Unum Group - Quarter Report: 2015 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x | Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015 |
¨ | 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 1-11294
Unum Group
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 62-1598430 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
1 FOUNTAIN SQUARE | ||
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE | 37402 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
423.294.1011
(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 x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
(Check one): Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
249,510,721 shares of the registrant's common stock were outstanding as of April 28, 2015.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Act) provides a "safe harbor" to encourage companies to provide prospective information, as long as those statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Certain information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including certain statements in the consolidated financial statements and related notes and Management's Discussion and Analysis), or in any other written or oral statements made by us in communications with the financial community or contained in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Forward-looking statements are those not based on historical information, but rather relate to our outlook, future operations, strategies, financial results, or other developments. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to update these statements, even if made available on our website or otherwise. These statements may be made directly in this document or may be made part of this document by reference to other documents filed by us with the SEC, a practice which is known as "incorporation by reference." You can find many of these statements by looking for words such as "will," "may," "should," "could," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "plans," "assumes," "intends," "projects," "goals,” "objectives," or similar expressions in this document or in documents incorporated herein.
These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. We caution readers that the following factors, in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements:
• | Sustained periods of low interest rates. |
• | Fluctuation in insurance reserve liabilities and claim payments due to changes in claim incidence, recovery rates, mortality and morbidity rates, and policy benefit offsets due to, among other factors, the rate of unemployment and consumer confidence, the emergence of new diseases, epidemics, or pandemics, new trends and developments in medical treatments, the effectiveness of our claims operational processes, and changes in government programs. |
• | Unfavorable economic or business conditions, both domestic and foreign. |
• | Legislative, regulatory, or tax changes, both domestic and foreign, including the effect of potential legislation and increased regulation in the current political environment. |
• | Investment results, including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, defaults, changes in credit spreads, impairments, and the lack of appropriate investments in the market which can be acquired to match our liabilities. |
• | The failure of cyber or other information security systems, as well as the occurrence of events unanticipated in our disaster recovery systems. |
• | Increased competition from other insurers and financial services companies due to industry consolidation, new entrants to our markets, or other factors. |
• | Changes in our financial strength and credit ratings. |
• | Damage to our reputation due to, among other factors, regulatory investigations, legal proceedings, external events, and/or inadequate or failed internal controls and procedures. |
• | Actual experience that deviates from our assumptions used in pricing, underwriting, and reserving. |
• | Actual persistency and/or sales growth that is higher or lower than projected. |
• | Changes in demand for our products due to, among other factors, changes in societal attitudes, the rate of unemployment, consumer confidence, and/or legislative and regulatory changes, including healthcare reform. |
• | Effectiveness of our risk management program. |
• | Contingencies and the level and results of litigation. |
• | Availability of reinsurance in the market and the ability of our reinsurers to meet their obligations to us. |
• | Ineffectiveness of our derivatives hedging programs due to changes in the economic environment, counterparty risk, ratings downgrades, capital market volatility, changes in interest rates, and/or regulation. |
• | Changes in accounting standards, practices, or policies. |
• | Fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates. |
• | Ability to generate sufficient internal liquidity and/or obtain external financing. |
• | Recoverability and/or realization of the carrying value of our intangible assets, long-lived assets, and deferred tax assets. |
• | Terrorism, both within the U.S. and abroad, ongoing military actions, and heightened security measures in response to these types of threats. |
1
For further discussion of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see Part 1, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.
2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31 | December 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
As Adjusted | |||||||
Assets | |||||||
Investments | |||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities - at fair value (amortized cost: $39,025.9; $38,803.4) | $ | 45,852.7 | $ | 45,064.9 | |||
Mortgage Loans | 1,896.5 | 1,856.6 | |||||
Policy Loans | 3,283.2 | 3,306.6 | |||||
Other Long-term Investments | 603.1 | 545.0 | |||||
Short-term Investments | 706.7 | 974.3 | |||||
Total Investments | 52,342.2 | 51,747.4 | |||||
Other Assets | |||||||
Cash and Bank Deposits | 84.1 | 102.5 | |||||
Accounts and Premiums Receivable | 1,657.1 | 1,634.7 | |||||
Reinsurance Recoverable | 4,882.5 | 4,906.4 | |||||
Accrued Investment Income | 752.1 | 696.1 | |||||
Deferred Acquisition Costs | 1,904.6 | 1,901.3 | |||||
Goodwill | 198.2 | 198.7 | |||||
Property and Equipment | 537.5 | 531.7 | |||||
Income Tax Receivable | — | 69.5 | |||||
Other Assets | 656.2 | 661.9 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 63,014.5 | $ | 62,450.2 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31 | December 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
As Adjusted | |||||||
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | |||||||
Liabilities | |||||||
Policy and Contract Benefits | $ | 1,533.1 | $ | 1,529.3 | |||
Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits | 46,199.5 | 45,929.4 | |||||
Unearned Premiums | 439.6 | 396.6 | |||||
Other Policyholders’ Funds | 1,677.9 | 1,657.8 | |||||
Income Tax Payable | 39.1 | — | |||||
Deferred Income Tax | 173.3 | 62.0 | |||||
Short-term Debt | 151.9 | 151.9 | |||||
Long-term Debt | 2,603.3 | 2,628.7 | |||||
Other Liabilities | 1,508.9 | 1,572.6 | |||||
Total Liabilities | 54,326.6 | 53,928.3 | |||||
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - Note 10 | |||||||
Stockholders' Equity | |||||||
Common Stock, $0.10 par | |||||||
Authorized: 725,000,000 shares | |||||||
Issued: 302,215,794 and 301,834,556 shares | 30.2 | 30.2 | |||||
Additional Paid-in Capital | 2,230.7 | 2,221.2 | |||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | 260.4 | 166.4 | |||||
Retained Earnings | 7,472.9 | 7,302.3 | |||||
Treasury Stock - at cost: 52,734,150 and 49,524,849 shares | (1,306.3 | ) | (1,198.2 | ) | |||
Total Stockholders' Equity | 8,687.9 | 8,521.9 | |||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | 63,014.5 | $ | 62,450.2 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars, except share data) | |||||||
As Adjusted | |||||||
Revenue | |||||||
Premium Income | $ | 2,006.3 | $ | 1,938.5 | |||
Net Investment Income | 602.0 | 615.8 | |||||
Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | |||||||
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss on Fixed Maturity Securities | (4.5 | ) | — | ||||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss), Excluding Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss on Fixed Maturity Securities | (10.8 | ) | 6.3 | ||||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | (15.3 | ) | 6.3 | ||||
Other Income | 54.4 | 53.8 | |||||
Total Revenue | 2,647.4 | 2,614.4 | |||||
Benefits and Expenses | |||||||
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 1,653.9 | 1,631.3 | |||||
Commissions | 256.9 | 236.0 | |||||
Interest and Debt Expense | 37.8 | 37.9 | |||||
Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (145.0 | ) | (129.0 | ) | |||
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 134.3 | 118.6 | |||||
Compensation Expense | 213.1 | 201.0 | |||||
Other Expenses | 193.4 | 188.8 | |||||
Total Benefits and Expenses | 2,344.4 | 2,284.6 | |||||
Income Before Income Tax | 303.0 | 329.8 | |||||
Income Tax | |||||||
Current | 40.6 | 37.8 | |||||
Deferred | 49.5 | 66.2 | |||||
Total Income Tax | 90.1 | 104.0 | |||||
Net Income | $ | 212.9 | $ | 225.8 | |||
Net Income Per Common Share | |||||||
Basic | $ | 0.85 | $ | 0.87 | |||
Assuming Dilution | $ | 0.84 | $ | 0.86 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
As Adjusted | |||||||
Net Income | $ | 212.9 | $ | 225.8 | |||
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||||||
Change in Net Unrealized Gain on Securities Before Adjustment (net of tax expense of $182.8; $371.1) | 350.2 | 710.0 | |||||
Change in Adjustment to Deferred Acquisition Costs and Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits, Net of Reinsurance (net of tax benefit of $120.3; $272.0) | (226.2 | ) | (520.4 | ) | |||
Change in Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges (net of tax expense of $9.0; $1.0) | 20.9 | 1.7 | |||||
Change in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment (net of tax benefit of $0.1; $0.0) | (54.0 | ) | 7.6 | ||||
Change in Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs (net of tax expense of $1.5; $0.3) | 3.1 | 0.5 | |||||
Total Other Comprehensive Income | 94.0 | 199.4 | |||||
Comprehensive Income | $ | 306.9 | $ | 425.2 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
As Adjusted | |||||||
Common Stock | |||||||
Balance at Beginning of Year and End of Period | $ | 30.2 | $ | 36.1 | |||
Additional Paid-in Capital | |||||||
Balance at Beginning of Year | 2,221.2 | 2,634.1 | |||||
Common Stock Activity | 9.5 | 6.7 | |||||
Balance at End of Period | 2,230.7 | 2,640.8 | |||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | |||||||
Balance at Beginning of Year | 166.4 | 255.0 | |||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 94.0 | 199.4 | |||||
Balance at End of Period | 260.4 | 454.4 | |||||
Retained Earnings | |||||||
Balance at Beginning of Year | 7,302.3 | 8,064.0 | |||||
Net Income | 212.9 | 225.8 | |||||
Dividends to Stockholders (per common share: $0.165; $0.145) | (42.3 | ) | (38.3 | ) | |||
Balance at End of Period | 7,472.9 | 8,251.5 | |||||
Treasury Stock | |||||||
Balance at Beginning of Year | (1,198.2 | ) | (2,349.3 | ) | |||
Purchases of Treasury Stock | (108.1 | ) | (100.1 | ) | |||
Balance at End of Period | (1,306.3 | ) | (2,449.4 | ) | |||
Total Stockholders' Equity at End of Period | $ | 8,687.9 | $ | 8,933.4 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
7
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
As Adjusted | |||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |||||||
Net Income | $ | 212.9 | $ | 225.8 | |||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | |||||||
Change in Receivables | 49.2 | 14.0 | |||||
Change in Deferred Acquisition Costs | (10.7 | ) | (10.4 | ) | |||
Change in Insurance Reserves and Liabilities | 98.4 | 120.6 | |||||
Change in Income Taxes | 161.4 | 142.9 | |||||
Change in Other Accrued Liabilities | (69.0 | ) | (62.6 | ) | |||
Non-cash Components of Net Investment Income | (90.5 | ) | (100.0 | ) | |||
Net Realized Investment (Gain) Loss | 15.3 | (6.3 | ) | ||||
Depreciation | 23.5 | 20.8 | |||||
Other, Net | 9.6 | 1.9 | |||||
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 400.1 | 346.7 | |||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities | |||||||
Proceeds from Sales of Fixed Maturity Securities | 108.5 | 193.4 | |||||
Proceeds from Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities | 468.0 | 510.0 | |||||
Proceeds from Sales and Maturities of Other Investments | 42.5 | 57.4 | |||||
Purchase of Fixed Maturity Securities | (959.5 | ) | (904.4 | ) | |||
Purchase of Other Investments | (127.6 | ) | (95.6 | ) | |||
Net Sales (Purchases) of Short-term Investments | 259.8 | (275.0 | ) | ||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Payables for Collateral on Investments | 6.1 | (13.2 | ) | ||||
Net Purchases of Property and Equipment | (31.4 | ) | (28.1 | ) | |||
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities | (233.6 | ) | (555.5 | ) | |||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |||||||
Issuance of Long-term Debt | — | 347.2 | |||||
Long-term Debt Repayments | (29.1 | ) | (15.0 | ) | |||
Issuance of Common Stock | 0.8 | 1.6 | |||||
Repurchase of Common Stock | (108.1 | ) | (100.5 | ) | |||
Dividends Paid to Stockholders | (42.3 | ) | (38.3 | ) | |||
Other, Net | (6.2 | ) | (4.1 | ) | |||
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities | (184.9 | ) | 190.9 | ||||
Net Decrease in Cash and Bank Deposits | (18.4 | ) | (17.9 | ) | |||
Cash and Bank Deposits at Beginning of Year | 102.5 | 94.1 | |||||
Cash and Bank Deposits at End of Period | $ | 84.1 | $ | 76.2 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
8
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Unum Group and its subsidiaries (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance.
Note 2 - Accounting Developments
Accounting Updates Adopted in 2015:
Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) | Description | Date of Adoption | Effect on Financial Statements | |||
ASC 860 "Transfers and Servicing" | This update changed the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and linked repurchase financings to secured borrowing accounting, which is consistent with the accounting for other repurchase agreements. The update also required disclosures for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions. | January 1, 2015, except for certain disclosures, which were effective April 1, 2015. | The adoption of this update had no effect on our financial position or results of operations, but will expand our disclosures effective with the second quarter of 2015. | |||
ASC 323 "Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures" | This update permitted entities to make an accounting policy election to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). Additional disclosures concerning investments in qualified affordable housing projects were also required. We elected to adopt this guidance and applied the amendments in the update retrospectively. | January 1, 2015 | The cumulative effect at January 1, 2014, was a $19.2 million reduction in stockholders' equity. The following table summarizes the effects of our retrospective adoption on periods reported herein. |
9
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 2 - Accounting Developments - Continued
Historical | |||||||||||
Accounting | As | Effect of | |||||||||
Method | Adjusted | Change | |||||||||
(in millions of dollars, except share data) | |||||||||||
At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 | |||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||||||||||
Other Long-term Investments | $ | 565.0 | $ | 530.8 | $ | (34.2 | ) | ||||
Deferred Income Tax | 312.6 | 300.7 | (11.9 | ) | |||||||
Retained Earnings | 8,273.8 | 8,251.5 | (22.3 | ) | |||||||
Consolidated Statements of Income | |||||||||||
Net Investment Income | $ | 612.5 | $ | 615.8 | $ | 3.3 | |||||
Income Tax - Current | 29.7 | 37.8 | 8.1 | ||||||||
Income Tax - Deferred | 67.9 | 66.2 | (1.7 | ) | |||||||
Net Income | 228.9 | 225.8 | (3.1 | ) | |||||||
Net Income Per Common Share | |||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.88 | $ | 0.87 | $ | (0.01 | ) | ||||
Assuming Dilution | $ | 0.88 | $ | 0.86 | $ | (0.02 | ) | ||||
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | |||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 228.9 | $ | 225.8 | $ | (3.1 | ) | ||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | |||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 228.9 | $ | 225.8 | $ | (3.1 | ) | ||||
Change in Income Taxes | 136.5 | 142.9 | 6.4 | ||||||||
Non-cash Components of Net Investment Income | (96.7 | ) | (100.0 | ) | (3.3 | ) | |||||
December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||||||||||
Other Long-term Investments | $ | 591.9 | $ | 545.0 | $ | (46.9 | ) | ||||
Deferred Income Tax | 78.4 | 62.0 | (16.4 | ) | |||||||
Retained Earnings | 7,332.8 | 7,302.3 | (30.5 | ) |
10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 2 - Accounting Developments - Continued
Accounting Updates Outstanding:
ASC | Description | Date of Adoption | Effect on Financial Statements | |||
ASC 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" | This update supersedes virtually all existing guidance regarding the recognition of revenue from customers. Specifically excluded from the scope of this update are insurance contracts, although our fee-based service products are included within the scope. The core principle of this guidance is that revenue recognition should depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance is to be applied retrospectively. | January 1, 2017 | The adoption of this update will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. | |||
ASC 835 "Interest-Imputation of Interest" | This update simplifies the presentation of deferred debt issuance costs by requiring these costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying amount of the debt liability to which the deferred costs relate, rather than classifying the deferred costs as an asset. This classification is consistent with the treatment of debt discounts. The guidance is to be applied retrospectively. | January 1, 2016 | The adoption of this update will result in reclassification adjustments to our consolidated balance sheets but will not have an effect on our financial position or results of operations. |
11
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments
Presented as follows are the carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments. The carrying values of financial instruments such as short-term investments, cash and bank deposits, accounts and premiums receivable, accrued investment income, and securities lending agreements approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. As such, these financial instruments are not included in the following chart.
March 31, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||
Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 45,852.7 | $ | 45,852.7 | $ | 45,064.9 | $ | 45,064.9 | |||||||
Mortgage Loans | 1,896.5 | 2,080.4 | 1,856.6 | 2,024.2 | |||||||||||
Policy Loans | 3,283.2 | 3,388.6 | 3,306.6 | 3,407.6 | |||||||||||
Other Long-term Investments | |||||||||||||||
Derivatives | 53.2 | 53.2 | 28.0 | 28.0 | |||||||||||
Equity Securities | 11.9 | 11.9 | 12.5 | 12.5 | |||||||||||
Miscellaneous Long-term Investments | 472.2 | 472.2 | 438.7 | 438.7 | |||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Policyholders' Funds | |||||||||||||||
Deferred Annuity Products | $ | 618.2 | $ | 618.2 | $ | 621.4 | $ | 621.4 | |||||||
Supplementary Contracts without Life Contingencies | 615.3 | 615.3 | 600.4 | 600.4 | |||||||||||
Short-term Debt | 151.9 | 157.0 | 151.9 | 158.9 | |||||||||||
Long-term Debt | 2,603.3 | 2,906.8 | 2,628.7 | 2,912.6 | |||||||||||
Other Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Derivatives | 71.8 | 71.8 | 92.9 | 92.9 | |||||||||||
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | 53.8 | 53.8 | 49.9 | 49.9 | |||||||||||
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Funding Agreements | 26.0 | 26.0 | — | — | |||||||||||
Unfunded Commitments to Investment Partnerships | 8.8 | 8.8 | 12.8 | 12.8 |
The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair values of financial instruments are discussed as follows.
Fair Value Measurements for Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
Mortgage Loans: Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses and interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings and maturities. Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. These financial instruments are assigned a Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Policy Loans: Fair values for policy loans, net of reinsurance ceded, are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses and interest rates currently being offered to policyholders with similar policies. Carrying amounts for ceded policy loans, which equal $3,042.7 million and $3,068.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, approximate fair value and are reported on a gross basis in our consolidated balance sheets. A change in interest rates for ceded policy loans will not impact our financial position because the benefits and risks are fully ceded to reinsuring counterparties. These financial instruments are assigned a Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
12
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
Miscellaneous Long-term Investments: Carrying amounts for tax credit partnerships equal the unamortized balance of our contractual commitments and approximate fair value. Fair values for private equity partnerships are primarily derived from net asset values provided by the general partner in the partnerships' financial statements. Our private equity partnerships represent funds that are primarily invested in railcar leasing, the financial services industry, mezzanine debt and bank loans. Distributions received from the funds arise from income generated by the underlying investments as well as the liquidation of the underlying investments. As of March 31, 2015, we estimate that the underlying assets of the funds will be liquidated over the next one to twelve years. These financial instruments are assigned a Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Our shares of FHLB common stock are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. These financial instruments are considered restricted investments and are assigned a Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Policyholders' Funds: Policyholders' funds are comprised primarily of deferred annuity products and supplementary contracts without life contingencies and represent customer deposits plus interest credited at contract rates. Carrying amounts approximate fair value. These financial instruments are assigned a Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Fair values for insurance contracts other than investment contracts are not required to be disclosed. However, the fair values of liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in our overall management of interest rate risk, which seeks to minimize exposure to changing interest rates through the matching of investment maturities with amounts due under insurance contracts.
Short-term Debt: Fair values for short-term debt valued using active trades from independent pricing services for which there was current market activity in that specific debt instrument are assigned a Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Fair values for short-term debt determined based on prices from independent pricing services that generally use observable inputs for securities or comparable securities in active markets in their valuation techniques are assigned a Level 2. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, this financial instrument is assigned a Level 1 and Level 2, respectively.
Long-term Debt: Fair values for long-term debt are obtained from independent pricing services or discounted cash flow analyses based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. Debt instruments which are valued using active trades from independent pricing services for which there was current market activity in that specific debt instrument have fair values of $2,568.4 million and $849.7 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and are assigned a Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Debt instruments which are valued based on prices from pricing services that generally use observable inputs for securities or comparable securities in active markets in their valuation techniques have fair values of $338.4 million and $2,062.9 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and are assigned a Level 2.
