average shares, as used in basic calculation

220,813,693

 

231,041,085

 

223,311,993

 

236,374,010

 

Shares to cover exercise of outstanding warrants

668,103

 

1,088,717

 

795,312

 

1,096,356

 

Shares to cover non-vested stock (1)

1,614,405

 

1,074,583

 

1,572,250

 

1,003,406

 

Average stock options outstanding during the period (1)

2,275,826

 

2,311,106

 

2,432,171

 

2,069,579

 

Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed proceeds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

from exercising outstanding warrants

(94,338

)

(247,909

)

(116,577

)

(268,177

)

Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

proceeds and benefits from exercising stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

options (at average market price for the period) (1)

(1,361,094

)

(1,535,425

)

(1,481,524

)

(1,421,614

)

Shares repurchasable from measured but

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

unrecognized stock option expense (1)

(44,579

)

(70,126

)

(60,539

)

(35,240

)

Average deferred compensation shares

 -

 

 -

 

926,612

 

1,080,205

 

Weighted-average shares, as used in diluted calculation (1)

223,872,016

 

233,662,031

 

227,379,698

 

239,898,525

 



(1)

Effective October 1, 2016, we early adopted ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.  We have updated certain previously reported interim results and metrics as of January 1, 2016, in accordance with this guidance.  For more information, see Note 1 – Earnings Per Share in our 2016 Form 10-K.



In the event the average market price of LNC common stock exceeds the issue price of stock options and the options have a dilutive effect to our earnings per share (“EPS”), such options will be shown in the table above.



We have participants in our deferred compensation plans who selected LNC stock as the measure for the investment return attributable to all or a portion of their deferral amounts.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the effect of settling this obligation in LNC stock (“equity classification”) was more dilutive than the scenario of settling in cash (“liability classification”).  Therefore, for our EPS calculation for these periods, we added these shares to the denominator and adjusted the numerator to present net income as if the shares had been accounted for under equity classification by removing the mark-to-market adjustment included in net income attributable to these deferred units of LNC stock.  The amount of this adjustment was $(5) million and $1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.



29


 

 

AOCI



The following summarizes the components and changes in AOCI (in millions):







 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 



September 30,

 



2017

 

2016

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

1,784

 

$

991

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

 

2,385

 

 

5,827

 

Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment

 

112

 

 

(47

)

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI, future contract benefits and other contract holder funds

 

(468

)

 

(1,733

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

(717

)

 

(1,429

)

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)

 

(26

)

 

(131

)

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

(16

)

 

(14

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

15

 

 

51

 

Balance as of end-of-period

$

3,123

 

$

3,703

 

Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

25

 

$

26

 

(Increases) attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross OTTI recognized in OCI during the period

 

(1

)

 

(48

)

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

 -

 

 

11

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

 -

 

 

12

 

Decreases attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in fair value, sales, maturities or other settlements of AFS securities

 

29

 

 

40

 

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

(5

)

 

(8

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

(8

)

 

(11

)

Balance as of end-of-period

$

40

 

$

22

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

49

 

$

132

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

 

31

 

 

(297

)

Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment

 

(119

)

 

42

 

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

(3

)

 

 -

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

32

 

 

89

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)

 

7

 

 

12

 

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

(1

)

 

(1

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

(2

)

 

(4

)

Balance as of end-of-period

$

(14

)

$

(41

)

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

(27

)

$

(5

)

Foreign currency translation adjustment arising during the period

 

11

 

 

(15

)

Balance as of end-of-period

$

(16

)

$

(20

)

Funded Status of Employee Benefit Plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

(265

)

$

(299

)

Adjustment arising during the period

 

(9

)

 

12

 

Balance as of end-of-period

$

(274

)

$

(287

)



30


 

 

The following summarizes the reclassifications out of AOCI (in millions) and the associated line item in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Nine

 

 



Months Ended

 

 



September 30,

 

 



2017

 

 

2016

 

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross reclassification

$

(26

)

 

$

(131

)

Total realized gain (loss)

Associated amortization of DAC, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

(16

)

 

 

(14

)

Total realized gain (loss)

Reclassification before income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing

tax benefit (expense)

 

(42

)

 

 

(145

)

operations before taxes

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

15

 

 

 

51

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

Reclassification, net of income tax

$

(27

)

 

$

(94

)

Net income (loss)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross reclassification

$

6

 

 

$

1

 

Total realized gain (loss)

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

(1

)

 

 

 -

 

Total realized gain (loss)

Reclassification before income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing

tax benefit (expense)

 

5

 

 

 

1

 

operations before taxes

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

(2

)

 

 

 -

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

Reclassification, net of income tax

$

3

 

 

$

1

 

Net income (loss)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross reclassifications:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts

$

3

 

 

$

4

 

Net investment income

Interest rate contracts

 

(13

)

 

 

(6

)

Interest and debt expense

Interest rate contracts

 

 -

 

 

 

1

 

Total realized gain (loss)

Foreign currency contracts

 

12

 

 

 

7

 

Net investment income

Foreign currency contracts

 

5

 

 

 

6

 

Total realized gain (loss)

Total gross reclassifications

 

7

 

 

 

12

 

 

Associated amortization of DAC,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

(1

)

 

 

(1

)

Commissions and other expenses

Reclassifications before income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing

tax benefit (expense)

 

6

 

 

 

11

 

operations before taxes

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

(2

)

 

 

(4

)

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

Reclassifications, net of income tax

$

4

 

 

$

7

 

Net income (loss)







31


 

 

10.  Realized Gain (Loss)



Details underlying realized gain (loss) (in millions) reported on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 



September 30,

 

September 30,

 



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments (1)

$

(19

)

$

(42

)

$

(49

)

$

(213

)

Realized gain (loss) on the mark-to-market on certain instruments (2)

 

(2

)

 

(2

)

 

3

 

 

(2

)

Indexed annuity and IUL contracts net derivatives results: (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross gain (loss)

 

 -

 

 

9

 

 

(17

)

 

(24

)

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

(1

)

 

(4

)

 

(1

)

 

2

 

Variable annuity net derivatives results: (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross gain (loss)

 

(41

)

 

90

 

 

(45

)

 

138

 

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

7

 

 

(14

)

 

4

 

 

(22

)

Total realized gain (loss)

$

(56

)

$

37

 

$

(105

)

$

(121

)



(1)

See “Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments” section in Note 4.

(2)

Represents changes in the fair values of certain derivative investments (not including those associated with our variable and indexed annuity and IUL contracts net derivatives results), reinsurance related embedded derivatives and trading securities.

(3)

Represents the net difference between the change in the fair value of the S&P 500 Index ® call options that we hold and the change in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities of our indexed annuity and IUL contracts along with changes in the fair value of embedded derivative liabilities related to index call options we may purchase in the future to hedge contract holder index allocations applicable to future reset periods for our indexed annuity products.

(4)

Includes the net difference in the change in embedded derivative reserves of our GLB riders and the change in the fair value of the derivative instruments we own to hedge the change in embedded derivative reserves on our GLB riders and the benefit ratio unlocking on our GLB and GDB riders, including the cost of purchasing the hedging instruments.



 

11.  Stock-Based Compensation Plans



We sponsor stock-based compensation plans for our employees and directors and for the employees and agents of our subsidiaries that provide for the grant of stock options, performance shares (performance-vested shares as opposed to service-vested shares), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock units (RSUs) and deferred stock units (“DSUs”).  We issue new shares to satisfy option exercises.



LNC stock-based awards granted were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

For the

 

 

For the

 

 



 

Three

 

 

Nine

 

 



 

Months

 

 

Months

 

 



 

Ended

 

 

Ended

 

 



September 30,

September 30,

 



 

2017

 

 

2017

 

 

10-year LNC stock options

 

 -

 

 

407,637 

 

 

Performance shares

 

 -

 

 

154,351 

 

 

RSUs

 

7,869 

 

 

443,734 

 

 

Non-employee:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SARs

 

 -

 

 

26,494 

 

 

Agent stock options

 

90 

 

 

102,728 

 

 

Director DSUs

 

6,110 

 

 

20,644 

 

 





32


 

 

12.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments



The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments (in millions) were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of September 30, 2017

 

As of December 31, 2016

 



Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 



Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

$

93,767

 

$

93,767

 

$

89,013

 

$

89,013

 

VIEs’ fixed maturity securities

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

200

 

 

200

 

Equity securities

 

302

 

 

302

 

 

275

 

 

275

 

Trading securities

 

1,665

 

 

1,665

 

 

1,712

 

 

1,712

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

 

10,382

 

 

10,487

 

 

9,889

 

 

9,853

 

Derivative investments (1)

 

960

 

 

960

 

 

927

 

 

927

 

Other investments

 

2,210

 

 

2,210

 

 

2,230

 

 

2,230

 

Cash and invested cash

 

1,965

 

 

1,965

 

 

2,722

 

 

2,722

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLB direct embedded derivatives

 

570

 

 

570

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

GLB ceded embedded derivatives

 

53

 

 

53

 

 

203

 

 

203

 

Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives

 

3

 

 

3

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Separate account assets

 

139,612

 

 

139,612

 

 

128,397

 

 

128,397

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

 

(1,318

)

 

(1,318

)

 

(1,139

)

 

(1,139

)

Other contract holder funds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts

 

(612

)

 

(612

)

 

(629

)

 

(629

)

Account values of certain investment contracts

 

(32,089

)

 

(36,281

)

 

(31,516

)

 

(35,647

)

Short-term debt

 

(450

)

 

(453

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Long-term debt

 

(4,900

)

 

(5,455

)

 

(5,345

)

 

(5,679

)

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

 

(63

)

 

(63

)

 

(53

)

 

(53

)

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liabilities (1)

 

(213

)

 

(213

)

 

(553

)

 

(553

)

GLB direct embedded derivatives

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(371

)

 

(371

)

GLB ceded embedded derivatives

 

(7

)

 

(7

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 



(1)

We have master netting agreements with each of our derivative counterparties, which allow for the netting of our derivative asset and liability positions by counterparty. 



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 on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  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 on Real Estate



The fair value of mortgage loans on real estate is established using a discounted cash flow method based on credit rating, maturity and future income.  The 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 fair value for impaired mortgage loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our mortgage loans on real estate are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.



Other Investments



The carrying value of our assets classified as other investments approximates fair value.  Other investments includes primarily LPs and other privately held investments that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and the carrying value is based on our proportional share of the net assets of the LPs.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our LPs and other privately held investments

33


 

 

are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.  Other investments also includes securities that are not LPs or other privately held investments and the inputs used to measure the fair value of these securities are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.



Other Contract Holder Funds



Other contract holder funds include remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts and account values of certain investment contracts.  The fair value for the remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts is estimated using discounted cash flow calculations as of the balance sheet date.  These calculations are based on interest rates currently offered on similar contracts with maturities that are consistent with those remaining for the contracts being valued.  As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, the remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts carrying value approximated fair value.  The fair value of the account values of certain investment contracts is based on their approximate surrender value as of the balance sheet date.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our other contract holder funds are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.



Short-Term and Long-Term Debt    



The fair value of short-term and long-term debt is based on quoted market prices.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our short-term and long-term debt are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.   



Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value



We did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2017, or  December 31, 2016, and we noted no changes in our valuation methodologies between these periods.



34


 

 

The following summarizes our financial instruments carried at fair value (in millions) on a recurring basis by the fair value hierarchy levels described in Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of our 2016 Form 10-K:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of September 30, 2017

 

 

 

Quoted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

in Active

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Markets for

Significant

Significant

 

 

 

 



 

Identical

 

Observable

Unobservable

 

Total

 



 

Assets

 

 

Inputs

 

 

Inputs

 

 

Fair

 



 

(Level 1)

 

 

(Level 2)

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Value

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

$

 -

 

 

$

78,721

 

 

$

2,580

 

 

$

81,301

 

ABS

 

 

 -

 

 

 

991

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

1,018

 

U.S. government bonds

 

 

562

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

574

 

Foreign government bonds

 

 

 -

 

 

 

345

 

 

 

110

 

 

 

455

 

RMBS

 

 

 -

 

 

 

3,481

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

3,494

 

CMBS

 

 

 -

 

 

 

537

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

543

 

CLOs

 

 

 -

 

 

 

679

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

694

 

State and municipal bonds

 

 

 -

 

 

 

5,049

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

5,049

 

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

 

 

70

 

 

 

493

 

 

 

76

 

 

 

639

 

Equity AFS securities

 

 

32

 

 

 

80

 

 

 

190

 

 

 

302

 

Trading securities

 

 

73

 

 

 

1,542

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

1,665

 

Derivative investments (1)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

1,119

 

 

 

564

 

 

 

1,683

 

Other investments

 

 

150

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

150

 

Cash and invested cash

 

 

 -

 

 

 

1,965

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

1,965

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLB direct embedded derivatives 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

570

 

 

 

570

 

GLB ceded embedded derivatives

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

53

 

 

 

53

 

Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

3

 

Separate account assets

 

 

824

 

 

 

138,788

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

139,612

 

Total assets

 

$

1,711

 

 

$

233,797

 

 

$

4,262

 

 

$

239,770

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

 

$

 -

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$

(1,318

)

 

$

(1,318

)

Long-term debt

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(1,134

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(1,134

)

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(63

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(63

)

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liabilities (1)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(438

)

 

 

(498

)

 

 

(936

)

GLB ceded embedded derivatives

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(7

)

 

 

(7

)

Total liabilities

 

$

 -

 

 

$

(1,635

)

 

$

(1,823

)

 

$

(3,458

)



35


 

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of December 31, 2016

 



 

Quoted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

in Active

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Markets for

Significant

Significant

 

 

 

 



 

Identical

 

Observable

Unobservable

 

Total

 



 

Assets

 

 

Inputs

 

 

Inputs

 

 

Fair

 



 

(Level 1)

 

 

(Level 2)

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Value

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

$

 -

 

 

$

74,659

 

 

$

2,405

 

 

$

77,064

 

ABS

 

 

 -

 

 

 

1,052

 

 

 

33

 

 

 

1,085

 

U.S. government bonds

 

 

408

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

419

 

Foreign government bonds

 

 

 -

 

 

 

395

 

 

 

111

 

 

 

506

 

RMBS

 

 

 -

 

 

 

3,611

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

3,614

 

CMBS

 

 

 -

 

 

 

343

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

350

 

CLOs

 

 

 -

 

 

 

676

 

 

 

68

 

 

 

744

 

State and municipal bonds

 

 

 -

 

 

 

4,627

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

4,627

 

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

 

 

60

 

 

 

468

 

 

 

76

 

 

 

604

 

VIEs’ fixed maturity securities

 

 

 -

 

 

 

200

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

200

 

Equity AFS securities

 

 

17

 

 

 

81

 

 

 

177

 

 

 

275

 

Trading securities

 

 

102

 

 

 

1,545

 

 

 

65

 

 

 

1,712

 

Derivative investments (1)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

1,406

 

 

 

599

 

 

 

2,005

 

Other investments

 

 

146

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

146

 

Cash and invested cash

 

 

 -

 

 

 

2,722

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

2,722

 

Other assets – GLB ceded embedded derivatives

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

203

 

 

 

203

 

Separate account assets

 

 

863

 

 

 

127,534

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

128,397

 

Total assets

 

$

1,596

 

 

$

219,330

 

 

$

3,747

 

 

$

224,673

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

 

$

 -

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$

(1,139

)

 

$

(1,139

)

Long-term debt

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(1,203

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(1,203

)

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(53

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(53

)

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liabilities (1)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(939

)

 

 

(692

)

 

 

(1,631

)

GLB direct embedded derivatives

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(371

)

 

 

(371

)

Total liabilities

 

$

 -

 

 

$

(2,195

)

 

$

(2,202

)

 

$

(4,397

)



(1)

Derivative investment assets and liabilities presented within the fair value hierarchy are presented on a gross basis by derivative type and not on a master netting basis by counterparty.

36


 

 

The following summarizes changes to our financial instruments carried at fair value (in millions) and classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  This summary excludes any effect of amortization of deferred acquisition costs (DAC), value of business acquired (VOBA), deferred sales inducements (DSI) and deferred front-end loads (DFEL).  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.











 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

Issuances,

Transfers

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Items

 

(Losses)

 

Sales,

 

Into or

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Included

 

in

Maturities,

Out

 

 

 

 



Beginning

 

in

 

OCI

Settlements,

of

 

Ending

 



Fair

 

Net

 

and

 

Calls,

 

Level 3,

 

Fair

 



Value

 

Income

 

Other (1)

 

Net

 

Net (2)

 

Value

 

Investments: (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

2,517

 

$

4

 

$

35

 

$

(35

)

$

59

 

$

2,580

 

ABS

 

43

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

(15

)

 

27

 

U.S. government bonds

 

5

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

5

 

Foreign government bonds

 

109

 

 

 -

 

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

110

 

RMBS

 

7

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

6

 

 

 -

 

 

13

 

CMBS

 

21

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

(14

)

 

6

 

CLOs

 

28

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

15

 

 

(28

)

 

15

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 

82

 

 

 -

 

 

3

 

 

 -

 

 

(9

)

 

76

 

Equity AFS securities

 

183

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

9

 

 

(1

)

 

190

 

Trading securities

 

59

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(10

)

 

1

 

 

50

 

Derivative investments

 

155

 

 

(13

)

 

9

 

 

(85

)

 

 -

 

 

66

 

Other assets: (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLB direct embedded derivatives

 

298

 

 

272

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

570

 

GLB ceded embedded derivatives

 

85

 

 

(32

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

53

 

Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

3

 

 

 -

 

 

3

 

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (5)

 

(1,268

)

 

(47

)

 

 -

 

 

(3

)

 

 -

 

 

(1,318

)

Other liabilities – GLB ceded embedded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

derivatives (5)

 

 -

 

 

(7

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(7

)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total, net

$

2,324

 

$

177

 

$

46

 

$

(101

)

$

(7

)

$

2,439

 











37


 

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

Issuances,

Transfers

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Items

 

(Losses)

 

Sales

 

Into or

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Included

 

in

Maturities,

Out

 

 

 

 



Beginning

 

in

 

OCI

Settlements,

of

 

Ending

 



Fair

 

Net

 

and

 

Calls,

 

Level 3,

 

Fair

 



Value

 

Income

 

Other (1)

 

Net

 

Net (2)

 

Value

 

Investments: (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

2,425

 

$

(1

)

$

15

 

$

(74

)

$

66

 

$

2,431

 

ABS

 

62

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(27

)

 

35

 

U.S. government bonds

 

10

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(2

)

 

 -

 

 

8

 

Foreign government bonds

 

112

 

 

 -

 

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

113

 

RMBS

 

16

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

51

 

 

(13

)

 

54

 

CMBS

 

8

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

30

 

 

 -

 

 

38

 

CLOs

 

45

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

35

 

 

(5

)

 

74

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 

89

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

88

 

Equity AFS securities

 

170

 

 

3

 

 

(6

)

 

(4

)

 

 -

 

 

163

 

Trading securities

 

65

 

 

1

 

 

4

 

 

6

 

 

 -

 

 

76

 

Derivative investments

 

423

 

 

(89

)

 

(1

)

 

(69

)

 

 -

 

 

264

 

Other investments (4)

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

1

 

Other assets – GLB ceded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives (5)

 

539

 

 

(65

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

474

 

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

derivatives (5)

 

(1,102

)

 

(64

)

 

 -

 

 

41

 

 

 -

 

 

(1,125

)

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit default swaps (4)

 

(16

)

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

15

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

GLB direct embedded derivatives (5)

 

(2,458

)

 

581

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1,877

)

Total, net

$

389

 

$

367

 

$

11

 

$

29

 

$

21

 

$

817

 



38


 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

Issuances,

Transfers

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Items

 

(Losses)

Sales,

Into or

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Included

 

in

Maturities,

Out

 

 

 

 



Beginning

 

in

 

OCI

Settlements,

of

 

Ending

 



Fair

 

Net

 

and

 

Calls,

 

Level 3,

 

Fair

 



Value

 

Income

 

Other (1)

 

Net

 

Net (2)

 

Value

 

Investments: (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

2,405

 

$

15

 

$

153

 

$

(182

)

$

189

 

$

2,580

 

ABS

 

33

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(6

)

 

27

 

U.S. government bonds

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

5

 

 

5

 

Foreign government bonds

 

111

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

110

 

RMBS

 

3

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

10

 

 

 -

 

 

13

 

CMBS

 

7

 

 

 -

 

 

1

 

 

54

 

 

(56

)

 

6

 

CLOs

 

68

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

33

 

 

(86

)

 

15

 

State and municipal bonds

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

1

 

 

 -

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 

76

 

 

 -

 

 

14

 

 

 -

 

 

(14

)

 

76

 

Equity AFS securities

 

177

 

 

1

 

 

(2

)

 

15

 

 

(1

)

 

190

 

Trading securities

 

65

 

 

2

 

 

8

 

 

(26

)

 

1

 

 

50

 

Derivative investments

 

(93

)

 

(25

)

 

97

 

 

87

 

 

 -

 

 

66

 

Other assets: (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLB direct embedded derivatives

 

 -

 

 

570

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

570

 

GLB ceded embedded derivatives

 

203

 

 

(150

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

53

 

Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

3

 

 

 -

 

 

3

 

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (5)

 

(1,139

)

 

(230

)

 

 -

 

 

51

 

 

 -

 

 

(1,318

)

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLB direct embedded derivatives (5)

 

(371

)

 

371

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

GLB ceded embedded derivatives (5)

 

 

 

 

(7

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(7

)

Total, net

$

1,545

 

$

546

 

$

270

 

$

45

 

$

33

 

$

2,439

 





39


 

 











 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

Issuances,

Transfers

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Items

 

(Losses)

Sales,

Into or

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Included

 

in

Maturities,

Out

 

 

 

 



Beginning

 

in

 

OCI

Settlements,

of

 

Ending

 



Fair

 

Net

 

and

 

Calls,

 

Level 3,

 

Fair

 



Value

 

Income

 

Other (1)

 

Net

 

Net (2)

 

Value

 

Investments: (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

1,993

 

$

(1

)

$

79

 

$

72

 

$

288

 

$

2,431

 

ABS

 

45

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

14

 

 

(23

)

 

35

 

U.S. government bonds

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

8

 

 

 -

 

 

8

 

Foreign government bonds

 

111

 

 

 -

 

 

2

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

113

 

RMBS

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

66

 

 

(13

)

 

54

 

CMBS

 

10

 

 

2

 

 

(1

)

 

27

 

 

 -

 

 

38

 

CLOs

 

551

 

 

 -

 

 

1

 

 

113

 

 

(591

)

 

74

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 

94

 

 

 -

 

 

(6

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

88

 

Equity AFS securities

 

164

 

 

3

 

 

(4

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

163

 

Trading securities

 

73

 

 

3

 

 

5

 

 

5

 

 

(10

)

 

76

 

Derivative investments

 

555

 

 

(346

)

 

170

 

 

(115

)

 

 -

 

 

264

 

Other investments (4)

 

 -

 

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

1

 

Other assets – GLB ceded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives (5)

 

268

 

 

206

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

474

 

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (5)

 

(1,100

)

 

(76

)

 

 -

 

 

51

 

 

 -

 

 

(1,125

)

VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments (5)

 

(4

)

 

4

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit default swaps (4)

 

(9

)

 

(6

)

 

 -

 

 

15

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

GLB direct embedded derivatives (5)

 

(953

)

 

(924

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1,877

)

Total, net

$

1,799

 

$

(1,134

)

$

245

 

$

256

 

$

(349

)

$

817

 



(1)

The changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are offset by an adjustment to derivative investments (see Note 5).

(2)

Transfers into or out of Level 3 for AFS and trading securities are displayed at amortized cost as of the beginning-of-period.  For AFS and trading securities, the difference between beginning-of-period amortized cost and beginning-of-period fair value was included in OCI and earnings, respectively, in the prior period.

(3)

Amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are included in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  Gains (losses) from sales, maturities, settlements and calls and OTTI are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(4)

The changes in fair value of the credit default swaps and contingency forwards are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(5)

Gains (losses) from sales, maturities, settlements and calls are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).