FHLB Funding Agreements: Funding agreements with the FHLB represent cash advances used for the purpose of investing in fixed maturity securities. Carrying amounts approximate fair value and are assigned a Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Unfunded Commitments to Investment Partnerships: Unfunded equity commitments represent legally binding amounts that we have committed to certain investment partnerships subject to the partnerships meeting specified conditions. When these conditions are met, we are obligated to invest these amounts in the partnerships. Carrying amounts approximate fair value. These financial instruments are assigned a Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Fair Value Measurements for Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value
We report fixed maturity securities, derivative financial instruments, and unrestricted equity securities at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in active markets generally have more pricing observability and less judgment utilized in measuring fair value. An active market for a financial instrument is a market in which transactions for an asset or a similar asset occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and should be used to measure fair value whenever available. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted have less observability and are measured at fair value using valuation techniques that require more judgment. Pricing observability is generally impacted by a number of factors,
13
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
including the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, the characteristics specific to the transaction, and overall market conditions.
Valuation techniques used for assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value are generally categorized into three types. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach converts future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount, or a discounted amount. The cost approach is based upon the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset, or the current replacement cost.
We use valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available that can be obtained without undue cost and effort. In some cases, a single valuation technique will be appropriate (for example, when valuing an asset or liability using quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities). In other cases, multiple valuation techniques will be appropriate. If we use multiple valuation techniques to measure fair value, we evaluate and weigh the results, as appropriate, considering the reasonableness of the range indicated by those results. A fair value measurement is the point within that range that is most representative of fair value in the circumstances.
The selection of the valuation method(s) to apply considers the definition of an exit price and depends on the nature of the asset or liability being valued. For assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value, we generally use valuation techniques consistent with the market approach, and to a lesser extent, the income approach. We believe the market approach valuation technique provides more observable data than the income approach, considering the type of investments we hold. Our fair value measurements could differ significantly based on the valuation technique and available inputs. When using a pricing service, we obtain the vendor's pricing documentation to ensure we understand their methodologies. We periodically review and approve the selection of our pricing vendors to ensure we are in agreement with their current methodologies. When markets are less active, brokers may rely more on models with inputs based on the information available only to the broker. Our internal investment management professionals, which include portfolio managers and analysts, monitor securities priced by brokers and evaluate their prices for reasonableness based on benchmarking to available primary and secondary market information. In weighing a broker quote as an input to fair value, we place less reliance on quotes that do not reflect the result of market transactions. We also consider the nature of the quote, particularly whether the quote is a binding offer. If prices in an inactive market do not reflect current prices for the same or similar assets, adjustments may be necessary to arrive at fair value. When relevant market data is unavailable, which may be the case during periods of market uncertainty, the income approach can, in suitable circumstances, provide a more appropriate fair value. During 2015, we have applied valuation techniques on a consistent basis to similar assets and liabilities and consistent with those techniques used at year end 2014.
We use observable and unobservable inputs in measuring the fair value of our financial instruments. Inputs that may be used include the following:
• | Broker market maker prices and price levels |
• | Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE) pricing |
• | Prices obtained from external pricing services |
• | Benchmark yields (Treasury and interest rate swap curves) |
• | Transactional data for new issuance and secondary trades |
• | Security cash flows and structures |
• | Recent issuance/supply |
• | Sector and issuer level spreads |
• | Security credit ratings/maturity/capital structure/optionality |
• | Corporate actions |
• | Underlying collateral |
• | Prepayment speeds/loan performance/delinquencies/weighted average life/seasoning |
• | Public covenants |
• | Comparative bond analysis |
• | Derivative spreads |
• | Relevant reports issued by analysts and rating agencies |
• | Audited financial statements |
14
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
The management of our investment portfolio includes establishing pricing policy and reviewing the reasonableness of sources and inputs used in developing pricing. We review all prices obtained to ensure they are consistent with a variety of observable market inputs and to verify the validity of a security's price. In the event we receive a vendor's market price that does not appear reasonable based on our market analysis, we may challenge the price and request further information about the assumptions and methodologies used by the vendor to price the security. We may change the vendor price based on a better data source such as an actual trade. We also review all price changes from the prior month which fall outside a predetermined corridor. The overall valuation process for determining fair values may include adjustments to valuations obtained from our pricing sources when they do not represent a valid exit price. These adjustments may be made when, in our judgment and considering our knowledge of the financial conditions and industry in which the issuer operates, certain features of the financial instrument require that an adjustment be made to the value originally obtained from our pricing sources. These features may include the complexity of the financial instrument, the market in which the financial instrument is traded, counterparty credit risk, credit structure, concentration, or liquidity. Additionally, an adjustment to the price derived from a model typically reflects our judgment of the inputs that other participants in the market for the financial instrument being measured at fair value would consider in pricing that same financial instrument. In the event an asset is sold, we test the validity of the fair value determined by our valuation techniques by comparing the selling price to the fair value determined for the asset in the immediately preceding month end reporting period.
The parameters and inputs used to validate a price on a security may be adjusted for assumptions about risk and current market conditions on a quarter to quarter basis, as certain features may be more significant drivers of valuation at the time of pricing. Changes to inputs in valuations are not changes to valuation methodologies; rather, the inputs are modified to reflect direct or indirect impacts on asset classes from changes in market conditions.
Fair values for derivatives other than embedded derivatives in modified coinsurance arrangements are based on market quotes or pricing models and represent the net amount of cash we would have paid or received if the contracts had been settled or closed as of the last day of the period. We analyze credit default swap spreads relative to the average credit spread embedded within the LIBOR-setting syndicate in determining the effect of credit risk on our derivatives' fair values. If net counterparty credit risk for a derivative asset is determined to be material and is not adequately reflected in the LIBOR-based fair value obtained from our pricing sources, we adjust the valuations obtained from our pricing sources. For purposes of valuing net counterparty risk, we measure the fair value of a group of financial assets and financial liabilities on the basis of the price that would be received to sell a net long position or transfer a net short position for a particular risk exposure in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. In regard to our own credit risk component, we adjust the valuation of derivative liabilities wherein the counterparty is exposed to our credit risk when the LIBOR-based valuation of our derivatives obtained from pricing sources does not effectively include an adequate credit component for our own credit risk.
Fair values for our embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement are estimated using internal pricing models and represent the hypothetical value of the duration mismatch of assets and liabilities, interest rate risk, and third party credit risk embedded in the modified coinsurance arrangement.
Certain of our investments do not have readily determinable market prices and/or observable inputs or may at times be affected by the lack of market liquidity. For these securities, we use internally prepared valuations combining matrix pricing with vendor purchased software programs, including valuations based on estimates of future profitability, to estimate the fair value. Additionally, we may obtain prices from independent third-party brokers to aid in establishing valuations for certain of these securities. Key assumptions used by us to determine fair value for these securities include risk free interest rates, risk premiums, performance of underlying collateral (if any), and other factors involving significant assumptions which may or may not reflect those of an active market.
At March 31, 2015, approximately 17.2 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued using active trades from TRACE pricing or broker market maker prices for which there was current market activity in that specific security (comparable to receiving one binding quote). The prices obtained were not adjusted, and the assets were classified as Level 1, the highest category of the three-level fair value hierarchy classification wherein inputs are unadjusted and represent quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
15
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
The remaining 82.8 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on non-binding quotes or other observable and unobservable inputs, as discussed below.
• | Approximately 68.3 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on prices from pricing services that generally use observable inputs such as prices for securities or comparable securities in active markets in their valuation techniques. These assets were classified as Level 2. Level 2 assets or liabilities are those valued using inputs (other than prices included in Level 1) that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability through correlation with market data at the measurement date and for the duration of the instrument's anticipated life. |
• | Approximately 2.4 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on one or more non-binding broker quotes, if validated by observable market data, or on TRACE prices for identical or similar assets absent current market activity. When only one price is available, it is used if observable inputs and analysis confirms that it is appropriate. These assets, for which we were able to validate the price using other observable market data, were classified as Level 2. |
• | Approximately 12.1 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on prices of comparable securities, matrix pricing, market models, and/or internal models or were valued based on non-binding quotes with no other observable market data. These assets were classified as either Level 2 or Level 3, with the categorization dependent on whether there was other observable market data. Level 3 is the lowest category of the fair value hierarchy and reflects the judgment of management regarding what market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3 are generally those that are valued using unobservable inputs to extrapolate an estimated fair value. |
We consider transactions in inactive or disorderly markets to be less representative of fair value. We use all available observable inputs when measuring fair value, but when significant other unobservable inputs and adjustments are necessary, we classify these assets or liabilities as Level 3.
16
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
Fair value measurements by input level for financial instruments carried at fair value are as follows:
March 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total | ||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||||||||||
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities | $ | 673.8 | $ | 739.6 | $ | — | $ | 1,413.4 | |||||||
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | — | 2,017.9 | 144.2 | 2,162.1 | |||||||||||
Foreign Governments | — | 1,174.8 | 69.1 | 1,243.9 | |||||||||||
Public Utilities | 690.9 | 7,425.4 | 549.8 | 8,666.1 | |||||||||||
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | — | 2,415.3 | — | 2,415.3 | |||||||||||
All Other Corporate Bonds | 6,501.2 | 21,765.1 | 1,635.8 | 29,902.1 | |||||||||||
Redeemable Preferred Stocks | — | 24.9 | 24.9 | 49.8 | |||||||||||
Total Fixed Maturity Securities | 7,865.9 | 35,563.0 | 2,423.8 | 45,852.7 | |||||||||||
Other Long-term Investments | |||||||||||||||
Derivatives | |||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps | — | 5.6 | — | 5.6 | |||||||||||
Foreign Exchange Contracts | — | 47.6 | — | 47.6 | |||||||||||
Total Derivatives | — | 53.2 | — | 53.2 | |||||||||||
Equity Securities | — | 10.5 | 1.4 | 11.9 | |||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Other Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Derivatives | |||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps | $ | — | $ | 16.4 | $ | — | $ | 16.4 | |||||||
Foreign Exchange Contracts | — | 54.1 | — | 54.1 | |||||||||||
Credit Default Swaps | — | 1.3 | — | 1.3 | |||||||||||
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | — | — | 53.8 | 53.8 | |||||||||||
Total Derivatives | — | 71.8 | 53.8 | 125.6 |
17
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total | ||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||||||||||
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities | $ | 297.5 | $ | 941.0 | $ | — | $ | 1,238.5 | |||||||
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | — | 1,981.4 | 140.1 | 2,121.5 | |||||||||||
Foreign Governments | — | 1,238.1 | 69.3 | 1,307.4 | |||||||||||
Public Utilities | 106.2 | 8,129.4 | 315.0 | 8,550.6 | |||||||||||
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | — | 2,431.8 | — | 2,431.8 | |||||||||||
All Other Corporate Bonds | 2,556.6 | 25,383.3 | 1,425.3 | 29,365.2 | |||||||||||
Redeemable Preferred Stocks | — | 25.0 | 24.9 | 49.9 | |||||||||||
Total Fixed Maturity Securities | 2,960.3 | 40,130.0 | 1,974.6 | 45,064.9 | |||||||||||
Other Long-term Investments | |||||||||||||||
Derivatives | |||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps | — | 5.7 | — | 5.7 | |||||||||||
Foreign Exchange Contracts | — | 22.3 | — | 22.3 | |||||||||||
Total Derivatives | — | 28.0 | — | 28.0 | |||||||||||
Equity Securities | — | 11.1 | 1.4 | 12.5 | |||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Other Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Derivatives | |||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps | $ | — | $ | 20.8 | $ | — | $ | 20.8 | |||||||
Foreign Exchange Contracts | — | 70.9 | — | 70.9 | |||||||||||
Credit Default Swaps | — | 1.2 | — | 1.2 | |||||||||||
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | — | — | 49.9 | 49.9 | |||||||||||
Total Derivatives | — | 92.9 | 49.9 | 142.8 |
18
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
In the following charts, amounts for the first quarter of 2014 have been reclassified, where applicable, between public utilities and all other corporate bonds to conform to our current year and year end 2014 categorization of certain securities.
Transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 are as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||
Transfers into | |||||||||||||||
Level 1 from Level 2 | Level 2 from Level 1 | Level 1 from Level 2 | Level 2 from Level 1 | ||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||||||||||
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities | $ | 219.6 | $ | — | $ | 163.2 | $ | 121.5 | |||||||
Public Utilities | 606.7 | 48.9 | 287.7 | 54.4 | |||||||||||
All Other Corporate Bonds | 4,463.8 | 1,189.4 | 2,555.9 | 791.2 | |||||||||||
Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 5,290.1 | $ | 1,238.3 | $ | 3,006.8 | $ | 967.1 |
19
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
Changes in assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) are as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Included in | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning of Year | Earnings | Other Comprehensive Income or Loss | Purchases | Sales | Level 3 Transfers | End of Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Into | Out of | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | $ | 140.1 | $ | — | $ | 4.1 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 144.2 | |||||||||||||||
Foreign Governments | 69.3 | — | (0.2 | ) | — | — | — | — | 69.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Public Utilities | 315.0 | — | 3.1 | — | (0.1 | ) | 300.8 | (69.0 | ) | 549.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
All Other Corporate Bonds | 1,425.3 | (0.3 | ) | 12.5 | — | (15.9 | ) | 498.5 | (284.3 | ) | 1,635.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Redeemable Preferred Stocks | 24.9 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 24.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fixed Maturity Securities | 1,974.6 | (0.3 | ) | 19.5 | — | (16.0 | ) | 799.3 | (353.3 | ) | 2,423.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity Securities | 1.4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | (49.9 | ) | (3.9 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | (53.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Included in | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning of Year | Earnings | Other Comprehensive Income or Loss | Purchases | Sales | Level 3 Transfers | End of Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Into | Out of | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | $ | 175.1 | $ | — | $ | 6.5 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (25.5 | ) | $ | 156.1 | ||||||||||||||
Foreign Governments | 78.5 | — | 1.9 | — | — | — | — | 80.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Public Utilities | 139.3 | — | 3.7 | — | — | 77.8 | (30.2 | ) | 190.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 0.5 | — | — | — | (0.1 | ) | — | — | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
All Other Corporate Bonds | 1,923.3 | — | 26.1 | 79.6 | (29.6 | ) | 409.6 | (816.0 | ) | 1,593.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Redeemable Preferred Stocks | 23.8 | — | 0.6 | — | — | — | — | 24.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fixed Maturity Securities | 2,340.5 | — | 38.8 | 79.6 | (29.7 | ) | 487.4 | (871.7 | ) | 2,044.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Equity Securities | 4.6 | 2.1 | (0.1 | ) | — | (3.5 | ) | — | — | 3.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | (53.2 | ) | 8.5 | — | — | — | — | — | (44.7 | ) |
20
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
Realized and unrealized investment gains and losses presented in the preceding tables represent gains and losses only for the time during which the applicable financial instruments were classified as Level 3. The transfers between levels resulted primarily from a change in observability of three inputs used to determine fair values of the securities transferred: (1) transactional data for new issuance and secondary trades, (2) broker/dealer quotes and pricing, primarily related to changes in the level of activity in the market and whether the market was considered orderly, and (3) comparable bond metrics from which to perform an analysis. For fair value measurements of financial instruments that were transferred either into or out of Level 3, we reflect the transfers using the fair value at the beginning of the period. We believe this allows for greater transparency, as all changes in fair value that arise during the reporting period of the transfer are disclosed as a component of our Level 3 reconciliation. Gains (losses) which are included in earnings and are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities valued using significant unobservable inputs and still held at period end were $(3.9) million and $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts relate entirely to the changes in fair value of an embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement which are reported as realized investment gains and losses.
The table below provides quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements derived from internal models. Certain securities classified as Level 3 are excluded from the table below due to limitations in our ability to obtain the underlying inputs used by external pricing sources.
March 31, 2015 | |||||||
Fair Value | Unobservable Input | Range/Weighted Average | |||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions - Private | $ | 106.1 | - Change in Benchmark Reference | (a) | 0.25% - 1.00% / 0.70% | ||
All Other Corporate Bonds - Private | 408.9 | - Change in Benchmark Reference - Comparability Adjustment - Discount for Size - Volatility of Credit - Market Convention | (a) (b) (c) (e) (f) | 0.50% - 2.00% / 0.59% 2.17% - 2.17% / 2.17% 0.50% - 0.50% / 0.50% 0.20% - 5.69% / 0.86% Priced at Par | |||
All Other Corporate Bonds - Public | 166.7 | - Comparability Adjustment - Lack of Marketability - Volatility of Credit | (b) (d) (e) | 0.10% - 0.50% / 0.41% 0.20% - 0.50% / 0.38% (0.30%) - (0.30%) / (0.30%) | |||
Equity Securities - Private | 1.1 | - Market Convention | (f) | Priced at Cost or Owner's Equity | |||
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | (53.8 | ) | - Projected Liability Cash Flows | (g) | Actuarial Assumptions |
21
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
December 31, 2014 | |||||||
Fair Value | Unobservable Input | Range/Weighted Average | |||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions - Private | $ | 101.0 | - Comparability Adjustment | (b) | 0.25% - 1.00% / 0.71% | ||
All Other Corporate Bonds - Private | 432.8 | - Comparability Adjustment - Discount for Size - Lack of Marketability - Volatility of Credit - Market Convention | (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) | 0.50% - 0.70% / 0.60% 0.50% - 0.50% / 0.50% 0.48% - 0.48% / 0.48% 0.20% - 2.00% / 0.64% Priced at Par | |||
All Other Corporate Bonds - Public | 128.7 | - Comparability Adjustment - Lack of Marketability - Volatility of Credit | (b) (d) (e) | 0.10% - 0.50% / 0.40% 0.20% - 0.35% / 0.29% (0.30)% - 0.50% / (0.05)% | |||
Equity Securities - Private | 1.1 | - Market Convention | (f) | Priced at Cost or Owner's Equity | |||
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | (49.9 | ) | - Projected Liability Cash Flows | (g) | Actuarial Assumptions |
(a) | Represents basis point adjustments for changes in benchmark spreads associated with various ratings categories |
(b) | Represents basis point adjustments for changes in benchmark spreads associated with various industry sectors |
(c) | Represents basis point adjustments based on issue/issuer size relative to the benchmark |
(d) | Represents basis point adjustments to apply a discount due to the illiquidity of an investment |
(e) | Represents basis point adjustments for credit-specific factors |
(f) | Represents a decision to price based on par value, cost, or owner's equity when limited data is available |
(g) | Represents various actuarial assumptions required to derive the liability cash flows including incidence, termination, and lapse rates |
Isolated increases in unobservable inputs other than market convention will result in a lower fair value measurement, whereas isolated decreases will result in a higher fair value measurement. The unobservable input for market convention is not sensitive to input movements. The projected liability cash flows used in the fair value measurement of our Level 3 embedded derivative are based on expected claim payments. If claim payments increase, the projected liability cash flows will increase, resulting in a decrease in the fair value of the embedded derivative. Decreases in projected liability cash flows will result in an increase in the fair value of the embedded derivative.
22
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 4 - Investments
Fixed Maturity Securities
At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, all fixed maturity securities were classified as available-for-sale. The amortized cost and fair values of securities by security type are shown as follows:
March 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gain | Gross Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities | $ | 1,140.5 | $ | 273.1 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 1,413.4 | |||||||
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | 1,760.3 | 402.0 | 0.2 | 2,162.1 | |||||||||||
Foreign Governments | 1,033.9 | 210.0 | — | 1,243.9 | |||||||||||
Public Utilities | 7,044.5 | 1,622.1 | 0.5 | 8,666.1 | |||||||||||
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 2,174.6 | 240.8 | 0.1 | 2,415.3 | |||||||||||
All Other Corporate Bonds | 25,828.1 | 4,162.9 | 88.9 | 29,902.1 | |||||||||||
Redeemable Preferred Stocks | 44.0 | 5.8 | — | 49.8 | |||||||||||
Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 39,025.9 | $ | 6,916.7 | $ | 89.9 | $ | 45,852.7 |
December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gain | Gross Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities | $ | 983.5 | $ | 255.5 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 1,238.5 | |||||||
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | 1,745.0 | 377.6 | 1.1 | 2,121.5 | |||||||||||
Foreign Governments | 1,101.1 | 206.3 | — | 1,307.4 | |||||||||||
Public Utilities | 7,046.1 | 1,505.4 | 0.9 | 8,550.6 | |||||||||||
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 2,224.9 | 207.0 | 0.1 | 2,431.8 | |||||||||||
All Other Corporate Bonds | 25,658.8 | 3,828.6 | 122.2 | 29,365.2 | |||||||||||
Redeemable Preferred Stocks | 44.0 | 5.9 | — | 49.9 | |||||||||||
Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 38,803.4 | $ | 6,386.3 | $ | 124.8 | $ | 45,064.9 |
The following charts indicate the length of time our fixed maturity securities have been in a gross unrealized loss position.
March 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||
Less Than 12 Months | 12 Months or Greater | ||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss | ||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities | $ | 20.7 | $ | 0.2 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | 1.6 | — | 1.8 | 0.2 | |||||||||||
Public Utilities | 24.8 | 0.3 | 6.8 | 0.2 | |||||||||||
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 19.0 | — | 1.9 | 0.1 | |||||||||||
All Other Corporate Bonds | 1,108.5 | 67.9 | 332.9 | 21.0 | |||||||||||
Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 1,174.6 | $ | 68.4 | $ | 343.4 | $ | 21.5 |
23
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Less Than 12 Months | 12 Months or Greater | ||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss | ||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 7.4 | $ | 0.5 | |||||||
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | 1.6 | — | 42.0 | 1.1 | |||||||||||
Public Utilities | 5.1 | 0.2 | 58.2 | 0.7 | |||||||||||
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 28.0 | — | 1.9 | 0.1 | |||||||||||
All Other Corporate Bonds | 1,666.2 | 82.2 | 729.4 | 40.0 | |||||||||||
Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 1,700.9 | $ | 82.4 | $ | 838.9 | $ | 42.4 |
The following is a distribution of the maturity dates for fixed maturity securities. The maturity dates have not been adjusted for possible calls or prepayments.
March 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Amortized Cost | Unrealized Gain Position | Unrealized Loss Position | |||||||||||||||||
Gross Gain | Fair Value | Gross Loss | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||
1 year or less | $ | 1,283.3 | $ | 30.1 | $ | 1,313.4 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||
Over 1 year through 5 years | 6,784.1 | 741.4 | 7,391.3 | 14.8 | 119.4 | ||||||||||||||
Over 5 years through 10 years | 10,002.5 | 1,124.5 | 10,112.2 | 46.8 | 968.0 | ||||||||||||||
Over 10 years | 18,781.4 | 4,779.9 | 23,123.4 | 28.2 | 409.7 | ||||||||||||||
36,851.3 | 6,675.9 | 41,940.3 | 89.8 | 1,497.1 | |||||||||||||||
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 2,174.6 | 240.8 | 2,394.4 | 0.1 | 20.9 | ||||||||||||||
Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 39,025.9 | $ | 6,916.7 | $ | 44,334.7 | $ | 89.9 | $ | 1,518.0 |
December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Amortized Cost | Unrealized Gain Position | Unrealized Loss Position | |||||||||||||||||
Gross Gain | Fair Value | Gross Loss | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||
1 year or less | $ | 1,372.0 | $ | 34.3 | $ | 1,406.3 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||
Over 1 year through 5 years | 6,871.2 | 719.3 | 7,434.0 | 9.4 | 147.1 | ||||||||||||||
Over 5 years through 10 years | 9,532.9 | 1,003.3 | 8,792.3 | 80.9 | 1,663.0 | ||||||||||||||
Over 10 years | 18,802.4 | 4,422.4 | 22,490.6 | 34.4 | 699.8 | ||||||||||||||
36,578.5 | 6,179.3 | 40,123.2 | 124.7 | 2,509.9 | |||||||||||||||
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 2,224.9 | 207.0 | 2,401.9 | 0.1 | 29.9 | ||||||||||||||
Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 38,803.4 | $ | 6,386.3 | $ | 42,525.1 | $ | 124.8 | $ | 2,539.8 |
At March 31, 2015, the fair value of investment-grade fixed maturity securities was $42,085.7 million, with a gross unrealized gain of $6,709.7 million and a gross unrealized loss of $17.5 million. The gross unrealized loss on investment-grade fixed maturity securities was 19.5 percent of the total gross unrealized loss on fixed maturity securities. Unrealized losses on investment-grade fixed maturity securities principally relate to changes in interest rates or changes in market or sector credit spreads which occurred subsequent to the acquisition of the securities.
At March 31, 2015, the fair value of below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities was $3,767.0 million, with a gross unrealized gain of $207.0 million and a gross unrealized loss of $72.4 million. The gross unrealized loss on below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities was 80.5 percent of the total gross unrealized loss on fixed maturity securities. Generally, below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities are more likely to develop credit concerns than investment-grade securities. At March 31, 2015, the unrealized losses in our below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities were generally due to credit
24
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
spreads in certain industries or sectors and, to a lesser extent, credit concerns related to specific securities. For each specific security in an unrealized loss position, we believe that there are positive factors which mitigate credit concerns and that the securities for which we have not recorded an other-than-temporary impairment will recover in value.
As of March 31, 2015, we held 42 individual investment-grade fixed maturity securities and 52 individual below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position, of which 9 investment-grade fixed maturity securities and 13 below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities had been in an unrealized loss position continuously for over one year.
In determining when a decline in fair value below amortized cost of a fixed maturity security is other than temporary, we evaluate the following factors:
• | Whether we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security |
• | Whether we intend to sell the security or will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis |
• | Whether the security is current as to principal and interest payments |
• | The significance of the decline in value |
• | The time period during which there has been a significant decline in value |
• | Current and future business prospects and trends of earnings |
• | The valuation of the security's underlying collateral |
• | Relevant industry conditions and trends relative to their historical cycles |
• | Market conditions |
• | Rating agency and governmental actions |
• | Bid and offering prices and the level of trading activity |
• | Adverse changes in estimated cash flows for securitized investments |
• | Changes in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date |
• | Any other key measures for the related security |
While determining other-than-temporary impairments is a judgmental area, we utilize a formal, well-defined, and disciplined process to monitor and evaluate our fixed income investment portfolio, supported by issuer specific research and documentation as of the end of each period. The process results in a thorough evaluation of problem investments and the recording of losses on a timely basis for investments determined to have an other-than-temporary impairment.
We held no fixed maturity securities as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014 for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
At March 31, 2015, we had non-binding commitments of $59.0 million to fund private placement fixed maturity securities.
Variable Interest Entities
We invest in variable interests issued by variable interest entities. These investments include tax credit partnerships, private equity partnerships, and special purpose entities. For those variable interests that are not consolidated in our financial statements, we are not the primary beneficiary because we have neither the power to direct the activities that are most significant to economic performance nor the responsibility to absorb a majority of the expected losses. The determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary is performed at the time of our initial investment and at the date of each subsequent reporting period.
As of March 31, 2015, the carrying amount of our variable interest entity investments that are not consolidated in our financial statements was $452.4 million, comprised of $230.0 million of tax credit partnerships and $222.4 million of private equity partnerships. These variable interest entity investments are reported as other long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets.
25
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
The Company invests in tax credit partnerships primarily for the receipt of income tax credits and tax benefits derived from passive losses on the investments. Amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of income are as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
(in millions of dollars) | ||||||||
Income Tax Credits | $ | 10.5 | $ | 10.4 | ||||
Amortization, net of tax | (5.8 | ) | (5.8 | ) | ||||
Income Tax Benefit | $ | 4.7 | $ | 4.6 |
Additionally, we recognize a liability for all legally binding unfunded commitments to these partnerships, with a corresponding recognition of an invested asset. Our liability for legally binding unfunded commitments to the tax credit partnerships was $8.8 million at March 31, 2015. Contractually, we are a limited partner in these investments, and our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of our investment. We also had non-binding commitments of $159.0 million to fund certain private equity partnerships at March 31, 2015, the amount of which may or may not be funded.
We are the sole beneficiary of a special purpose entity which is consolidated in our financial statements. This entity is a securitized asset trust containing a highly rated bond for principal protection and a private equity partnership investment which we contributed into the trust at the time it was established. There are no restrictions on the assets held in this trust, and the trust is free to dispose of the assets at any time. The fair values of the bond and partnership were $146.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2015. The bond is reported as a component of fixed maturity securities, and the partnership is reported as a component of other long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2015, we had no commitments to fund the underlying partnership, nor did we fund any amounts to the partnership during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
Mortgage Loans
Our mortgage loan portfolio is well diversified by both geographic region and property type to reduce risk of concentration. All of our mortgage loans are collateralized by commercial real estate. When issuing a new loan, our general policy is not to exceed a loan-to-value ratio, or the ratio of the loan balance to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, of 75 percent. We update the loan-to-value ratios at least every three years for each loan, and properties undergo a general inspection at least every two years. Our general policy for newly issued loans is to have a debt service coverage ratio greater than 1.25 times on a normalized 25 year amortization period. We update our debt service coverage ratios annually.
26
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
Mortgage loans by property type and geographic region are presented below.
March 31, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||
Carrying | Percent of | Carrying | Percent of | ||||||||||
Amount | Total | Amount | Total | ||||||||||
Property Type | |||||||||||||
Apartment | $ | 118.0 | 6.2 | % | $ | 110.1 | 5.9 | % | |||||
Industrial | 523.7 | 27.6 | 542.9 | 29.2 | |||||||||
Office | 819.3 | 43.2 | 794.0 | 42.8 | |||||||||
Retail | 435.5 | 23.0 | 409.6 | 22.1 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 1,896.5 | 100.0 | % | $ | 1,856.6 | 100.0 | % |
Region | |||||||||||||
New England | $ | 104.4 | 5.5 | % | $ | 105.6 | 5.7 | % | |||||
Mid-Atlantic | 177.9 | 9.4 | 179.4 | 9.7 | |||||||||
East North Central | 209.0 | 11.0 | 210.6 | 11.4 | |||||||||
West North Central | 164.3 | 8.7 | 166.2 | 8.9 | |||||||||
South Atlantic | 446.8 | 23.5 | 453.6 | 24.4 | |||||||||
East South Central | 80.8 | 4.3 | 75.3 | 4.1 | |||||||||
West South Central | 213.7 | 11.3 | 215.6 | 11.6 | |||||||||
Mountain | 165.2 | 8.7 | 116.0 | 6.2 | |||||||||
Pacific | 334.4 | 17.6 | 334.3 | 18.0 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 1,896.5 | 100.0 | % | $ | 1,856.6 | 100.0 | % |
We evaluate each of our mortgage loans individually for impairment and assign an internal credit quality rating based on a comprehensive rating system used to evaluate the credit risk of the loan. The factors we use to derive our internal credit ratings may include the following:
• | Loan-to-value ratio |
• | Debt service coverage ratio based on current operating income |
• | Property location, including regional economics, trends and demographics |
• | Age, condition, and construction quality of property |
• | Current and historical occupancy of property |
• | Lease terms relative to market |
• | Tenant size and financial strength |
• | Borrower's financial strength |
• | Borrower's equity in transaction |
• | Additional collateral, if any |
Although all available and applicable factors are considered in our analysis, loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios are the most critical factors in determining whether we will initially issue the loan and also in assigning values and determining impairment. We assign an overall rating to each loan using an internal rating scale of Aa (highest quality) to B (lowest quality). We review and adjust, as needed, our internal credit quality ratings on an annual basis. This review process is performed more frequently for mortgage loans deemed to have a higher risk of delinquency.
27
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
Mortgage loans, sorted by the applicable credit quality indicators, are as follows:
March 31 2015 | December 31 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
Internal Rating | |||||||
Aa | $ | 1.7 | $ | 7.7 | |||
A | 615.1 | 666.0 | |||||
Baa | 1,253.6 | 1,156.7 | |||||
Ba | 13.0 | 13.1 | |||||
B | 13.1 | 13.1 | |||||
Total | $ | 1,896.5 | $ | 1,856.6 |
Loan-to-Value Ratio | |||||||
<= 65% | $ | 916.7 | $ | 898.7 | |||
> 65% <= 75% | 839.1 | 818.0 | |||||
> 75% <= 85% | 86.6 | 102.3 | |||||
> 85% | 54.1 | 37.6 | |||||
Total | $ | 1,896.5 | $ | 1,856.6 |
There were no troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we modified the terms of a mortgage loan with a carrying value of $18.1 million and recognized a $3.0 million realized loss on the troubled debt restructuring.
At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we held no mortgage loans that were greater than 90 days past due regarding principal and/or interest payments.
There have been no changes to our accounting policies or methodology from the prior period regarding estimating the allowance for credit losses on our mortgage loans. The activity in the allowance for credit losses is as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
Balance at Beginning of Year | $ | 1.5 | $ | 1.5 | |||
Provision | — | 3.0 | |||||
Balance at End of Period | $ | 1.5 | $ | 4.5 |
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 we held one impaired mortgage loan with an unpaid principal balance of $14.6 million, a related allowance for credit losses of $1.5 million, and a carrying value of $13.1 million.
Our average investment in impaired mortgage loans was $13.1 million and $19.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Interest income recognized on mortgage loans subsequent to impairment was $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
At March 31, 2015, we had non-binding commitments of $55.8 million to fund certain commercial mortgage loans, the amount of which may or may not be funded.
Transfers of Financial Assets
To manage our cash position more efficiently, we may enter into repurchase agreements with unaffiliated financial institutions. We generally use repurchase agreements as a means to finance the purchase of invested assets or for short-term general business purposes until projected cash flows become available from our operations or existing investments. Our repurchase agreements are typically outstanding for less than 30 days. We post collateral through our repurchase agreement transactions whereby the
28
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
counterparty commits to purchase securities with the agreement to resell them to us at a later, specified date. The fair value of collateral posted is generally 102 percent of the cash received.
Our investment policy also permits us to lend fixed maturity securities to unaffiliated financial institutions in short-term securities lending agreements. These agreements increase our investment income with minimal risk. Our securities lending policy requires that a minimum of 102 percent of the fair value of the securities loaned be maintained as collateral. Generally, cash is received as collateral under these agreements and is typically reinvested in short-term investments. In the event that securities are received as collateral, we are not permitted to sell or re-post them.
As of March 31, 2015, the carrying amount of fixed maturity securities loaned to third parties under our securities lending program was $181.1 million, for which we received collateral in the form of cash and securities of $25.3 million and $161.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the carrying amount of fixed maturity securities loaned to third parties under our securities lending program was $176.5 million, for which we received collateral in the form of cash and securities of $58.4 million and $128.5 million, respectively. We had no outstanding repurchase agreements at March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.
During 2014, certain of our domestic insurance subsidiaries were approved for membership of regional FHLBs and made initial common stock membership purchases in the first quarter of 2015. As a member, we obtain access to low-cost funding and also receive dividends based on our stock ownership. Membership requires that we purchase an initial minimum amount of FHLB common stock, and additional purchases are required based upon the amount of funds borrowed from FHLBs. As of March 31, 2015 we owned $18.2 million of FHLB common stock and had obtained $26.0 million in advances from a regional FHLB for the purpose of purchasing fixed maturity securities. As of March 31, 2015, the carrying value of fixed maturity securities and commercial mortgage loans posted as collateral to certain regional FHLBs was $49.8 million and $113.3 million, respectively.
Offsetting of Financial Instruments
We enter into master netting agreements with each of our derivatives counterparties. These agreements provide for conditional rights of set-off upon the occurrence of an early termination event. An early termination event is considered a default, and it allows the non-defaulting party to offset its contracts in a loss position against any gain positions or payments due to the defaulting party. Under our agreements, default type events are defined as failure to pay or deliver as contractually agreed, misrepresentation, bankruptcy, or merger without assumption. See Note 5 for further discussion of collateral related to our derivative contracts.
We have securities lending agreements with unaffiliated financial institutions that post collateral to us in return for the use of our fixed maturity securities. A right of set-off exists that allows us to keep and apply collateral received in the event of default by the counterparty. Default within a securities lending agreement would typically occur if the counterparty failed to return the securities borrowed from us as contractually agreed. In addition, if we default by not returning collateral received, the counterparty has a right of set-off against our securities or any other amounts due to us.
29
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
Shown below are our financial instruments that either meet the accounting requirements that allow them to be offset in our balance sheets or that are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. Our accounting policy is to not offset these financial instruments in our balance sheets. Net amounts disclosed below have been reduced by the amount of collateral pledged to or received from our counterparties.