40


 

 

The following provides the components of the items included in issuances, sales, maturities, settlements and calls, net, excluding any effect of amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in future contract benefits, (in millions) as reported above:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

 



Issuances

 

Sales

 

Maturities

Settlements

Calls

 

Total

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

167

 

$

(114

)

$

(19

)

$

(43

)

$

(26

)

$

(35

)

RMBS

 

6

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

6

 

CMBS

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

CLOs

 

15

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

15

 

Equity AFS securities

 

10

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

9

 

Trading securities

 

 -

 

 

(10

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(10

)

Derivative investments

 

50

 

 

(23

)

 

(112

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(85

)

Other assets – indexed annuity ceded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives

 

3

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

3

 

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

 

(14

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

11

 

 

 -

 

 

(3

)

Total, net

$

237

 

$

(148

)

$

(131

)

$

(33

)

$

(26

)

$

(101

)





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 



Issuances

 

Sales

 

Maturities

Settlements

Calls

 

Total

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

92

 

$

(20

)

$

(18

)

$

(50

)

$

(78

)

$

(74

)

U.S. government bonds

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(2

)

 

 -

 

 

(2

)

RMBS

 

51

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

51

 

CMBS

 

31

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

30

 

CLOs

 

35

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

35

 

Equity AFS securities

 

 -

 

 

(4

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(4

)

Trading securities

 

7

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

6

 

Derivative investments

 

47

 

 

(46

)

 

(70

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(69

)

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

 

(13

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

54

 

 

 -

 

 

41

 

Other liabilities – credit default swaps

 

 -

 

 

15

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

15

 

Total, net

$

250

 

$

(55

)

$

(88

)

$

 -

 

$

(78

)

$

29

 

















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 



Issuances

 

Sales

 

Maturities

Settlements

Calls

 

Total

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

367

 

$

(179

)

$

(66

)

$

(170

)

$

(134

)

$

(182

)

RMBS

 

10

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

10

 

CMBS

 

55

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

54

 

CLOs

 

33

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

33

 

Equity AFS securities

 

18

 

 

(3

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

15

 

Trading securities

 

2

 

 

(27

)

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

(26

)

Derivative investments

 

145

 

 

243

 

 

(301

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

87

 

Other assets – indexed annuity ceded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives

 

3

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

3

 

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

 

(45

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

96

 

 

 -

 

 

51

 

Total, net

$

588

 

$

34

 

$

(367

)

$

(76

)

$

(134

)

$

45

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41


 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 



Issuances

 

Sales

 

Maturities

Settlements

Calls

 

Total

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

381

 

$

(19

)

$

(22

)

$

(133

)

$

(135

)

$

72

 

ABS

 

15

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

14

 

U.S. government bonds

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

8

 

 

 -

 

 

8

 

RMBS

 

66

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

66

 

CMBS

 

31

 

 

(2

)

 

 -

 

 

(2

)

 

 -

 

 

27

 

CLOs

 

115

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(2

)

 

 -

 

 

113

 

Equity AFS securities

 

4

 

 

(4

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Trading securities

 

6

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

5

 

Derivative investments

 

132

 

 

(133

)

 

(114

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(115

)

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

 

(58

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

109

 

 

 -

 

 

51

 

Other liabilities – credit default swaps

 

 -

 

 

15

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

15

 

Total, net

$

692

 

$

(143

)

$

(136

)

$

(22

)

$

(135

)

$

256

 



The following summarizes changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income, excluding any effect of amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in future contract benefits, related to financial instruments carried at fair value classified within Level 3 that we still held (in millions):





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

For the Nine

 

 



Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 

 



September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

Derivative investments 

$

(83

)

$

(94

)

$

(159

)

$

(271

)

 

Other investments

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

1

 

 

Embedded derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indexed annuity and IUL contracts

 

2

 

 

(1

)

 

(13

)

 

(24

)

 

GLB

 

428

 

 

712

 

 

1,352

 

 

(521

)

 

VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

4

 

 

Credit default swaps

 

 -

 

 

9

 

 

 -

 

 

2

 

 

Total, net (1)

$

347

 

$

626

 

$

1,180

 

$

(809

)

 



(1)

Included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).



The following provides the components of the transfers into and out of Level 3 (in millions) as reported above:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

For the Three

 



Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 



September 30, 2017

 

September 30, 2016

 



Transfers

 

Transfers

 

 

 

 

Transfers

 

Transfers

 

 

 

 



Into

 

Out of

 

 

 

 

Into

 

Out of

 

 

 

 



Level 3

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Level 3

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

116

 

$

(57

)

$

59

 

$

147

 

$

(81

)

$

66

 

ABS

 

 -

 

 

(15

)

 

(15

)

 

 -

 

 

(27

)

 

(27

)

RMBS

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

3

 

 

(16

)

 

(13

)

CMBS

 

 -

 

 

(14

)

 

(14

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

CLOs

 

 -

 

 

(28

)

 

(28

)

 

 -

 

 

(5

)

 

(5

)

Hybrid and redeemable preferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

securities

 

 -

 

 

(9

)

 

(9

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Equity AFS securities

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Trading securities

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Total, net

$

117

 

$

(124

)

$

(7

)

$

150

 

$

(129

)

$

21

 



42


 

 













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Nine

 

For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 

Months Ended

 



September 30, 2017

 

September 30, 2016

 



Transfers

 

Transfers

 

 

 

 

Transfers

 

Transfers

 

 

 

 



Into

 

Out of

 

 

 

 

Into

 

Out of

 

 

 

 



Level 3

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Level 3

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

277

 

$

(88

)

$

189

 

$

476

 

$

(188

)

$

288

 

ABS

 

15

 

 

(21

)

 

(6

)

 

4

 

 

(27

)

 

(23

)

U.S. government bonds

 

5

 

 

 -

 

 

5

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

RMBS

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

3

 

 

(16

)

 

(13

)

CMBS

 

3

 

 

(59

)

 

(56

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

CLOs

 

30

 

 

(116

)

 

(86

)

 

 -

 

 

(591

)

 

(591

)

State and municipal bonds

 

2

 

 

(1

)

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Hybrid and redeemable preferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

securities

 

 -

 

 

(14

)

 

(14

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Equity AFS securities

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Trading securities

 

4

 

 

(3

)

 

1

 

 

1

 

 

(11

)

 

(10

)

Total, net

$

336

 

$

(303

)

$

33

 

$

484

 

$

(833

)

$

(349

)



Transfers into and out of Level 3 are generally the result of observable market information on a security no longer being available or becoming available to our pricing vendors.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, transfers in and out of Level 3 were attributable primarily to the securities’ observable market information no longer being available or becoming available.  Transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2 are generally the result of a change in the type of input used to measure the fair value of an asset or liability at the end of the reporting period.  When quoted prices in active markets become available, transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 will result.  When quoted prices in active markets become unavailable, but we are able to employ a valuation methodology using significant observable inputs, transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 will result.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy were less than $1 million for our financial instruments carried at fair value.

43


 

 

The following summarizes the fair value (in millions), valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs of the Level 3 fair value measurements as of September 30, 2017:









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Fair

 

Valuation

 

Significant

 

Assumption or

 



Value

 

Technique

 

Unobservable Inputs

 

Input Ranges

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS and trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

2,008

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

 

0.7

%

 

-

11.5

%

 

ABS

 

24

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

 

3.0

%

 

-

3.0

%

 

Foreign government bonds

 

79

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

 

1.7

%

 

-

3.4

%

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 

4

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

 

1.9

%

 

-

1.9

%

 

Equity AFS securities

 

23

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

 

4.5

%

 

-

4.9

%

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLB direct and ceded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives

 

623

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Long-term lapse rate (2)

 

1

%

 

-

30

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (3)

85

%

 

-

100

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Claims utilization factor (4)

 

60

%

 

-

100

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums utilization factor (4)

 

 

80

%

 

-

115

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

NPR (5)

 

 

0.01

%

 

-

0.27

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality rate (6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8)

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Volatility (7)

 

1

%

 

-

29

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indexed annuity ceded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives

 

3

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Lapse rate (2)

 

0.4

%

 

-

9

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality rate (6)

 

 

 

 

 

(8)

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future contract benefits – indexed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annuity and IUL contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives

$

(1,318

)

Discounted cash flow

 

Lapse rate (2)

 

0.4

%

 

-

9

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality rate (6)

 

 

 

 

 

(8)

 

 

Other liabilities – GLB ceded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives

 

(7

)

Discounted cash flow

 

Long-term lapse rate (2)

 

1

%

 

-

30

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (3)

85

%

 

-

100

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Claims utilization factor (4)

 

60

%

 

-

100

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums utilization factor (4)

 

80

%

 

-

115

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

NPR (5)

 

0.01

%

 

-

0.27

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality rate (6)

 

 

 

 

 

(8)

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Volatility (7)

 

1

%

 

-

29

%

 



(1)

The liquidity/duration adjustment input represents an estimated market participant composite of adjustments attributable to liquidity premiums, expected durations, structures and credit quality that would be applied to the market observable information of an investment.

(2)

The lapse rate input represents the estimated probability of a contract surrendering during a year, and thereby forgoing any future benefits.  The range for indexed annuity and IUL contracts represents the lapse rates during the surrender charge period.

(3)

The utilization of guaranteed withdrawals input represents the estimated percentage of contract holders that utilize the guaranteed withdrawal feature.

(4)

The utilization factors are applied to the present value of claims or premiums, as appropriate, in the GLB reserve calculation to estimate the impact of inefficient withdrawal behavior, including taking less than or more than the maximum guaranteed withdrawal.

(5)

The NPR input represents the estimated additional credit spread that market participants would apply to the market observable discount rate when pricing a contract.

(6)

The mortality rate input represents the estimated probability of when an individual belonging to a particular group, categorized according to age or some other factor such as gender, will die.

(7)

The volatility input represents overall volatilities assumed for the underlying variable annuity funds, which include a mixture of equity and fixed-income assets.  Fair value of the variable annuity GLB embedded derivatives would increase if higher volatilities were used for valuation.

(8)

The mortality rate is based on a combination of company and industry experience, adjusted for improvement factors.

44


 

 

From the table above, we have excluded Level 3 fair value measurements obtained from independent, third-party pricing sources.  We do not develop the significant inputs used to measure the fair value of these assets and liabilities, and the information regarding the significant inputs is not readily available to us.  Independent broker-quoted fair values are non-binding quotes developed by market makers or broker-dealers obtained from third-party sources recognized as market participants.  The fair value of a broker-quoted asset or liability is based solely on the receipt of an updated quote from a single market maker or a broker-dealer recognized as a market participant as we do not adjust broker quotes when used as the fair value measurement for an asset or liability.  Significant increases or decreases in any of the quotes received from a third-party broker-dealer may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. 



Changes in any of the significant inputs presented in the table above may result in a significant change in the fair value measurement of the asset or liability as follows:



·

Investments – An increase in the liquidity/duration adjustment input would result in a decrease in the fair value measurement.

·

Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivativesFor direct embedded derivatives, an increase in the lapse rate or mortality rate inputs would result in a decrease in the fair value measurement. 

·

GLB embedded derivatives – Assuming our GLB direct embedded derivatives are in a liability position, an increase in our lapse rate, NPR or mortality rate inputs would result in a decrease in the fair value measurement; and an increase in the utilization of guaranteed withdrawal or volatility inputs would result in an increase in the fair value measurement.



For each category discussed above, the unobservable inputs are not inter-related; therefore, a directional change in one input will not affect the other inputs. 



As part of our ongoing valuation process, we assess the reasonableness of our valuation techniques or models and make adjustments as necessary.  For more information, see Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of our 2016 Form 10-K.



13.  Segment Information



We provide products and services and report results through our Annuities, Retirement Plan Services, Life Insurance and Group Protection segments.  We also have Other Operations, which includes the financial data for operations that are not directly related to the business segments.  Our reporting segments reflect the manner by which our chief operating decision makers view and manage the business.  See Note 21 of our 2016 Form 10-K for a brief description of these segments and Other Operations.



Segment operating revenues and income (loss) from operations are internal measures used by our management and Board of Directors to evaluate and assess the results of our segments.  Income (loss) from operations is GAAP net income excluding the after-tax effects of the following items, as applicable:



·

Realized gains and losses associated with the following (excluded realized gain (loss)):

§

Sales or disposals and impairments of securities;

§

Changes in the fair value of derivatives, embedded derivatives within certain reinsurance arrangements and trading securities;

§

Changes in the fair value of the derivatives we own to hedge our GDB riders within our variable annuities;

§

Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives of our GLB riders reflected within variable annuity net derivative results accounted for at fair value;

§

Changes in the fair value of the derivatives we own to hedge our GLB riders reflected within variable annuity net derivative results; and

§

Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities related to index call options we may purchase in the future to hedge contract holder index allocations applicable to future reset periods for our indexed annuity products accounted for at fair value;

·

Changes in reserves resulting from benefit ratio unlocking on our GDB and GLB riders;

·

Income (loss) from reserve changes, net of related amortization, on business sold through reinsurance;

·

Gains (losses) on early extinguishment of debt;

·

Losses from the impairment of intangible assets;

·

Income (loss) from discontinued operations; and

·

Income (loss) from the initial adoption of new accounting standards.



Operating revenues represent GAAP revenues excluding the pre-tax effects of the following items, as applicable:



·

Excluded realized gain (loss);

·

Revenue adjustments from the initial adoption of new accounting standards;

·

Amortization of DFEL arising from changes in GDB and GLB benefit ratio unlocking; and

·

Amortization of deferred gains arising from reserve changes on business sold through reinsurance.



We use our prevailing corporate federal income tax rate of 35% while taking into account any permanent differences for events recognized differently in our financial statements and federal income tax returns when reconciling our non-GAAP measures to the most

45


 

 

comparable GAAP measure.  Operating revenues and income (loss) from operations do not replace revenues and net income as the GAAP measures of our consolidated results of operations.



Segment information (in millions) was as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 

 

Months Ended

 



September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 



2017

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

$

1,073

 

$

1,000

 

 

$

3,211

 

$

3,023

 

Retirement Plan Services

 

291

 

 

282

 

 

 

863

 

 

819

 

Life Insurance

 

1,614

 

 

1,630

 

 

 

4,874

 

 

4,646

 

Group Protection

 

564

 

 

534

 

 

 

1,646

 

 

1,593

 

Other Operations

 

65

 

 

84

 

 

 

220

 

 

244

 

Excluded realized gain (loss), pre-tax

 

(97

)

 

(7

)

 

 

(229

)

 

(252

)

Amortization of deferred gain arising from reserve changes on business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sold through reinsurance, pre-tax

 

 -

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

2

 

Amortization of DFEL associated with benefit ratio unlocking, pre-tax

 

1

 

 

1

 

 

 

2

 

 

1

 

Total revenues

$

3,511

 

$

3,525

 

 

$

10,588

 

$

10,076

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

For the Nine

 



Months Ended

 

 

Months Ended

 



September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 



2017

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

$

277

 

$

240

 

 

$

809

 

$

693

 

Retirement Plan Services

 

35

 

 

32

 

 

 

109

 

 

94

 

Life Insurance

 

121

 

 

167

 

 

 

384

 

 

361

 

Group Protection

 

41

 

 

28

 

 

 

83

 

 

49

 

Other Operations

 

(20

)

 

(26

)

 

 

(71

)

 

(66

)

Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax

 

(63

)

 

(4

)

 

 

(149

)

 

(164

)

Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, after-tax

 

(3

)

 

 -

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 -

 

Income (loss) from reserve changes (net of related amortization)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on business sold through reinsurance, after-tax

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

1

 

 

1

 

Benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax

 

30

 

 

30

 

 

 

101

 

 

34

 

Net income (loss)

$

418

 

$

467

 

 

$

1,264

 

$

1,002

 





46


 

 

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



The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) is intended to help the reader understand the financial condition as of September 30, 2017, compared with December 31, 2016, and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with the corresponding periods in 2016 of Lincoln National Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.  Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, LNC, Company, we, our or us refers to Lincoln National Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.  The MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (Notes) presented in Part I – Item 1. Financial Statements; our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (2016 Form 10-K), including the sections entitled Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors, Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data;  our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed in 2017; and our current reports on Form 8-K filed in 2017.  For more detailed information on the risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business activities, see the risks described in Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2016 Form 10-K as updated by Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors”  in our first and second quarter 2017 Forms 10-Q and below.



In this report, in addition to providing consolidated revenues and net income (loss), we also provide segment operating revenues and income (loss) from operations because we believe they are meaningful measures of revenues and the profitability of our operating segments.  Financial information that follows is presented in accordance with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), unless otherwise indicated.  See Note 1 in our 2016 Form 10-K for a discussion of GAAP.



Operating revenues and income (loss) from operations are the financial performance measures we use to evaluate and assess the results of our segments.  Accordingly, we define and report operating revenues and income (loss) from operations by segment in Note 13.  Our management believes that operating revenues and income (loss) from operations explain the results of our ongoing businesses in a manner that allows for a better understanding of the underlying trends in our current businesses because the excluded items are unpredictable and not necessarily indicative of current operating fundamentals or future performance of the business segments, and, in many instances, decisions regarding these items do not necessarily relate to the operations of the individual segments.  In addition, we believe that our definitions of operating revenues and income (loss) from operations will provide investors with a more valuable measure of our performance because it better reveals trends in our business. 



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS –  CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE



Certain statements made in this report and in other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA).  A forward-looking statement is a statement that is not a historical fact and, without limitation, includes any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain words like:  believe, anticipate, expect, estimate, project, will, shall and other words or phrases with similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance.  In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, trends in our businesses, prospective services or products, future performance or financial results and the outcome of contingencies, such as legal proceedings.  We claim the protection afforded by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the PSLRA.



Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results contained in the forward-looking statements.  Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary materially, some of which are described within the forward-looking statements, include, among others: 



·

Deterioration in general economic and business conditions that may affect account values, investment results, guaranteed benefit liabilities, premium levels, claims experience and the level of pension benefit costs, funding and investment results;

·

Adverse global capital and credit market conditions could affect our ability to raise capital, if necessary, and may cause us to realize impairments on investments and certain intangible assets, including goodwill and the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, which may reduce future earnings and/or affect our financial condition and ability to raise additional capital or refinance existing debt as it matures;

·

Because of our holding company structure, the inability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to the holding company in sufficient amounts could harm the holding company’s ability to meet its obligations;

·

Legislative, regulatory or tax changes, both domestic and foreign, that affect:  the cost of, or demand for, our subsidiaries’ products; the required amount of reserves and/or surplus; our ability to conduct business and our captive reinsurance arrangements as well as restrictions on revenue sharing and 12b‑1 payments; the potential for U.S. federal tax reform; and the effect of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) regulation defining fiduciary;

·

Actions taken by reinsurers to raise rates on in-force business;

·

Declines in or sustained low interest rates causing a reduction in investment income, the interest margins of our businesses, estimated gross profits (EGPs) and demand for our products;

·

Rapidly increasing interest rates causing contract holders to surrender life insurance and annuity policies, thereby causing realized investment losses, and reduced hedge performance related to variable annuities;

·

Uncertainty about the effect of continuing promulgation and implementation of rules and regulations under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act on us, the economy and the financial services sector in particular;

·

The initiation of legal or regulatory proceedings against us, and the outcome of any legal or regulatory proceedings, such as:  adverse actions related to present or past business practices common in businesses in which we compete; adverse decisions in significant

47


 

 

actions including, but not limited to, actions brought by federal and state authorities and class action cases; new decisions that result in changes in law; and unexpected trial court rulings;

·

A decline in the equity markets causing a reduction in the sales of our subsidiaries’ products; a reduction of asset-based fees that our subsidiaries charge on various investment and insurance products; an acceleration of the net amortization of deferred acquisition costs (DAC), value of business acquired (VOBA), deferred sales inducements (DSI) and deferred front-end loads (DFEL); and an increase in liabilities related to guaranteed benefit features of our subsidiaries’ variable annuity products;

·

Ineffectiveness of our risk management policies and procedures, including various hedging strategies used to offset the effect of changes in the value of liabilities due to changes in the level and volatility of the equity markets and interest rates;

·

A deviation in actual experience regarding future persistency, mortality, morbidity, interest rates or equity market returns from the assumptions used in pricing our subsidiaries’ products, in establishing related insurance reserves and in the net amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL, which may reduce future earnings;

·

Changes in GAAP that may result in unanticipated changes to our net income;

·

Lowering of one or more of our debt ratings issued by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and the adverse effect such action may have on our ability to raise capital and on our liquidity and financial condition;

·

Lowering of one or more of the insurer financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries and the adverse effect such action may have on the premium writings, policy retention, profitability of our insurance subsidiaries and liquidity;

·

Significant credit, accounting, fraud, corporate governance or other issues that may adversely affect the value of certain investments in our portfolios, as well as counterparties to which we are exposed to credit risk, requiring that we realize losses on investments;

·

Inability to protect our intellectual property rights or claims of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others;

·

Interruption in telecommunication, information technology or other operational systems or failure to safeguard the confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data on such systems from cyberattacks or other breaches of our data security systems;

·

The effect of acquisitions and divestitures, restructurings, product withdrawals and other unusual items;

·

The adequacy and collectability of reinsurance that we have purchased;

·

Acts of terrorism, a pandemic, war or other man-made and natural catastrophes that may adversely affect our businesses and the cost and availability of reinsurance;

·

Competitive conditions, including pricing pressures, new product offerings and the emergence of new competitors, that may affect the level of premiums and fees that our subsidiaries can charge for their products;

·

The unknown effect on our subsidiaries’ businesses resulting from evolving market preferences and the changing demographics of our client base;  and

·

The unanticipated loss of key management, financial planners or wholesalers.



The risks included here are not exhaustive.  Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) include additional factors that could affect our businesses and financial performance.  Moreover, we operate in a rapidly changing and competitive environment.  New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors.



Further, it is not possible to assess the effect of all risk factors on our businesses or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.  In addition, we disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this report. 



INTRODUCTION



Executive Summary



We are a holding company that operates multiple insurance and retirement businesses through subsidiary companies.  Through our business segments, we sell a wide range of wealth protection, accumulation and retirement income products and solutions.  These products include fixed and indexed annuities, variable annuities, universal life insurance (UL), variable universal life insurance (VUL), linked-benefit UL, indexed universal life insurance (IUL), term life insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plans and services, and group life, disability and dental.



We provide products and services and report results through our Annuities, Retirement Plan Services, Life Insurance and Group Protection segments.  We also have Other Operations.  These segments and Other Operations are described in Part I – Item 1. Business of our 2016 Form 10-K. 



For information on how we derive our revenues, see the discussion in results of operations by segment below.



Our current market conditions, significant operational matters, industry trends, issues and outlook are described in Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Executive Summary of our 2016 Form 10-K. 



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language above and Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2016 Form 10-K as updated by Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors”  in our first and second quarter 2017 Forms 10-Q and below.

48


 

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates



The MD&A included in our 2016 Form 10-K contains a detailed discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates.  The following information updates the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates provided in our 2016 Form 10-K and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates discussed in our 2016 Form 10-K.



DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL



Unlocking



As stated in “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Unlocking” in our 2016 Form 10-K, we conduct our annual comprehensive review of the assumptions and projection models underlying the amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL, embedded derivatives and reserves for life insurance and annuity products in the third quarter of each year.  As a result of this review, we recorded unlocking on an annual basis that resulted in increases and decreases to the carrying values of these items.  See “DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL” in Note 1 of our 2016 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of our unlocking process.



Details underlying the effect to income (loss) from continuing operations from our unlocking as a result of our annual comprehensive review (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Income (loss) from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

$

15

 

$

(10

)

250%

 

Retirement Plan Services

 

(1

)

 

(2

)

50%

 

Life Insurance

 

(16

)

 

14

 

NM

 

Excluded realized gain (loss)

 

(20

)

 

48

 

NM

 

Income (loss) from continuing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

operations

$

(22

)

$

50

 

NM

 



Unlocking was driven primarily by the following:



2017



·

For Annuities, we updated our policyholder behavior and separate account fees assumptions and other items, partially offset by updating our interest rate assumptions.

·

For Retirement Plan Services, we updated our interest rate and separate account fees assumptions, partially offset by updating our maintenance expense assumptions and other items.

·

For Life Insurance, we updated  our mortality margin and interest rate assumptions, partially offset by updating our policyholder behavior, morbidity and maintenance expense assumptions and other items.