March 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amount | Gross Amount Not | |||||||||||||||||||||||
of Recognized | Gross Amount | Net Amount | Offset in Balance Sheet | |||||||||||||||||||||
Financial | Offset in | Presented in | Financial | Cash | Net | |||||||||||||||||||
Instruments | Balance Sheet | Balance Sheet | Instruments | Collateral | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives | $ | 53.2 | $ | — | $ | 53.2 | $ | (21.2 | ) | $ | (28.7 | ) | $ | 3.3 | ||||||||||
Securities Lending | 181.1 | — | 181.1 | (155.8 | ) | (25.3 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 234.3 | $ | — | $ | 234.3 | $ | (177.0 | ) | $ | (54.0 | ) | $ | 3.3 | ||||||||||
Financial Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives | $ | 71.8 | $ | — | $ | 71.8 | $ | (49.3 | ) | $ | — | $ | 22.5 | |||||||||||
Securities Lending | 25.3 | — | 25.3 | (25.3 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 97.1 | $ | — | $ | 97.1 | $ | (74.6 | ) | $ | — | $ | 22.5 |
December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amount | Gross Amount Not | |||||||||||||||||||||||
of Recognized | Gross Amount | Net Amount | Offset in Balance Sheet | |||||||||||||||||||||
Financial | Offset in | Presented in | Financial | Cash | Net | |||||||||||||||||||
Instruments | Balance Sheet | Balance Sheet | Instruments | Collateral | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives | $ | 28.0 | $ | — | $ | 28.0 | $ | (7.2 | ) | $ | (15.4 | ) | $ | 5.4 | ||||||||||
Securities Lending | 176.5 | — | 176.5 | (118.1 | ) | (58.4 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 204.5 | $ | — | $ | 204.5 | $ | (125.3 | ) | $ | (73.8 | ) | $ | 5.4 | ||||||||||
Financial Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives | $ | 92.9 | $ | — | $ | 92.9 | $ | (67.0 | ) | $ | — | $ | 25.9 | |||||||||||
Securities Lending | 58.4 | — | 58.4 | (58.4 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 151.3 | $ | — | $ | 151.3 | $ | (125.4 | ) | $ | — | $ | 25.9 |
30
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
Net Investment Income
Net investment income reported in our consolidated statements of income is as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 566.2 | $ | 581.1 | |||
Derivatives | 10.9 | 9.9 | |||||
Mortgage Loans | 28.3 | 28.4 | |||||
Policy Loans | 4.0 | 3.9 | |||||
Other Long-term Investments | 3.9 | 3.8 | |||||
Short-term Investments | 0.9 | 0.5 | |||||
Gross Investment Income | 614.2 | 627.6 | |||||
Less Investment Expenses | 8.5 | 8.0 | |||||
Less Investment Income on Participation Fund Account Assets | 3.7 | 3.8 | |||||
Net Investment Income | $ | 602.0 | $ | 615.8 |
Realized Investment Gain and Loss
Realized investment gains and losses are as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||
Gross Gains on Sales | $ | 2.5 | $ | 0.9 | |||
Gross Losses on Sales | (5.7 | ) | (5.4 | ) | |||
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss | (4.5 | ) | — | ||||
Mortgage Loans and Other Invested Assets | |||||||
Gross Gains on Sales | 1.1 | 7.4 | |||||
Gross Losses on Sales | — | (0.6 | ) | ||||
Impairment Loss | (2.7 | ) | (3.0 | ) | |||
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | (3.9 | ) | 8.5 | ||||
All Other Derivatives | (1.1 | ) | (0.4 | ) | |||
Foreign Currency Transactions | (1.0 | ) | (1.1 | ) | |||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | $ | (15.3 | ) | $ | 6.3 |
31
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments
Purpose of Derivatives
We are exposed to certain risks relating to our ongoing business operations. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are interest rate risk, risk related to matching duration for our assets and liabilities, foreign currency risk, and credit risk. Historically, we have utilized current and forward interest rate swaps and options on forward interest rate swaps and U.S. Treasury rates, current and forward currency swaps, forward treasury locks, currency forward contracts, forward contracts on specific fixed income securities, and credit default swaps. Transactions hedging interest rate risk are primarily associated with our individual and group long-term care and individual and group disability products. All other product portfolios are periodically reviewed to determine if hedging strategies would be appropriate for risk management purposes. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and used to reduce our exposure to interest rate and duration risk are as follows:
• | Interest rate swaps are used to hedge interest rate risks and to improve the matching of assets and liabilities. An interest rate swap is an agreement in which we agree with other parties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and variable rate interest amounts. We use interest rate swaps to hedge the anticipated purchase of fixed maturity securities thereby protecting us from the potential adverse impact of declining interest rates on the associated policy reserves. We also use interest rate swaps to hedge the potential adverse impact of rising interest rates in anticipation of issuing fixed rate long-term debt. |
• | Forward treasury locks are used to minimize interest rate risk associated with the anticipated purchase or disposal of fixed maturity securities. A forward treasury lock is a derivative contract without an initial investment where we and the counterparty agree to purchase or sell a specific U.S. Treasury bond at a future date at a pre-determined price. |
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and used to reduce our exposure to interest rate and duration risk are as follows:
• | Interest rate swaps are used to effectively convert certain of our fixed rate securities into floating rate securities which are used to fund our floating rate long-term debt. Under these swap agreements, we receive a variable rate of interest and pay a fixed rate of interest. Additionally, we use interest rate swaps to effectively convert certain fixed rate, long-term debt into floating rate long-term debt. Under these swap agreements, we receive a fixed rate of interest and pay a variable rate of interest. |
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and used to reduce our exposure to foreign currency risk are as follows:
• | Foreign currency interest rate swaps have historically been used to hedge the currency risk of certain foreign currency-denominated fixed maturity securities owned for portfolio diversification and to hedge the currency risk associated with certain of the principal and interest payments of the U.S. dollar-denominated debt issued by one of our U.K. subsidiaries. For hedges of fixed maturity securities, we agree to pay, at specified intervals, fixed rate foreign currency-denominated principal and interest payments in exchange for fixed rate payments in the functional currency of the operating segment. For hedges of debt issued, we agree to pay, at specified intervals, fixed rate foreign currency-denominated principal and interest payments to the counterparty in exchange for fixed rate U.S. dollar-denominated principal and interest payments. |
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and used to reduce our exposure to foreign currency risk and credit losses on securities owned are as follows:
• | Foreign currency interest rate swaps previously designated as hedges were used to hedge the currency risk of certain foreign currency-denominated fixed maturity securities owned for portfolio diversification. We agree to pay, at specified intervals, fixed rate foreign currency-denominated principal and interest payments in exchange for fixed rate payments in the functional currency of the operating segment. We hold offsetting swaps wherein we agree to pay fixed rate principal and interest payments in the functional currency of the operating segment in exchange for fixed rate foreign currency-denominated payments. |
32
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued
• | Credit default swaps are used as economic hedges against credit risk but do not qualify for hedge accounting. A credit default swap is an agreement in which we agree with another party to pay, at specified intervals, a fixed-rate fee in exchange for insurance against a credit event on a specific investment. If a defined credit event occurs, our counterparty may either pay us a net cash settlement or we may surrender the specific investment to them in exchange for cash equal to the full notional amount of the swap. Credit events typically include events such as bankruptcy, failure to pay, or certain types of debt restructuring. |
Derivative Risks
The basic types of risks associated with derivatives are market risk (that the value of the derivative will be adversely impacted by changes in the market, primarily the change in interest and exchange rates) and credit risk (that the counterparty will not perform according to the terms of the contract). The market risk of the derivatives should generally offset the market risk associated with the hedged financial instrument or liability. To help limit the credit exposure of the derivatives, we enter into master netting agreements with our counterparties whereby contracts in a gain position can be offset against contracts in a loss position. We also typically enter into bilateral, cross-collateralization agreements with our counterparties to help limit the credit exposure of the derivatives. These agreements require the counterparty in a loss position to submit acceptable collateral with the other counterparty in the event the net loss position meets or exceeds an agreed upon amount. Our current credit exposure on derivatives, which is limited to the value of those contracts in a net gain position, including accrued interest receivable less collateral held, was $3.3 million at March 31, 2015. We held $28.7 million and $15.4 million cash collateral from our counterparties at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. We post either fixed maturity securities or cash as collateral to our counterparties. The carrying value of fixed maturity securities posted as collateral to our counterparties was $49.0 million and $67.0 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. We had no cash posted as collateral to our counterparties at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. See Note 4 for further discussion of our master netting agreements.
The majority of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to maintain specified issuer credit ratings and financial strength ratings. Should our ratings fall below these specified levels, we would be in violation of the provisions, and our derivatives counterparties could terminate our contracts and request immediate payment. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position was $71.8 million and $92.9 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Derivative Transactions
The table below summarizes, by notional amounts, the activity for each category of derivatives. The notional amounts represent the basis upon which our counterparty pay and receive amounts are calculated.
Swaps | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Receive Variable/Pay Fixed | Receive Fixed/Pay Fixed | Receive Fixed/Pay Variable | Credit Default | Forwards | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | $ | 150.0 | $ | 630.4 | $ | 600.0 | $ | 97.0 | $ | — | $ | 1,477.4 | |||||||||||
Additions | — | — | — | — | 10.0 | 10.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Terminations | — | 7.9 | — | — | 10.0 | 17.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2014 | $ | 150.0 | $ | 622.5 | $ | 600.0 | $ | 97.0 | $ | — | $ | 1,469.5 | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2014 | $ | 150.0 | $ | 840.4 | $ | 600.0 | $ | 97.0 | $ | — | $ | 1,687.4 | |||||||||||
Additions | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Terminations | — | 8.9 | — | — | — | 8.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2015 | $ | 150.0 | $ | 831.5 | $ | 600.0 | $ | 97.0 | $ | — | $ | 1,678.5 |
33
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued
Cash Flow Hedges
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had $609.1 million and $618.0 million, respectively, notional amount of receive fixed, pay fixed, open current and forward foreign currency interest rate swaps to hedge fixed income foreign currency-denominated securities and U.S. dollar-denominated debt issued by one of our U.K. subsidiaries.
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, there was no material ineffectiveness related to our cash flow hedges, and no component of the derivative instruments' gain or loss was excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
As of March 31, 2015, we expect to amortize approximately $50.9 million of net deferred gains on derivative instruments during the next twelve months. This amount will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings and reported on the same income statement line item as the hedged item. The income statement line items that will be affected by this amortization are net investment income and interest and debt expense. The remaining principal balance of the U.S. dollar-denominated debt issued by one of our U.K. subsidiaries is scheduled to mature during the fourth quarter of 2015, at which time we will reclassify the remaining deferred cash flow hedge gain of approximately $27.1 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to realized investment gain in our consolidated statements of income. Additional amounts that may be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings to offset the earnings impact of foreign currency translation of hedged items are not estimable.
As of March 31, 2015, we are hedging the variability of future cash flows associated with forecasted transactions through the year 2038.
Fair Value Hedges
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had $150.0 million notional amount of receive variable, pay fixed interest rate swaps to hedge the changes in fair value of certain fixed rate securities held. These swaps effectively convert the associated fixed rate securities into floating rate securities, which are used to fund our floating rate long-term debt. The change in fair value of the hedged fixed maturity securities attributable to the hedged benchmark interest rate resulted in a loss of $0.5 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, with an offsetting gain on the related interest rate swaps.
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had $600.0 million notional amount of receive fixed, pay variable interest rate swaps to hedge the changes in the fair value of certain fixed rate long-term debt. These swaps effectively convert the associated fixed rate long-term debt into floating rate debt and provide for a better matching of interest rates with our short-term investments, which have frequent interest rate resets similar to a floating rate security. The change in fair value of the hedged debt attributable to the hedged benchmark interest rate resulted in a loss of $3.7 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, with an offsetting gain on the related interest rate swaps.
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, and 2014, there was no material ineffectiveness related to our fair value hedges, and no component of the derivative instruments' gain or loss was excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. There were no instances wherein we discontinued fair value hedge accounting due to a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifying as a fair value hedge.
Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we held $222.4 million notional amount of receive fixed, pay fixed, foreign currency interest rate swaps. During 2014, we novated $97.0 million notional amount of our foreign currency interest rate swaps to a new counterparty. In conjunction with the novation, we de-designated these derivatives as hedges and entered into $125.4 million notional amount of offsetting foreign currency interest rate swaps. These derivatives were not designated as hedges, and as such, changes in fair value related to these derivatives will be reported in earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss. We expect the changes in fair value of these derivatives to materially offset the changes in fair value related to the de-designated derivatives.
34
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we held $97.0 million notional amount of single name credit default swaps. We entered into these swaps in order to mitigate the credit risk associated with specific securities owned.
We have an embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement for which we include in our realized investment gains and losses a calculation intended to estimate the value of the option of our reinsurance counterparty to cancel the reinsurance contract with us. However, neither party can unilaterally terminate the reinsurance agreement except in extreme circumstances resulting from regulatory supervision, delinquency proceedings, or other direct regulatory action. Cash settlements or collateral related to this embedded derivative are not required at any time during the reinsurance contract or at termination of the reinsurance contract. There are no credit-related counterparty triggers, and any accumulated embedded derivative gain or loss reduces to zero over time as the reinsured business winds down.
Locations and Amounts of Derivative Financial Instruments
The following tables summarize the location and fair values of derivative financial instruments, as reported in our consolidated balance sheets.
March 31, 2015 | |||||||||||
Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives | ||||||||||
Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value | Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value | ||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
Designated as Hedging Instruments | |||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps | Other L-T Investments | $ | 5.6 | Other Liabilities | $ | 16.4 | |||||
Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other L-T Investments | 47.6 | Other Liabilities | 22.1 | |||||||
Total | $ | 53.2 | $ | 38.5 | |||||||
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | |||||||||||
Credit Default Swaps | Other Liabilities | $ | 1.3 | ||||||||
Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other Liabilities | 32.0 | |||||||||
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | Other Liabilities | 53.8 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 87.1 |
December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||
Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives | ||||||||||
Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value | Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value | ||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
Designated as Hedging Instruments | |||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps | Other L-T Investments | $ | 5.7 | Other Liabilities | $ | 20.8 | |||||
Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other L-T Investments | 22.3 | Other Liabilities | 39.6 | |||||||
Total | $ | 28.0 | $ | 60.4 | |||||||
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | |||||||||||
Credit Default Swaps | Other Liabilities | $ | 1.2 | ||||||||
Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other Liabilities | 31.3 | |||||||||
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | Other Liabilities | 49.9 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 82.4 |
35
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued
The following table summarizes the location of gains and losses on the effective portion of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments, as reported in our consolidated statements of income and consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
(in millions of dollars) | ||||||||
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivatives | ||||||||
Foreign Exchange Contracts | $ | 42.3 | $ | 12.9 | ||||
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income | ||||||||
Net Investment Income | ||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps and Forwards | $ | 12.5 | $ | 11.7 | ||||
Foreign Exchange Contracts | (0.5 | ) | (1.1 | ) | ||||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | ||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps | — | 2.5 | ||||||
Foreign Exchange Contracts | (1.2 | ) | (2.1 | ) | ||||
Interest and Debt Expense | ||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps | (0.5 | ) | (0.4 | ) | ||||
Total | $ | 10.3 | $ | 10.6 |
The following table summarizes the location of gains and losses on our derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, as reported in our consolidated statements of income.
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
(in millions of dollars) | ||||||||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | ||||||||
Credit Default Swaps | $ | (0.3 | ) | $ | (0.4 | ) | ||
Foreign Exchange Contracts | (0.8 | ) | — | |||||
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | (3.9 | ) | 8.5 | |||||
Total | $ | (5.0 | ) | $ | 8.1 |
36
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 6 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Components of our accumulated other comprehensive income, after tax, and related changes are as follows:
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities | Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs | Total | |||||||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2014 | $ | 290.3 | $ | 391.0 | $ | (113.4 | ) | $ | (401.5 | ) | $ | 166.4 | |||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications | 118.0 | 27.6 | (54.0 | ) | 1.1 | 92.7 | |||||||||||||||
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income or Loss | 6.0 | (6.7 | ) | — | 2.0 | 1.3 | |||||||||||||||
Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | 124.0 | 20.9 | (54.0 | ) | 3.1 | 94.0 | |||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2015 | $ | 414.3 | $ | 411.9 | $ | (167.4 | ) | $ | (398.4 | ) | $ | 260.4 | |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | $ | 135.7 | $ | 396.3 | $ | (47.1 | ) | $ | (229.9 | ) | $ | 255.0 | |||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications | 187.2 | 8.5 | 7.6 | (0.2 | ) | 203.1 | |||||||||||||||
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income or Loss | 2.4 | (6.8 | ) | — | 0.7 | (3.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net Other Comprehensive Income | 189.6 | 1.7 | 7.6 | 0.5 | 199.4 | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2014 | $ | 325.3 | $ | 398.0 | $ | (39.5 | ) | $ | (229.4 | ) | $ | 454.4 |
The net unrealized gain on securities consists of the following components:
March 31 | December 31 | |||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | Change | ||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 6,826.8 | $ | 6,261.5 | $ | 565.3 | ||||||
Other Investments | (18.4 | ) | 13.9 | (32.3 | ) | |||||||
Deferred Acquisition Costs | (56.6 | ) | (50.8 | ) | (5.8 | ) | ||||||
Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits | (6,513.9 | ) | (6,150.3 | ) | (363.6 | ) | ||||||
Reinsurance Recoverable | 387.9 | 365.0 | 22.9 | |||||||||
Income Tax | (211.5 | ) | (149.0 | ) | (62.5 | ) | ||||||
Total | $ | 414.3 | $ | 290.3 | $ | 124.0 |
March 31 | December 31 | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | Change | ||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 5,150.8 | $ | 4,054.8 | $ | 1,096.0 | ||||||
Other Investments | 40.6 | 55.5 | (14.9 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred Acquisition Costs | (48.9 | ) | (41.6 | ) | (7.3 | ) | ||||||
Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits | (4,939.7 | ) | (4,108.5 | ) | (831.2 | ) | ||||||
Reinsurance Recoverable | 309.9 | 263.8 | 46.1 | |||||||||
Income Tax | (187.4 | ) | (88.3 | ) | (99.1 | ) | ||||||
Total | $ | 325.3 | $ | 135.7 | $ | 189.6 |
37
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 6 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Continued
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss were recognized in our consolidated statements of income as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities | |||||||||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | |||||||||
Loss on Sales of Securities and Other Invested Assets | $ | (4.8 | ) | $ | (3.7 | ) | |||
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss | (4.5 | ) | — | ||||||
(9.3 | ) | (3.7 | ) | ||||||
Income Tax Benefit | (3.3 | ) | (1.3 | ) | |||||
Total | $ | (6.0 | ) | $ | (2.4 | ) | |||
Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges | |||||||||
Net Investment Income | |||||||||
Gain on Interest Rate Swaps and Forwards | $ | 12.5 | $ | 11.7 | |||||
Loss on Foreign Exchange Contracts | (0.5 | ) | (1.1 | ) | |||||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | |||||||||
Gain on Interest Rate Swaps | — | 2.5 | |||||||
Loss on Foreign Exchange Contracts | (1.2 | ) | (2.1 | ) | |||||
Interest and Debt Expense | |||||||||
Loss on Interest Rate Swaps | (0.5 | ) | (0.4 | ) | |||||
10.3 | 10.6 | ||||||||
Income Tax Expense | 3.6 | 3.8 | |||||||
Total | $ | 6.7 | $ | 6.8 | |||||
Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs | |||||||||
Other Expenses | |||||||||
Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss | $ | (3.0 | ) | $ | (1.4 | ) | |||
Amortization of Prior Service Credit | — | 0.4 | |||||||
(3.0 | ) | (1.0 | ) | ||||||
Income Tax Benefit | (1.0 | ) | (0.3 | ) | |||||
Total | $ | (2.0 | ) | $ | (0.7 | ) |
38
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 7 - Segment Information
We have three principal operating business segments: Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life. Our other segments are Closed Block and Corporate.
Segment information is as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
Premium Income | |||||||
Unum US | |||||||
Group Disability | |||||||
Group Long-term Disability | $ | 405.3 | $ | 383.5 | |||
Group Short-term Disability | 147.7 | 137.3 | |||||
Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment | |||||||
Group Life | 335.0 | 309.9 | |||||
Accidental Death & Dismemberment | 32.6 | 30.6 | |||||
Supplemental and Voluntary | |||||||
Individual Disability | 117.9 | 115.9 | |||||
Voluntary Benefits | 191.7 | 175.3 | |||||
1,230.2 | 1,152.5 | ||||||
Unum UK | |||||||
Group Long-term Disability | 96.5 | 103.0 | |||||
Group Life | 30.5 | 34.8 | |||||
Supplemental | 12.0 | 13.9 | |||||
139.0 | 151.7 | ||||||
Colonial Life | |||||||
Accident, Sickness, and Disability | 196.5 | 189.1 | |||||
Life | 62.3 | 57.4 | |||||
Cancer and Critical Illness | 73.4 | 69.9 | |||||
332.2 | 316.4 | ||||||
Closed Block | |||||||
Individual Disability | 146.5 | 161.1 | |||||
Long-term Care | 158.2 | 156.5 | |||||
All Other | 0.2 | 0.3 | |||||
304.9 | 317.9 | ||||||
Total Premium Income | $ | 2,006.3 | $ | 1,938.5 |
39
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 7 - Segment Information - Continued
Unum US | Unum UK | Colonial Life | Closed Block | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Premium Income | $ | 1,230.2 | $ | 139.0 | $ | 332.2 | $ | 304.9 | $ | — | $ | 2,006.3 | |||||||||||
Net Investment Income | 215.0 | 23.5 | 37.0 | 320.4 | 6.1 | 602.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Other Income | 30.9 | — | — | 23.2 | 0.3 | 54.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenue | $ | 1,476.1 | $ | 162.5 | $ | 369.2 | $ | 648.5 | $ | 6.4 | $ | 2,662.7 | |||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | $ | 214.3 | $ | 32.6 | $ | 77.6 | $ | 26.7 | $ | (29.9 | ) | $ | 321.3 | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Premium Income | $ | 1,152.5 | $ | 151.7 | $ | 316.4 | $ | 317.9 | $ | — | $ | 1,938.5 | |||||||||||
Net Investment Income | 223.1 | 33.6 | 36.6 | 315.5 | 7.0 | 615.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Other Income | 30.9 | (0.1 | ) | (0.1 | ) | 21.6 | 1.5 | 53.8 | |||||||||||||||
Operating Revenue | $ | 1,406.5 | $ | 185.2 | $ | 352.9 | $ | 655.0 | $ | 8.5 | $ | 2,608.1 | |||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | $ | 207.5 | $ | 36.5 | $ | 79.1 | $ | 28.3 | $ | (26.5 | ) | $ | 324.9 |
March 31 | December 31 | ||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
Assets | |||||||
Unum US | $ | 18,865.0 | $ | 18,676.5 | |||
Unum UK | 3,613.4 | 3,702.5 | |||||
Colonial Life | 3,774.7 | 3,692.2 | |||||
Closed Block | 34,462.1 | 33,960.2 | |||||
Corporate | 2,299.3 | 2,418.8 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 63,014.5 | $ | 62,450.2 |
We measure and analyze our segment performance using non-GAAP financial measures. A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position, or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures of "operating revenue" and "operating income" or "operating loss" differ from total revenue and income before income tax as presented in our consolidated statements of income due to the exclusion of net realized investment gains and losses and non-operating retirement-related gains or losses as specified in the reconciliations below. We believe operating revenue and operating income or loss are better performance measures and better indicators of the revenue and profitability and underlying trends in our business.
Realized investment gains or losses depend on market conditions and do not necessarily relate to decisions regarding the underlying business of our segments. Our investment focus is on investment income to support our insurance liabilities as opposed to the generation of realized investment gains or losses. Although we may experience realized investment gains or losses which will affect future earnings levels, a long-term focus is necessary to maintain profitability over the life of the business since our underlying business is long-term in nature, and we need to earn the interest rates assumed in calculating our liabilities.
40
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 7 - Segment Information - Continued
The amortization of prior period actuarial gains or losses, a component of the net periodic benefit cost for our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans, is driven by market performance as well as plan amendments and is not indicative of the operational results of our businesses. We believe that excluding the amortization of prior period gains or losses from operating income or loss provides investors with additional information for comparison and analysis of our operating results. Although we manage our non-operating retirement-related gains or losses separately from the operational performance of our business, these gains or losses impact the overall profitability of our company and have historically increased or decreased over time, depending on plan amendments and market conditions and the resulting impact on the actuarial gains or losses in our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans.
We may at other times exclude certain other items from our discussion of financial ratios and metrics in order to enhance the understanding and comparability of our operational performance and the underlying fundamentals, but this exclusion is not an indication that similar items may not recur and does not replace net income or net loss as a measure of our overall profitability.
A reconciliation of "operating revenue" to total revenue and "operating income" to income before income tax is as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
Operating Revenue | $ | 2,662.7 | $ | 2,608.1 | |||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | (15.3 | ) | 6.3 | ||||
Total Revenue | $ | 2,647.4 | $ | 2,614.4 | |||
Operating Income | $ | 321.3 | $ | 324.9 | |||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | (15.3 | ) | 6.3 | ||||
Non-operating Retirement-related Loss | (3.0 | ) | (1.4 | ) | |||
Income Before Income Tax | $ | 303.0 | $ | 329.8 |
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (OPEB) Plans
We sponsor several defined benefit pension and OPEB plans for our employees, including non-qualified pension plans. We maintain a separate defined benefit plan for eligible employees in our U.K. operation (the U.K. plan). The U.S. defined benefit pension plans were closed to new entrants and amended to freeze participation and benefit accruals for existing participants effective December 31, 2013. The U.K. plan was closed to new entrants effective December 31, 2002 and was amended to freeze participation for existing participants effective June 30, 2014.
The following table provides the components of the net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the defined benefit pension and OPEB plans.
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension Benefits | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Plans | U.K. Plan | OPEB | |||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Service Cost | $ | 1.0 | $ | 0.9 | $ | — | $ | 1.1 | $ | — | $ | 0.1 | |||||||||||
Interest Cost | 20.5 | 22.5 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 1.8 | 2.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Expected Return on Plan Assets | (27.2 | ) | (29.5 | ) | (3.1 | ) | (3.4 | ) | (0.2 | ) | (0.2 | ) | |||||||||||
Amortization of: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Actuarial Loss | 2.9 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Prior Service Credit | — | — | — | — | — | (0.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | (2.8 | ) | $ | (4.8 | ) | $ | (1.0 | ) | $ | 0.1 | $ | 1.6 | $ | 1.5 |
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity and Earnings Per Common Share
Earnings Per Common Share
Net income per common share is determined as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions of dollars, except share data) | |||||||
Numerator | |||||||
Net Income | $ | 212.9 | $ | 225.8 | |||
Denominator (000s) | |||||||
Weighted Average Common Shares - Basic | 251,467.4 | 259,408.5 | |||||
Dilution for Assumed Exercises of Stock Options and Nonvested Stock Awards | 767.5 | 1,301.4 | |||||
Weighted Average Common Shares - Assuming Dilution | 252,234.9 | 260,709.9 | |||||
Net Income Per Common Share | |||||||
Basic | $ | 0.85 | $ | 0.87 | |||
Assuming Dilution | $ | 0.84 | $ | 0.86 |
We use the treasury stock method to account for the effect of outstanding stock options, nonvested restricted stock units, and nonvested performance share units on the computation of diluted earnings per share. Under this method, these potential common shares will each have a dilutive effect, as individually measured, when the average market price of Unum Group common stock during the period exceeds the exercise price of the stock options and the grant price of the nonvested restricted stock units and the nonvested performance share units. The outstanding stock options have exercise prices ranging from $11.37 to $26.29, the nonvested restricted stock units have grant prices ranging from $19.38 to $35.47, and the nonvested performance share units have grant prices ranging from $23.97 to $34.08.
In computing earnings per share assuming dilution, only potential common shares that are dilutive (those that reduce earnings per share) are included. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately 0.9 million and a de minimis amount of potential common shares, respectively, were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact would be antidilutive, based on then current market prices.
Common Stock
Our board of directors has authorized the repurchase of Unum Group's common stock under the following repurchase program, which has an expiration date of June 12, 2015.
Authorized During | |||
December 2013 | |||
(in millions of dollars) | |||
Authorized Repurchase Amount | $ | 750.0 | |
Remaining Repurchase Amount at March 31, 2015 | $ | 321.5 |
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity and Earnings Per Common Share - Continued
Common stock repurchases, which are classified as treasury stock and accounted for using the cost method, were as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
(in millions) | |||||||
Shares Repurchased | 3.2 | 2.9 | |||||
Cost of Shares Repurchased (1) | $ | 108.1 | $ | 100.1 |
(1) Includes commissions of $0.1 million and a de minimis amount for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Preferred Stock
Unum Group has 25.0 million shares of preferred stock authorized with a par value of $0.10 per share. No preferred stock has been issued to date.
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Contingent Liabilities
We are a defendant in a number of litigation matters. In some of these matters, no specified amount is sought. In others, very large or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are asserted. There is a wide variation of pleading practice permitted in the United States courts with respect to requests for monetary damages, including some courts in which no specified amount is required and others which allow the plaintiff to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of that court. Further, some jurisdictions permit plaintiffs to allege damages well in excess of reasonably possible verdicts. Based on our extensive experience and that of others in the industry with respect to litigating or resolving claims through settlement over an extended period of time, we believe that the monetary damages asserted in a lawsuit or claim bear little relation to the merits of the case, or the likely disposition value. Therefore, the specific monetary relief sought is not stated.
Unless indicated otherwise in the descriptions below, reserves have not been established for litigation and contingencies. An estimated loss is accrued when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.
Claims Handling Matters
We and our insurance subsidiaries, in the ordinary course of our business, are engaged in claim litigation where disputes arise as a result of a denial or termination of benefits. Most typically these lawsuits are filed on behalf of a single claimant or policyholder, and in some of these individual actions punitive damages are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. For our general claim litigation, we maintain reserves based on experience to satisfy judgments and settlements in the normal course. We expect that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to general claim litigation, after consideration of the reserves maintained, will not be material to our consolidated financial condition. Nevertheless, given the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain claim litigation involving punitive damages could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations in a period, depending on the results of operations for the particular period.
From time to time class action allegations are pursued where the claimant or policyholder purports to represent a larger number of individuals who are similarly situated. Since each insurance claim is evaluated based on its own merits, there is rarely a single act or series of actions which can properly be addressed by a class action. Nevertheless, we monitor these cases closely and defend ourselves appropriately where these allegations are made.
Miscellaneous Matters
Beginning in 2011, a number of state regulators began requiring insurers to cross-check specified insurance policies with the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File to identify potential matches. If a potential match was identified, insurers
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - Continued
were requested to determine if benefits were due, locate beneficiaries, and make payments where appropriate. We initiated this process where requested, and in 2012 we began implementing this process in all states on a forward-looking basis. In addition to implementing this on a forward-looking basis, in 2013 we began an initiative to search for potential claims from previous years. During 2013, we completed our assessment of benefits which we estimate will be paid under this initiative, and as such, established additional reserves for payment of these benefits. Similar to other insurers, we are undergoing an examination by a third party acting on behalf of a number of state treasurers concerning our compliance with the unclaimed property laws of the participating states. We are cooperating fully with this examination, as well as with a Delaware Market Conduct examination and a Voluntary Disclosure Agreement process with the state of Minnesota. The legal and regulatory environment around unclaimed death benefits continues to evolve. It is possible that the current examination and/or similar investigations by other state jurisdictions may result in additional payments to beneficiaries, the payment of abandoned funds under state law, and/or administrative penalties, the total of which may be in excess of the reserves established.
In December 2012, State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue v. Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company and State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue v. Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company were filed in the Circuit Court of Putnam County, West Virginia. These two separate complaints alleged violations of the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Act by failing to identify and report all unclaimed insurance policy proceeds due to be escheated to West Virginia. The complaints sought to examine company records and assess penalties and costs in an undetermined amount. In December 2013, the court dismissed both complaints, holding that the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Act does not require insurance companies to periodically search the Social Security Administrations' Death Master File or escheat unclaimed life insurance benefits until a claim has been submitted. In January 2014, the plaintiff appealed the dismissal of both complaints. Oral argument occurred in April 2015, and we are awaiting the court's decision.
In May 2013, a purported class action complaint was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The plaintiff sought to represent a class of California insureds who were issued long-term care policies containing an inflation protection feature. The plaintiff alleged we incorrectly administered the inflation protection feature, resulting in an underpayment of benefits. The complaint made allegations against us for breach of contract, bad faith, fraud, violation of Business and Professions Code 17200, and injunctive relief. We removed the case to the United States District Court for the Central District of California and filed a motion to dismiss. Rather than oppose the motion, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint, and we filed another motion to dismiss. In August 2014, the District Court dismissed the fraud claim as well as plaintiff’s requests for injunctive and declaratory relief, but granted plaintiff leave to file an amended complaint. The amended complaint alleged breach of contract, bad faith, fraud, and violation of Business and Professions Code 17200 on behalf of a nationwide class of insureds who were issued long-term care policies containing an inflation protection feature. In October 2014, we answered the second amended complaint. In December 2014, the court ordered plaintiff to show cause why he was an adequate representative with claims typical of the putative class. We are awaiting the court's ruling on this issue. In March 2015, the court permitted the plaintiff to file a third amended complaint entitled Michael Don, Executor of The Estate of Ruben Don, Leroy Little, by and through his Guardian ad Litem Tamara Pelham, and Carolyn Little v. Unum Group, and Unum Life Insurance Company of America. The complaint alleges breach of contract, bad faith, fraud, and violation of Business and Professions Code 17200 and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief on behalf of a nationwide class of insureds who were issued long-term care policies containing an inflation protection feature. In April 2015, we answered the third amended complaint.
Summary
Various lawsuits against us, in addition to those discussed above, have arisen in the normal course of business. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning our compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.
Given the complexity and scope of our litigation and regulatory matters, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations or legal proceedings or provide reasonable estimates of potential losses, except if noted in connection with specific matters. It is possible that our results of operations or cash flows in a particular period could be materially affected by an ultimate unfavorable outcome of pending litigation or regulatory matters depending, in part, on our results of operations or cash flows for the particular period. We believe, however, that the ultimate outcome of all pending litigation and regulatory matters, after consideration of applicable reserves and rights to indemnification, should not have a material adverse effect on our financial position.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2015
Note 11 - Other
Debt
At March 31, 2015, short-term debt consisted entirely of our 6.85% notes due in the fourth quarter of 2015. We had no amount outstanding on our revolving credit facility at March 31, 2015.
During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we made principal payments of $29.1 million on our senior secured non-recourse notes issued by Northwind Holdings, LLC.
Income Tax
In the first quarter of 2015, we reached agreement with the Internal Revenue Service on all outstanding issues related to the examinations for 2009 and 2010 tax years and refund claims filed for tax credits related to tax years 2003 through 2012. As a result of this agreement, we reduced our reserve for uncertain tax positions in our consolidated balance sheet by $19.3 million. We also recognized in our consolidated statements of income a reduction in federal income taxes of $5.8 million.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Executive Summary
Unum Group, a Delaware general business corporation, and its insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries, which collectively with Unum Group we refer to as the Company, operate in the United States, the United Kingdom, and, to a limited extent, in certain other countries. The principal operating subsidiaries in the United States are Unum Life Insurance Company of America, Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company, The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company, and Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, and in the United Kingdom, Unum Limited. We are the largest provider of disability insurance products in the United States and the United Kingdom. We also provide a complementary portfolio of other insurance products, including employer- and employee-paid group benefits, life insurance, and other related services.
We have three principal operating business segments: Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life. Our other segments are the Closed Block and Corporate segments. These segments are discussed more fully under "Segment Results" included herein in this Item 2.
The benefits we provide help protect people from the financial hardship of illness, injury, or loss of life by providing support when it is needed most. As one of the leading providers of employee benefits in the U.S. and the U.K., we offer a broad portfolio of products and services through the workplace.
Specifically, we offer group, individual, and voluntary benefits, either as stand-alone products or combined with other coverages, that help employers of all sizes attract and retain a stronger workforce while protecting the incomes and livelihood of their employees. We believe employer-sponsored benefits represent the single most effective way to provide workers with access to the information and options they need to protect their financial stability. Working people and their families, particularly those at lower and middle incomes, are perhaps the most vulnerable in today's economy yet are often overlooked by many providers of financial services and products. For many of these people, employer-sponsored benefits are the primary defense against the potentially catastrophic fallout of death, illness, or injury.
We have established a corporate culture consistent with the social values our products provide. We are committed not only to meeting the needs of our customers who depend on us, but also to operating with integrity and being accountable for our actions. Our sound and consistent business practices, strong internal compliance program, and comprehensive risk management strategy enable us to operate efficiently as well as to identify and address potential areas of risk in our business. We have also applied these same values to our social responsibility efforts. Because we see important links between the obligations we have to all of our stakeholders, we place a strong emphasis on contributing to positive change in our communities.
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in Part I, Item 1 contained in this Form 10-Q and with the "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" included below the Table of Contents, as well as the discussion, analysis, and consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in Part I, Items 1 and 1A, and Part II, Items 6, 7, 7A, and 8 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Prior period financial information has been adjusted to reflect our retrospective adoption, effective January 1, 2015, of the accounting update related to investments in qualified affordable housing projects. See "Accounting Developments" included herein in this Item 2 as well as Note 2 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1.
Operating Performance and Capital Management
For the first quarter of 2015, we reported net income of $212.9 million, or $0.84 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $225.8 million, or $0.86 per diluted common share, in the same period of 2014. Included in our results for the applicable periods are net realized investment gains and losses and non-operating retirement-related gains or losses. Adjusting for these items, after-tax operating income was $224.8 million, or $0.89 per diluted common share, in the first quarter of 2015, compared to $222.6 million, or $0.85 per diluted common share, in the same period of 2014. Our weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution, equaled 252.2 million for the first quarter of 2015 compared to 260.7 million for the first quarter of 2014, reflecting our capital management strategy of returning capital to shareholders through repurchases of our common stock.
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Operating revenue, which excludes net realized investment gains and losses, increased in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014, driven by combined premium income growth of 5.0 percent in our principal operating business segments. Net investment income, also a significant source of revenue for us, was lower than the comparable prior year period. Before-tax operating income, which excludes net realized investment gains and losses and non-operating retirement-related gains or losses, declined 1.1 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the prior year first quarter. The 1.0 percent growth in after-tax operating income reflects a more favorable tax rate in the first quarter of 2015 relative to last year's first quarter.
Our Unum US segment reported an increase in operating income of 3.3 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, with 6.7 percent growth in premium income and overall favorable risk results more than offsetting the continued impact of the unfavorable interest rate environment on net investment income. The benefit ratio for our Unum US segment for the first quarter of 2015 was 68.3 percent compared to 70.2 percent in the same period of 2014. Unum US sales increased 17.3 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. We continue to experience generally favorable persistency trends, consistent with our expectations.
Our Unum UK segment reported a decrease in operating income, as measured in Unum UK's local currency, of 2.3 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, with lower net investment income dampening the slight growth in premium income and our overall favorable risk results. Premium income in local currency increased 0.1 percent in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014. The benefit ratio for Unum UK was 65.3 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 70.2 percent in the same period of 2014. Unum UK sales in the first quarter of 2015 increased 5.8 percent, in local currency, compared to the same period of 2014. Persistency is favorable relative to the prior year and is consistent with our expectations.
Our Colonial Life segment reported a decrease in operating income of 1.9 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, with risk results that were less favorable than the very favorable results we experienced in the first quarter of 2014 and were partially offset by 5.0 percent growth in premium income and a slight increase in net investment income. The benefit ratio for Colonial Life was 51.3 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 50.5 percent in the same period of 2014, generally consistent with recent historical trends. Colonial Life sales increased 7.6 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Persistency is favorable relative to the prior year and is consistent with our expectations.
Our Closed Block segment reported a decrease in operating income of 5.7 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Risk results for our long-term care line of business in the first quarter of 2015 were within our expected range for this block of business, returning to a more normal level relative to the very favorable risk results for the first quarter of 2014. Risk results for individual disability in the first quarter of 2015 were favorable relative to both the prior year first quarter and to our long-term expectations for this line of business.
Although the low interest rate environment and tighter credit spreads continue to place pressure on our profit margins by impacting our net investment income yields, our invested asset quality remains strong. The net unrealized gain on our fixed maturity securities was $6.8 billion at March 31, 2015 compared to $6.3 billion at December 31, 2014, with the increase due primarily to a decline in U.S. Treasury rates during the first three months of 2015. The earned book yield on our investment portfolio was 5.29 percent for the first quarter of 2015 compared to a yield of 5.52 percent for full year 2014.
We believe our capital and financial positions are strong. At March 31, 2015, the risk-based capital (RBC) ratio for our traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries, calculated on a weighted average basis using the NAIC Company Action Level formula, was approximately 400 percent and generally consistent with the prior year end. During the first quarter of 2015, we repurchased 3.2 million shares of Unum Group common stock at a cost of approximately $108 million under our share repurchase program. Cash equivalents and marketable securities held at Unum Group and our other intermediate holding companies, which are a significant source of liquidity for us, were approximately $426 million at March 31, 2015.
Consolidated Company Outlook
We believe our disciplined approach to providing financial protection products at the workplace puts us in a position of strength as we seek to capitalize on the growing and largely unfilled need for our products and services. We believe the need for our products and services remains strong, and we intend to continue protecting our solid margins and returns through our pricing and risk actions. We continue to invest in our infrastructure and our employees, with a focus on quality and simplification of processes and offerings. Our strategy is centered on maintaining a strong customer focus while providing an innovative product portfolio of financial protection choices to deepen employee coverages, broaden employer relationships, and open new markets. During 2015, our focus will remain on profitably growing our business, maintaining solid margins through disciplined pricing, underwriting and expense management, and effectively managing our capital. Although the low interest rate environment
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continues to be a challenge and may put pressure on our profitability and reserve levels for some products, we continue to analyze and employ strategies that we believe will help us navigate this environment and allow us to maintain solid operating margins and significant financial flexibility to support the needs of our businesses, while also continuing to return capital to our shareholders. We believe that consistent operating results, combined with the implementation of strategic initiatives and the effective deployment of capital, will allow us to meet our long-term financial objectives.
Further discussion is contained in this Item 2 and in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We analyze our performance using non-GAAP financial measures. A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position, or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures of "operating revenue," "before-tax operating income" or "before-tax operating loss," and "after-tax operating income" differ from total revenue, income before income tax, and net income as presented in our consolidated operating results and in income statements prepared in accordance with GAAP due to the exclusion of net realized investment gains and losses and non-operating retirement-related gains or losses as specified in the reconciliations below. We believe operating revenue and operating income or loss are better performance measures and better indicators of the revenue and profitability and underlying trends in our business.
Realized investment gains or losses depend on market conditions and do not necessarily relate to decisions regarding the underlying business of our segments. Our investment focus is on investment income to support our insurance liabilities as opposed to the generation of realized investment gains or losses. Although we may experience realized investment gains or losses which will affect future earnings levels, a long-term focus is necessary to maintain profitability over the life of the business since our underlying business is long-term in nature, and we need to earn the interest rates assumed in calculating our liabilities.
The amortization of prior period actuarial gains or losses, a component of the net periodic benefit cost for our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans, is driven by market performance as well as plan amendments and is not indicative of the operational results of our businesses. We believe that excluding the amortization of prior period gains or losses from operating income or loss provides investors with additional information for comparison and analysis of our operating results. Although we manage our non-operating retirement-related gains or losses separately from the operational performance of our business, these gains or losses impact the overall profitability of our company and have historically increased or decreased over time, depending on plan amendments and market conditions and the resulting impact on the actuarial gains or losses in our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans.