·

For excluded realized gain (loss), we updated our separate account fees and capital markets assumptions and other items.



2016



·

For Annuities, we updated our capital markets and interest rate assumptions and other items, partially offset by updating our policyholder behavior assumptions.

·

For Retirement Plan Services, we updated our policyholder behavior, capital markets and interest rate assumptions, partially offset by updating other items.

·

For Life Insurance, we updated certain in-force policy charges, expense assumptions and other items, partially offset by updating our interest rate and mortality assumptions.

·

For excluded realized gain (loss), we updated our policyholder behavior and capital markets assumptions, partially offset by updating other items.



Reversion to the Mean



As variable fund returns do not move in a systematic manner, we reset the baseline of account values from which EGPs are projected, which we refer to as our reversion to the mean (RTM) process, as discussed in our 2016 Form 10-K. 



If we had unlocked our RTM assumption as of September 30, 2017, we would have recorded a favorable unlocking of approximately $210 million, pre-tax, for Annuities, approximately $40 million, pre-tax, for Life Insurance and approximately $25 million, pre-tax, for Retirement Plan Services.

49


 

 

Investments



Investment Valuation



The following summarizes our available-for-sale (AFS) and trading securities and derivative investments carried at fair value by pricing source and fair value hierarchy level (in millions) as of September 30, 2017:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Quoted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

in Active

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Markets for

Significant

Significant

 

 

 

 



 

Identical

 

Observable

Unobservable

 

 

 

 



 

Assets

 

 

Inputs

 

 

Inputs

 

 

Total

 



 

(Level 1)

 

 

(Level 2)

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Fair Value

 

Priced by third-party pricing services

 

$

887 

 

 

$

80,039 

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$

80,926 

 

Priced by independent broker quotations

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

1,000 

 

 

 

1,000 

 

Priced by matrices

 

 

 -

 

 

 

12,567 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

12,567 

 

Priced by other methods (1)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

2,138 

 

 

 

2,138 

 

Total

 

$

887 

 

 

$

92,606 

 

 

$

3,138 

 

 

$

96,631 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of total

 

 

1% 

 

 

 

96% 

 

 

 

3% 

 

 

 

100% 

 



(1)

Represents primarily securities for which pricing models were used to compute fair value.





For more information about the valuation of our financial instruments carried at fair value, see Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Investments – Investment Valuation in our 2016 Form 10-K and Note 12 herein.



As of September 30, 2017, we evaluated the markets that our securities trade in and concluded that none were inactive.  We will continue to re-evaluate this conclusion, as needed, based on market conditions.  We use unobservable inputs to measure the fair value of securities trading in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information.  We obtain broker quotes for securities such as synthetic convertibles, index-linked certificates of deposit and collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) when sufficient security structure or other market information is not available to produce an evaluation.  For broker-quoted only securities, non-binding quotes from market makers or broker-dealers are obtained from sources recognized as market participants.  Broker-quoted securities are based solely on receipt of updated quotes from a single market maker or a broker-dealer recognized as a market participant.  Our broker-quoted only securities are generally classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  As of September 30, 2017,  we used broker quotes for 16  securities as our final price source, representing less than 1% of total securities owned.



Derivatives



Our accounting policies for derivatives and the potential effect on interest spreads in a falling rate environment are discussed in Note 5 of this report and Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in our 2016 Form 10-K.



Guaranteed Living Benefits



Within our individual annuity business,  65% and 66% of our variable annuity account values contained guaranteed living benefits (“GLB”) features as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectivelyUnderperforming equity markets increase our exposure to potential benefits with the GLB features.  A contract with a GLB feature is in the money if the contract holder’s account balance falls below the present value of guaranteed withdrawal or income benefits, assuming no lapses.  As of September 30, 2017 and 2016,  6% and 9%, respectively, of all in-force contracts with a GLB feature were in the money, and our exposure, after reinsurance, as of September 30, 2017 and 2016,  was $402 million and $624 million, respectively.  However, the only way the contract holder can realize the excess of the present value of benefits over the account value of the contract is through a series of withdrawals or income payments that do not exceed a maximum amount.  If, after the series of withdrawals or income payments, the account value is exhausted, the contract holder will continue to receive a series of annuity payments.  The account value can also fluctuate with equity market returns on a daily basis resulting in increases or decreases in the excess of the present value of benefits over account value.



For information on our variable annuity hedge program performance, see our discussion in Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking – Variable Annuity Net Derivatives Results below.



For information on our estimates of the potential instantaneous effect to net income that could result from sudden changes that may occur in equity markets, interest rates and implied market volatilities, see our discussion in Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Derivatives – GLB” in our 2016 Form 10-K.





50


 

 

RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS



Details underlying the consolidated results, deposits, net flows and account values (in millions) were as follows: 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

$

277

 

$

240

 

15%

 

$

809

 

$

693

 

17%

 

Retirement Plan Services

 

35

 

 

32

 

9%

 

 

109

 

 

94

 

16%

 

Life Insurance

 

121

 

 

167

 

-28%

 

 

384

 

 

361

 

6%

 

Group Protection

 

41

 

 

28

 

46%

 

 

83

 

 

49

 

69%

 

Other Operations

 

(20

)

 

(26

)

23%

 

 

(71

)

 

(66

)

-8%

 

Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax

 

(63

)

 

(4

)

NM

 

 

(149

)

 

(164

)

9%

 

Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

debt, after-tax

 

(3

)

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

(3

)

 

 -

 

NM

 

Income (expense) from reserve changes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of related amortization) on business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sold through reinsurance, after-tax

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

1

 

 

1

 

0%

 

Benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax

 

30

 

 

30

 

0%

 

 

101

 

 

34

 

197%

 

Net income (loss)

$

418

 

$

467

 

-10%

 

$

1,264

 

$

1,002

 

26%

 











 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

$

1,916

 

$

1,938

 

-1%

 

$

5,924

 

$

6,404

 

-7%

 

Retirement Plan Services

 

1,908

 

 

1,799

 

6%

 

 

6,138

 

 

5,251

 

17%

 

Life Insurance

 

1,462

 

 

1,490

 

-2%

 

 

4,422

 

 

4,120

 

7%

 

Total deposits

$

5,286

 

$

5,227

 

1%

 

$

16,484

 

$

15,775

 

4%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

$

(1,025

)

$

(868

)

-18%

 

$

(3,044

)

$

(1,354

)

NM

 

Retirement Plan Services

 

415

 

 

97

 

NM

 

 

926

 

 

180

 

NM

 

Life Insurance

 

1,064

 

 

1,102

 

-3%

 

 

3,090

 

 

2,910

 

6%

 

Total net flows

$

454

 

$

331

 

37%

 

$

972

 

$

1,736

 

-44%

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Account Values

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

$

133,664 

 

$

125,510 

 

6% 

 

Retirement Plan Services

 

64,829 

 

 

57,268 

 

13% 

 

Life Insurance

 

47,915 

 

 

45,182 

 

6% 

 

Total account values

$

246,408 

 

$

227,960 

 

8% 

 



Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 to 2016



Net income decreased due primarily to the following: 



·

The effect of unlocking.

·

No amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance.

·

Lower prepayment and bond make-whole premiums.

·

Spread compression due to average new money rates trailing our current portfolio yields, partially offset by actions implemented to

reduce interest crediting rates.

·

Strategic digitization expense incurred during 2017 as part of our strategic digitization initiative.





51


 

 

The decrease in net income was partially offset by the following:



·

Growth in average account values, business in force and group earned premiums.

·

Higher federal income tax benefits in 2017 within Other Operations.



Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 to 2016



Net income increased due primarily to the following:



·

Growth in average account values, business in force and group earned premiums.

·

Favorable investment income on alternative investments and higher prepayment and bond make-whole premiums.

·

Higher federal income tax benefits in 2017 within our Annuities segment and Other Operations.

·

Legal expenses in 2016 related to certain investments.

·

Higher realized losses in 2016 driven by asset disposals and an increase in other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) attributable to individual credit risks within our corporate bond holdings.



The increase in net income was partially offset by the following:



·

The effect of unlocking.

·

Unfavorable GLB non-performance risk (“NPR”) due to narrowing credit spreads.

·

Strategic digitization expense incurred during 2017 as part of our strategic digitization initiative.

·

Lower amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance.

·

Spread compression due to average new money rates trailing our current portfolio yields, partially offset by actions implemented to

reduce interest crediting rates.



52


 

 

RESULTS OF ANNUITIES



Income (Loss) from Operations



Details underlying the results for Annuities (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance premiums (1)

$

82 

 

$

45 

 

82% 

 

$

312 

 

$

264 

 

18% 

 

Fee income

 

574 

 

 

535 

 

7% 

 

 

1,660 

 

 

1,539 

 

8% 

 

Net investment income

 

260 

 

 

268 

 

-3%

 

 

779 

 

 

777 

 

0% 

 

Operating realized gain (loss) (2)

 

44 

 

 

45 

 

-2%

 

 

134 

 

 

132 

 

2% 

 

Other revenues (3)

 

113 

 

 

107 

 

6% 

 

 

326 

 

 

311 

 

5% 

 

Total operating revenues

 

1,073 

 

 

1,000 

 

7% 

 

 

3,211 

 

 

3,023 

 

6% 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited

 

145 

 

 

148 

 

-2%

 

 

438 

 

 

432 

 

1% 

 

Benefits (1)

 

135 

 

 

112 

 

21% 

 

 

502 

 

 

465 

 

8% 

 

Commissions and other expenses

 

443 

 

 

437 

 

1% 

 

 

1,331 

 

 

1,255 

 

6% 

 

Total operating expenses

 

723 

 

 

697 

 

4% 

 

 

2,271 

 

 

2,152 

 

6% 

 

Income (loss) from operations before taxes

 

350 

 

 

303 

 

16% 

 

 

940 

 

 

871 

 

8% 

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

 

73 

 

 

63 

 

16% 

 

 

131 

 

 

178 

 

-26%

 

Income (loss) from operations

$

277 

 

$

240 

 

15% 

 

$

809 

 

$

693 

 

17% 

 



(1)

Insurance premiums include primarily our income annuities that have a corresponding offset in benefits.  Benefits include changes in income annuity reserves driven by premiums.

(2)

See “Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking” below.

(3)

Consists primarily of revenues attributable to broker-dealer services that are subject to market volatility.



Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 to 2016



Income from operations for this segment increased due primarily to higher fee income driven by higher average daily variable account values.



The increase in income from operations was partially offset by the following:



·

Higher commissions and other expenses due to higher average account values, resulting in higher trail commissions, partially offset by the effect of unlocking.

·

Higher benefits due to costs associated with our hedge program, partially offset by the effect of unlocking.



When comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2017 to 2016, the increase in income from operations was also due to higher federal income tax benefits driven by one-time and run-rate adjustments primarily associated with our separate account dividends-received deduction.



We provide information about this segment’s operating revenue and operating expense line items, the period in which amounts are recognized, key drivers of changes and historical details underlying the line items and their associated drivers below.



See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL – Unlocking” above for more information about unlocking.



Additional Information



New deposits are an important component of net flows and key to our efforts to grow our business.  Although deposits do not significantly affect current period income from operations, they can significantly impact future income from operations.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, 37% and 38% of our variable annuity deposits were on products without GLB riders, respectively, compared to 31% and 28% for the corresponding periods in 2016As a result of evolving market trends, our variable annuity deposits were significantly lower than historical periods resulting in negative net flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.



53


 

 

The other component of net flows relates to the retention of the business.  An important measure of retention is the reduction in account values caused by full surrenders, deaths and other contract benefits.  These outflows as a percentage of average account values were 9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to 9% and 8% for the corresponding periods in 2016.



Our fixed annuity business includes products with discretionary crediting rates that are reset on an annual basis and are not subject to surrender charges.  Our ability to retain annual reset annuities will be subject to current competitive conditions at the time interest rates for these products reset.  We expect to manage the effects of spreads on near-term income from operations through portfolio management and, to a lesser extent, crediting rate actions, which assumes no significant changes in net flows into or out of our fixed accounts or other changes that may cause interest rate spreads to differ from our expectations.  For information on interest rate spreads and interest rate risk, see “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk” herein and “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk – Interest Rate Risk on Fixed Insurance Businesses – Falling Rates” and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease and changes in interest rates may also result in increased contract withdrawals” in our 2016 Form 10-K.



For information about regulatory risk including the impact of the DOL regulation, see “Department of Labor regulation defining fiduciary could cause changes to the manner in which we deliver products and services as well as changes in nature and amount of compensation and fees” in “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below.



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” above and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2016 Form 10-K as updated by “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first and second quarter 2017 Forms 10-Q and below.



Fee Income



Details underlying fee income, account values and net flows (in millions) were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Fee Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality, expense and other assessments

$

562

 

$

523

 

7%

 

$

1,634

 

$

1,517

 

8%

 

Surrender charges

 

7

 

 

7

 

0%

 

 

24

 

 

23

 

4%

 

DFEL:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferrals

 

(9

)

 

(10

)

10%

 

 

(28

)

 

(29

)

3%

 

Amortization, net of interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization, net of interest,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

excluding unlocking

 

8

 

 

8

 

0%

 

 

24

 

 

21

 

14%

 

Unlocking

 

6

 

 

7

 

-14%

 

 

6

 

 

7

 

-14%

 

Total fee income

$

574

 

$

535

 

7%

 

$

1,660

 

$

1,539

 

8%

 



54


 

 











 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of or For the Three

 

 

 

As of or For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Variable Account Value Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable annuity deposits (1)

$

998

 

$

1,130

 

-12%

 

$

3,247

 

$

3,421

 

-5%

 

Increases (decreases) in variable annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

account values:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net flows (1)

 

(1,324

)

 

(1,081

)

-22%

 

 

(3,951

)

 

(2,739

)

-44%

 

Change in market value (1)

 

3,507

 

 

3,328

 

5%

 

 

11,188

 

 

4,735

 

136%

 

Transfers to the variable portion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of variable annuity products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

from the fixed portion of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

variable annuity products

 

472

 

 

396

 

19%

 

 

1,202

 

 

1,707

 

-30%

 

Variable annuity account values (1)

 

111,354

 

 

103,612

 

7%

 

 

111,354

 

 

103,612

 

7%

 

Average daily variable annuity account

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

values (1)

 

109,991

 

 

103,088

 

7%

 

 

107,910

 

 

100,009

 

8%

 

Average daily S&P 500 (2)

 

2,465

 

 

2,161

 

14%

 

 

2,396

 

 

2,063

 

16%

 



(1)

Excludes the fixed portion of variable.

(2)

We generally use the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 index as a benchmark for the performance of our variable account values.  The account values of our variable annuity contracts are invested by our policyholders in a variety of investment options including, but not limited to, domestic and international equity securities and fixed income, which do not necessarily align with S&P 500 index performance.  See Note 7  for additional information.



We charge contract holders mortality and expense assessments on variable annuity accounts to cover insurance and administrative expenses.  These assessments are a function of the rates priced into the product and the average daily variable account values.  Average daily account values are driven by net flows and variable fund returns.  Charges on GLB riders are assessed based on a contractual rate that is applied either to the account value or the guaranteed amount.  In addition, for our fixed annuity contracts and for some variable contracts, we collect surrender charges when contract holders surrender their contracts during their surrender charge periods to protect us from premature withdrawals.  Fee income includes charges on both our variable and fixed annuity products, but excludes the attributed fees on our GLB riders; see Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking – Operating Realized Gain (Loss) in our 2016 Form 10-K for discussion of these attributed fees.

55


 

 

Net Investment Income and Interest Credited



Details underlying net investment income, interest credited (in millions) and our interest rate spread were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Net Investment Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on real estate and other, net of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

investment expenses

$

209

 

$

215

 

-3%

 

$

630

 

$

645

 

-2%

 

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bond make-whole premiums (1)

 

15

 

 

12

 

25%

 

 

31

 

 

18

 

72%

 

Surplus investments (2)

 

36

 

 

41

 

-12%

 

 

118

 

 

114

 

4%

 

Total net investment income

$

260

 

$

268

 

-3%

 

$

779

 

$

777

 

0%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Credited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount provided to contract holders

$

139

 

$

140

 

-1%

 

$

424

 

$

421

 

1%

 

DSI deferrals

 

(5

)

 

(2

)

NM

 

 

(11

)

 

(13

)

15%

 

Interest credited before DSI amortization

 

134

 

 

138

 

-3%

 

 

413

 

 

408

 

1%

 

DSI amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization, excluding unlocking

 

7

 

 

8

 

-13%

 

 

21

 

 

22

 

-5%

 

Unlocking

 

4

 

 

2

 

100%

 

 

4

 

 

2

 

100%

 

Total interest credited

$

145

 

$

148

 

-2%

 

$

438

 

$

432

 

1%

 



(1)

See Consolidated Investments – Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums below for additional information.

(2)

Represents net investment income on the required statutory surplus for this segment and includes the effect of investment income on alternative investments for such assets that are held in the portfolios supporting statutory surplus versus the portfolios supporting product liabilities.  See “Consolidated Investments – Alternative Investments” below for more information on alternative investments.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

Basis

 

Months Ended

 

Basis

 



September 30,

 

Point

 

September 30,

 

Point

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Interest Rate Spread (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on real estate and other, net of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

investment expenses

3.94%

 

4.16%

 

(22

)

4.00%

 

4.19%

 

(19

)

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bond make-whole premiums

0.33%

 

0.22%

 

11

 

0.21%

 

0.12%

 

9

 

Net investment income yield on reserves

4.27%

 

4.38%

 

(11

)

4.21%

 

4.31%

 

(10

)

Interest rate credited to contract holders

2.29%

 

2.42%

 

(13

)

2.36%

 

2.39%

 

(3

)

Interest rate spread

1.98%

 

1.96%

 

2

 

1.85%

 

1.92%

 

(7

)





















(1)

The prior year interest rate spread has been restated to conform to the current year presentation, which has been modified to be consistent across our business segments.

                        

56


 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of or For the Three

 

 

 

As of or For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Fixed Account Value Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed annuity deposits (1)

$

919

 

$

808

 

14%

 

$

2,677

 

$

2,983

 

-10%

 

Increases (decreases) in fixed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

account values:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net flows (1)

 

299

 

 

213

 

40%

 

 

907

 

 

1,385

 

-35%

 

Transfers from the fixed portion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of variable annuity products to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the variable portion of variable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annuity products

 

(472

)

 

(396

)

-19%

 

 

(1,202

)

 

(1,707

)

30%

 

Reinvested interest credited (1)

 

206

 

 

186

 

11%

 

 

640

 

 

486

 

32%

 

Fixed annuity account values (1)

 

22,311

 

 

21,898

 

2%

 

 

22,311

 

 

21,898

 

2%

 

Average fixed account values (1)

 

22,313

 

 

21,935

 

2%

 

 

22,259

 

 

21,867

 

2%

 

Average invested assets on reserves (2)

 

18,326

 

 

17,872

 

3%

 

 

18,278

 

 

17,963

 

2%

 



(1)

Includes the fixed portion of variable.

(2)

The prior year average invested assets on reserves has been restated to conform to the current year presentation, which has been modified to be consistent across our business segments.



A portion of our investment income earned is credited to the contract holders of our deferred fixed annuity products, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts.  We expect to earn a spread between what we earn on the underlying general account investments supporting the fixed annuity product line, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts, and what we credit to our fixed annuity contract holders’ accounts, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts.  Changes in commercial mortgage loan prepayments and bond make-whole premiums, investment income on alternative investments and surplus investment income can vary significantly from period to period due to a number of factors and, therefore, may contribute to investment income results that are not indicative of the underlying trends.



Benefits



Details underlying benefits (in millions) were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net death and other benefits, excluding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

unlocking

$

152

 

$

109

 

39%

 

$

519

 

$

462

 

12%

 

Unlocking

 

(17

)

 

3

 

NM

 

 

(17

)

 

3

 

NM

 

Total benefits

$

135

 

$

112

 

21%

 

$

502

 

$

465

 

8%

 



Benefits for this segment include changes in income annuity reserves driven by premiums, changes in benefit reserves and our expected costs associated with purchases of derivatives used to hedge our benefit ratio unlocking on benefit reserves associated with our guaranteed death benefit and guaranteed living benefit riders.  For a corresponding offset of changes in income annuity reserves, see footnote 1 of “Income (Loss) from Operations” above.



57


 

 

Commissions and Other Expenses



Details underlying commissions and other expenses (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Commissions and Other Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commissions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferrable

$

76

 

$

87

 

-13%

 

$

243

 

$

277

 

-12%

 

Non-deferrable

 

140

 

 

127

 

10%

 

 

419

 

 

371

 

13%

 

General and administrative expenses

 

102

 

 

99

 

3%

 

 

308

 

 

303

 

2%

 

Inter-segment reimbursement associated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with reserve financing and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOC expenses (1)

 

1

 

 

2

 

-50%

 

 

3

 

 

3

 

0%

 

Taxes, licenses and fees

 

7

 

 

8

 

-13%

 

 

25

 

 

26

 

-4%

 

Total expenses incurred, excluding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

broker-dealer

 

326

 

 

323

 

1%

 

 

998

 

 

980

 

2%

 

DAC deferrals

 

(90

)

 

(100

)

10%

 

 

(285

)

 

(318

)

10%

 

Total pre-broker-dealer expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

incurred, excluding amortization,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of interest

 

236

 

 

223

 

6%

 

 

713

 

 

662

 

8%

 

DAC and VOBA amortization,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization, net of interest,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

excluding unlocking

 

101

 

 

92

 

10%

 

 

300

 

 

265

 

13%

 

Unlocking

 

(4

)

 

17

 

NM

 

 

(4

)

 

17

 

NM

 

Broker-dealer expenses incurred

 

110

 

 

105

 

5%

 

 

322

 

 

311

 

4%

 

Total commissions and other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

expenses

$

443

 

$

437

 

1%

 

$

1,331

 

$

1,255

 

6%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAC Deferrals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a percentage of sales/deposits

 

4.7%

 

 

5.2%

 

 

 

 

4.8%

 

 

5.0%

 

 

 



(1)

Includes reimbursements to Annuities from the Life Insurance segment for reserve financing, net of expenses incurred by Annuities for its use of letters of credit (LOCs).  The inter-segment amounts are not reported on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).



Commissions and other costs that result directly from and are essential to the successful acquisition of new or renewal business are deferred to the extent recoverable and are amortized over the lives of the contracts in relation to EGPs.  Certain types of commissions, such as trail commissions that are based on account values, are expensed as incurred rather than deferred and amortized.    Broker-dealer expenses that vary with and are related to sales are expensed as incurred and not deferred and amortized.  Fluctuations in these expenses correspond with fluctuations in other revenues.



58


 

 

RESULTS OF RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES



Income (Loss) from Operations



Details underlying the results for Retirement Plan Services (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fee income

$

63 

 

$

58 

 

9% 

 

$

183 

 

$

170 

 

8% 

 

Net investment income

 

223 

 

 

220 

 

1% 

 

 

666 

 

 

637 

 

5% 

 

Other revenues (1)

 

 

 

 

25% 

 

 

14 

 

 

12 

 

17% 

 

Total operating revenues

 

291 

 

 

282 

 

3% 

 

 

863 

 

 

819 

 

5% 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited

 

136 

 

 

128 

 

6% 

 

 

401 

 

 

379 

 

6% 

 

Benefits

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

 

 

 

0% 

 

Commissions and other expenses

 

107 

 

 

109 

 

-2%

 

 

314 

 

 

311 

 

1% 

 

Total operating expenses

 

243 

 

 

237 

 

3% 

 

 

716 

 

 

691 

 

4% 

 

Income (loss) from operations before taxes

 

48 

 

 

45 

 

7% 

 

 

147 

 

 

128 

 

15% 

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

 

13 

 

 

13 

 

0% 

 

 

38 

 

 

34 

 

12% 

 

Income (loss) from operations

$

35 

 

$

32 

 

9% 

 

$

109 

 

$

94 

 

16% 

 



(1)

Consists primarily of mutual fund account program revenues from mid to large employers.



Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 to 2016



Income from operations for this segment increased due primarily to higher fee income driven by higher average daily variable account values.    The increase in income from operations was partially offset by lower net investment income, net of interest credited, driven by lower prepayment and bond make-whole premiums and spread compression due to average new money rates trailing our current portfolio yields.



Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 to 2016



Income from operations for this segment increased due primarily to the following:



·

Higher fee income driven by higher average daily variable account values.

·

Higher net investment income, net of interest credited, driven by more favorable investment income on alternative investments within our surplus portfolio and higher prepayment and bond make-whole premiums partially offset by spread compression due to average new money rates trailing our current portfolio yields.



The increase in income from operations was partially offset by higher commissions and other expenses due to higher incentive compensation as a result of production performance.



We provide information about this segment’s operating revenue and operating expense line items, the period in which amounts are recognized, key drivers of changes and historical details underlying the line items and their associated drivers below. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL – Unlocking” above for information about unlocking.



Additional Information



Net flows in this business fluctuate based on the timing of larger plans being implemented on our platform and terminating over the course of the year.

 

New deposits are an important component of net flows and key to our efforts to grow our business.  Although deposits do not significantly affect current period income from operations, they can significantly impact future income from operations.   The other component of net flows relates to the retention of the business.  An important measure of retention is the reduction in account values caused primarily by plan sponsor terminations and participant withdrawals.  These outflows as a percentage of average account values were 9% and 11% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to 12% for the corresponding periods in 2016.



Our net flows are negatively affected by the continued net outflows from our oldest blocks of annuities business (as presented on our Account Value Roll Forward table below as Multi-Fund® and Other”), which are among our higher margin product lines in this segment,

59


 

 

due to the fact that they are mature blocks with low distribution and servicing costs.  The proportion of these products to our total account values was 26% and 29%  as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Due to this expected overall shift in business mix toward products with lower returns, an increase in new deposit production continues to be necessary to maintain earnings at current levels.    



Our fixed annuity business includes products with discretionary and index-based crediting rates that are reset on either a quarterly or semi-annual basis.  Our ability to retain quarterly or semi-annual reset annuities will be subject to current competitive conditions at the time interest rates for these products reset.  We expect to manage the effects of spreads on near-term income from operations through portfolio management and, to a lesser extent, crediting rate actions, which assumes no significant changes in net flows into or out of our fixed accounts or other changes that may cause interest rate spreads to differ from our expectations.  For information on interest rate spreads and interest rate risk, see Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk herein and Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk – Interest Rate Risk on Fixed Insurance Businesses – Falling Rates and Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease and changes in interest rates may also result in increased contract withdrawals” in our 2016 Form 10-K.



For information about regulatory risk including the impact of the DOL regulation, see Department of Labor regulation defining fiduciary could cause changes to the manner in which we deliver products and services as well as changes in nature and amount of compensation and fees in “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below.



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language above and Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2016 Form 10-K as updated by “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first and second quarter 2017 Forms 10-Q and below. 



Fee Income



Details underlying fee income, account values and net flows (in millions) were as follows:

\





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Fee Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity expense assessments

$

47 

 

$

43 

 

9% 

 

$

135 

 

$

126 

 

7% 

 

Mutual fund fees

 

16 

 

 

15 

 

7% 

 

 

47 

 

 

42 

 

12% 

 

Total expense assessments

 

63 

 

 

58 

 

9% 

 

 

182 

 

 

168 

 

8% 

 

Surrender charges

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

 

 

 

-50%

 

Total fee income

$

63 

 

$

58 

 

9% 

 

$

183 

 

$

170 

 

8% 

 

60


 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Account Value Roll Forward (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small Market:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-period

$

10,145

 

$

8,890

 

14%

 

$

9,735

 

$

8,653

 

13%

 

Gross deposits

 

562

 

 

525

 

7%

 

 

1,708

 

 

1,471

 

16%

 

Withdrawals

 

(393

)

 

(426

)

8%

 

 

(1,795

)

 

(1,381

)

-30%

 

Net flows

 

169

 

 

99

 

71%

 

 

(87

)

 

90

 

NM

 

Transfers between fixed and variable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

accounts

 

(2

)

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

(6

)

 

9

 

NM

 

Change in market value and reinvestment

 

350

 

 

317

 

10%

 

 

1,020

 

 

554

 

84%

 

Balance as of end-of-period

$

10,662

 

$

9,306

 

15%

 

$

10,662

 

$

9,306

 

15%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mid – Large Market:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-period

$

35,794

 

$

30,381

 

18%

 

$

32,387

 

$

29,279

 

11%

 

Gross deposits

 

1,238

 

 

1,140

 

9%

 

 

4,082

 

 

3,348

 

22%

 

Withdrawals

 

(746

)

 

(974

)

23%

 

 

(2,326

)

 

(2,776

)

16%

 

Net flows

 

492

 

 

166

 

196%

 

 

1,756

 

 

572

 

207%

 

Transfers between fixed and variable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

accounts

 

(27

)

 

37

 

NM

 

 

(94

)

 

69

 

NM

 

Change in market value and reinvestment

 

1,135

 

 

1,012

 

12%

 

 

3,345

 

 

1,676

 

100%

 

Balance as of end-of-period

$

37,394

 

$

31,596

 

18%

 

$

37,394

 

$

31,596

 

18%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multi-Fund® and Other:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-period

$

16,629

 

$

16,159

 

3%

 

$

16,312

 

$

16,168

 

1%

 

Gross deposits

 

108

 

 

134

 

-19%

 

 

348

 

 

432

 

-19%

 

Withdrawals

 

(354

)

 

(302

)

-17%

 

 

(1,091

)

 

(914

)

-19%

 

Net flows

 

(246

)

 

(168

)

-46%

 

 

(743

)

 

(482

)

-54%

 

Change in market value and reinvestment

 

390

 

 

375

 

4%

 

 

1,204

 

 

680

 

77%

 

Balance as of end-of-period

$

16,773

 

$

16,366

 

2%

 

$

16,773

 

$

16,366

 

2%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-period

$

62,568

 

$

55,430

 

13%

 

$

58,434

 

$

54,100

 

8%

 

Gross deposits

 

1,908

 

 

1,799

 

6%

 

 

6,138

 

 

5,251

 

17%

 

Withdrawals

 

(1,493

)

 

(1,702

)

12%

 

 

(5,212

)

 

(5,071

)

-3%

 

Net flows

 

415

 

 

97

 

NM

 

 

926

 

 

180

 

NM

 

Transfers between fixed and variable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

accounts

 

(29

)

 

37

 

NM

 

 

(100

)

 

78

 

NM

 

Change in market value and reinvestment

 

1,875

 

 

1,704

 

10%

 

 

5,569

 

 

2,910

 

91%

 

Balance as of end-of-period

$

64,829

 

$

57,268

 

13%

 

$

64,829

 

$

57,268

 

13%

 



(1)

Includes mutual fund account values and other third-party trustee-held assets.  These items are not included in the separate accounts reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as we do not have any ownership interest in them.

61


 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of or For the Three

 

 

 

As of or For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Variable Account Value Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable annuity deposits (1)

$

474

 

$

381

 

24%

 

$

1,392

 

$

1,098

 

27%

 

Increases (decreases) in variable annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

account values:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net flows (1)

 

(7

)

 

(122

)

94%

 

 

(666

)

 

(417

)

-60%

 

Change in market value (1)

 

574

 

 

552

 

4%

 

 

1,744

 

 

881

 

98%

 

Transfers from the variable portion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of variable annuity products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to the fixed portion of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

variable annuity products

 

(52

)

 

(79

)

34%

 

 

(145

)

 

(248

)

42%

 

Variable annuity account values (1)

 

15,445

 

 

14,310

 

8%

 

 

15,445

 

 

14,310

 

8%

 

Average daily variable annuity account

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

values (1)

 

15,148

 

 

14,266

 

6%

 

 

14,811

 

 

13,860

 

7%

 

Average daily S&P 500

 

2,465

 

 

2,161

 

14%

 

 

2,396

 

 

2,063

 

16%

 



(1)

Excludes the fixed portion of variable.



We charge expense assessments to cover insurance and administrative expenses.  Expense assessments are generally equal to a percentage of the daily variable account values.  Average daily account values are driven by net flows and the equity markets.  Our expense assessments include fees we earn for the services that we provide to our mutual fund programs.  In addition, for both our fixed and variable annuity contracts, we collect surrender charges when contract holders surrender their contracts during the surrender charge periods to protect us from premature withdrawals.



Net Investment Income and Interest Credited



Details underlying net investment income, interest credited (in millions) and our interest rate spread were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Net Investment Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on real estate and other, net of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

investment expenses

$

198 

 

$

190 

 

4% 

 

$

588 

 

$

571 

 

3% 

 

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bond make-whole premiums (1)

 

 

 

12 

 

-42%

 

 

19 

 

 

16 

 

19% 

 

Surplus investments (2)

 

18 

 

 

18 

 

0% 

 

 

59 

 

 

50 

 

18% 

 

Total net investment income

$

223 

 

$

220 

 

1% 

 

$

666 

 

$

637 

 

5% 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Credited

$

136 

 

$

128 

 

6% 

 

$

401 

 

$

379 

 

6% 

 



(1)

See Consolidated Investments – Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums below for additional information.

(2)

Represents net investment income on the required statutory surplus for this segment and includes the effect of investment income on alternative investments for such assets that are held in the portfolios supporting statutory surplus versus the portfolios supporting product liabilities.  See “Consolidated Investments – Alternative Investments” below for more information on alternative investments.

62


 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

Basis

 

Months Ended

 

Basis

 



September 30,

 

Point

 

September 30,

 

Point

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Interest Rate Spread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on real estate and other, net of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

investment expenses

4.31%

 

4.48%

 

(17

)

4.32%

 

4.52%

 

(20

)

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bond make-whole premiums

0.15%

 

0.27%

 

(12

)

0.14%

 

0.13%

 

1

 

Net investment income yield on reserves

4.46%

 

4.75%

 

(29

)

4.46%

 

4.65%

 

(19

)

Interest rate credited to contract holders

2.93%

 

3.00%

 

(7

)

2.92%

 

2.99%

 

(7

)

Interest rate spread

1.53%

 

1.75%

 

(22

)

1.54%

 

1.66%

 

(12

)









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of or For the Three

 

 

 

As of or For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Fixed Account Value Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed annuity deposits (1)

$

415

 

$

555

 

-25%

 

$

1,681

 

$

1,423

 

18%

 

Increases (decreases) in fixed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

account values:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net flows (1)

 

18

 

 

99

 

-82%

 

 

318

 

 

(88

)

NM

 

Transfers to the fixed portion of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

variable annuity products from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the variable portion of variable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annuity products

 

52

 

 

79

 

-34%

 

 

145

 

 

248

 

-42%

 

Reinvested interest credited (1)

 

136

 

 

129

 

5%

 

 

405

 

 

379

 

7%

 

Fixed annuity account values (1)

 

18,626

 

 

17,387

 

7%

 

 

18,626

 

 

17,387

 

7%

 

Average fixed account values (1)

 

18,525

 

 

17,137

 

8%

 

 

18,269

 

 

16,882

 

8%

 

Average invested assets on reserves

 

18,368

 

 

16,998

 

8%

 

 

18,120

 

 

16,808

 

8%

 



(1)

Includes the fixed portion of variable.



A portion of our investment income earned is credited to the contract holders of our fixed annuity products, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts.  We expect to earn a spread between what we earn on the underlying general account investments supporting the fixed annuity product line, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts, and what we credit to our fixed annuity contract holders’ accounts, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts.  Commercial mortgage loan prepayments and bond make-whole premiums, investment income on alternative investments and surplus investment income can vary significantly from period to period due to a number of factors and, therefore, may contribute to investment income results that are not indicative of the underlying trends.



Benefits



Benefits for this segment include changes in benefit reserves and our expected costs associated with purchases of derivatives used to hedge our benefit ratio unlocking.

63


 

 

Commissions and Other Expenses



Details underlying commissions and other expenses (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Commissions and Other Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commissions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferrable

$

2

 

$

3

 

-33%

 

$

8

 

$

10

 

-20%

 

Non-deferrable

 

17

 

 

17

 

0%

 

 

49

 

 

49

 

0%

 

General and administrative expenses

 

82

 

 

81

 

1%

 

 

245

 

 

236

 

4%

 

Taxes, licenses and fees

 

4

 

 

4

 

0%

 

 

14

 

 

14

 

0%

 

Total expenses incurred

 

105

 

 

105

 

0%

 

 

316

 

 

309

 

2%

 

DAC deferrals

 

(6

)

 

(6

)

0%

 

 

(22

)

 

(19

)

-16%

 

Total expenses recognized before

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

amortization

 

99

 

 

99

 

0%

 

 

294

 

 

290

 

1%

 

DAC and VOBA amortization,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization, net of interest,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

excluding unlocking

 

6

 

 

6

 

0%

 

 

18

 

 

18

 

0%

 

Unlocking

 

2

 

 

4

 

-50%

 

 

2

 

 

3

 

-33%

 

Total commissions and other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

expenses

$

107

 

$

109

 

-2%

 

$

314

 

$

311

 

1%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAC Deferrals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a percentage of annuity sales/deposits

 

0.7%

 

 

0.6%

 

 

 

 

0.7%

 

 

0.8%

 

 

 



Commissions and other costs that result directly from and are essential to the successful acquisition of new or renewal business are deferred to the extent recoverable and are amortized over the lives of the contracts in relation to EGPs.  Certain types of commissions, such as trail commissions that are based on account values, are expensed as incurred rather than deferred and amortized.  Distribution expenses associated with the sale of mutual fund products are expensed as incurred. 





64


 

 

RESULTS OF LIFE INSURANCE



Income (Loss) from Operations



Details underlying the results for Life Insurance (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance premiums (1)

$

191

 

$

174

 

10%

 

$

575

 

$

524

 

10%

 

Fee income

 

764

 

 

780

 

-2%

 

 

2,301

 

 

2,188

 

5%

 

Net investment income

 

655

 

 

665

 

-2%

 

 

1,984

 

 

1,910

 

4%

 

Operating realized gain (loss) (2)

 

(3

)

 

(1

)

NM

 

 

(10

)

 

(1

)

NM

 

Other revenues

 

7

 

 

12

 

-42%

 

 

24

 

 

25

 

-4%

 

Total operating revenues

 

1,614

 

 

1,630

 

-1%

 

 

4,874

 

 

4,646

 

5%

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited

 

350

 

 

349

 

0%

 

 

1,048

 

 

1,045

 

0%

 

Benefits

 

808

 

 

522

 

55%

 

 

2,411

 

 

1,971

 

22%

 

Commissions and other expenses

 

281

 

 

513

 

-45%

 

 

859

 

 

1,106

 

-22%

 

Total operating expenses

 

1,439

 

 

1,384

 

4%

 

 

4,318

 

 

4,122

 

5%

 

Income (loss) from operations before taxes

 

175

 

 

246

 

-29%

 

 

556

 

 

524

 

6%

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

 

54

 

 

79

 

-32%

 

 

172

 

 

163

 

6%

 

Income (loss) from operations

$

121

 

$

167

 

-28%

 

$

384

 

$

361

 

6%

 



(1)

Includes term insurance premiums, which have a corresponding partial offset in benefits for changes in reserves.

(2)

See Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking below. 



Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 to 2016



Income from operations for this segment decreased due primarily to the following:



·

Higher benefits due to the effect of unlocking and growth in business in force.

·

Lower fee income due to the effect of unlocking, partially offset by growth in business in force.

·

Lower net investment income, net of interest credited, driven by lower prepayment and bond make-whole premiums and spread compression due to average new money rates trailing our current portfolio yields.



The decrease in income from operations was partially offset by lower commissions and other expenses due to the effect of unlocking.



Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 to 2016



Income from operations for this segment increased due primarily to the following:



·

Lower commissions and other expenses due to the effect of unlocking.

·

Higher fee income due to growth in business in force, partially offset by the effect of unlocking.

·

Higher net investment income, net of interest credited, driven by favorable investment income on alternative investments, partially offset by spread compression due to average new money rates trailing our current portfolio yields.



The increase in income from operations was partially offset by higher benefits due to the effects of unlocking and growth in business in force.



We provide information about this segment’s operating revenue and operating expense line items, the period in which amounts are recognized, key drivers of changes and historical details underlying the line items and their associated drivers below.  See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL – Unlocking” above for more information about unlocking.



Strategies to Address Statutory Reserve Strain



Our insurance subsidiaries have statutory surplus and risk-based capital (“RBC”) levels above current regulatory required levels.  Term products and UL products containing secondary guarantees require reserves calculated pursuant to the Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation (XXX) and Actuarial Guideline 38 (AG38).  For information on strategies we use to reduce the statutory reserve strain caused by XXX and AG38, see Review of Consolidated Financial ConditionLiquidity and Capital Resources –  Sources of Liquidity and Cash Flow – Insurance Subsidiaries’ Statutory Capital and Surplus below.

65


 

 

Additional Information



Mortality was in line with expectations during the third quarter of 2017.



For information on interest rate spreads and interest rate risk, see Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk herein and Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk – Interest Rate Risk on Fixed Insurance Businesses – Falling Rates” and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease and changes in interest rates may also result in increased contract withdrawals” in our 2016 Form 10-K.



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” above and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2016 Form 10-K as updated by “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first and second quarter 2017 Forms 10-Q and below. 



Insurance Premiums



Insurance premiums relate to traditional products and are a function of the rates priced into the product and the level of business in force.  Business in force, in turn, is driven by sales, persistency and mortality experience.



Fee Income



Details underlying fee income, sales, net flows, account values and in-force face amount (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Fee Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of insurance assessments

$

485

 

$

457

 

6%

 

$

1,469

 

$

1,338

 

10%

 

Expense assessments

 

361

 

 

333

 

8%

 

 

1,073

 

 

942

 

14%

 

Surrender charges

 

11

 

 

8

 

38%

 

 

39

 

 

30

 

30%

 

DFEL:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferrals

 

(177

)

 

(154

)

-15%

 

 

(523

)

 

(422

)

-24%

 

Amortization, net of interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization, net of interest,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

excluding unlocking

 

87

 

 

80

 

9%

 

 

246

 

 

244

 

1%

 

Unlocking

 

(3

)

 

56

 

NM

 

 

(3

)

 

56

 

NM

 

Total fee income

$

764

 

$

780

 

-2%

 

$

2,301

 

$

2,188

 

5%

 











 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Sales by Product

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UL

$

10

 

$

23

 

-57%

 

$

42

 

$

65

 

-35%

 

MoneyGuard®

 

65

 

 

56

 

16%

 

 

203

 

 

150

 

35%

 

IUL

 

19

 

 

23

 

-17%

 

 

53

 

 

59

 

-10%

 

VUL

 

45

 

 

52

 

-13%

 

 

131

 

 

123

 

7%

 

Term

 

29

 

 

31

 

-6%

 

 

84

 

 

85

 

-1%

 

Total individual life sales

 

168

 

 

185

 

-9%

 

 

513

 

 

482

 

6%

 

Executive Benefits

 

10

 

 

8

 

25%

 

 

43

 

 

24

 

79%

 

Total sales

$

178

 

$

193

 

-8%

 

$

556

 

$

506

 

10%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

$

1,462

 

$

1,490

 

-2%

 

$

4,422

 

$

4,120

 

7%

 

Withdrawals and deaths

 

(398

)

 

(388

)

-3%

 

 

(1,332

)

 

(1,210

)

-10%

 

Net flows

$

1,064

 

$

1,102

 

-3%

 

$

3,090

 

$

2,910

 

6%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contract Holder Assessments

$

1,162

 

$

1,074

 

8%

 

$

3,444

 

$

3,119

 

10%

 



66


 

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Account Values

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General account

$

35,850 

 

$

35,219 

 

2% 

 

Separate account

 

12,065 

 

 

9,963 

 

21% 

 

Total account values

$

47,915 

 

$

45,182 

 

6% 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In-Force Face Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UL and other

$

338,753 

 

$

334,601 

 

1% 

 

Term insurance

 

372,943 

 

 

350,047 

 

7% 

 

Total in-force face amount

$

711,696 

 

$

684,648 

 

4% 

 



Fee income relates only to interest-sensitive products and includes cost of insurance assessments, expense assessments (net of deferrals and amortization related to DFEL) and surrender charges.  Cost of insurance and expense assessments are deducted from our contract holders’ account values.  These amounts are a function of the rates priced into the product and premiums received, face amount in force and account values.  Business in force, in turn, is driven by sales, persistency and mortality experience. 



Sales are not recorded as a component of revenues (other than for traditional products) and do not have a significant effect on current quarter income from operations but are indicators of future profitability.  Generally, we have higher sales during the second half of the year with the fourth quarter being our strongest. 



Sales in the table above and as discussed above were reported as follows:



·

MoneyGuard®, our linked-benefit product – 15% of total expected premium deposits;

·

UL, IUL and VUL – first-year commissionable premiums plus 5% of excess premiums received;

·

Executive Benefits single premium bank-owned UL and VUL, 15% of single premium deposits, and corporate-owned UL and VUL, first-year commissionable premiums plus 5% of excess premium received; and

·

Term – 100% of annualized first-year premiums.



We monitor the business environment, including but not limited to the regulatory and interest rate environments, and make changes to our product offerings and in-force products as needed, and as permitted under the terms of the policies, to sustain the future profitability of our segment



Net Investment Income and Interest Credited



Details underlying net investment income, interest credited (in millions) and our interest rate spread were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Net Investment Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on real estate and other, net of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

investment expenses

$

585 

 

$

580 

 

1% 

 

$

1,747 

 

$

1,739 

 

0% 

 

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and bond make-whole premiums (1)

 

 

 

23 

 

-70%

 

 

27 

 

 

36 

 

-25%

 

Alternative investments (2)

 

23 

 

 

23 

 

0% 

 

 

86 

 

 

26 

 

231% 

 

Surplus investments (3)

 

40 

 

 

39 

 

3% 

 

 

124 

 

 

109 

 

14% 

 

Total net investment income

$

655 

 

$

665 

 

-2%

 

$

1,984 

 

$

1,910 

 

4% 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Credited

$

350 

 

$

349 

 

0% 

 

$

1,048 

 

$

1,045 

 

0% 

 



(1)

See Consolidated Investments – Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums below for additional information.

(2)

See Consolidated Investments – Alternative Investments below for additional information.

(3)

Represents net investment income on the required statutory surplus for this segment and includes the effect of investment income on alternative investments for such assets that are held in the portfolios supporting statutory surplus versus the portfolios supporting product liabilities.









67


 

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

Basis

 

Months Ended

 

Basis

 



September 30,

 

Point

 

September 30,

 

Point

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Interest Rate Yields and Spread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to interest-sensitive products:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on real estate and other, net of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

investment expenses

5.06%

 

5.22%

 

(16

)

5.07%

 

5.23%

 

(16

)

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and bond make-whole premiums

0.06%

 

0.19%

 

(13

)

0.08%

 

0.11%

 

(3

)

Alternative investments

0.21%

 

0.23%

 

(2

)

0.27%

 

0.08%

 

19

 

Net investment income yield on reserves

5.33%

 

5.64%

 

(31

)

5.42%

 

5.42%

 

 -

 

Interest rate credited to contract holders

3.83%

 

3.89%

 

(6

)

3.83%

 

3.91%

 

(8

)

Interest rate spread

1.50%

 

1.75%

 

(25

)

1.59%

 

1.51%

 

8

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Averages

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to interest-sensitive products:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Invested assets on reserves

$

42,244 

 

$

40,381 

 

5% 

 

$

41,777 

 

$

40,184 

 

4% 

 

General account values

 

36,246 

 

 

35,599 

 

2% 

 

 

36,119 

 

 

35,459 

 

2% 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to traditional products:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Invested assets on reserves

 

4,348 

 

 

4,283 

 

2% 

 

 

4,356 

 

 

4,214 

 

3% 

 



A portion of the investment income earned for this segment is credited to contract holder accounts.  Statutory reserves will typically grow at a faster rate than account values because of the AG38 reserve requirements.  Invested assets are based upon the statutory reserve liabilities and are affected by various reserve adjustments, including financing transactions providing relief from AG38 reserve requirements. These financing transactions lead to a transfer of invested assets from this segment to Other Operations.  We expect to earn a spread between what we earn on the underlying general account investments and what we credit to our contract holders’ accounts.  We use our investment income to offset the earnings effect of the associated growth of our policy reserves for traditional products.  Commercial mortgage loan prepayments and bond make-whole premiums and investment income on alternative investments can vary significantly from period to period due to a number of factors, and, therefore, may contribute to investment income results that are not indicative of the underlying trends.

68


 

 

Benefits



Details underlying benefits (dollars in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Death claims direct and assumed

$

1,003

 

$

1,086

 

-8%

 

$

3,424

 

$

3,225

 

6%

 

Death claims ceded

 

(408

)

 

(523

)

22%

 

 

(1,492

)

 

(1,410

)

-6%

 

Reserves released on death

 

(147

)

 

(142

)

-4%

 

 

(485

)

 

(460

)

-5%

 

Net death benefits

 

448

 

 

421

 

6%

 

 

1,447

 

 

1,355

 

7%

 

Change in secondary guarantee life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

insurance product reserves:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in reserves, excluding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

unlocking

 

166

 

 

167

 

-1%

 

 

500

 

 

458

 

9%

 

Unlocking

 

52

 

 

(170

)

131%

 

 

52

 

 

(170

)

131%

 

Change in MoneyGuard® reserves:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in reserves, excluding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

unlocking

 

84

 

 

59

 

42%

 

 

230

 

 

158

 

46%

 

Unlocking

 

(19

)

 

(15

)

-27%

 

 

(19

)

 

(15

)

-27%

 

Other benefits (1)

 

77

 

 

60

 

28%

 

 

201

 

 

185

 

9%

 

Total benefits

$

808

 

$

522

 

55%

 

$

2,411

 

$

1,971

 

22%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Death claims per $1,000 of in-force

 

2.53

 

 

2.48

 

2%

 

 

2.75

 

 

2.69

 

2%

 



(1)

Includes primarily changes in reserves and dividends on traditional and other products.



Benefits for this segment include claims incurred during the period in excess of the associated reserves for its interest-sensitive and traditional products.  In addition, benefits include the change in secondary guarantee and linked-benefit life insurance product reserves.  These reserves are affected by changes in expected future trends of assessments and benefits causing unlocking adjustments to these liabilities similar to DAC, VOBA and DFEL.  Generally, we have higher mortality in the first quarter of the year due to the seasonality of claims.  See Future Contract Benefits and Other Contract Holder Funds in Note 1 of our 2016 Form 10-K for additional information.

69


 

 

Commissions and Other Expenses



Details underlying commissions and other expenses (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Commissions and Other Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commissions

$

176

 

$

190

 

-7%

 

$

541

 

$

512

 

6%

 

General and administrative expenses

 

144

 

 

137

 

5%

 

 

428

 

 

392

 

9%

 

Expenses associated with reserve financing

 

22

 

 

23

 

-4%

 

 

68

 

 

64

 

6%

 

Taxes, licenses and fees

 

38

 

 

40

 

-5%

 

 

116

 

 

120

 

-3%

 

Total expenses incurred

 

380

 

 

390

 

-3%

 

 

1,153

 

 

1,088

 

6%

 

DAC and VOBA deferrals

 

(201

)

 

(219

)

8%

 

 

(619

)

 

(582

)

-6%

 

Total expenses recognized before

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

amortization

 

179

 

 

171

 

5%

 

 

534

 

 

506

 

6%

 

DAC and VOBA amortization,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization, net of interest,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

excluding unlocking

 

112

 

 

121

 

-7%

 

 

333

 

 

377

 

-12%

 

Unlocking

 

(11

)

 

220

 

NM

 

 

(11

)

 

220

 

NM

 

Other intangible amortization

 

1

 

 

1

 

0%

 

 

3

 

 

3

 

0%

 

Total commissions and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other expenses

$

281

 

$

513

 

-45%

 

$

859

 

$

1,106

 

-22%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAC and VOBA Deferrals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a percentage of sales

 

112.9%

 

 

113.5%

 

 

 

 

111.3%

 

 

115.0%

 

 

 



Commissions and costs that result directly from and are essential to successful acquisition of new or renewal business are deferred to the extent recoverable and for our interest-sensitive products are generally amortized over the life of the contracts in relation to EGPs.  For our traditional products, DAC and VOBA are amortized on either a straight-line basis or as a level percent of premium of the related

contracts, depending on the block of business.  When comparing DAC and VOBA deferrals as a percentage of sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, to the corresponding periods in 2016, the decrease was primarily a result of changes in sales mix to products with lower commission rates.

 



70


 

 

RESULTS OF GROUP PROTECTION



Income (Loss) from Operations



Details underlying the results for Group Protection (in millions) were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance premiums

$

500 

 

$

485 

 

3% 

 

$

1,488 

 

$

1,452 

 

2% 

 

Net investment income

 

41 

 

 

45 

 

-9%

 

 

127 

 

 

131 

 

-3%

 

Other revenues

 

23 

 

 

 

NM

 

 

31 

 

 

10 

 

210% 

 

Total operating revenues

 

564 

 

 

534 

 

6% 

 

 

1,646 

 

 

1,593 

 

3% 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited

 

 -

 

 

 

-100%

 

 

 

 

 

-50%

 

Benefits

 

334 

 

 

291 

 

15% 

 

 

1,009 

 

 

976 

 

3% 

 

Commissions and other expenses

 

167 

 

 

198 

 

-16%

 

 

509 

 

 

540 

 

-6%

 

Total operating expenses

 

501 

 

 

490 

 

2% 

 

 

1,519 

 

 

1,518 

 

0% 

 

Income (loss) from operations before taxes

 

63 

 

 

44 

 

43% 

 

 

127 

 

 

75 

 

69% 

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

 

22 

 

 

16 

 

38% 

 

 

44 

 

 

26 

 

69% 

 

Income (loss) from operations

$

41 

 

$

28 

 

46% 

 

$

83 

 

$

49 

 

69% 

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Income (Loss) from Operations by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product Line

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life

$

27 

 

$

 

NM

 

$

39 

 

$

10 

 

290% 

 

Disability

 

14 

 

 

22 

 

-36%

 

 

43 

 

 

38 

 

13% 

 

Dental

 

 -

 

 

 

-100%

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

Total non-medical

 

41 

 

 

28 

 

46% 

 

 

82 

 

 

48 

 

71% 

 

Medical

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

 

 

 

0% 

 

Income (loss) from operations

$

41 

 

$

28 

 

46% 

 

$

83 

 

$

49 

 

69% 

 



Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 to 2016



Income from operations for this segment increased due primarily to the following:



·

Higher other revenues due to the recapture of certain long-term disability business that was originally ceded to a reinsurer.

·

Higher insurance premiums due to more favorable persistency experience and higher sales across all of our product lines.    

·

Lower commissions and other expenses due to higher amortization of DAC in 2016 driven by model refinements, partially offset by higher strategic investments to enhance our customer experience and improve efficiency.



The increase in income from operations was partially offset by higher benefits due to favorable reserve refinements in 2016 in our long-term disability business and the recapture in 2017 of certain long-term disability business that was originally ceded to a reinsurer.  This increase was partially offset by favorable mortality experience and lower incidence and new claims severity in our disability business.



We provide information about this segment’s operating revenue and operating expense line items, the period in which amounts are

recognized, key drivers of changes and historical details underlying the line items and their associated drivers below.



Additional Information



For the three months ended September 30, 2017, our total loss ratio was driven by favorable mortality experience and reserve refinements in our life business, and lower incidence and new claims severity in our disability business, partially offset by unfavorable disability reserve refinements.  For information about the effect of the loss ratio sensitivity on our income (loss) from operations, see “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Group Protection – Additional Information” in our 2016 Form 10-K.   



71


 

 

For information on the effects of current interest rates on our long-term disability claim reserves, see Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk  Effect of Interest Rate Sensitivity” in our 2016 Form 10-K.



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see Forward-Looking Statements –

Cautionary Language above and Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2016 Form 10-K as updated by Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors”  in our first and second quarter 2017 Forms 10-Q and below.



Insurance Premiums



Details underlying insurance premiums (in millions) were as follows:









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Insurance Premiums by Product Line

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life

$

207 

 

$

205 

 

1% 

 

$

619 

 

$

617 

 

0% 

 

Disability

 

227 

 

 

222 

 

2% 

 

 

677 

 

 

665 

 

2% 

 

Dental

 

66 

 

 

58 

 

14% 

 

 

192 

 

 

170 

 

13% 

 

Total insurance premiums

$

500 

 

$

485 

 

3% 

 

$

1,488 

 

$

1,452 

 

2% 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales by Product Line

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life

$

33 

 

$

28 

 

18% 

 

$

84 

 

$

80 

 

5% 

 

Disability

 

35 

 

 

33 

 

6% 

 

 

90 

 

 

85 

 

6% 

 

Dental

 

26 

 

 

17 

 

53% 

 

 

65 

 

 

43 

 

51% 

 

Total sales

$

94 

 

$

78 

 

21% 

 

$

239 

 

$

208 

 

15% 

 



Our cost of insurance and policy administration charges are embedded in the premiums charged to our customers.  The premiums are a function of the rates priced into the product and our business in force.  Business in force, in turn, is driven by sales and persistency experience. 



Sales relate to new contract holders and new programs sold to existing contract holders.  We believe that the trend in sales is an important indicator of development of business in force over time.  Sales in the table above are the combined annualized premiums for our products. 



Net Investment Income



We use our investment income to offset the earnings effect of the associated build of our reserves, which are a function of our insurance premiums and the yields on our invested assets.



72


 

 

Benefits and Interest Credited



Details underlying benefits and interest credited (in millions) and loss ratios by product line were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Benefits and Interest Credited by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product Line

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life

$

115 

 

$

136 

 

-15%

 

$

401 

 

$

427 

 

-6%

 

Disability

 

174 

 

 

118 

 

47% 

 

 

475 

 

 

431 

 

10% 

 

Dental

 

45 

 

 

38 

 

18% 

 

 

134 

 

 

120 

 

12% 

 

Total benefits and interest credited

$

334 

 

$

292 

 

14% 

 

$

1,010 

 

$

978 

 

3% 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss Ratios by Product Line

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life

 

55.8% 

 

 

66.1% 

 

 

 

 

64.8% 

 

 

69.2% 

 

 

 

Disability (1)

 

69.5% 

 

 

52.9% 

 

 

 

 

67.9% 

 

 

65.0% 

 

 

 

Dental

 

68.0% 

 

 

66.6% 

 

 

 

 

70.0% 

 

 

70.2% 

 

 

 

Total (1)

 

63.7% 

 

 

60.1% 

 

 

 

 

66.9% 

 

 

67.4% 

 

 

 



(1)

Excludes the impact of the recapture of certain long-term disability business in the third quarter of 2017.



Generally, we have higher mortality in the first quarter of the year due to the seasonality of claims.



Commissions and Other Expenses



Details underlying commissions and other expenses (in millions) were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Commissions and Other Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commissions

$

62

 

$

57

 

9%

 

$

188

 

$

181

 

4%

 

General and administrative expenses

 

98

 

 

87

 

13%

 

 

265

 

 

249

 

6%

 

Taxes, licenses and fees

 

9

 

 

15

 

-40%

 

 

36

 

 

43

 

-16%

 

Total expenses incurred

 

169

 

 

159

 

6%

 

 

489

 

 

473

 

3%

 

DAC deferrals

 

(16

)

 

(14

)

-14%

 

 

(42

)

 

(46

)

9%

 

Total expenses recognized before

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

amortization

 

153

 

 

145

 

6%

 

 

447

 

 

427

 

5%

 

DAC and VOBA amortization, net of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

interest

 

14

 

 

53

 

-74%

 

 

62

 

 

113

 

-45%

 

Total commissions and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other expenses

$

167

 

$

198

 

-16%

 

$

509

 

$

540

 

-6%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAC Deferrals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a percentage of insurance premiums

 

3.2%

 

 

2.9%

 

 

 

 

2.8%

 

 

3.2%

 

 

 



Commissions and other costs that result directly from and are essential to the successful acquisition of new or renewal business are deferred to the extent recoverable and are amortized as a level percent of insurance premiums of the related contracts, depending on the block of business.  Certain broker commissions that vary with and are related to paid premiums are expensed as incurred rather than deferred and amortizedGenerally, we have higher amortization in the first quarter of the year due to a significant number of policies renewing in the quarter.  When comparing DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, to the corresponding periods in 2016, the decrease was due to DAC model refinements in 2016.



73


 

 

RESULTS OF OTHER OPERATIONS



Income (Loss) from Operations



Details underlying the results for Other Operations (in millions) were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance premiums (1)

$

1

 

$

3

 

-67%

 

$

7

 

$

12

 

-42%

 

Net investment income

 

60

 

 

61

 

-2%

 

 

182

 

 

175

 

4%

 

Amortization of deferred gain on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

business sold through reinsurance

 

 -

 

 

18

 

-100%

 

 

22

 

 

53

 

-58%

 

Other revenues

 

4

 

 

2

 

100%

 

 

9

 

 

4

 

125%

 

Total operating revenues

 

65

 

 

84

 

-23%

 

 

220

 

 

244

 

-10%

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited

 

15

 

 

17

 

-12%

 

 

51

 

 

56

 

-9%

 

Benefits

 

36

 

 

49

 

-27%

 

 

91

 

 

107

 

-15%

 

Other expenses

 

11

 

 

19

 

-42%

 

 

29

 

 

17

 

71%

 

Interest and debt expense

 

63

 

 

66

 

-5%

 

 

190

 

 

202

 

-6%

 

Strategic digitization expense

 

10

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

33

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

Total operating expenses

 

135

 

 

151

 

-11%

 

 

394

 

 

382

 

3%

 

Income (loss) from operations before taxes

 

(70

)

 

(67

)

-4%

 

 

(174

)

 

(138

)

-26%

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

 

(50

)

 

(41

)

-22%

 

 

(103

)

 

(72

)

-43%

 

Income (loss) from operations

$

(20

)

$

(26

)

23%

 

$

(71

)

$

(66

)

-8%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes our disability income business, which has a corresponding offset in benefits for changes in reserves.



Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 to 2016 



Loss from operations for Other Operations decreased due primarily to the following:



·

Lower benefits due to modifying certain assumptions in 2016 on the reserves supporting our run-off disability income business.

·

More favorable federal income tax benefits due to the release of reserves associated with prior tax years that closed in the third quarter of 2017.

·

Lower other expenses due to the effect of changes in our stock price on our deferred compensation plans, as our stock price increased more significantly during the third quarter of 2016.



The decrease in loss from operations was partially offset by the following:



·

No amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance as the gain was fully amortized during the second quarter of 2017.

·

Strategic digitization expense incurred during 2017 as part of our strategic digitization initiative.



Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 to 2016



Loss from operations for Other Operations increased due primarily to the following:



·

Strategic digitization expense incurred during 2017 as part of our strategic digitization initiative.

·

Lower amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance as the gain was fully amortized during the second quarter of 2017.

·

Higher other expenses driven by legal accrual releases in 2016.



The increase in loss from operations was partially offset by the following:



·

More favorable federal income tax benefits due to excess tax benefits associated with stock option exercises in 2017 and the release of reserves associated with prior tax years that closed in the third quarter of 2017.

·

Lower benefits due to modifying certain assumptions in 2016 on the reserves supporting our run-off disability income business.

·

Lower interest and debt expense driven by a decline in both average balances of outstanding debt and rates.

74


 

 

We provide information about Other Operations’ operating revenue and operating expense line items, the period in which amounts are recognized, key drivers of changes and historical details underlying the line items and their associated drivers below.



Additional Information



Benefits for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, were elevated due to modifying certain assumptions on the reserves supporting our run-off institutional pension business.



For information on our strategic digitization initiative, see “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Executive Summary – Significant Operational Matters – Strategic Digitization Initiative” in our 2016 Form 10-K.



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language above and Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2016 Form 10-K  as updated by “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first and second quarter 2017 Forms 10-Q and below.



Net Investment Income and Interest Credited



We utilize an internal formula to determine the amount of capital that is allocated to our business segments.  Investment income on capital in excess of the calculated amounts is reported in Other Operations.  If our business segments require increases in statutory reserves, surplus or investments, the amount of excess capital that is retained by Other Operations would decrease and net investment income would be negatively affected.



Write-downs for OTTI decrease the recorded value of our invested assets owned by the business segments.  These write-downs are not included in the income from operations of our business segments.  When impairment occurs, assets are transferred to the business segments’ portfolios and will reduce the future net investment income for Other Operations.  Statutory reserve adjustments for our business segments can also cause allocations of invested assets between the business segments and Other Operations.

   

The majority of our interest credited relates to our reinsurance operations sold to Swiss Re Life & Health America, Inc. (“Swiss Re”) in 2001.  A substantial amount of the business was sold through indemnity reinsurance transactions, which is still recorded in our consolidated financial statements.  The interest credited corresponds to investment income earnings on the assets we continue to hold for this business.  There is no effect to income or loss in Other Operations or on a consolidated basis for these amounts because interest earned on the blocks that continue to be reinsured is passed through to Swiss Re in the form of interest credited.



Benefits



Benefits are recognized when incurred for institutional pension products and disability income business.



Other Expenses





Details underlying other expenses (in millions) were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

General and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legal

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

NM

 

$

 -

 

$

(9

)

100%

 

Branding

 

6

 

 

5

 

20%

 

 

23

 

 

23

 

0%

 

Other (1)

 

11

 

 

21

 

-48%

 

 

22

 

 

22

 

0%

 

Total general and administrative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

expenses

 

17

 

 

26

 

-35%

 

 

45

 

 

36

 

25%

 

Taxes, licenses and fees

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

0%

 

 

(7

)

 

(10

)

30%

 

Inter-segment reimbursement associated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with reserve financing and LOC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

expenses (2)

 

(3

)

 

(4

)

25%

 

 

(9

)

 

(9

)

0%

 

Total other expenses

$

11

 

$

19

 

-42%

 

$

29

 

$

17

 

71%

 



(1)

Includes expenses that are corporate in nature including charitable contributions, the portion of our deferred compensation plan expense attributable to participants’ selection of LNC stock as the measure for their investment return and other expenses not allocated to our business segments.

(2)

Consists of reimbursements to Other Operations from the Life Insurance segment for the use of proceeds from certain issuances of senior notes that were used as long-term structured solutions, net of expenses incurred by Other Operations for its use of LOCs.



75


 

 

Interest and Debt Expense



Our current level of interest expense may not be indicative of the future due to, among other things, the timing of the use of cash, the availability of funds from our inter-company cash management program and the future cost of capital.  For additional information on our financing activities, see Review of Consolidated Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Sources of Liquidity and Cash Flow – Financing Activities below.

 



REALIZED GAIN (LOSS) AND BENEFIT RATIO UNLOCKING



Details underlying realized gain (loss), after-DAC(1) and benefit ratio unlocking (in millions) were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Components of Realized Gain (Loss), Pre-Tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating realized gain (loss)

$

41

 

$

44

 

-7%

 

$

124

 

$

131

 

-5%

 

Total excluded realized gain (loss)

 

(97

)

 

(7

)

NM

 

 

(229

)

 

(252

)

9%

 

Total realized gain (loss), pre-tax

$

(56

)

$

37

 

NM

 

$

(105

)

$

(121

)

13%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of Excluded Realized Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net of Benefit Ratio Unlocking, After-Tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total excluded realized gain (loss)

$

(63

)

$

(4

)

NM

 

$

(149

)

$

(164

)

9%

 

Benefit ratio unlocking

 

30

 

 

30

 

0%

 

 

101

 

 

34

 

197%

 

Excluded realized gain (loss) net of benefit ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

unlocking, after-tax

$

(33

)

$

26

 

NM

 

$

(48

)

$

(130

)

63%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Components of Excluded Realized Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net of Benefit Ratio Unlocking, After-Tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gain (loss) related to certain investments

$

(13

)

$

(27

)

52%

 

$

(32

)

$

(139

)

77%

 

Gain (loss) on the mark-to-market on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 certain instruments

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

100%

 

 

5

 

 

(1

)

NM

 

Variable annuity net derivatives results:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hedge program performance, including unlocking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

for GLB reserves hedged

 

(5

)

 

82

 

NM

 

 

22

 

 

(35

)

163%

 

GLB NPR component

 

(16

)

 

(32

)

50%

 

 

(34

)

 

59

 

NM

 

Total variable annuity net derivatives results

 

(21

)

 

50

 

NM

 

 

(12

)

 

24

 

NM

 

Indexed annuity forward-starting option

 

1

 

 

4

 

-75%

 

 

(9

)

 

(14

)

36%

 

Excluded realized gain (loss) net of benefit 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ratio unlocking, after-tax

$

(33

)

$

26

 

NM

 

$

(48

)

$

(130

)

63%

 



(1)

DAC refers to the associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in other contract holder funds and funds withheld reinsurance assets and liabilities.



Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 to 2016 



We had realized losses during 2017 as compared to gains during 2016 due primarily to unfavorable variable annuity net derivatives results attributable to the effect of unlocking, partially offset by improved GLB NPR component due to a smaller decrease in our associated reserves.



Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 to 2016



We had lower realized losses due primarily to the following:



·

A decrease in realized losses related to certain investments originating from decreased OTTI and fewer asset sales attributable to improvements of select corporate bond holdings within the energy and other commodity sectors.

·

Legal expenses in 2016 related to certain investments.



The lower realized losses were partially offset by unfavorable variable annuity net derivatives results during 2017 attributable to an unfavorable GLB NPR component due to narrowing of our credit spread and a decrease in our associated reserves and the effect of unlocking, partially offset by favorable hedge program performance due to less volatile capital markets.

76


 

 

The above components of excluded realized gain (loss) are described net of benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax.



See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL – Unlocking” above for more information about unlocking.

 

For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language above and Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2016 Form 10-K as updated by “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors in our first and second quarter 2017 Forms 10-Q and below.



Operating Realized Gain (Loss)



See “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking – Operating Realized Gain (Loss) in our 2016  Form 10-K for a discussion of our operating realized gain (loss).



Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments



See Consolidated Investments – Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments below.



Gain (Loss) on the Mark-to-Market on Certain Instruments



See “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking – Gain (Loss) on the Mark-to-Market on Certain Instruments in our 2016 Form 10-K for a discussion of the mark-to-market on certain instruments and Note 3 for information about consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”)



Variable Annuity Net Derivatives Results



See “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking – Variable Annuity Net Derivatives Results in our 2016 Form 10-K for a discussion of our variable annuity net derivatives results and how our NPR adjustment is determined.  



Details underlying our variable annuity hedging program (dollars in millions) were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of

 

 

As of

 

 

As of

 

 

As of

 

 

As of

 



September 30,

June 30,

March 31,

December 31,

September 30,



 

2017

 

 

2017

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2016

 

Variable annuity hedge program assets (liabilities)

 

$

1,526

 

 

$

1,766

 

 

$

1,717

 

 

$

2,152

 

 

$

3,679

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable annuity reserves – asset (liability):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embedded derivative reserves, pre-NPR (1)

 

$

743

 

 

$

480

 

 

$

424

 

 

$

(103

)

 

$

(1,503

)

NPR

 

 

(127

)

 

 

(97

)

 

 

(82

)

 

 

(64

)

 

 

100

 

Embedded derivative reserves

 

 

616

 

 

 

383

 

 

 

342

 

 

 

(167

)

 

 

(1,403

)

Insurance benefit reserves

 

 

(656

)

 

 

(649

)

 

 

(648

)

 

 

(679

)

 

 

(626

)

Total variable annuity reserves – asset (liability)

 

$

(40

)

 

$

(266

)

 

$

(306

)

 

$

(846

)

 

$

(2,029

)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10-year credit default swap (“CDS”) spread

 

 

1.08%

 

 

 

1.30%

 

 

 

1.51%

 

 

 

1.51%

 

 

 

2.03%

 

NPR factor related to 10-year CDS spread

 

 

0.15%

 

 

 

0.18%

 

 

 

0.21%

 

 

 

0.21%

 

 

 

0.30%

 



(1)

Embedded derivative reserves in an asset (liability) position indicate that we estimate the present value of future benefits to be less (greater) than the present value of future net valuation premiums. 



The following shows the approximate hypothetical effect to net income, pre-DAC (1), pre-tax (in millions) for changes in the NPR factor along all points on the spread curve as of September 30, 2017:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Hypothetical

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Effect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NPR factor:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Down 15 basis points to zero

 

$

(85

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Up 20 basis points

 

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



(1)

DAC refers to the associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in other contract holder funds and funds withheld reinsurance assets and liabilities.