We may at other times exclude certain other items from our discussion of financial ratios and metrics in order to enhance the understanding and comparability of our operational performance and the underlying fundamentals, but this exclusion is not an indication that similar items may not recur and does not replace net income or net loss as a measure of our overall profitability.
A reconciliation of "operating revenue" to total revenue and "before-tax operating income" to income before income tax is as follows:
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Operating Revenue | $ | 2,662.7 | $ | 2,608.1 | |||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | (15.3 | ) | 6.3 | ||||
Total Revenue | $ | 2,647.4 | $ | 2,614.4 | |||
Before-tax Operating Income | $ | 321.3 | $ | 324.9 | |||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | (15.3 | ) | 6.3 | ||||
Non-operating Retirement-related Loss | (3.0 | ) | (1.4 | ) | |||
Income Before Income Tax | $ | 303.0 | $ | 329.8 |
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The after-tax impacts of these items are reflected in the following reconciliation of after-tax operating income to net income.
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||
(in millions) | per share * | (in millions) | per share * | ||||||||||||
After-tax Operating Income | $ | 224.8 | $ | 0.89 | $ | 222.6 | $ | 0.85 | |||||||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss), Net of Tax | (10.0 | ) | (0.04 | ) | 4.1 | 0.01 | |||||||||
Non-operating Retirement-related Loss, Net of Tax | (1.9 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.9 | ) | — | ||||||||
Net Income | $ | 212.9 | $ | 0.84 | $ | 225.8 | $ | 0.86 | |||||||
* Assuming Dilution |
Critical Accounting Estimates
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed in our financial statements.
The accounting estimates deemed to be most critical to our financial position and results of operations are those related to reserves for policy and contract benefits, deferred acquisition costs, valuation of investments, pension and postretirement benefit plans, income taxes, and contingent liabilities. There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting estimates during the first three months of 2015.
For additional information, refer to our significant accounting policies in Note 1 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in Part II, Item 8 and "Critical Accounting Estimates" in Part II, Item 7 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Accounting Developments
In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an update permitting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). We adopted this update effective January 1, 2015 and applied the amendments retrospectively, adjusting all prior period operating results, balance sheets, and related metrics throughout this document.
See Note 2 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1 for further information on accounting developments.
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Consolidated Operating Results
(in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Revenue | ||||||||||
Premium Income | $ | 2,006.3 | 3.5 | % | $ | 1,938.5 | ||||
Net Investment Income | 602.0 | (2.2 | ) | 615.8 | ||||||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | (15.3 | ) | N.M. | 6.3 | ||||||
Other Income | 54.4 | 1.1 | 53.8 | |||||||
Total Revenue | 2,647.4 | 1.3 | 2,614.4 | |||||||
Benefits and Expenses | ||||||||||
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 1,653.9 | 1.4 | 1,631.3 | |||||||
Commissions | 256.9 | 8.9 | 236.0 | |||||||
Interest and Debt Expense | 37.8 | (0.3 | ) | 37.9 | ||||||
Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (145.0 | ) | 12.4 | (129.0 | ) | |||||
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 134.3 | 13.2 | 118.6 | |||||||
Compensation Expense | 213.1 | 6.0 | 201.0 | |||||||
Other Expenses | 193.4 | 2.4 | 188.8 | |||||||
Total Benefits and Expenses | 2,344.4 | 2.6 | 2,284.6 | |||||||
Income Before Income Tax | 303.0 | (8.1 | ) | 329.8 | ||||||
Income Tax | 90.1 | (13.4 | ) | 104.0 | ||||||
Net Income | $ | 212.9 | (5.7 | ) | $ | 225.8 | ||||
N.M. = not a meaningful percentage |
The comparability of our financial results between years is affected by the fluctuation in the British pound sterling to dollar exchange rate. The functional currency of our U.K. operations is the British pound sterling. In periods when the pound weakens relative to the preceding period, translating pounds into dollars decreases current period results relative to the prior period. In periods when the pound strengthens, translating pounds into dollars increases current period results relative to the prior period. Our weighted average pound/dollar exchange rate was 1.516 and 1.659 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. If the first quarter of 2014 results for our U.K. operations had been translated at the lower exchange rate of 2015, our operating revenue and operating income by segment in the first quarter of 2014 would have been lower by approximately $15.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively. However, it is important to distinguish between translating and converting foreign currency. Except for a limited number of transactions, we do not actually convert pounds into dollars. As a result, we view foreign currency translation as a financial reporting item and not a reflection of operations or profitability in the U.K.
Premium income for the first quarter of 2015 increased relative to the same period of 2014, with combined premium growth in our principal operating business segments of 5.0 percent due to increased sales, premium rate increases, and stable to favorable persistency for most of our product lines. We are pleased with the continued improvement in premium income, and our premium growth rates for the first quarter of 2015 are within the range of our long-term expectations. Premium income continues to decline, as expected, in our Closed Block segment.
Net investment income declined in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014 due primarily to a decrease in yield on invested assets, lower income from inflation index-linked bonds in our Unum UK segment, and lower miscellaneous income, which includes income from bond call premiums, mortgage fees and payoffs, and partnership investments. Net investment income benefited from a higher level of invested assets relative to the prior year.
We recognized a net realized investment loss of $15.3 million in the first quarter of 2015, compared to a gain of $6.3 million in the first quarter of 2014. Included in those amounts is the change in the fair value of an embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement, which resulted in a realized loss of $3.9 million and a gain of $8.5 million in the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Also, included in the net realized investment loss for the first quarter of 2015 was an other-than-temporary impairment loss on fixed maturity securities of $4.5 million, all of which was recognized in earnings.
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Overall risk results were favorable in the first quarter of 2015, as previously discussed in our "Executive Summary" contained in this Item 2 and discussed more fully for each of our segments in "Segment Operating Results" as follows.
Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs increased in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014 due primarily to sales growth in each of our principal operating business segments. Amortization of acquisition costs was higher in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the prior year period due primarily to growth in the level of the deferred assets in our Unum US and Colonial Life businesses. Also contributing to the increase in amortization of acquisition costs was a higher level of policy terminations experienced in the first quarter of 2015 relative to assumptions for certain issue years within some of our Unum US supplemental and voluntary product lines.
Other expenses, including compensation expense, increased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due primarily to higher acquisition-related expenses, including sales compensation, resulting from higher sales in certain of our product lines.
Our income tax for the first quarter of 2015 was 29.7 percent of income before income tax, compared to 31.5 percent for the first quarter of 2014. Our effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 35 percent primarily due to the impact of tax credits as well as foreign earnings which are taxed at lower rates than the U.S. statutory rate. Our effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2014 has been adjusted from that which was previously reported due to the adoption of the accounting standard update related to investments in qualified affordable housing projects. See Note 2 in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1 for further discussion of our retrospective adoption of this update.
Consolidated Sales Results
Shown below are sales results for our three principal operating business segments.
(in millions) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Unum US | $ | 248.4 | 17.3 | % | $ | 211.7 | ||||
Unum UK | £ | 11.0 | 5.8 | % | £ | 10.4 | ||||
Colonial Life | $ | 77.5 | 7.6 | % | $ | 72.0 |
Sales shown in the preceding chart generally represent the annualized premium income on new sales which we expect to receive and report as premium income during the next 12 months following or beginning in the initial quarter in which the sale is reported, depending on the effective date of the new sale. Sales do not correspond to premium income reported as revenue in accordance with GAAP. This is because new annualized sales premiums reflect current sales performance and what we expect to recognize as premium income over a 12 month period, while premium income reported in our financial statements is reported on an "as earned" basis rather than an annualized basis and also includes renewals and persistency of in-force policies written in prior years as well as current new sales.
Sales, persistency of the existing block of business, employment and salary growth, and the effectiveness of a renewal program are indicators of growth in premium income. Trends in new sales, as well as existing market share, also indicate the potential for growth in our respective markets and the level of market acceptance of price changes and new product offerings. Sales results may fluctuate significantly due to case size and timing of sales submissions.
See "Segment Results" as follows for a discussion of sales by segment.
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Segment Results
Our reporting segments are comprised of the following: Unum US, Unum UK, Colonial Life, Closed Block, and Corporate.
Unum US Segment
The Unum US segment includes group long-term and short-term disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment products, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business, which are comprised of individual disability and voluntary benefits products.
Unum US Operating Results
Shown below are financial results for the Unum US segment. In the sections following, financial results and key ratios are also presented for the major lines of business within the segment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Operating Revenue | ||||||||||
Premium Income | $ | 1,230.2 | 6.7 | % | $ | 1,152.5 | ||||
Net Investment Income | 215.0 | (3.6 | ) | 223.1 | ||||||
Other Income | 30.9 | — | 30.9 | |||||||
Total | 1,476.1 | 4.9 | 1,406.5 | |||||||
Benefits and Expenses | ||||||||||
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 839.9 | 3.8 | 809.5 | |||||||
Commissions | 145.9 | 6.9 | 136.5 | |||||||
Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (80.1 | ) | 7.8 | (74.3 | ) | |||||
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 83.4 | 17.6 | 70.9 | |||||||
Other Expenses | 272.7 | 6.4 | 256.4 | |||||||
Total | 1,261.8 | 5.2 | 1,199.0 | |||||||
Operating Income | $ | 214.3 | 3.3 | $ | 207.5 | |||||
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | ||||||||||
Benefit Ratio | 68.3 | % | 70.2 | % | ||||||
Other Expense Ratio | 22.2 | % | 22.2 | % | ||||||
Operating Income Ratio | 17.4 | % | 18.0 | % |
52
Unum US Group Disability Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for Unum US group disability.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Operating Revenue | ||||||||||
Premium Income | ||||||||||
Group Long-term Disability | $ | 405.3 | 5.7 | % | $ | 383.5 | ||||
Group Short-term Disability | 147.7 | 7.6 | 137.3 | |||||||
Total Premium Income | 553.0 | 6.2 | 520.8 | |||||||
Net Investment Income | 125.0 | (4.9 | ) | 131.5 | ||||||
Other Income | 23.6 | 8.3 | 21.8 | |||||||
Total | 701.6 | 4.1 | 674.1 | |||||||
Benefits and Expenses | ||||||||||
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 443.0 | 2.4 | 432.5 | |||||||
Commissions | 44.5 | 7.5 | 41.4 | |||||||
Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (10.3 | ) | 4.0 | (9.9 | ) | |||||
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 8.3 | 27.7 | 6.5 | |||||||
Other Expenses | 141.8 | 4.3 | 136.0 | |||||||
Total | 627.3 | 3.4 | 606.5 | |||||||
Operating Income | $ | 74.3 | 9.9 | $ | 67.6 | |||||
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | ||||||||||
Benefit Ratio | 80.1 | % | 83.0 | % | ||||||
Other Expense Ratio | 25.6 | % | 26.1 | % | ||||||
Operating Income Ratio | 13.4 | % | 13.0 | % | ||||||
Persistency: | ||||||||||
Group Long-term Disability | 91.0 | % | 88.9 | % | ||||||
Group Short-term Disability | 86.5 | % | 88.1 | % |
Premium income increased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, driven by favorable persistency in the group long-term disability product line, sales growth for both group long-term and group short-term disability, and premium rate increases. Net investment income declined in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014 due to a decrease in the level of invested assets, a decline in yields, and lower miscellaneous income. Other income, which increased in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014, is comprised primarily of fees from administrative services products.
Risk results were favorable in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due primarily to very favorable claim recovery experience and lower claim incidence rates, partially offset by the 50 basis point decrease in the discount rate which we implemented during the fourth quarter of 2014 for group long-term disability new claim incurrals.
Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were higher in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014 due to sales growth and the corresponding increase in deferrable expenses. The amortization of acquisition costs increased in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014 due to growth in the level of the deferred asset. The other expense ratio for the first quarter of 2015 was lower compared to the same period of 2014 due to an increase in premium income and a continued focus on operating effectiveness and expense management.
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Unum US Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for Unum US group life and accidental death and dismemberment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Operating Revenue | ||||||||||
Premium Income | ||||||||||
Group Life | $ | 335.0 | 8.1 | % | $ | 309.9 | ||||
Accidental Death & Dismemberment | 32.6 | 6.5 | 30.6 | |||||||
Total Premium Income | 367.6 | 8.0 | 340.5 | |||||||
Net Investment Income | 33.5 | (1.8 | ) | 34.1 | ||||||
Other Income | 0.3 | (25.0 | ) | 0.4 | ||||||
Total | 401.4 | 7.0 | 375.0 | |||||||
Benefits and Expenses | ||||||||||
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 260.8 | 9.0 | 239.3 | |||||||
Commissions | 30.3 | 6.3 | 28.5 | |||||||
Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (8.0 | ) | 11.1 | (7.2 | ) | |||||
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 6.5 | 22.6 | 5.3 | |||||||
Other Expenses | 53.9 | 6.9 | 50.4 | |||||||
Total | 343.5 | 8.6 | 316.3 | |||||||
Operating Income | $ | 57.9 | (1.4 | ) | $ | 58.7 | ||||
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | ||||||||||
Benefit Ratio | 70.9 | % | 70.3 | % | ||||||
Other Expense Ratio | 14.7 | % | 14.8 | % | ||||||
Operating Income Ratio | 15.8 | % | 17.2 | % | ||||||
Persistency: | ||||||||||
Group Life | 87.3 | % | 89.5 | % | ||||||
Accidental Death & Dismemberment | 89.0 | % | 89.6 | % |
Premium income increased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to current period sales growth, partially offset by a decline in persistency. Net investment income was lower in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014 primarily due to a decrease in the yield on invested assets and lower miscellaneous income, partially offset by an increase in the level of invested assets.
Risk results were slightly unfavorable in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to a higher average paid claim size in the accidental death & disbursement product line.
Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were higher in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due to an increase in sales growth and the corresponding increase in deferrable expenses. The amortization of acquisition costs increased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due to growth in the level of the deferred asset. The other expense ratio in the first quarter of 2015 was slightly lower than the same period of 2014 due to an increase in premium income and a continued focus on operating effectiveness and expense management.
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Unum US Supplemental and Voluntary Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for Unum US supplemental and voluntary product lines.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Operating Revenue | ||||||||||
Premium Income | ||||||||||
Individual Disability | $ | 117.9 | 1.7 | % | $ | 115.9 | ||||
Voluntary Benefits | 191.7 | 9.4 | 175.3 | |||||||
Total Premium Income | 309.6 | 6.3 | 291.2 | |||||||
Net Investment Income | 56.5 | (1.7 | ) | 57.5 | ||||||
Other Income | 7.0 | (19.5 | ) | 8.7 | ||||||
Total | 373.1 | 4.4 | 357.4 | |||||||
Benefits and Expenses | ||||||||||
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 136.1 | (1.2 | ) | 137.7 | ||||||
Commissions | 71.1 | 6.8 | 66.6 | |||||||
Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (61.8 | ) | 8.0 | (57.2 | ) | |||||
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 68.6 | 16.1 | 59.1 | |||||||
Other Expenses | 77.0 | 10.0 | 70.0 | |||||||
Total | 291.0 | 5.4 | 276.2 | |||||||
Operating Income | $ | 82.1 | 1.1 | $ | 81.2 | |||||
Interest Adjusted Loss Ratio: | ||||||||||
Individual Disability | 27.5 | % | 27.2 | % | ||||||
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | ||||||||||
Benefit Ratios: | ||||||||||
Individual Disability | 48.9 | % | 49.0 | % | ||||||
Voluntary Benefits | 40.9 | % | 46.1 | % | ||||||
Other Expense Ratio | 24.9 | % | 24.0 | % | ||||||
Operating Income Ratio | 26.5 | % | 27.9 | % | ||||||
Persistency: | ||||||||||
Individual Disability | 90.1 | % | 90.6 | % | ||||||
Voluntary Benefits | 75.5 | % | 78.0 | % |
Premium income was higher in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, driven primarily by increased sales in the voluntary benefits product line but somewhat offset by the decline in persistency. Net investment income in the first quarter of 2015 was lower than the comparable period of 2014 due to a decrease in yield on invested assets and lower miscellaneous income, partially offset by an increase in the level of invested assets.
Risk results for the individual disability product line in the first quarter of 2015 were generally consistent with the same period of 2014. Risk results for voluntary benefits in the first quarter of 2015 were favorable compared to the same period of 2014 due primarily to improved claim experience in the disability, accident, and critical illness product lines and a favorable change in active life reserves resulting from a higher level of policy terminations relative to last year's first quarter.
55
Commissions and deferral of acquisition costs were higher in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due primarily to higher voluntary benefits sales. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was higher in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due to growth in the level of the deferred asset and unfavorable policy terminations relative to assumptions for certain issue years within certain product lines. The other expense ratio in the first quarter of 2015 was higher relative to the same period of 2014 due primarily to higher acquisition-related expenses resulting from the increased level of voluntary benefits sales.
Sales
(in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Sales by Product | ||||||||||
Group Disability and Group Life and AD&D | ||||||||||
Group Long-term Disability | $ | 37.3 | 14.1 | % | $ | 32.7 | ||||
Group Short-term Disability | 24.0 | 21.2 | 19.8 | |||||||
Group Life and AD&D | 42.9 | 3.9 | 41.3 | |||||||
Subtotal | 104.2 | 11.1 | 93.8 | |||||||
Supplemental and Voluntary | ||||||||||
Individual Disability | 12.3 | (15.8 | ) | 14.6 | ||||||
Voluntary Benefits | 131.9 | 27.7 | 103.3 | |||||||
Subtotal | 144.2 | 22.3 | 117.9 | |||||||
Total Sales | $ | 248.4 | 17.3 | $ | 211.7 | |||||
Sales by Market Sector | ||||||||||
Group Disability and Group Life and AD&D | ||||||||||
Core Market (< 2,000 lives) | $ | 72.5 | 20.8 | % | $ | 60.0 | ||||
Large Case Market | 31.7 | (6.2 | ) | 33.8 | ||||||
Subtotal | 104.2 | 11.1 | 93.8 | |||||||
Supplemental and Voluntary | 144.2 | 22.3 | 117.9 | |||||||
Total Sales | $ | 248.4 | 17.3 | $ | 211.7 |
Sales of our group products increased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, with higher sales to both new and existing customers in the core market segment, which consist of employee groups with fewer than 2,000 lives. Sales for group products were slightly lower within the large case market due to lower new customer account sales offset partially by increased sales to existing customers. The sales mix in the group market sector for the first quarter of 2015 was approximately 70 percent core market and 30 percent large case market.
Sales in our individual disability line of business, which are primarily concentrated in the multi-life market, decreased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due to decreased sales to existing customers. Sales of voluntary benefits increased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to favorable growth for new and existing customer accounts within the large case market.
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Segment Outlook
During 2015, we expect continued strong growth momentum, with stable persistency and sales growth within our existing client relationships. We believe we will achieve year-over-year growth in premium income, with additional improvement in our premium and sales growth rates if the overall economic recovery further accelerates and market pricing adequately reflects the impact of a low interest rate environment.
Our net investment income may be impacted, either favorably or unfavorably, by fluctuations in miscellaneous investment income. The low interest rate environment and tighter credit spreads continue to place pressure on our profit margins by impacting net investment income yields and claim reserve discount rates. As part of our continued pricing discipline and our reserving strategy, we continuously monitor emerging interest rate experience and adjust our pricing and reserve discount rates, as appropriate. The implementation of premium rate increases could unfavorably impact persistency in certain of our product lines. We expect a stable risk environment for our group disability product line in 2015, with the impact of the lower claim reserve discount rate offset by premium rate increases we place in the market, resulting in a benefit ratio for full year 2015 that is generally consistent with the level of 2014.
Our amortization of deferred acquisition costs may be unfavorably impacted, particularly in our supplemental and voluntary product line, by higher than expected policy terminations. We believe future profit margin improvement is achievable, driven primarily by our continued product mix shift, expense efficiencies, and consistent operating effectiveness.