See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Derivatives – GLB” above for additional information about our guaranteed benefits.



77


 

 

Indexed Annuity Forward-Starting Option



See “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking – Indexed Annuity Forward-Starting Option in our 2016 Form 10-K for a discussion of our indexed annuity forward-starting option. 



CONSOLIDATED INVESTMENTS



Details underlying our consolidated investment balances (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Investments

 

 



 

As of

 

 

As of

 

 

As of

 

 

As of

 

 



September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

December 31,

 



 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity

 

$

93,767 

 

 

$

89,013 

 

 

83.9% 

 

 

83.4% 

 

 

VIEs’ fixed maturity

 

 

 -

 

 

 

200 

 

 

0.0% 

 

 

0.2% 

 

 

Total fixed maturity

 

 

93,767 

 

 

 

89,213 

 

 

83.9% 

 

 

83.6% 

 

 

Equity

 

 

302 

 

 

 

275 

 

 

0.3% 

 

 

0.3% 

 

 

Trading securities

 

 

1,665 

 

 

 

1,712 

 

 

1.5% 

 

 

1.6% 

 

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

 

 

10,382 

 

 

 

9,889 

 

 

9.3% 

 

 

9.3% 

 

 

Real estate

 

 

11 

 

 

 

24 

 

 

0.0% 

 

 

0.0% 

 

 

Policy loans

 

 

2,417 

 

 

 

2,451 

 

 

2.2% 

 

 

2.3% 

 

 

Derivative investments

 

 

960 

 

 

 

927 

 

 

0.9% 

 

 

0.9% 

 

 

Alternative investments

 

 

1,406 

 

 

 

1,269 

 

 

1.2% 

 

 

1.2% 

 

 

Other investments

 

 

804 

 

 

 

961 

 

 

0.7% 

 

 

0.8% 

 

 

Total investments

 

$

111,714 

 

 

$

106,721 

 

 

100.0% 

 

 

100.0% 

 

 



Investment Objective



Invested assets are an integral part of our operations.  We follow a balanced approach to investing for both current income and prudent risk management, with an emphasis on generating sufficient current income, net of income tax, to meet our obligations to customers, as well as other general liabilities.  This balanced approach requires the evaluation of expected return and risk of each asset class utilized, while still meeting our income objectives.  This approach is important to our asset-liability management because decisions can be made based upon both the economic and current investment income considerations affecting assets and liabilities.  For a discussion of our risk management process, see “Part II  Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in our 2016  Form 10-K.



Investment Portfolio Composition and Diversification



Fundamental to our investment policy is diversification across asset classes.  Our investment portfolio, excluding cash and invested cash, is composed of fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate, real estate (either wholly-owned or in joint ventures) and other long-term investments.  We purchase investments for our segmented portfolios that have yield, duration and other characteristics that take into account the liabilities of the products being supported. 



We have the ability to maintain our investment holdings throughout credit cycles because of our capital position, the long-term nature of our liabilities and the matching of our portfolios of investment assets with the liabilities of our various products.































78


 

 

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Portfolios



Fixed maturity and equity securities consist of portfolios classified as AFS and trading.  Details underlying our fixed maturity and equity securities portfolios by industry classification (in millions) are presented in the tables below.  These tables agree in total with the presentation of AFS securities in Note 4; however, the categories below represent a more detailed breakout of the AFS portfolio.  Therefore, the investment classifications listed below do not agree to the investment categories provided in Note 4.





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of September 30, 2017

 



 

 

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

 

 

%

 



Amortized

 

 

 

Losses and

 

Fair

 

Fair

 



Cost

 

Gains

 

OTTI (2)

 

Value

 

Value

 

Fixed Maturity AFS Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industry corporate bonds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial services

$

11,715

 

$

1,000

 

$

40

 

$

12,675

 

13.5%

 

Basic industry

 

4,816

 

 

376

 

 

22

 

 

5,170

 

5.5%

 

Capital goods

 

6,327

 

 

517

 

 

35

 

 

6,809

 

7.3%

 

Communications

 

4,265

 

 

403

 

 

20

 

 

4,648

 

5.0%

 

Consumer cyclical

 

5,523

 

 

375

 

 

31

 

 

5,867

 

6.3%

 

Consumer non-cyclical

 

13,673

 

 

1,143

 

 

71

 

 

14,745

 

15.7%

 

Energy

 

6,735

 

 

494

 

 

109

 

 

7,120

 

7.6%

 

Technology

 

3,443

 

 

198

 

 

8

 

 

3,633

 

3.9%

 

Transportation

 

2,851

 

 

199

 

 

15

 

 

3,035

 

3.2%

 

Industrial other

 

944

 

 

42

 

 

10

 

 

976

 

1.0%

 

Utilities

 

12,623

 

 

1,322

 

 

37

 

 

13,908

 

14.8%

 

Government related entities

 

2,485

 

 

248

 

 

18

 

 

2,715

 

2.9%

 

Collateralized mortgage and other obligations ("CMOs"):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency backed

 

1,538

 

 

77

 

 

32

 

 

1,583

 

1.7%

 

Non-agency backed

 

922

 

 

53

 

 

(21

)

 

996

 

1.1%

 

Mortgage pass through securities ("MPTS"):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency backed

 

879

 

 

41

 

 

5

 

 

915

 

1.0%

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency backed

 

22

 

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

23

 

0.0%

 

Non-agency backed

 

510

 

 

9

 

 

(1

)

 

520

 

0.6%

 

Asset-backed securities ("ABS"):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs")

 

672

 

 

4

 

 

1

 

 

675

 

0.7%

 

Commercial real estate ("CRE") CDOs

 

15

 

 

 -

 

 

(4

)

 

19

 

0.0%

 

Credit card

 

78

 

 

20

 

 

1

 

 

97

 

0.1%

 

Equipment receivables

 

40

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

40

 

0.0%

 

Home equity

 

630

 

 

22

 

 

(17

)

 

669

 

0.7%

 

Manufactured housing

 

17

 

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

18

 

0.0%

 

Other

 

186

 

 

8

 

 

 -

 

 

194

 

0.2%

 

Municipals:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxable

 

4,010

 

 

862

 

 

8

 

 

4,864

 

5.2%

 

Tax-exempt

 

170

 

 

15

 

 

 -

 

 

185

 

0.2%

 

Government:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

533

 

 

43

 

 

2

 

 

574

 

0.6%

 

Foreign

 

396

 

 

59

 

 

 -

 

 

455

 

0.5%

 

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

 

575

 

 

87

 

 

23

 

 

639

 

0.7%

 

Total fixed maturity AFS securities

 

86,593

 

 

7,619

 

 

445

 

 

93,767

 

100.0%

 

Equity AFS Securities

 

296

 

 

19

 

 

13

 

 

302

 

 

 

Total AFS securities

 

86,889

 

 

7,638

 

 

458

 

 

94,069

 

 

 

Trading Securities (1)

 

1,456

 

 

213

 

 

4

 

 

1,665

 

 

 

Total AFS and trading securities

$

88,345

 

$

7,851

 

$

462

 

$

95,734

 

 

 



79


 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of December 31, 2016

 



 

 

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

 

 

%

 



Amortized

 

 

 

Losses and

 

Fair

 

Fair

 



Cost

 

Gains

 

OTTI (2)

 

Value

 

Value

 

Fixed Maturity AFS Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industry corporate bonds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial services

$

10,769

 

$

697

 

$

108

 

$

11,358

 

12.8%

 

Basic industry

 

4,665

 

 

243

 

 

79

 

 

4,829

 

5.4%

 

Capital goods

 

5,677

 

 

399

 

 

54

 

 

6,022

 

6.8%

 

Communications

 

4,374

 

 

331

 

 

59

 

 

4,646

 

5.2%

 

Consumer cyclical

 

5,459

 

 

296

 

 

75

 

 

5,680

 

6.4%

 

Consumer non-cyclical

 

12,939

 

 

816

 

 

175

 

 

13,580

 

15.2%

 

Energy 

 

7,346

 

 

439

 

 

194

 

 

7,591

 

8.5%

 

Technology

 

3,350

 

 

129

 

 

31

 

 

3,448

 

3.9%

 

Transportation

 

2,921

 

 

143

 

 

41

 

 

3,023

 

3.4%

 

Industrial other

 

972

 

 

38

 

 

27

 

 

983

 

1.1%

 

Utilities 

 

12,180

 

 

1,016

 

 

84

 

 

13,112

 

14.7%

 

Government related entities

 

2,623

 

 

207

 

 

38

 

 

2,792

 

3.1%

 

CMOs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency backed

 

1,444

 

 

86

 

 

47

 

 

1,483

 

1.7%

 

Non-agency backed

 

1,070

 

 

15

 

 

11

 

 

1,074

 

1.2%

 

MPTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency backed

 

1,020

 

 

46

 

 

9

 

 

1,057

 

1.2%

 

CMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency backed

 

23

 

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

24

 

0.0%

 

Non-agency backed

 

322

 

 

7

 

 

3

 

 

326

 

0.4%

 

ABS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLOs

 

727

 

 

1

 

 

3

 

 

725

 

0.8%

 

CRE CDOs

 

15

 

 

 -

 

 

(4

)

 

19

 

0.0%

 

Credit card

 

292

 

 

21

 

 

1

 

 

312

 

0.3%

 

Equipment receivables

 

42

 

 

 -

 

 

1

 

 

41

 

0.0%

 

Home equity

 

679

 

 

11

 

 

(3

)

 

693

 

0.8%

 

Manufactured housing

 

27

 

 

1

 

 

 -

 

 

28

 

0.0%

 

Stranded utility costs

 

6

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

6

 

0.0%

 

Other

 

201

 

 

6

 

 

2

 

 

205

 

0.2%

 

Municipals:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxable

 

3,804

 

 

714

 

 

19

 

 

4,499

 

5.0%

 

Tax-exempt

 

125

 

 

4

 

 

1

 

 

128

 

0.1%

 

Government:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

384

 

 

37

 

 

2

 

 

419

 

0.5%

 

Foreign

 

449

 

 

58

 

 

1

 

 

506

 

0.6%

 

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

 

582

 

 

70

 

 

48

 

 

604

 

0.7%

 

Total fixed maturity AFS securities

 

84,487

 

 

5,832

 

 

1,106

 

 

89,213

 

100.0%

 

Equity AFS Securities

 

260

 

 

19

 

 

4

 

 

275

 

 

 

Total AFS securities

 

84,747

 

 

5,851

 

 

1,110

 

 

89,488

 

 

 

Trading Securities (1)

 

1,517

 

 

206

 

 

11

 

 

1,712

 

 

 

Total AFS and trading securities

$

86,264

 

$

6,057

 

$

1,121

 

$

91,200

 

 

 



(1)

Certain of our trading securities support our modified coinsurance arrangements (Modco), and the investment results are passed directly to the reinsurers.  Refer to Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Consolidated Investments – Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Portfolios – Trading Securities in our 2016 Form 10-K for further details.

(2)

Includes unrealized gains and (losses) on impaired securities related to changes in the fair value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.



80


 

 

AFS Securities



In accordance with the AFS accounting guidance, we reflect stockholders’ equity as if unrealized gains and losses were actually recognized, and consider all related accounting adjustments that would occur upon such a hypothetical recognition of unrealized gains and losses.  Such related balance sheet effects include adjustments to the balances of DAC, VOBA, DFEL, future contract benefits, other contract holder funds and deferred income taxes.  Adjustments to each of these balances are charged or credited to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  For instance, DAC is adjusted upon the recognition of unrealized gains or losses because the amortization of DAC is based upon an assumed emergence of gross profits on certain insurance business.  Deferred income tax balances are also adjusted because unrealized gains or losses do not affect actual taxes currently paid. 



The quality of our AFS fixed maturity securities portfolio, as measured at estimated fair value and by the percentage of fixed maturity AFS securities invested in various ratings categories, relative to the entire fixed maturity AFS security portfolio (in millions) was as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Rating Agency

 

As of September 30, 2017

 

As of December 31, 2016

 

NAIC

 

Equivalent

 

Amortized

 

Fair

 

% of

 

Amortized

 

Fair

 

% of

 

Designation (1)

 

Designation (1)

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Total

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Total

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Grade Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

Aaa / Aa / A

 

$

46,319 

 

$

50,898 

 

54.3% 

 

$

45,661 

 

$

49,061 

 

55.0% 

 

2

 

Baa

 

 

36,572 

 

 

39,185 

 

41.8% 

 

 

34,643 

 

 

36,134 

 

40.5% 

 

Total investment grade securities

 

 

82,891 

 

 

90,083 

 

96.1% 

 

 

80,304 

 

 

85,195 

 

95.5% 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below Investment Grade Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

Ba

 

 

2,512 

 

 

2,574 

 

2.7% 

 

 

2,881 

 

 

2,849 

 

3.2% 

 

4

 

B

 

 

994 

 

 

924 

 

1.0% 

 

 

940 

 

 

845 

 

1.0% 

 

5

 

Caa and lower

 

 

184 

 

 

170 

 

0.2% 

 

 

257 

 

 

223 

 

0.2% 

 

6

 

In or near default

 

 

12 

 

 

16 

 

0.0% 

 

 

105 

 

 

101 

 

0.1% 

 

Total below investment grade securities

 

 

3,702 

 

 

3,684 

 

3.9% 

 

 

4,183 

 

 

4,018 

 

4.5% 

 

Total fixed maturity AFS securities

 

$

86,593 

 

$

93,767 

 

100.0% 

 

$

84,487 

 

$

89,213 

 

100.0% 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total securities below investment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

grade as a percentage of total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

fixed maturity AFS securities

 

 

4.3% 

 

 

3.9% 

 

 

 

 

5.0% 

 

 

4.5% 

 

 

 



(1)

Based upon the rating designations determined and provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) or the major credit rating agencies (Fitch Ratings (Fitch), Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) and S&P).  For securities where the ratings assigned by the major credit rating agencies are not equivalent, the second highest rating assigned is used.  For those securities where ratings by the major credit rating agencies are not available, which does not represent a significant amount of our total fixed maturity AFS securities, we base the ratings disclosed upon internal ratings.  The average credit quality was A- as of September 30, 2017



Comparisons between the NAIC ratings and rating agency designations are published by the NAIC.  The NAIC assigns securities quality ratings and uniform valuations, which are used by insurers when preparing their annual statements.  The NAIC ratings are similar to the rating agency designations of the Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations for marketable bonds.  NAIC ratings 1 and 2 include bonds generally considered investment grade (rated Baa3 or higher by Moody’s, or rated BBB- or higher by S&P and Fitch) by such ratings organizations.  However, securities rated NAIC 1 and 2 could be deemed below investment grade by the rating agencies as a result of the current RBC rules for residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and CMBS for statutory reporting.  NAIC ratings 3 through 6 include bonds generally considered below investment grade (rated Ba or lower by Moody’s, or rated BB+ or lower by S&P and Fitch).



As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, 88.7% and 90.8%, respectively, of the total publicly traded and private securities in an unrealized loss position were investment grade.  Our gross unrealized losses, including the portion of OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”), on AFS securities as of September 30, 2017, decreased by $634 million since December 31, 2016.  As more fully described in Note 1 in our 2016 Form 10-K, we regularly review our investment holdings for OTTI.  We believe the unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2017, does not represent OTTI as:  (i) we do not intend to sell the debt securities; (ii) it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the debt securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis; (iii) the estimated future cash flows are equal to or greater than the amortized cost basis of the debt securities; and (iv) we have the ability and intent to hold the equity securities for a period of time sufficient for recovery.  For further information on our unrealized losses on AFS securities, see Composition by Industry Categories of our Unrealized Losses on AFS Securities below.

81


 

 

In our evaluation of OTTI, we concluded:   (i) that it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the fixed maturity AFS securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis; (ii) that the estimated future cash flows are equal to or greater than the amortized cost basis of the debt securities; and (iii) that we have the ability to hold the equity AFS securities for a period of time sufficient for recovery.  This conclusion is consistent with our asset-liability management process.  Management considers the following as part of the evaluation:



·

The current economic environment and market conditions;

·

Our business strategy and current business plans;

·

The nature and type of security, including expected maturities and exposure to general credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risk;

·

Our analysis of data from financial models and other internal and industry sources to evaluate the current effectiveness of our hedging and overall risk management strategies;

·

The current and expected timing of contractual maturities of our assets and liabilities, expectations of prepayments on investments and expectations for surrenders and withdrawals of life insurance policies and annuity contracts;

·

The capital risk limits approved by management; and

·

Our current financial condition and liquidity demands.



To determine the recoverability of a debt security, we consider the facts and circumstances surrounding the underlying issuer including, but not limited to, the following:



·

Historical and implied volatility of the security;

·

Length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost;

·

Adverse conditions specifically related to the security or to specific conditions in an industry or geographic area;

·

Failure, if any, of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments; and

·

Recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.



As reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, we had $113.7 billion of investments and cash, which exceeded the liabilities for our future obligations under insurance policies and contracts, net of amounts recoverable from reinsurers, which totaled $97.1 billion as of September 30, 2017.  If it were necessary to liquidate securities prior to maturity or call to meet cash flow needs, we would first look to those securities that are in an unrealized gain position, which had a fair value of $82.2 billion as of September 30, 2017, rather than selling securities in an unrealized loss position.  The amount of cash that we have on hand at any point in time takes into account our liquidity needs in the future, other sources of cash, such as the maturities of investments, interest and dividends we earn on our investments and the ongoing cash flows from new and existing business. 



See “AFS Securities – Evaluation for Recovery of Amortized Cost” in Note 1 in our 2016 Form 10-K and Note 4 herein for additional discussion.



As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, the estimated fair value for all private placement securities was $14.8 billion and $14.1 billion, respectively, representing 13% of total invested assets.



For information regarding our VIEs’ fixed maturity securities, see Note 4 in our 2016 Form 10-K and Note 3 herein.  



Mortgage-Backed Securities (Included in AFS and Trading Securities)



See “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Consolidated Investments – Mortgage-Backed Securities” in our 2016 Form 10-K for a discussion of our mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”). 



Our ABS home equity and RMBS had a market value of $4.3 billion and a net unrealized gain of $183 million as of September 30, 2017.    



82


 

 

The market value of AFS securities and trading securities backed by subprime loans was $531 million and represented approximately 1% of our total investment portfolio as of September 30, 2017.  AFS securities represented $526 million, or 99%, and trading securities represented $5 million, or 1%, of the subprime exposure as of September 30, 2017.  The table below summarizes our investments in AFS securities backed by pools of residential mortgages (in millions) as of September 30, 2017:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subprime/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Agency

 

Prime

 

Alt-A

 

Option ARM (1)

 

Total

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Fair

Amortized

Fair

Amortized

Fair

Amortized

Fair

Amortized

Fair

Amortized



Value

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

$

2,491 

 

$

2,409 

 

$

335 

 

$

312 

 

$

296 

 

$

278 

 

$

372 

 

$

340 

 

$

3,494 

 

$

3,339 

 

ABS home equity

 

 

 

 

 

58 

 

 

56 

 

 

144 

 

 

137 

 

 

465 

 

 

435 

 

 

669 

 

 

630 

 

Total by type (2)(3)

$

2,493 

 

$

2,411 

 

$

393 

 

$

368 

 

$

440 

 

$

415 

 

$

837 

 

$

775 

 

$

4,163 

 

$

3,969 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AAA

$

2,453 

 

$

2,372 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

13 

 

$

13 

 

$

2,473 

 

$

2,393 

 

AA

 

34 

 

 

34 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41 

 

 

40 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

11 

 

 

11 

 

 

71 

 

 

69 

 

 

88 

 

 

84 

 

BBB

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

22 

 

 

21 

 

 

33 

 

 

32 

 

 

28 

 

 

28 

 

 

83 

 

 

81 

 

BB and below

 

 

 

 

 

363 

 

 

339 

 

 

395 

 

 

371 

 

 

719 

 

 

660 

 

 

1,478 

 

 

1,371 

 

Total by rating (2)(3)(4)

$

2,493 

 

$

2,411 

 

$

393 

 

$

368 

 

$

440 

 

$

415 

 

$

837 

 

$

775 

 

$

4,163 

 

$

3,969 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Origination Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007 and prior

$

612 

 

$

551 

 

$

393 

 

$

368 

 

$

439 

 

$

414 

 

$

829 

 

$

767 

 

$

2,273 

 

$

2,100 

 

2008

 

31 

 

 

28 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

31 

 

 

28 

 

2009

 

242 

 

 

224 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

 

243 

 

 

225 

 

2010

 

280 

 

 

262 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

280 

 

 

262 

 

2011

 

134 

 

 

128 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

134 

 

 

128 

 

2012

 

57 

 

 

58 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

57 

 

 

58 

 

2013

 

275 

 

 

274 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

275 

 

 

274 

 

2014

 

68 

 

 

66 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

68 

 

 

66 

 

2015

 

147 

 

 

147 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

147 

 

 

147 

 

2016

 

520 

 

 

547 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

521 

 

 

548 

 

2017

 

127 

 

 

126 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

 

134 

 

 

133 

 

Total by origination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

year (2)(3)

$

2,493 

 

$

2,411 

 

$

393 

 

$

368 

 

$

440 

 

$

415 

 

$

837 

 

$

775 

 

$

4,163 

 

$

3,969 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total AFS RMBS as a percentage of total AFS Securities

 

 

4.4% 

 

 

4.6% 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total prime, Alt-A and subprime/option ARM as a percentage of total AFS securities

 

 

1.8% 

 

 

1.8% 

 



(1)

Includes the fair value and amortized cost of option adjustable rate mortgages (“ARM”) within RMBS, totaling $311 million and $281 million, respectively.

(2)

Does not include the fair value of trading securities totaling $118 million that primarily support our Modco reinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers.  The $118 million in trading securities consisted of $111 million prime, $2 million Alt-A and $5 million subprime.

(3)

Does not include the amortized cost of trading securities totaling $112 million that primarily support our Modco reinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers.  The $112 million in trading securities consisted of $105 million prime, $2 million Alt-A and $5 million subprime. 

(4)

Based upon the rating designations determined and provided by the major credit rating agencies (Fitch, Moody’s and S&P).  For securities where the ratings assigned by the major credit rating agencies are not equivalent, the second highest rating assigned is used.  For those securities where ratings by the major credit rating agencies are not available, which does not represent a significant amount of our total fixed maturity AFS securities, we base the ratings disclosed upon internal ratings.



None of these investments included any direct investments in subprime lenders or mortgages.  We are not aware of material exposure to subprime loans in our alternative asset portfolio.

83


 

 

The following summarizes our investments in AFS securities backed by pools of commercial mortgages (in millions) as of September 30, 2017:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Multiple Property

 

Single Property

 

CRE CDOs

 

Total

 



Fair

 

Amortized

 

Fair

 

Amortized

 

Fair

 

Amortized

 

Fair

 

Amortized

 



Value

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CMBS

$

528 

 

$

520 

 

$

15 

 

$

12 

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

543 

 

$

532 

 

CRE CDOs

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

19 

 

 

15 

 

 

19 

 

 

15 

 

Total by type (1)(2)

$

528 

 

$

520 

 

$

15 

 

$

12 

 

$

19 

 

$

15 

 

$

562 

 

$

547 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AAA

$

453 

 

$

451 

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

453 

 

$

451 

 

AA

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

54 

 

 

51 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

66 

 

 

61 

 

BBB

 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

BB and below

 

18 

 

 

15 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

15 

 

 

11 

 

 

33 

 

 

26 

 

Total by rating (1)(2)(3)

$

528 

 

$

520 

 

$

15 

 

$

12 

 

$

19 

 

$

15 

 

$

562 

 

$

547 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Origination Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007 and prior

$

41 

 

$

36 

 

$

15 

 

$

12 

 

$

19 

 

$

15 

 

$

75 

 

$

63 

 

2010

 

48 

 

 

46 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

48 

 

 

46 

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

116 

 

 

115 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

116 

 

 

115 

 

2016

 

85 

 

 

87 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

85 

 

 

87 

 

2017

 

233 

 

 

231 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

233 

 

 

231 

 

Total by origination year (1)(2)

$

528 

 

$

520 

 

$

15 

 

$

12 

 

$

19 

 

$

15 

 

$

562 

 

$

547 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total AFS securities backed by pools of commercial mortgages as a percentage of total AFS securities

 

0.6% 

 

 

0.6% 

 



(1)

Does not include the fair value of trading securities totaling $3 million that primarily support our Modco reinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers.  The $3 million in trading securities consisted of CMBS.  