Certain risks and uncertainties are inherent in the disability insurance business. Components of claims experience, such as incidence and recovery rates, may be worse than we expect. Disability claim incidence and claim recovery rates may be influenced by, among other factors, the rate of unemployment and consumer confidence. Within the group disability market, pricing and renewal actions can be taken to react to higher claim rates or lower discount rates, but these actions take time to implement, and there is a risk that the market will not sustain increased prices. In addition, changes in economic and external conditions may not manifest themselves in claims experience for an extended period of time. Unfavorable economic conditions may lead to a higher rate of claim incidence, lower levels of claim recoveries, or lower claim discount rates. Claim incidence levels may fluctuate due to the normal volatility that occurs in group disability business or may be related to economic conditions. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risks and attempt to adjust our business plans accordingly.
We remain confident in our strategy of providing consumers with valuable financial protection benefits, broadening our employer client relationships, and building collaborative partnerships with complementary product manufacturers, technology firms, and distributors. Our continued investment in our franchise includes active client management and a differentiated integrated experience across our product lines. There are significant growth opportunities in each of our markets and within our existing client base, and we continue to invest in the people, processes, and technologies that will allow us to enhance our ability to grow the market over the long term. Underpinning our strategy is our continued commitment to risk management discipline, talent development, and our core values.
57
Unum UK Segment
The Unum UK segment includes insurance for group long-term disability, group life, and supplemental lines of business which include individual disability and critical illness. Unum UK's products are sold primarily in the United Kingdom through field sales personnel and independent brokers and consultants.
Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for the Unum UK segment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Operating Revenue | ||||||||||
Premium Income | ||||||||||
Group Long-term Disability | $ | 96.5 | (6.3 | )% | $ | 103.0 | ||||
Group Life | 30.5 | (12.4 | ) | 34.8 | ||||||
Supplemental | 12.0 | (13.7 | ) | 13.9 | ||||||
Total Premium Income | 139.0 | (8.4 | ) | 151.7 | ||||||
Net Investment Income | 23.5 | (30.1 | ) | 33.6 | ||||||
Other Income | — | (100.0 | ) | (0.1 | ) | |||||
Total | 162.5 | (12.3 | ) | 185.2 | ||||||
Benefits and Expenses | ||||||||||
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 90.9 | (14.6 | ) | 106.4 | ||||||
Commissions | 12.0 | 21.2 | 9.9 | |||||||
Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (2.0 | ) | (9.1 | ) | (2.2 | ) | ||||
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 2.8 | (12.5 | ) | 3.2 | ||||||
Other Expenses | 26.2 | (16.6 | ) | 31.4 | ||||||
Total | 129.9 | (12.6 | ) | 148.7 | ||||||
Operating Income | $ | 32.6 | (10.7 | ) | $ | 36.5 |
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Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency of Unum UK is the British pound sterling. Unum UK's premium income, net investment income, claims, and expenses are received or paid in pounds, and we hold pound-denominated assets to support Unum UK's pound-denominated policy reserves and liabilities. We translate Unum UK's pound-denominated financial statement items into dollars for our consolidated financial reporting. We translate income statement items using an average exchange rate for the reporting period, and we translate balance sheet items using the exchange rate at the end of the period. We report unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income in our consolidated balance sheets.
Fluctuations in the pound to dollar exchange rate have an effect on Unum UK's reported financial results and our consolidated financial results. In periods when the pound strengthens relative to the preceding period, translating pounds into dollars increases current period results relative to the prior period. In periods when the pound weakens, translating pounds into dollars decreases current period results relative to the prior period.
(in millions of pounds, except ratios) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Operating Revenue | ||||||||||
Premium Income | ||||||||||
Group Long-term Disability | £ | 63.7 | 2.4 | % | £ | 62.2 | ||||
Group Life | 20.2 | (3.8 | ) | 21.0 | ||||||
Supplemental | 7.8 | (7.1 | ) | 8.4 | ||||||
Total Premium Income | 91.7 | 0.1 | 91.6 | |||||||
Net Investment Income | 15.4 | (24.1 | ) | 20.3 | ||||||
Other Income | 0.1 | N.M. | — | |||||||
Total | 107.2 | (4.2 | ) | 111.9 | ||||||
Benefits and Expenses | ||||||||||
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 59.9 | (6.8 | ) | 64.3 | ||||||
Commissions | 7.9 | 31.7 | 6.0 | |||||||
Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (1.3 | ) | — | (1.3 | ) | |||||
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 1.8 | (5.3 | ) | 1.9 | ||||||
Other Expenses | 17.4 | (8.4 | ) | 19.0 | ||||||
Total | 85.7 | (4.7 | ) | 89.9 | ||||||
Operating Income | £ | 21.5 | (2.3 | ) | £ | 22.0 | ||||
Weighted Average Pound/Dollar Exchange Rate | 1.516 | 1.659 | ||||||||
N.M. = not a meaningful percentage | ||||||||||
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | ||||||||||
Benefit Ratio | 65.3 | % | 70.2 | % | ||||||
Other Expense Ratio | 19.0 | % | 20.7 | % | ||||||
Operating Income Ratio | 23.4 | % | 24.0 | % | ||||||
Persistency: | ||||||||||
Group Long-term Disability | 86.6 | % | 86.3 | % | ||||||
Group Life | 79.3 | % | 69.7 | % | ||||||
Supplemental | 87.5 | % | 85.2 | % |
Premium income was slightly higher in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due primarily to favorable persistency in our group long-term disability product line, largely offset by lower premium income from group life and supplemental product lines.
Net investment income declined in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the prior year first quarter due primarily to lower income from inflation index-linked bonds which we invest in to support the claim reserves associated with certain of our group policies
59
that provide for inflation-linked increases in benefits. The decrease in net investment income attributable to these index-linked bonds was partially offset by a decrease in the reserves for future claims payments related to the inflation index-linked group long-term disability and group life policies. Although over the intermediate-term the investment return from index-linked bonds generally matches the index-linked claim payments and reserves, the effect on investment income from the inflation index-linked bonds may not be completely offset by lower claim payments and reserves in the short-term.
Risk results for the group long-term disability product line were favorable in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, with higher premium income and favorable claim recovery experience and reserve changes partially offset by a higher average claim size. Risk results for the group life product line were favorable compared to the prior year first quarter due primarily to a lower average claim size. Also contributing to favorable risk results for the group long-term disability and group life product lines was the impact of lower inflation on claim payments and reserves associated with policies containing an inflation-linked benefit increase feature, although the unfavorable impact on investment income was not completely offset by lower claim payments and reserves in the first quarter of 2015. We expect the movement in interest income and claim reserves, relative to the inflation adjustment, to largely offset over an annual period unless there is an extended period of deflation. Risk results for the supplemental product lines were also favorable in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due to improved claim experience in the individual disability product.
Commissions were higher in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same prior year period due primarily to increased sales activity. Also impacting the level of commission expense in the first quarter of 2015 were incentive payments which we expect to return to normal levels during the remainder of 2015. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was lower in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due primarily to a decrease in the level of the deferred asset. The other expense ratio was lower in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due primarily to continued expense management initiatives.
Sales
(in millions of dollars and pounds) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Sales by Product | ||||||||||
Group Long-term Disability | $ | 10.6 | (13.8 | )% | $ | 12.3 | ||||
Group Life | 5.5 | 37.5 | 4.0 | |||||||
Supplemental | 0.6 | (40.0 | ) | 1.0 | ||||||
Total Sales | $ | 16.7 | (3.5 | ) | $ | 17.3 | ||||
Sales by Market Sector | ||||||||||
Group Long-term Disability and Group Life | ||||||||||
Core Market (< 500 lives) | $ | 6.9 | (9.2 | )% | $ | 7.6 | ||||
Large Case Market | 9.2 | 5.7 | 8.7 | |||||||
Subtotal | 16.1 | (1.2 | ) | 16.3 | ||||||
Supplemental | 0.6 | (40.0 | ) | 1.0 | ||||||
Total Sales | $ | 16.7 | (3.5 | ) | $ | 17.3 | ||||
Sales by Product | ||||||||||
Group Long-term Disability | £ | 7.0 | (5.4 | )% | £ | 7.4 | ||||
Group Life | 3.6 | 50.0 | 2.4 | |||||||
Supplemental | 0.4 | (33.3 | ) | 0.6 | ||||||
Total Sales | £ | 11.0 | 5.8 | £ | 10.4 | |||||
Sales by Market Sector | ||||||||||
Group Long-term Disability and Group Life | ||||||||||
Core Market (< 500 lives) | £ | 4.5 | — | % | £ | 4.5 | ||||
Large Case Market | 6.1 | 15.1 | 5.3 | |||||||
Subtotal | 10.6 | 8.2 | 9.8 | |||||||
Supplemental | 0.4 | (33.3 | ) | 0.6 | ||||||
Total Sales | £ | 11.0 | 5.8 | £ | 10.4 |
60
Group long-term disability sales declined due to lower large case market sales during the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, with decreased sales to existing customers only partially offset by higher sales to new customers. Group long-term disability core market sales, which consist of employee groups with fewer than 500 lives, were consistent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.
Group life sales in the large case market increased during the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due to higher sales to new customers. Group life sales in the core market segment were consistent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.
Supplemental sales were lower in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due primarily to lower sales in our group critical illness product line.
Segment Outlook
Our primary focus during 2015 will be a continuance of building on the key capabilities that we believe will enable us to deliver future growth. We expect to continue to improve our profitability through our shift in business mix, premium rate increases, an increased focus on new to market sales, and continued pursuit of efficiency opportunities.
We expect the low interest rate environment to continue to contribute to a dampening of overall earnings growth, and unfavorable economic conditions may lead to a higher rate of claim incidence, lower levels of claim recoveries, or lower claim discount rates. As part of our continued pricing discipline and our reserving strategy, we continuously monitor emerging interest rate experience and adjust our pricing and reserve discount rates, as appropriate. We believe annual inflation in the U.K. will remain positive, but the current low levels of inflation in the U.K. may continue to adversely impact our index-linked net investment income, with an expected corresponding reduction in the cost of benefits. We are also preparing for Solvency II, a new European Union capital regime that will become effective January 1, 2016, the adoption of which will likely result in an increase in supervisory and disclosure requirements and could also result in increased capital requirements. We continue to work with regulatory authorities in the U.K. to agree on appropriate capital requirements for our U.K. business under Solvency II. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risks and attempt to adjust our business plans accordingly.
In our group life business, the completion of our near-term actions regarding rate increases, reinsurance, and the discontinuance of certain product lines have reduced volatility and contributed to improvement in our overall profit margin. We are now looking at opportunities for disciplined growth in this market segment.
In our group long-term disability business, we remain committed to driving growth in the U.K. market. We will continue to follow a disciplined approach to new sales activity in the competitive pricing environment. We do, however, see genuine opportunities to grow the group long-term disability market in the U.K. through establishing new relationships with employers, deepening the level of coverage with our existing corporate clients, and through new offerings such as a sick-pay product and an updated offering of our group critical illness product. We anticipate returning to more normal levels of premium growth as our rate increases continue to be placed in the market and as we continue to increase sales to new and existing customers. We have seen some positive results in terms of new to market sales and increased coverage in existing cases. We believe the outlook for higher levels of employment, increases in corporate payrolls, and expansion of benefit spending is beginning to improve and will positively impact our sales and operating results, but a sustained low interest rate environment may dampen our profitability. In addition, we continue to focus on new market opportunities by raising awareness of the need for income protection. Expanding group long-term disability market penetration remains a significant opportunity and priority.
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Colonial Life Segment
The Colonial Life segment includes insurance for accident, sickness, and disability products, life products, and cancer and critical illness products issued primarily by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company and marketed to employees at the workplace through an independent contractor agency sales force and brokers.
Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for the Colonial Life segment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Operating Revenue | ||||||||||
Premium Income | ||||||||||
Accident, Sickness, and Disability | $ | 196.5 | 3.9 | % | $ | 189.1 | ||||
Life | 62.3 | 8.5 | 57.4 | |||||||
Cancer and Critical Illness | 73.4 | 5.0 | 69.9 | |||||||
Total Premium Income | 332.2 | 5.0 | 316.4 | |||||||
Net Investment Income | 37.0 | 1.1 | 36.6 | |||||||
Other Income | — | 100.0 | (0.1 | ) | ||||||
Total | 369.2 | 4.6 | 352.9 | |||||||
Benefits and Expenses | ||||||||||
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 170.4 | 6.6 | 159.8 | |||||||
Commissions | 73.4 | 15.6 | 63.5 | |||||||
Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (62.9 | ) | 19.8 | (52.5 | ) | |||||
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 48.1 | 8.1 | 44.5 | |||||||
Other Expenses | 62.6 | 7.0 | 58.5 | |||||||
Total | 291.6 | 6.5 | 273.8 | |||||||
Operating Income | $ | 77.6 | (1.9 | ) | $ | 79.1 | ||||
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | ||||||||||
Benefit Ratio | 51.3 | % | 50.5 | % | ||||||
Other Expense Ratio | 18.8 | % | 18.5 | % | ||||||
Operating Income Ratio | 23.4 | % | 25.0 | % | ||||||
Persistency: | ||||||||||
Accident, Sickness, and Disability | 75.5 | % | 74.7 | % | ||||||
Life | 85.4 | % | 84.8 | % | ||||||
Cancer and Critical Illness | 83.8 | % | 82.4 | % |
Premium income increased in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014 as a result of sales growth and favorable persistency. Net investment income was slightly higher in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014 due to an increase in the level of invested assets and higher miscellaneous income, partially offset by a decrease in yield on invested assets.
Risk results were less favorable in the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014 due to less favorable claim experience in the life product line and a less favorable change in active life reserves resulting from a lower level of policy terminations relative to last year's first quarter.
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Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were higher in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due to an increase in deferrable expenses related to sales growth. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs increased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to same period of 2014 due to growth in the level of the deferred asset. The other expense ratio was higher in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due primarily to continued investment in our business.
Sales
(in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Sales by Product | ||||||||||
Accident, Sickness, and Disability | $ | 49.3 | 5.6 | % | $ | 46.7 | ||||
Life | 15.9 | 12.0 | 14.2 | |||||||
Cancer and Critical Illness | 12.3 | 10.8 | 11.1 | |||||||
Total Sales | $ | 77.5 | 7.6 | $ | 72.0 | |||||
Sales by Market Sector | ||||||||||
Commercial | ||||||||||
Core Market (< 1,000 lives) | $ | 55.7 | 7.7 | % | $ | 51.7 | ||||
Large Case Market | 7.3 | (24.7 | ) | 9.7 | ||||||
Subtotal | 63.0 | 2.6 | 61.4 | |||||||
Public Sector | 14.5 | 36.8 | 10.6 | |||||||
Total Sales | $ | 77.5 | 7.6 | $ | 72.0 |
Sales were higher in the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014 due to growth in both new and existing customer account sales. Commercial market sales increased in the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014 due to higher sales in the core commercial market, which we define as accounts with fewer than 1,000 lives, partially offset by lower sales within the large case market primarily due to lower new account sales. The growth in our core commercial and public sector market sales for the first quarter of 2015 was primarily attributable to existing account sales. The number of new accounts increased 11.9 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.
Segment Outlook
We expect to see continued favorable sales and premium growth trends in 2015. Volatility in net investment income is likely to continue as a result of fluctuations in miscellaneous investment income. We expect our annual benefit ratio for 2015 to be generally consistent with the level of 2014. While we expect the low interest rate environment to continue to pressure our profit margins, we believe our underlying profitability will remain strong.
Proper execution of our growth strategy should deliver sales and premium growth that are in line with long-term expectations. A challenging economic environment and the increasing competition in the voluntary market are seen as external risks to achievement of our business plans. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risks and attempt to adjust our business plans accordingly.
We believe our success will be driven primarily by execution in the core commercial and public sector segments and through expansion of the overall market. We believe the current market environment offers considerable opportunities to meet the emerging needs of employers, brokers, and consumers. We intend to continue to focus on growth, the customer experience, productivity, and talent development. Achieving our 2015 growth objectives will be supported by a continued focus on expanding enrollment solutions, service capabilities, and operational excellence.
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Closed Block Segment
The Closed Block segment consists of individual disability, group and individual long-term care, and other insurance products no longer actively marketed. The individual disability line of business in this segment generally consists of policies we sold prior to the mid-1990s and entirely discontinued selling in 2004, other than update features contractually allowable on existing policies. We discontinued offering individual long-term care in 2009 and group long-term care in 2012. Other insurance products include group pension, individual life and corporate-owned life insurance, reinsurance pools and management operations, and other miscellaneous product lines.
Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for the Closed Block segment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Operating Revenue | ||||||||||
Premium Income | ||||||||||
Individual Disability | $ | 146.5 | (9.1 | )% | $ | 161.1 | ||||
Long-term Care | 158.2 | 1.1 | 156.5 | |||||||
All Other | 0.2 | (33.3 | ) | 0.3 | ||||||
Total Premium Income | 304.9 | (4.1 | ) | 317.9 | ||||||
Net Investment Income | 320.4 | 1.6 | 315.5 | |||||||
Other Income | 23.2 | 7.4 | 21.6 | |||||||
Total | 648.5 | (1.0 | ) | 655.0 | ||||||
Benefits and Expenses | ||||||||||
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 552.7 | (0.5 | ) | 555.6 | ||||||
Commissions | 25.6 | (1.9 | ) | 26.1 | ||||||
Interest and Debt Expense | 1.7 | (10.5 | ) | 1.9 | ||||||
Other Expenses | 41.8 | (3.0 | ) | 43.1 | ||||||
Total | 621.8 | (0.8 | ) | 626.7 | ||||||
Operating Income | $ | 26.7 | (5.7 | ) | $ | 28.3 | ||||
Interest Adjusted Loss Ratios: | ||||||||||
Individual Disability | 80.0 | % | 81.5 | % | ||||||
Long-term Care | 87.3 | % | 84.7 | % | ||||||
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | ||||||||||
Other Expense Ratio | 13.7 | % | 13.6 | % | ||||||
Operating Income Ratio | 8.8 | % | 8.9 | % | ||||||
Persistency: | ||||||||||
Individual Disability | 91.3 | % | 91.4 | % | ||||||
Long-term Care | 95.3 | % | 95.3 | % |
Premium income for individual disability decreased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due to expected policy terminations and maturities. Premium income for long-term care increased slightly due to rate increases and stable persistency. We continue to file requests with various state insurance departments for premium rate increases on certain of our individual and group long-term care policies. The rate increases reflect current interest rates and claim experience, higher expected future claims, longevity, persistency, and other factors related to pricing long-term care coverage. In states for which a rate increase is submitted and approved, we routinely provide customers options for coverage changes or other approaches that might fit their current financial and insurance needs.
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Net investment income was higher in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014 due to increased invested asset levels, partially offset by a decrease in yield on invested assets and lower miscellaneous income. Other income, which includes the underlying results of certain blocks of individual disability reinsured business and the net investment income of portfolios held by those ceding companies to support the block we have reinsured, was higher in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014 primarily due to an increase in tax-related reimbursements between us and the ceding insurer.
Individual disability risk results for the first quarter of 2015 were favorable compared to the same period of 2014 due primarily to favorable mortality experience. Long-term care risk results were less favorable in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due primarily to higher claim incidence rates compared to the favorable experience of last year’s first quarter.
Interest and debt expense in the first quarter of 2015 was lower than in the same period of 2014 due to principal repayments on the outstanding debt issued by Northwind Holdings, LLC (Northwind Holdings). The other expense ratio in the first quarter of 2015 was generally consistent with the same period of 2014.
Segment Outlook
We intend to continue our focus on operational effectiveness, rate increases, enhancement of our experience analysis tools, and capital management. We expect operating revenue to decline over time as these closed blocks of business wind down, although we anticipate additional premium income associated with long-term care rate increases. We also expect a small amount of group long-term care certificates may continue to be issued where we are required to do so under the terms of existing group policies. We will likely experience volatility in net investment income due to fluctuations of miscellaneous investment income. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risks and attempt to adjust our business plans accordingly. We expect the low interest rate environment and the tightening of credit spreads to continue to place pressure on our earnings and reserve levels.