(2)

Does not include the amortized cost of trading securities totaling $2 million that primarily support our Modco reinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers.  The $2 million in trading securities consisted of CMBS.   

(3)

Based upon the rating designations determined and provided by the major credit rating agencies (Fitch, Moody’s and S&P).  For securities where the ratings assigned by the major credit agencies are not equivalent, the second highest rating assigned is used.  For those securities where ratings by the major credit rating agencies are not available, which does not represent a significant amount of our total fixed maturity AFS securities, we base the ratings disclosed upon internal ratings. 



As of September 30, 2017, the fair value and amortized cost of our AFS exposure to Monoline insurers was $479 million and $437 million, respectively.    



Composition by Industry Categories of our Unrealized Losses on AFS Securities



When considering unrealized gain and loss information, it is important to recognize that the information relates to the position of securities at a particular point in time and may not be indicative of the position of our investment portfolios subsequent to the balance sheet date.  Further, because the timing of the recognition of realized investment gains and losses through the selection of which securities are sold is largely at management’s discretion, it is important to consider the information provided below within the context of the overall unrealized gain or loss position of our investment portfolios.  These are important considerations that should be included in any evaluation of the potential effect of securities in an unrealized loss position on our future earnings. 



84


 

 

The composition by industry categories of all securities in an unrealized loss position (in millions) as of September 30, 2017, was as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

Gross

 



 

 

%

 

 

 

%

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 



Fair

 

Fair

 

Amortized

 

Amortized

 

Losses

 

Losses

 



Value

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Cost

 

and OTTI

 

and OTTI

 

Oil field services

$

319 

 

2.7% 

 

$

384 

 

3.1% 

 

$

65 

 

12.2% 

 

Banking

 

601 

 

5.1% 

 

 

640 

 

5.2% 

 

 

39 

 

7.3% 

 

Independent

 

527 

 

4.4% 

 

 

562 

 

4.5% 

 

 

35 

 

6.6% 

 

Electric

 

750 

 

6.3% 

 

 

773 

 

6.2% 

 

 

23 

 

4.3% 

 

MBS

 

309 

 

2.6% 

 

 

331 

 

2.7% 

 

 

22 

 

4.1% 

 

Diversified manufacturing

 

459 

 

3.9% 

 

 

481 

 

3.9% 

 

 

22 

 

4.1% 

 

Pharmaceuticals

 

582 

 

4.9% 

 

 

603 

 

4.9% 

 

 

21 

 

3.9% 

 

ABS

 

399 

 

3.4% 

 

 

417 

 

3.4% 

 

 

18 

 

3.4% 

 

Food and beverage

 

479 

 

4.0% 

 

 

497 

 

4.0% 

 

 

18 

 

3.4% 

 

Integrated

 

100 

 

0.9% 

 

 

117 

 

1.0% 

 

 

17 

 

3.2% 

 

Chemicals

 

430 

 

3.6% 

 

 

445 

 

3.6% 

 

 

15 

 

2.8% 

 

Property and casualty

 

131 

 

1.1% 

 

 

145 

 

1.2% 

 

 

14 

 

2.6% 

 

Consumer products

 

215 

 

1.8% 

 

 

228 

 

1.8% 

 

 

13 

 

2.5% 

 

CMOs

 

398 

 

3.4% 

 

 

410 

 

3.3% 

 

 

12 

 

2.3% 

 

Retail

 

273 

 

2.3% 

 

 

285 

 

2.3% 

 

 

12 

 

2.3% 

 

Industrial – other

 

340 

 

2.9% 

 

 

350 

 

2.8% 

 

 

10 

 

1.9% 

 

Industries with unrealized losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

less than $10 million

 

5,536 

 

46.7% 

 

 

5,712 

 

46.1% 

 

 

176 

 

33.1% 

 

Total by industry

$

11,848 

 

100.0% 

 

$

12,380 

 

100.0% 

 

$

532 

 

100.0% 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total by industry as a percentage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of total AFS securities

 

12.6% 

 

 

 

 

14.2% 

 

 

 

 

100.0% 

 

 

 



As of September 30, 2017, the fair value and amortized cost of securities subject to enhanced analysis and monitoring for potential changes in unrealized loss position was $104 million and $125 million, respectively. 



Mortgage Loans on Real Estate



The following tables summarize key information on mortgage loans on real estate (in millions):





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of September 30, 2017

 

As of December 31, 2016

 



Carrying

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

 



Value

 

%

 

Value

 

%

 

Credit Quality Indicator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

$

10,376 

 

99.9% 

 

$

9,887 

 

100.0% 

 

Delinquent and/or in foreclosure (1)

 

 

0.1% 

 

 

 

0.0% 

 

Total mortgage loans on real estate

$

10,382 

 

100.0% 

 

$

9,889 

 

100.0% 

 



(1)

As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, there were two and one mortgage loans on real estate that were delinquent and in foreclosure, respectively.



85


 

 

As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, there were two and three impaired mortgage loans on real estate, respectively, or less than 1% of the total dollar amount of mortgage loans on real estate.  The total outstanding principal and interest on the mortgage loans on real estate that were two or more payments delinquent as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, was $6 million and $2 million, respectivelySee Note 1 in our 2016 Form 10-K for more information regarding our accounting policy relating to the impairment of mortgage loans on real estate.





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of

As of

 



September 30,

December 31,

 



 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

By Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

 

$

3,042 

 

 

$

2,699 

 

 

Retirement Plan Services

 

 

3,017 

 

 

 

2,663 

 

 

Life Insurance

 

 

3,621 

 

 

 

3,837 

 

 

Group Protection

 

 

327 

 

 

 

310 

 

 

Other Operations

 

 

375 

 

 

 

380 

 

 

Total mortgage loans on real estate

 

$

10,382 

 

 

$

9,889 

 

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of September 30, 2017

 

 

As of September 30, 2017

 



Carrying

 

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

 



Value

 

%

 

 

Value

 

%

 

Property Type

 

 

 

 

 

State Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

Apartment

$

3,550 

 

34.2% 

 

CA

$

2,200 

 

21.2% 

 

Office building

 

2,404 

 

23.1% 

 

TX

 

1,173 

 

11.3% 

 

Retail

 

1,881 

 

18.1% 

 

MD

 

560 

 

5.4% 

 

Industrial

 

1,782 

 

17.2% 

 

NY

 

488 

 

4.7% 

 

Other commercial

 

370 

 

3.6% 

 

FL

 

450 

 

4.3% 

 

Mixed use

 

358 

 

3.4% 

 

OH

 

444 

 

4.3% 

 

Hotel/motel

 

37 

 

0.4% 

 

VA

 

443 

 

4.3% 

 

Total

$

10,382 

 

100.0% 

 

PA

 

428 

 

4.1% 

 

Geographic Region

 

 

 

 

 

GA

 

399 

 

3.8% 

 

Pacific

$

2,824 

 

27.2% 

 

WA

 

390 

 

3.8% 

 

South Atlantic

 

2,439 

 

23.5% 

 

NC

 

369 

 

3.5% 

 

West South Central

 

1,267 

 

12.2% 

 

TN

 

364 

 

3.5% 

 

East North Central

 

1,197 

 

11.5% 

 

WI

 

307 

 

3.0% 

 

Middle Atlantic

 

947 

 

9.1% 

 

AZ

 

257 

 

2.5% 

 

Mountain

 

624 

 

6.0% 

 

OR

 

234 

 

2.2% 

 

East South Central

 

492 

 

4.8% 

 

MN

 

208 

 

2.0% 

 

West North Central

 

396 

 

3.8% 

 

Other states under 2%

 

1,668 

 

16.1% 

 

New England

 

196 

 

1.9% 

 

Total

$

10,382 

 

100.0% 

 

Total

$

10,382 

 

100.0% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 











 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



As of September 30, 2017

 

 

As of September 30, 2017

 



Principal

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

 



Amount

 

%

 

 

Amount

 

%

 

Origination Year

 

 

 

 

 

Future Principal Payments

 

 

 

 

 

2012 and prior

$

3,022 

 

29.1% 

 

2017

$

32 

 

0.3% 

 

2013

 

916 

 

8.9% 

 

2018

 

553 

 

5.3% 

 

2014

 

1,225 

 

11.8% 

 

2019

 

204 

 

2.0% 

 

2015

 

1,861 

 

17.9% 

 

2020

 

146 

 

1.4% 

 

2016

 

2,030 

 

19.5% 

 

2021

 

663 

 

6.4% 

 

2017

 

1,330 

 

12.8% 

 

2022 and thereafter

 

8,786 

 

84.6% 

 

Total

$

10,384 

 

100.0% 

 

Total

$

10,384 

 

100.0% 

 



See Note 4 for information regarding our loan-to-value and debt-service coverage ratios and our allowance for loan losses.









86


 

 

Alternative Investments



Investment income (loss) on alternative investments by business segment (in millions) was as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Annuities

$

 

$

 

-17%

 

$

19 

 

$

 

217% 

 

Retirement Plan Services

 

 

 

 

0% 

 

 

10 

 

 

 

233% 

 

Life Insurance

 

28 

 

 

28 

 

0% 

 

 

103 

 

 

31 

 

232% 

 

Group Protection

 

 

 

 

0% 

 

 

 

 

 

250% 

 

Other Operations

 

 

 

 

0% 

 

 

 

 

 

200% 

 

Total (1)

$

38 

 

$

39 

 

-3%

 

$

142 

 

$

43 

 

230% 

 



(1)

Includes net investment income on the alternative investments supporting the required statutory surplus of our insurance businesses.



As of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, alternative investments included investments in 216 and 202 different partnerships, respectively, and the portfolio represented approximately 1% of our overall invested assets.  The partnerships do not represent off-balance sheet financing and generally involve several third-party partners.  Some of our partnerships contain capital calls, which require us to contribute capital upon notification by the general partner.  These capital calls are contemplated during the initial investment decision and are planned for well in advance of the call date.  The capital calls are not material in size and are not material to our liquidity.  Alternative investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are included in other investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.



Non-Income Producing Investments



The carrying amount of fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and real estate that were non-income producing as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, was $9 million and $7 million, respectively.  



Net Investment Income



Details underlying net investment income (in millions) and our investment yield were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities

$

1,038

 

$

1,032

 

1%

 

$

3,120

 

$

3,137

 

-1%

 

Equity AFS securities

 

3

 

 

2

 

50%

 

 

7

 

 

8

 

-13%

 

Trading securities

 

23

 

 

24

 

-4%

 

 

71

 

 

75

 

-5%

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

 

110

 

 

107

 

3%

 

 

328

 

 

282

 

16%

 

Real estate

 

1

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

2

 

 

1

 

100%

 

Policy loans

 

33

 

 

36

 

-8%

 

 

101

 

 

106

 

-5%

 

Invested cash

 

4

 

 

5

 

-20%

 

 

8

 

 

11

 

-27%

 

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and bond make-whole premiums (1)

 

33

 

 

50

 

-34%

 

 

87

 

 

77

 

13%

 

Alternative investments (2)

 

38

 

 

39

 

-3%

 

 

142

 

 

43

 

230%

 

Consent fees

 

2

 

 

1

 

100%

 

 

4

 

 

4

 

0%

 

Other investments

 

 -

 

 

1

 

-100%

 

 

1

 

 

1

 

0%

 

Investment income

 

1,285

 

 

1,297

 

-1%

 

 

3,871

 

 

3,745

 

3%

 

Investment expense

 

(46

)

 

(38

)

-21%

 

 

(133

)

 

(115

)

-16%

 

Net investment income

$

1,239

 

$

1,259

 

-2%

 

$

3,738

 

$

3,630

 

3%

 



(1)

See Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums below for additional information.

(2)

See “Alternative Investments” above for additional information.

















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

87


 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

Basis

 

 

Months Ended

 

Basis

 



September 30,

 

Point

 

 

September 30,

 

Point

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Interest Rate Yield

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

real estate and other, net of investment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

expenses

4.52%

 

4.68%

 

(16

)

 

4.57%

 

4.72%

 

(15

)

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bond make-whole premiums

0.13%

 

0.20%

 

(7

)

 

0.11%

 

0.10%

 

1

 

Alternative investments

0.15%

 

0.16%

 

(1

)

 

0.18%

 

0.06%

 

12

 

Net investment income yield on invested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

assets

4.80%

 

5.04%

 

(24

)

 

4.86%

 

4.88%

 

(2

)








 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Average invested assets at amortized cost

$

103,163 

 

$

100,007 

 

 

3% 

 

$

102,476 

 

$

99,147 

 

3% 

 



We earn investment income on our general account assets supporting fixed annuity, term life, whole life, UL, interest-sensitive whole life and the fixed portion of retirement plan and VUL products.  The profitability of our fixed annuity and life insurance products is affected by our ability to achieve target spreads, or margins, between the interest income earned on the general account assets and the interest credited to the contract holder on our average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable.  Net investment income and the interest rate yield table each include commercial mortgage loan prepayments and bond make-whole premiums, alternative investments and contingent interest and standby real estate equity commitments.  These items can vary significantly from period to period due to a number of factors and, therefore, can provide results that are not indicative of the underlying trends.



Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums



Prepayment and make-whole premiums are collected when borrowers elect to call or prepay their debt prior to the stated maturity.  A prepayment or make-whole premium allows investors to attain the same yield as if the borrower made all scheduled interest payments until maturity.  These premiums are designed to make investors indifferent to prepayment.



Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments



Details of the realized gain (loss) related to certain investments (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross gains

$

7

 

$

2

 

250%

 

$

19

 

$

64

 

-70%

 

Gross losses

 

(22

)

 

(37

)

41%

 

 

(47

)

 

(200

)

77%

 

Equity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross gains

 

1

 

 

4

 

-75%

 

 

2

 

 

6

 

-67%

 

Gross losses

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

100%

 

Gain (loss) on other investments

 

 -

 

 

(4

)

100%

 

 

(6

)

 

(67

)

91%

 

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSI and DFEL and changes in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other contract holder funds

 

(5

)

 

(7

)

29%

 

 

(17

)

 

(15

)

-13%

 

Total realized gain (loss) related to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

certain investments, pre-tax

$

(19

)

$

(42

)

55%

 

$

(49

)

$

(213

)

77%

 



(1)

These amounts are represented net of related fair value hedging activity.  See Note 5 for more information.









88


 

 

Amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in other contract holder funds reflect an assumption for an expected level of credit-related investment losses.  When actual credit-related investment losses are realized, we recognize a true-up to our DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL amortization and changes in other contract holder funds within realized losses reflecting the incremental effect of actual versus expected credit-related investment losses.  These actual to expected amortization adjustments could create volatility in net realized gains and losses.



Realized gains and losses generally originate from asset sales to reposition the portfolio or to respond to product experience.  During the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, we sold securities for gains and losses. In the process of evaluating whether a security with an unrealized loss reflects declines that are other-than-temporary, we consider our ability and intent to sell the security prior to a recovery of value.  However, subsequent decisions on securities sales are made within the context of overall risk monitoring, assessing value relative to other comparable securities and overall portfolio maintenance.  Although our portfolio managers may, at a given point in time, believe that the preferred course of action is to hold securities with unrealized losses that are considered temporary until such losses are recovered, the dynamic nature of portfolio management may result in a subsequent decision to sell.  These subsequent decisions are consistent with the classification of our investment portfolio as AFS.  We expect to continue to manage all non-trading invested assets within our portfolios in a manner that is consistent with the AFS classification.



We consider economic factors and circumstances within countries and industries where recent write-downs have occurred in our assessment of the position of securities we own of similarly situated issuers.  While it is possible for realized or unrealized losses on a particular investment to affect other investments, our risk management strategy has been designed to identify correlation risks and other risks inherent in managing an investment portfolio.  Once identified, strategies and procedures are developed to effectively monitor and manage these risks.  The areas of risk correlation that we pay particular attention to are risks that may be correlated within specific financial and business markets, risks within specific industries and risks associated with related parties.



When the detailed analysis by our external asset managers and investment portfolio managers leads us to the conclusion that a security’s decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, the security is written down to estimated recovery value.  In instances where declines are considered temporary, the security will continue to be carefully monitored.  See “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Investments – Write-downs for OTTI and Allowance for Losses” in our 2016 Form 10-K for additional information on our portfolio management strategy.



Details underlying write-downs taken as a result of OTTI (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$

(8

)

$

(6

)

-33%

 

$

(13

)

$

(68

)

81%

 

ABS

 

(1

)

 

(1

)

0%

 

 

(2

)

 

(4

)

50%

 

RMBS

 

 -

 

 

(3

)

100%

 

 

(1

)

 

(6

)

83%

 

CMBS

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

100%

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

100%

 

State and municipal bonds

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

(1

)

 

 -

 

NM

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

(9

)

 

(11

)

18%

 

 

(17

)

 

(79

)

78%

 

Equity securities

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

 -

 

 

(1

)

100%

 

Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)

 

(9

)

 

(11

)

18%

 

 

(17

)

 

(80

)

79%

 

Associated amortization of DAC,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

1

 

 

(2

)

150%

 

 

1

 

 

4

 

-75%

 

Net OTTI recognized in net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(loss), pre-tax

$

(8

)

$

(13

)

38%

 

$

(16

)

$

(76

)

79%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portion of OTTI Recognized in OCI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross OTTI recognized in OCI

$

1

 

$

12

 

-92%

 

$

1

 

$

48

 

-98%

 

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

 -

 

 

(3

)

100%

 

 

 -

 

 

(11

)

100%

 

Net portion of OTTI recognized in OCI,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     pre-tax

$

1

 

$

9

 

-89%

 

$

1

 

$

37

 

-97%

 



The $17 million of impairments taken during the first nine months of 2017 were all credit-related impairments.  The decrease in write-downs for OTTI when comparing the first nine months of 2017 to the corresponding period in 2016 was primarily attributable to the stabilization of certain corporate bond holdings within the energy and other commodity sectors that experienced deteriorating fundamentals in prior quarters.





89


 

 

REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION



Liquidity and Capital Resources



Sources of Liquidity and Cash Flow





Liquidity refers to the ability of an enterprise to generate adequate amounts of cash from its normal operations to meet cash requirements with a prudent margin of safety.  Our principal sources of cash flow from operating activities are insurance premiums and fees and investment income, while sources of cash flows from investing activities result from maturities and sales of invested assets.  Our operating activities provided cash of $609 million and  $680 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  When considering our liquidity and cash flow, it is important to distinguish between the needs of our insurance subsidiaries and the needs of the holding company, LNC.  As a holding company with no operations of its own, LNC derives its cash primarily from its operating subsidiaries. 



The sources of liquidity of the holding company are principally comprised of dividends and interest payments from subsidiaries, augmented by holding company short-term investments, bank lines of credit and the ongoing availability of long-term public financing under an SEC-filed shelf registration statement.  These sources of liquidity and cash flow support the general corporate needs of the holding company, including its common stock dividends, interest and debt service, funding of callable securities, securities repurchases, acquisitions and investment in core businesses. 



Details underlying the primary sources of our holding company cash flows (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Dividends from Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lincoln National Life Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

$

300

 

$

225

 

33%

 

$

754

 

$

750

 

1%

 

First Penn-Pacific

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

20

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

Lincoln National Management Corporation

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

65

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

Total dividends from subsidiaries

$

300

 

$

225

 

33%

 

$

839

 

$

750

 

12%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loan Repayments and Interest from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on inter-company notes

$

12

 

$

30

 

-60%

 

$

92

 

$

88

 

5%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Cash Flow Items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts received from (paid for taxes on)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

stock option exercises and restricted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

stock, net

$

7

 

$

1

 

NM

 

$

49

 

$

(10

)

NM

 



The table above focuses on significant and recurring cash flow items and excludes the effects of certain financing activities, namely the periodic issuance and retirement of debt and cash flows related to our inter-company cash management program (discussed below).  Taxes have been eliminated from the analysis due to a tax sharing agreement among our primary subsidiaries resulting in a modest effect on net cash flows at the holding company.  Also excluded from this analysis is the modest amount of investment income on short-term investments of the holding company.    For information regarding limits on the dividends that our insurance subsidiaries may pay without prior approval, see “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Review of Consolidated Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Restrictions on Dividends from Subsidiaries” in our 2016 Form 10-K as updated by “Part I – Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Review of Consolidated Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Restrictions on Dividends from Subsidiaries” in our first quarter of 2017 Form 10-Q.



Insurance Subsidiaries’ Statutory Capital and Surplus



Our regulatory capital levels are also affected by statutory accounting rules, which are subject to change by each applicable insurance regulator.  Our term products and UL products containing secondary guarantees require reserves calculated pursuant to XXX and AG38, respectively.  During the third quarter of 2013, the New York State Department of Financial Services announced that it would not recognize the NAIC revisions to AG38 in applying the New York law governing the reserves to be held for UL and VUL products containing secondary guarantees.  The change, which was effective as of December 31, 2013, impacted the Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York (“LLANY”).  Although LLANY discontinued the sale of these products in early 2013, the change affected those policies previously sold.  We began phasing in the increase in reserves in 2013 at $90 million per year over five years, with the final

90


 

 

increase in reserves occurring during the fourth quarter of 2017.  As of September 30, 2017, we had increased reserves by $360 million.  In April 2016, LLANY entered into a third-party reinsurance arrangement primarily covering UL policies containing secondary guarantees issued between 2002 through 2014 that mitigates the financial impact of the increase of these reserves.



As discussed in Part I – Item 1. Risk Factors – Legislative, Regulatory, and Tax – Attempts to mitigate the impact of Regulation XXX and Actuarial Guideline 38 may fail in whole or in part resulting in an adverse effect on our financial condition and result of operations, our insurance subsidiaries employ strategies to reduce the strain caused by XXX and AG38 by reinsuring the business to insurance captives.  Our captive reinsurance and reinsurance subsidiaries provide a mechanism for financing a portion of the excess reserve amounts in a more efficient manner.  We use long-dated LOCs and debt financing as well as other financing strategies to finance those reserves.  Included in the LOCs issued as of September 30, 2017, was approximately $2.3 billion of long-dated LOCs issued to support inter-company reinsurance arrangements for UL products containing secondary guarantees ($350 million will expire in 2019 and $1.9 billion relates to arrangements that will expire by 2031).  Our captive reinsurance and reinsurance subsidiaries have also issued long-term notes of $3.0 billion to finance a portion of the excess reserves as of September 30, 2017; of this amount, $1.9 billion involve exposure to VIEs as disclosed in Note 4 in our 2016 Form 10-K.  We have also used the proceeds from senior note issuances of $875 million to execute long-term structured solutions supporting reinsurance of UL products containing secondary guarantees.  LOCs and related capital market solutions lower the capital effect of term products and UL products containing secondary guarantees.  An inability to obtain appropriate capital market solutions could affect our returns on our in-force term products and UL products containing secondary guarantees.  However, we believe that we have sufficient capital to support the increase in statutory reserves, based on our current reserve projections, if such structures were no longer available.



Our captive reinsurance and reinsurance subsidiaries free up capital the insurance subsidiaries can use for any number of purposes, including paying dividends to the holding company.  Actuarial Guideline 48 (AG48) regulates the terms of captive reinsurance arrangements that are entered into or amended in certain ways after December 31, 2014.  AG48 imposes restrictions on the types of assets that can be used to support these arrangements.  We have implemented and plan to continue to implement these arrangements in compliance with AG48.    The NAIC’s adoption of the new Valuation Manual that defines a principles-based reserving framework for newly issued life insurance policies was effective January 1, 2017.  Principles-based reserving places a greater weight on our past experience and anticipated future experience as well as considers current economic conditions in calculating life insurance product reserves in accordance with statutory accounting principles.  We adopted the new framework for primarily our newly issued term business in 2017 and will phase in the framework prior to January 1, 2020, for all other newly issued life insurance products.  We believe that these changes may reduce our future use of captive reinsurance and reinsurance subsidiaries for reserve financing transactions for our life insurance business.  For more information on principles-based reserving, see “Part I – Item 1. Business – Regulatory – Insurance Regulation in our 2016 Form 10-K.”



Statutory reserves established for variable annuity contracts and riders are sensitive to changes in the equity markets and are affected by the level of account values relative to the level of any guarantees, product design and reinsurance arrangements.  As a result, the relationship between reserve changes and equity market performance is non-linear during any given reporting period.  Market conditions greatly influence the ultimate capital required due to its effect on the valuation of reserves and derivative assets hedging these reserves.  We also utilize inter-company reinsurance arrangements to manage our hedge program for variable annuity guarantees.  The NAIC through its various committees, task forces and working groups has been evaluating the adequacy of existing NAIC model regulations with a focus on targeted improvements to the statutory reserving and accounting framework for variable annuities.



We continue to analyze the use of our existing captive reinsurance structures, as well as additional third-party reinsurance arrangements, and our current hedging strategies relative to managing the effects of equity markets and interest rates on the statutory reserves, statutory capital and the dividend capacity of our life insurance subsidiaries.



Financing Activities



Although our subsidiaries currently generate adequate cash flow to meet the needs of our normal operations, periodically we may issue debt or equity securities to maintain ratings and increase liquidity, as well as to fund internal growth, acquisitions and the retirement of our debt and equity securities. 



We currently have an effective shelf registration statement, which allows us to issue, in unlimited amounts, securities, including debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and depository shares. 



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Details underlying debt and financing activities (in millions) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Maturities,

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments

 

in Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Beginning

 

 

 

 

and

 

Value

 

 

Other

 

 

Ending



Balance

 

Issuance

 

Refinancing

 

Hedges

 

Changes (1)

 

Balance

Short-Term Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt (2)

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$

450

 

 

$

450



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior notes

$

3,888

 

$

 -

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$

3

 

 

$

(198

)

 

$

3,693

Bank borrowing

 

250

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(250

)

 

 

 -

Capital securities (3)

 

1,207

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

1,207

Total long-term debt

$

5,345

 

$

 -

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$

3

 

 

$

(448

)

 

$

4,900



(1)

Includes the net increase (decrease) in commercial paper, non-cash reclassification of long-term debt to current maturities of long-term debt, accretion (amortization) of discounts and premiums and amortization of debt issuance costs, as applicable.

(2)

As of September 30, 2017, consisted of a $200 million 7% fixed-rate senior note maturing on March 15, 2018, and a $250 million floating-rate senior note maturing on June 6, 2018.

(3)

To hedge the variability in rates, we have purchased forward starting swaps to lock in a fixed rate of approximately 5% over the remaining terms of the capital securities.



As of September 30, 2017, the holding company had available liquidity of $569 million.  Available liquidity consists of cash and invested cash, excluding cash held as collateral, and certain short-term investments that can be readily converted into cash, net of commercial paper outstanding.



For more information about our short-term and long-term debt and our credit facilities and LOCs, see Note 12 in our 2016 Form 10-K.



We have not accounted for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, or other transactions involving the transfer of financial assets with an obligation to repurchase the transferred assets as sales.  For information about our collateralized financing transactions on our investments, see Payables for Collateral on Investments in Note 4.



If current credit ratings or claims-paying ratings were downgraded in the future, terms in our derivative agreements may be triggered, which could negatively affect overall liquidity.  For the majority of our counterparties, there is a termination event with respect to LNC if its long-term senior debt ratings drop below BBB-/Baa3 (S&P/Moody’s); or with respect to Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“LNL”) if its financial strength ratings drop below BBB-/Baa3 (S&P/Moody’s).  Our long-term senior debt held a rating of A-/Baa1 (S&P/Moody’s) as of September 30, 2017.  In addition, contractual selling agreements with intermediaries could be negatively affected, which could have an adverse effect on overall sales of annuities, life insurance and investment products.  See Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Liquidity and Capital Position – A decrease in the capital and surplus of our insurance subsidiaries may result in a downgrade to our credit and insurer financial strength ratings and Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Covenants and Ratings – A downgrade in our financial strength or credit ratings could limit our ability to market products, increase the number or value of policies being surrendered and/or hurt our relationships with creditors in our 2016 Form 10-K for more information.  See Part I – Item 1. Business – Financial Strength Ratings in our 2016 Form 10-K for additional information on our current financial strength ratings.



See Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Review of Consolidated Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Financing Activities in our 2016 Form 10-K for information on our credit ratings.



Alternative Sources of Liquidity



In order to manage our capital more efficiently, we have an inter-company cash management program where certain subsidiaries can lend to or borrow from the holding company to meet short-term borrowing needs.  The cash management program is essentially a series of demand loans between LNC and participating subsidiaries that reduces overall borrowing costs by allowing LNC and its subsidiaries to access internal resources instead of incurring third-party transaction costs.  As of September 30, 2017, the holding company had a net outstanding receivable (payable) of $75 million from (to) certain subsidiaries resulting from loans made by subsidiaries in excess of amounts placed (borrowed) by the holding company and subsidiaries in the inter-company cash management account.  Any change in holding company cash management program balances is offset by the immediate and equal change in holding company cash and invested cash.  Loans under the cash management program are permitted under applicable insurance laws subject to certain restrictions.  For our Indiana-domiciled insurance subsidiaries, the borrowing and lending limit is currently 3% of the insurance company’s admitted assets as of its most recent year end.  For our New York-domiciled insurance subsidiary, it may borrow from LNC less than 2% of its admitted assets as of the last year end but may not lend any amounts to LNC.



Our insurance subsidiaries, by virtue of their general account fixed-income investment holdings, can access liquidity through securities lending programs and repurchase agreements.  Our primary insurance subsidiary, LNL, is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”).  Membership allows LNL access to the FHLBI’s financial services, including the ability to obtain loans and to

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issue funding agreements as an alternative source of liquidity that are collateralized by qualifying mortgage-related assets, agency securities or U.S. Treasury securities.  Based on regulatory limitations, LNL had an estimated maximum borrowing capacity of $5.0 billion under the FHLBI facility as of September 30, 2017.  Borrowings under this facility are subject to the FHLBI’s discretion and require the availability of qualifying assets at LNL.  As of September 30, 2017, our insurance subsidiaries had investments with a carrying value of $4.0 billion out on loan or subject to repurchase agreements.  The cash received in our securities lending programs and repurchase agreements is typically invested in cash equivalents, short-term investments or fixed maturity securities.  For additional details, see Payables for Collateral on Investments in Note 4.



Cash Flows from Collateral on Derivatives



Our cash flows associated with collateral received from and posted with counterparties change as the market value of the underlying derivative contract changes.  As the value of a derivative asset decreases (or increases), the collateral required to be posted by our counterparties would also decrease (or increase).  Likewise, when the value of a derivative liability decreases (or increases), the collateral we are required to post to our counterparties would also decrease (or increase).  In the event of adverse changes in fair value of our derivative instruments, we may need to post collateral with a counterparty if our net derivative liability position reaches certain contractual levels.  If we do not have sufficient high quality securities or cash and invested cash to provide as collateral, we have liquidity sources, as discussed above, to leverage that would be eligible for collateral posting.    For additional information, see Credit Risk in Note 5.



Divestitures



For a discussion of our divestitures, see Note 3 in our 2016 Form 10-K.



Uses of Capital



Our principal uses of cash are to pay policy claims and benefits, operating expenses, commissions and taxes, to purchase new investments, to purchase reinsurance, to fund policy surrenders and withdrawals, to pay dividends to our stockholders, to repurchase our stock and to repay debt.



Return of Capital to Common Stockholders



One of the Company’s primary goals is to provide a return to our common stockholders through share price accretion, dividends and stock repurchases.  In determining dividends, the Board of Directors takes into consideration items such as current and expected earnings, capital needs, rating agency considerations and requirements for financial flexibility.  The amount and timing of share repurchase depends on key capital ratios, rating agency expectations, the generation of free cash flow and an evaluation of the costs and benefits associated with alternative uses of capital.  Free cash flow for the holding company generally represents the amount of dividends and interest received from subsidiaries less interest paid on debt.



Details underlying this activity (in millions, except per share data), were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Common dividends to stockholders

$

64 

 

$

58 

 

10% 

 

$

195 

 

$

179 

 

9% 

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

200 

 

 

200 

 

0% 

 

 

600 

 

 

675 

 

-11%

 

Total cash returned to stockholders

$

264 

 

$

258 

 

2% 

 

$

795 

 

$

854 

 

-7%

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of shares repurchased

 

2.834 

 

 

4.318 

 

-34%

 

 

8.728 

 

 

16.078 

 

-46%

 

Average price per share

$

70.59 

 

$

46.33 

 

52% 

 

$

69.45 

 

$

42.00 

 

65% 

 



On October 31, 2017, our Board of Directors approved an increase of the quarterly dividend on our common stock from $0.29 to $0.33 per share.  Additionally, we expect to repurchase additional shares of common stock during the remainder of 2017 depending on market conditions and alternative uses of capital.  For more information regarding share repurchases, see Part II – Item 2(c) below.



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Other Uses of Capital



In addition to the amounts in the table above in Return of Capital to Common Stockholders, other uses of holding company cash flow (in millions) were as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



For the Three

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 



Months Ended

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 



September 30,

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 



2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

2017

 

2016

 

Change

 

Debt service (interest paid)

$

67 

 

$

68 

 

-1%

 

$

194 

 

$

207 

 

-6%

 

Capital contribution to subsidiaries

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

 

60 

 

 

 -

 

NM

 

Total

$

67 

 

$

68 

 

-1%

 

$

254 

 

$

207 

 

23% 

 



The above table focuses on significant and recurring cash flow items and excludes the effects of certain financing activities, namely the periodic retirement of debt and cash flows related to our inter-company cash management account.  Taxes have been eliminated from the analysis due to a tax sharing agreement among our primary subsidiaries resulting in a modest effect on net cash flows at the holding company.



Significant Trends in Sources and Uses of Cash Flow



As stated above, LNC’s cash flow, as a holding company, is largely dependent upon the dividend capacity of its insurance company subsidiaries as well as their ability to advance funds to it through inter-company borrowing arrangements, which may be affected by factors influencing the insurance subsidiaries’ RBC and statutory earnings performance.  We currently expect to be able to meet the holding company’s ongoing cash needs and to have sufficient capital to offer downside protection in the event that the capital and credit markets experience another period of extreme volatility and disruption.  A decline in capital market conditions, which reduces our insurance subsidiaries’ statutory surplus and RBC, may require them to retain more capital and may pressure our subsidiaries’ dividends to the holding company, which may lead us to take steps to preserve or raise additional capital.  For factors that could affect our expectations for liquidity and capital, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2016 Form 10-K as updated by “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first and second quarter 2017 Forms 10-Q and below.



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” above and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2016 Form 10-K as updated by “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first and second quarter 2017 Forms 10-Q and below.



Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk



We analyze and manage the risks arising from market exposures of financial instruments, as well as other risks, in an integrated asset-liability management process that considers diversification.  By aggregating the potential effect of market and other risks on the entire enterprise, we estimate, review and in some cases manage the risk to our earnings and shareholder value.  We have exposures to several market risks including interest rate risk, equity market risk, default risk, credit risk and, to a lesser extent, foreign currency exchange risk.  The exposures of financial instruments to market risks, and the related risk management processes, are most important to our business where most of the invested assets support accumulation and investment-oriented insurance products.  As an important element of our integrated asset-liability management processes, we use derivatives to minimize the effects of changes in interest levels, the shape of the yield curve, currency movements and volatility.  In this context, derivatives serve to minimize interest rate risk by mitigating the effect of significant increases in interest rates on our earnings.  Additional market exposures exist in our other general account insurance products and in our debt structure and derivatives positions.  Our primary sources of market risk are substantial, relatively rapid and sustained increases or decreases in interest rates or a sharp drop in equity market values.  These market risks are discussed in detail in the following pages and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements presented in Item 1. Financial Statements, as well as Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”



Interest Rate Risk  



Effect of Interest Rate Sensitivity



For information about the effect of interest rate sensitivity on our income (loss) from operations, see Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk  Effect of Interest Rate Sensitivity” in our 2016 Form 10-K.



Interest Rate Risk on Fixed Insurance Businesses



In periods of low interest rates, we have to reinvest the cash we receive as interest or return of principal on our investments in lower yielding instruments.  Moreover, borrowers may prepay fixed-income securities, commercial mortgages and mortgage-backed securities in our general accounts in order to borrow at lower market rates, which exacerbates this risk.  Because we are entitled to reset the interest rates on our fixed-rate annuities only at limited, pre-established intervals, and because many of our contracts have guaranteed minimum interest or crediting rates, our spreads could decrease and potentially become negative. 

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Prolonged historically low rates are not healthy for our business fundamentals.  However, we have recognized this risk and have been proactive in our investment strategies, product designs, crediting rate strategies and overall asset-liability practices to mitigate the risk of unfavorable consequences in this type of environment.  For some time now, new products have been sold with low minimum crediting floors, and we apply disciplined asset-liability management standards, such as locking in spreads on these products at the time of issue.    See Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease and changes in interest rates may also result in increased contract withdrawals in our 2016 Form 10-K for additional information on interest rate risks.



The following provides detail on the percentage differences between the September 30, 2017, interest rates being credited to contract holders based on the third quarter of 2017 declared rates and the respective minimum guaranteed policy rate (in millions), broken out by contract holder account values reported within our segments:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Account Values

 



 

 

 

Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

%  

 



 

 

 

 

Plan

 

 

Life

 

 

 

 

 

Account

 



Annuities

 

 

Services

 

Insurance (1)

 

Total

 

Values

 

Excess of Crediting Rates over Contract Minimums

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discretionary rate setting products: (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Occurring within the next twelve months: (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No difference

$

8,789 

 

 

$

12,736 

 

 

$

33,152 

 

 

$

54,677 

 

72.9% 

 

Up to 0.50%

 

2,172 

 

 

 

843 

 

 

 

248 

 

 

 

3,263 

 

4.3% 

 

0.51% to 1.00%

 

3,094 

 

 

 

1,009 

 

 

 

128 

 

 

 

4,231 

 

5.6% 

 

1.01% to 1.50%

 

1,615 

 

 

 

194 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

1,809 

 

2.4% 

 

1.51% to 2.00%

 

144 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

107 

 

 

 

251 

 

0.3% 

 

2.01% to 2.50%

 

30 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

30 

 

0.0% 

 

2.51% to 3.00%

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

0.0% 

 

3.01% or greater

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

0.0% 

 

Occurring after the next twelve months (4)

 

4,548 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

4,548 

 

6.0% 

 

Total discretionary rate setting products

 

20,399 

 

 

 

14,782 

 

 

 

33,635 

 

 

 

68,816 

 

91.5% 

 

Other contracts (5)

 

2,532 

 

 

 

3,844 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

6,376 

 

8.5% 

 

Total account values

$

22,931 

 

 

$

18,626 

 

 

$

33,635 

 

 

$

75,192 

 

100.0% 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of discretionary rate setting product account

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

values at minimum guaranteed rates

 

43.1% 

 

 

 

86.2% 

 

 

 

98.6% 

 

 

 

79.5% 

 

 

 



(1)

Excludes policy loans.

(2)

Contracts currently within new money rate bands are grouped according to the corresponding portfolio rate band in which they will fall upon their first anniversary.

(3)

The average crediting rates were  34 basis points,  8 basis points and 1 basis points in excess of average minimum guaranteed rates for our Annuities, Retirement Plan Services and Life Insurance segments, respectively.

(4)

The average crediting rates were 101 basis points in excess of average minimum guaranteed rates.  Of our account values for these products, 17% are scheduled to reset in more than one year but not more than two years; 16% are scheduled to reset in more than two years but not more than three years; and 67% are scheduled to reset in more than three years.

(5)

For Annuities, this amount relates primarily to income annuity and short-term dollar cost averaging business.  For Retirement Plan Services, this amount relates primarily to indexed-based rate setting products in which the average crediting rates were  22 basis points in excess of average minimum guaranteed rates, and 72%  of account values were already at their minimum guaranteed rates.



The maturity structure and call provisions of the related portfolios are structured to afford protection against erosion of investment portfolio yields during periods of declining interest rates.  We devote extensive effort to evaluating the risks associated with falling interest rates by simulating asset and liability cash flows for a wide range of interest rate scenarios.  We seek to manage these exposures by maintaining a suitable maturity structure and by limiting our exposure to call risk in each respective investment portfolio.



Long-Term New Money Investment Yield Sensitivity



For information about the effect of long-term new money investment yield sensitivity on our income (loss) from operations, see Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk Long-Term New Money Investment Yield Sensitivity” in our 2016 Form 10-K.



Derivatives



See Note 5  for information on our derivatives used to hedge our exposure to changes in interest rates.



95


 

 

Equity Market Risk



Our revenues, assets and liabilities are exposed to equity market risk that we often hedge with derivatives.  Due to the use of our RTM process and our hedging strategies, we expect that, in general, short-term fluctuations in the equity markets should not have a significant effect on our quarterly earnings from unlocking of assumptions for DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL.  However, earnings are affected by equity market movements on account values and assets under management and the related fees we earn on those assets.  Refer to “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL” in our 2016 Form 10-K for further discussion of the effects of equity markets on our RTM.    



Effect of Equity Market Sensitivity



For information about the effect of equity market sensitivity on our income (loss) from operations, see Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Equity Market Risk Effect of Equity Market Sensitivity” in our 2016 Form 10-K.



Credit Risk



We may use credit-related derivatives to minimize our exposure to credit-related events, and we also sell credit default swaps to offer credit protection to our contract holders and investors.  Additionally, we are exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by our counterparties on various derivative contracts.  See Note 5 for additional information on our credit risk. 



Item 4.    Controls and Procedures



Conclusions Regarding Disclosure Controls and Procedures



We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  As of the end of the period required by this report, we, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act).  Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries required to be disclosed in our periodic reports under the Exchange Act.



Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting



There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2017, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met.  Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected.  Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks.  Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.



96


 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION



Item 1Legal Proceedings



Information regarding reportable legal proceedings is contained in Note 8 in Part I – Item 1.



Item 1ARisk Factors



Legislative, Regulatory and Tax



Federal Regulation



Department of Labor regulation defining fiduciary could cause changes to the manner in which we deliver products and services as well as changes in nature and amount of compensation and fees.



On April 8, 2016, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) released the DOL Fiduciary Rule, which became effective on June 9, 2017, and substantially expanded the range of activities that are considered to be fiduciary investment advice under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code.  The DOL Fiduciary Rule provided for a phased implementation of the provisions of this new regulation, with the first part effective on June 9, 2017, and full implementation on January 1, 2018.  Under the DOL Fiduciary Rule, the investment-related information and support that our advisors and employees may provide to plan sponsors, participants and IRA holders on a non-fiduciary basis is more limited than what was previously allowed by regulation.    As a result, changes to the methods that we use to (i) deliver products and services, and (ii) pay and receive compensation for our investment-related products and services have occurred, which may impact future sales or margins.  In addition, to the extent that advisors with our affiliated retail broker-dealers (Lincoln Financial Network) provide fiduciary investment advice as defined in the DOL Fiduciary Rule, it could expose those broker-dealers and their advisors to additional risk of legal liability in connection with that advice, which ultimately impacts us.



On February 3, 2017, President Trump directed the DOL to prepare an updated economic and legal analysis on whether the DOL Fiduciary Rule (i) has harmed or is likely to harm investors due to a reduction of Americans’ access to certain retirement savings offerings, retirement product structures, retirement savings information or related advice, (ii) has resulted in dislocations or disruptions within the retirement services industry that may adversely affect investors or retirees and (iii) is likely to cause an increase in litigation and an increase in prices that investors or retirees must pay to gain access to retirement services.



On April 7, 2017, the DOL issued a final rule delaying the applicability date of the DOL Fiduciary Rule and related exemptions from April 10, 2017, to June 9, 2017.  The DOL also changed some requirements initially released in April 2016, including (i) advisers relying on the Best Interest Contract Exemption will need to adhere to the Impartial Conduct Standards during the transition period of June 9, 2017, through January 1, 2018, but will not need to send certain disclosures to retirement investors during that time period and (ii) advisers will be permitted to rely on Prohibited Transaction Exemption 84-24 until January 1, 2018, for the sale of all annuities and insurance, provided they adhere to that exemption’s Impartial Conduct Standards as of June 9, 2017.  The DOL subsequently proposed to delay the full implementation date from January 1, 2018, to July 1, 2019.  As a result of this latest proposal and the directive to the DOL to further study the effects of the fiduciary rule on the retail retirement market, there may be additional changes to the DOL Fiduciary Rule and/or further delays to the dates.



Anti-takeover provisions could delay, deter or prevent our change in control, even if the change in control would be beneficial to LNC shareholders.



We are an Indiana corporation subject to Indiana state law.  Certain provisions of Indiana law could interfere with or restrict takeover bids or other change in control events affecting us.  In addition, under Indiana law, directors may, in considering the best interests of a corporation, consider the effects of any action on shareholders, employees, suppliers and customers of the corporation and the communities in which offices and other facilities are located, and other factors the directors consider pertinent.  One statutory provision prohibits, except under specified circumstances, LNC from engaging in any business combination with any shareholder who owns 10% or more of our common stock (which shareholder, under the statute, would be considered an “interested shareholder”) for a period of five years following the time that such shareholder became an interested shareholder, unless such business combination is approved by the Board of Directors prior to such person becoming an interested shareholder. 



In addition to the anti-takeover provisions of Indiana law, there are other factors that may delay, deter or prevent our change in control.  As an insurance holding company, we are regulated as an insurance holding company and are subject to the insurance holding company acts of the states in which our insurance company subsidiaries are domiciled.  The insurance holding company acts and regulations restrict the ability of any person to obtain control of an insurance company without prior regulatory approval.  Under those statutes and regulations, without such approval (or an exemption), no person may acquire any voting security of a domestic insurance company, or an insurance holding company which controls an insurance company, or merge with such a holding company, if as a result of such transaction such person would “control” the insurance holding company or insurance company.  “Control” is generally defined as the direct or indirect power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person and is presumed to exist if a person directly or indirectly owns or controls 10% or more of the voting securities of another person.

97


 

 

Item 2Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds



(c)  The following table summarizes purchases of equity securities by the Company during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 (dollars in millions, except per share data): 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

(a) Total

 

 

 

 

(c) Total Number

 

(d) Approximate Dollar

 



 

Number

 

(b) Average

 

of Shares (or Units)

 

Value of Shares (or

 



 

of Shares

 

Price Paid

 

Purchased as Part of

 

Units) that May Yet Be

 



 

(or Units)

 

per Share

 

Publicly Announced

 

Purchased Under the

 

Period

 

Purchased (1)

 

(or Unit)

 

Plans or Programs (2)

 

Plans or Programs (2)(3)

 

7/1/17 – 7/31/17

 

 

810,676 

 

$

70.84 

 

 

810,676 

 

$

557 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/1/17 – 8/31/17

 

 

1,531,389 

 

 

71.12 

 

 

1,531,389 

 

 

448 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9/1/17 – 9/30/17

 

 

492,222 

 

 

68.50 

 

 

492,222 

 

 

414 

 



(1)

Of the total number of shares purchased, no shares were received in connection with the exercise of stock options and related taxes.  For the quarter ended September 30, 2017, there were 2,834,287 shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs. 

(2)

On January 24, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in our securities repurchase authorization, bringing the total aggregate repurchase authorization to $1.0 billion.  As of September 30, 2017, our remaining security repurchase authorization was $414 million.  The security repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date.  The amount and timing of share repurchase depends on key capital ratios, rating agency expectations, the generation of free cash flow and an evaluation of the costs and benefits associated with alternative uses of capital.  Our stock repurchases may be effected from time to time through open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions and may be made pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan

(3)

As of the last day of the applicable month. 



Item 6Exhibits



The Exhibits included in this report are listed in the Exhibit Index beginning on page 99, which is incorporated herein by reference.

98


 

 





LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

Exhibit Index for the Report on Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2017



 



 

3.1

Restated Articles of Incorporation of LNC are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to LNC’s Form 8-K (File No. 1-6028) filed with the SEC on August 14, 2017.

12

Historical Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

31.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.





99


 

 







SIGNATURES



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



 

 



 

 

 

LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION



 

 



By:

/s/  RANDAL J. FREITAG



 

Randal J. Freitag

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



 

 



By:

/s/  CHRISTINE A.  JANOFSKY



 

Christine A. Janofsky

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

Dated:  November 2, 2017

 

 









100