Profitability of our long-tailed products is affected by claims experience related to mortality and morbidity, investment returns, premium rate increases, and persistency. We believe that the interest adjusted loss ratios for the individual disability and long-term care lines of business will be relatively flat over the long term, but these product lines may continue to experience quarterly volatility, particularly in the near term for our long-term care product lines as our claim block matures. Claim resolution rates, which measure the resolution of claims from recovery, deaths, settlements, and benefit expirations, are very sensitive to operational and external factors and can be volatile. Our claim resolution rate assumption used in determining reserves is our expectation of the resolution rate we will experience over the life of the block of business and will vary from actual experience in any one period. It is possible that variability in any of our reserve assumptions, including, but not limited to, interest rates, mortality, morbidity, premium rate increases, and persistency, could result in a material impact on our reserve levels, including adjustments to reserves established under loss recognition.
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Corporate Segment
The Corporate segment includes investment income on corporate assets not specifically allocated to a line of business, interest expense on corporate debt other than non-recourse debt, and certain other corporate income and expense not allocated to a line of business.
Operating Results
(in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||
2015 | % Change | 2014 | ||||||||
Operating Revenue | ||||||||||
Net Investment Income | $ | 6.1 | (12.9 | )% | $ | 7.0 | ||||
Other Income | 0.3 | (80.0 | ) | 1.5 | ||||||
Total | 6.4 | (24.7 | ) | 8.5 | ||||||
Interest and Other Expenses | 36.3 | 3.7 | 35.0 | |||||||
Operating Loss | $ | (29.9 | ) | (12.8 | ) | $ | (26.5 | ) |
The operating loss is higher in the first quarter of 2015 relative to the same period of 2014 due primarily to lower levels of invested assets and higher operating expense accruals.
Segment Outlook
We are currently holding capital at our insurance subsidiaries and holding companies at levels that exceed our long-term requirements, and we expect to continue to generate excess capital on an annual basis through our statutory earnings. While we intend to maintain our disciplined approach to risk management, we believe we are well positioned with substantial flexibility to preserve our capital strength and at the same time explore opportunities to deploy the excess capital that is generated.
Investments
Overview
Investment activities are an integral part of our business, and profitability is significantly affected by investment results. We segment our invested assets into portfolios that support our various product lines. Generally, our investment strategy for our portfolios is to match the effective asset cash flows and durations with related expected liability cash flows and durations to consistently meet the liability funding requirements of our businesses. We seek to earn investment income while assuming credit risk in a prudent and selective manner, subject to constraints of quality, liquidity, diversification, and regulatory considerations. Our overall investment philosophy is to invest in a portfolio of high quality assets that provide investment returns consistent with that assumed in the pricing of our insurance products. Assets are invested predominately in fixed maturity securities. Changes in interest rates may affect the amount and timing of cash flows.
We actively manage our asset and liability cash flow match and our asset and liability duration match to limit interest rate risk. We may redistribute investments among our different lines of business, when necessary, to adjust the cash flow and/or duration of the asset portfolios to better match the cash flow and duration of the liability portfolios. Asset and liability portfolio modeling is updated on a quarterly basis and is used as part of the overall interest rate risk management strategy. Cash flows from the in-force asset and liability portfolios are projected at current interest rate levels and also at levels reflecting an increase and a decrease in interest rates to obtain a range of projected cash flows under the different interest rate scenarios. These results enable us to assess the impact of projected changes in cash flows and duration resulting from potential changes in interest rates. Testing the asset and liability portfolios under various interest rate scenarios enables us to choose what we believe to be the most appropriate investment strategy, as well as to limit the risk of disadvantageous outcomes. Although we test the asset and liability portfolios under various interest rate scenarios as part of our modeling, the majority of our liabilities related to insurance contracts are not interest rate sensitive, and we therefore have minimal exposure to policy withdrawal risk. Our determination of investment strategy relies on long-term measures such as reserve adequacy analysis and the relationship between the portfolio yields supporting our various product lines and the aggregate discount rate assumptions embedded in the reserves. We also use this analysis in determining hedging strategies and utilizing derivative financial instruments for managing interest rate risk and
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the risk related to matching duration for our assets and liabilities. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Our investment portfolio is well diversified by type of investment and industry sector. We have established an investment strategy that we believe will provide for adequate cash flows from operations and allow us to hold our securities through periods where significant decreases in fair value occur. We believe our emphasis on risk management in our investment portfolio, including credit and interest rate management, has positioned us well and generally reduced the volatility in our results.
Fixed Maturity Securities
The fair values and associated unrealized gains and losses of our fixed maturity securities portfolio, by industry classification, are as follows:
Fixed Maturity Securities - By Industry Classification
As of March 31, 2015
(in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification | Fair Value | Net Unrealized Gain | Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Securities with Gross Unrealized Loss | Gross Unrealized Loss | Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Securities with Gross Unrealized Gain | Gross Unrealized Gain | ||||||||||||||||||
Basic Industry | $ | 2,739.2 | $ | 283.0 | $ | 265.2 | $ | 17.2 | $ | 2,474.0 | $ | 300.2 | ||||||||||||
Capital Goods | 4,053.9 | 589.7 | 74.4 | 2.8 | 3,979.5 | 592.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Communications | 3,129.1 | 534.8 | 81.4 | 1.3 | 3,047.7 | 536.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Consumer Cyclical | 1,356.0 | 197.5 | 36.0 | 0.2 | 1,320.0 | 197.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Consumer Non-Cyclical | 6,082.7 | 897.3 | 219.3 | 4.8 | 5,863.4 | 902.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Energy | 6,116.0 | 740.1 | 668.6 | 61.9 | 5,447.4 | 802.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Financial Institutions | 3,384.3 | 424.4 | 19.9 | 0.1 | 3,364.4 | 424.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage/Asset-Backed | 2,415.3 | 240.7 | 20.9 | 0.1 | 2,394.4 | 240.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Sovereigns | 1,243.9 | 210.0 | — | — | 1,243.9 | 210.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Technology | 1,332.8 | 113.2 | 48.1 | 0.2 | 1,284.7 | 113.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Transportation | 1,708.1 | 294.0 | 28.5 | 0.4 | 1,679.6 | 294.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Government Agencies and Municipalities | 3,575.5 | 674.7 | 24.1 | 0.4 | 3,551.4 | 675.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Public Utilities | 8,666.1 | 1,621.6 | 31.6 | 0.5 | 8,634.5 | 1,622.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Redeemable Preferred Stocks | 49.8 | 5.8 | — | — | 49.8 | 5.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 45,852.7 | $ | 6,826.8 | $ | 1,518.0 | $ | 89.9 | $ | 44,334.7 | $ | 6,916.7 |
Our investment portfolio has exposure to companies whose businesses are negatively impacted by lower oil and natural gas prices. These include exploration and production companies, refineries, midstream and pipeline companies, and oilfield service businesses. The recent sharp drop in the price of oil is putting pressure on the earnings and cash flows of some of these businesses. The midstream and pipeline subsector represents our largest exposure within the energy sector. Demand for products in this subsector tends to be more correlated to product volume sales as opposed to the commodity price. We have very little exposure to the oilfield service subsector where demand for products is highly correlated with oil and gas prices. The degree to which a business is affected by oil and gas prices can vary greatly depending on, among other things, its energy subsector, exposure to different types of oil and gas within a subsector, geographic locations, cost structure flexibility, capital structure, and hedging policies. The majority of our energy sector holdings are investment-grade fixed maturity securities. We perform stress testing on all energy-related investments in our portfolios, using different oil and gas price scenarios, and we continue to closely monitor this situation. Currently, we expect downward ratings pressure on some of our securities, but we do not expect material losses in our energy sector investments. As of March 31, 2015, we held two below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities in the energy sector, and the combined fair value and unrealized loss of the two securities was $67.4 million and $23.5 million, respectively.
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The following two tables show the length of time our investment-grade and below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities had been in a gross unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2015 and at the end of the prior four quarters. The relationships of the current fair value to amortized cost are not necessarily indicative of the fair value to amortized cost relationships for the securities throughout the entire time that the securities have been in an unrealized loss position nor are they necessarily indicative of the relationships after March 31, 2015.
Unrealized Loss on Investment-Grade Fixed Maturity Securities
Length of Time in Unrealized Loss Position
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
March 31 | December 31 | September 30 | June 30 | March 31 | |||||||||||||||
Fair Value < 100% >= 70% of Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||
<= 90 days | $ | 3.0 | $ | 23.2 | $ | 10.1 | $ | 2.2 | $ | 4.6 | |||||||||
> 90 <= 180 days | 5.7 | 0.7 | 0.2 | — | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||
> 180 <= 270 days | — | 0.1 | — | 0.1 | 2.9 | ||||||||||||||
> 270 days <= 1 year | — | — | — | 1.0 | 85.6 | ||||||||||||||
> 1 year <= 2 years | 7.4 | 20.4 | 34.2 | 43.6 | 13.8 | ||||||||||||||
> 2 years <= 3 years | 1.3 | 2.2 | — | — | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||
> 3 years | 0.1 | 0.9 | 3.1 | 3.4 | 6.2 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 17.5 | $ | 47.5 | $ | 47.6 | $ | 50.3 | $ | 113.5 |
Unrealized Loss on Below-Investment-Grade Fixed Maturity Securities
Length of Time in Unrealized Loss Position
(in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
March 31 | December 31 | September 30 | June 30 | March 31 | |||||||||||||||
Fair Value < 100% >= 70% of Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||
<= 90 days | $ | 2.5 | $ | 20.2 | $ | 20.8 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 1.2 | |||||||||
> 90 <= 180 days | 29.1 | 31.4 | 0.4 | — | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||
> 180 <= 270 days | 15.5 | — | — | 0.6 | 0.9 | ||||||||||||||
> 270 days <= 1 year | — | — | 0.5 | — | 8.1 | ||||||||||||||
> 1 year <= 2 years | 9.1 | 12.8 | 8.4 | 6.2 | 1.4 | ||||||||||||||
> 2 years <= 3 years | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||
> 3 years | 3.2 | 5.7 | 6.6 | 7.3 | 11.3 | ||||||||||||||
Sub-total | 59.8 | 70.5 | 37.0 | 14.7 | 26.0 | ||||||||||||||
Fair Value < 70% >= 40% of Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||
<= 90 days | — | 6.8 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
> 90 <= 180 days | 8.0 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
> 180 <= 270 days | 4.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
> 3 years | — | — | — | — | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||
Sub-total | 12.6 | 6.8 | — | — | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 72.4 | $ | 77.3 | $ | 37.0 | $ | 14.7 | $ | 26.3 |
We had no individual realized investment losses of $10.0 million or greater from other-than-temporary impairments or the sale of fixed-maturity securities during the first quarter of 2015 or 2014.
At March 31, 2015, we had minimal exposure to investments for which the payment of interest and principal is guaranteed under a financial guaranty insurance policy, and the securities in aggregate have a weighted average credit rating of investment-grade absent the guaranty insurance policy. At March 31, 2015, we held $189.3 million fair value ($167.4 million amortized cost) of
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perpetual debentures, or "hybrid" securities, that generally have no fixed maturity date. Interest on these securities due on any payment date may be deferred by the issuer. The interest payments are generally deferrable only to the extent that the issuer has suspended dividends or other distributions or payments to any of its shareholders or any other perpetual debt instrument.
At March 31, 2015, our mortgage/asset-backed securities had an average life of 4.61 years, effective duration of 4.08 years, and a weighted average credit rating of Aaa. The mortgage/asset-backed securities are valued on a monthly basis using valuations supplied by the brokerage firms that are dealers in these securities as well as independent pricing services. One of the risks involved in investing in mortgage/asset-backed securities is the uncertainty of the timing of cash flows from the underlying loans due to prepayment of principal with the possibility of reinvesting the funds in a lower interest rate environment. We use models which incorporate economic variables and possible future interest rate scenarios to predict future prepayment rates. The timing of prepayment cash flows may also cause volatility in our recognition of investment income. We recognize investment income on these securities using a constant effective yield based on projected prepayments of the underlying loans and the estimated economic life of the securities. Actual prepayment experience is reviewed periodically, and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between prepayments originally projected and the actual prepayments received and currently projected. The effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis, and the adjustment is reflected in net investment income.
We have no exposure to subprime mortgages, "Alt-A" loans, or collateralized debt obligations in our investment portfolios. We have not invested in mortgage-backed derivatives, such as interest-only, principal-only, or residuals, where market values can be highly volatile relative to changes in interest rates. The credit quality of our mortgage-backed securities portfolio has not been negatively impacted by the issues in the market concerning subprime mortgage loans. The change in value of our mortgage-backed securities portfolio has moved in line with that of prime agency-backed mortgage-backed securities.
As of March 31, 2015, the amortized cost and fair value of our below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities was $3,632.4 million and $3,767.0 million, respectively. Below-investment-grade securities are inherently more risky than investment-grade securities since the risk of default by the issuer, by definition and as exhibited by bond rating, is higher. Also, the secondary market for certain below-investment-grade issues can be highly illiquid. Additional downgrades may occur, but we do not anticipate any liquidity problems resulting from our investments in below-investment-grade securities, nor do we expect these investments to adversely affect our ability to hold our other investments to maturity.
Our investments in issuers in foreign countries are chosen for specific portfolio management purposes, including asset and liability management and portfolio diversification across geographic lines and sectors to minimize non-market risks. In our approach to investing in fixed maturity securities, specific investments within approved countries and industry sectors are evaluated for their market position and specific strengths and potential weaknesses. For each security, we consider the political, legal, and financial environment of the sovereign entity in which an issuer is domiciled and operates. The country of domicile is based on consideration of the issuer's headquarters, in addition to location of the assets and the country in which the majority of sales and earnings are derived. We do not have exposure to foreign currency risk, as the cash flows from these investments are either denominated in currencies or hedged into currencies to match the related liabilities. We continually evaluate our foreign investment risk exposure. Our monitoring is heightened for investments in certain countries due to our concerns over the current economic and political environments as well as the banking crisis, and we believe these investments are more vulnerable to potential credit problems. At March 31, 2015, we had minimal exposure in those countries and had no direct exposure to financial institutions of those countries.
Mortgage Loans
Our mortgage loan portfolio was $1,896.5 million and $1,856.6 million on an amortized cost basis at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Our mortgage loan portfolio is comprised entirely of commercial mortgage loans. We believe our mortgage loan portfolio is well diversified geographically and among property types. The incidence of problem mortgage loans and foreclosure activity continues to be low. Due to conservative underwriting, we expect the level of problem loans to remain low relative to the industry.
We held one mortgage loan at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 that was considered impaired and was carried at the estimated net realizable value of $13.1 million, net of a valuation allowance of $1.5 million.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We use derivative financial instruments primarily to manage reinvestment, duration, foreign currency, and credit risks. Historically, we have utilized current and forward interest rate swaps and options on forward interest rate swaps and U.S. Treasury rates, current and forward currency swaps, forward treasury locks, currency forward contracts, forward contracts on
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specific fixed income securities, and credit default swaps. Our current credit exposure on derivatives, which is limited to the value of those contracts in a net gain position, including accrued interest receivable less collateral held, was $3.3 million at March 31, 2015. We held $28.7 million of cash collateral from our counterparties at March 31, 2015. The carrying value of fixed maturity securities posted as collateral to our counterparties was $49.0 million at March 31, 2015. We had no cash collateral posted to our counterparties at March 31, 2015. We believe that our credit risk is mitigated by our use of multiple counterparties, all of which have a median credit rating of A3 or better, and by our use of cross-collateralization agreements.
Other
Our exposure to non-current investments, defined as foreclosed real estate and invested assets which are delinquent as to interest and/or principal payments, totaled $40.3 million and $40.4 million on a fair value basis at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
For further information see "Investments" in Part I, Item 1 and "Critical Accounting Estimates" and "Investments" in Part II, Item 7 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and Notes 4 and 5 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our liquidity requirements are met primarily by cash flows provided from operations, principally in our insurance subsidiaries. Premium and investment income, as well as maturities and sales of invested assets, provide the primary sources of cash. Debt and/or securities offerings provide additional sources of liquidity. Cash is applied to the payment of policy benefits, costs of acquiring new business (principally commissions), operating expenses, and taxes, as well as purchases of new investments.
We have established an investment strategy that we believe will provide for adequate cash flows from operations. We attempt to match our asset cash flows and durations with expected liability cash flows and durations to meet the funding requirements of our business. However, deterioration in the credit market may delay our ability to sell our positions in certain of our fixed maturity securities in a timely manner and adversely impact the price we receive for such securities, which may negatively impact our cash flows. Furthermore, if we experience defaults on securities held in the investment portfolios of our insurance subsidiaries, this will negatively impact statutory capital, which could reduce our insurance subsidiaries' capacity to pay dividends to our holding companies. A reduction in dividends to our holding companies could force us to seek external financing to avoid impairing our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders or meet our debt and other payment obligations. As requirements of Dodd-Frank continue to take effect in 2015 and in subsequent years, to the extent that we enter into derivatives that are subject to centralized exchanges and cleared through a regulated clearinghouse, we may be subject to stricter collateral requirements which could have an adverse effect on our overall liquidity.
Our policy benefits are primarily in the form of claim payments, and we have minimal exposure to the policy withdrawal risk associated with deposit products such as individual life policies or annuities. A decrease in demand for our insurance products or an increase in the incidence of new claims or the duration of existing claims could negatively impact our cash flows from operations. However, our historical pattern of benefits paid to revenues is consistent, even during cycles of economic downturns, which serves to minimize liquidity risk.
Cash equivalents and marketable securities held at Unum Group and our intermediate holding companies are a significant source of liquidity for us and were approximately $426 million and $575 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The March 31, 2015 balance, of which approximately $167 million was held in certain of our foreign subsidiaries in the U.K., was comprised primarily of commercial paper, fixed maturity securities with a current average maturity of 2.6 years, and various money-market funds. No significant restrictions exist on our ability to use or access these funds. We currently have no intent, nor do we foresee a need, to repatriate funds from our foreign subsidiaries in the U.K. We believe we hold domestic resources sufficient to fund our liquidity requirements for the next 12 months. If we repatriate additional funds from our subsidiaries in the U.K., the amounts repatriated would be subject to repatriation tax effects which generally equal the difference in the U.S. tax rate and the U.K. tax rate.
As part of our capital deployment strategy, we have in recent years repurchased shares of Unum Group's common stock, as authorized by our board of directors. Our current share repurchase program was approved by our board of directors in December 2013 and authorizes the repurchase of up to $750 million of common stock through June 2015, with the pace of repurchase activity to depend upon various factors such as the level of available cash, alternative uses for cash, and our stock price. The
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dollar value of shares remaining under the current repurchase program was approximately $322 million at March 31, 2015. During the first three months of 2015, we repurchased 3.2 million shares at a cost of approximately $108 million.
Cash Available from Subsidiaries
Unum Group and certain of its intermediate holding company subsidiaries depend on payments from subsidiaries to pay dividends to stockholders, to pay debt obligations, and/or to pay expenses. These payments by our insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries may take the form of dividends, operating and investment management fees, and/or interest payments on loans from the parent to a subsidiary.
Restrictions under applicable state insurance laws limit the amount of dividends that can be paid to a parent company from its insurance subsidiaries in any 12-month period without prior approval by regulatory authorities. For life insurance companies domiciled in the U.S., that limitation generally equals, depending on the state of domicile, either ten percent of an insurer's statutory surplus with respect to policyholders as of the preceding year end or the statutory net gain from operations, excluding realized investment gains and losses, of the preceding year. The payment of dividends to a parent company from a life insurance subsidiary is generally further limited to the amount of unassigned funds.
Certain of our domestic insurance subsidiaries cede blocks of business to Northwind Reinsurance Company (Northwind Re), Tailwind Reinsurance Company (Tailwind Re), and Fairwind Insurance Company (Fairwind), all of which are affiliated captive reinsurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States with Unum Group as the ultimate parent. The ability of Northwind Re, Tailwind Re, and Fairwind to pay dividends to their respective parent companies will depend on their satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements and on the performance of the business reinsured by Northwind Re, Tailwind Re, and Fairwind.
The ability of Unum Group and certain of its intermediate holding company subsidiaries to continue to receive dividends from their insurance subsidiaries also depends on additional factors such as RBC ratios and capital adequacy and/or solvency requirements, funding growth objectives at an affiliate level, and maintaining appropriate capital adequacy ratios to support desired ratings.
Unum Group and/or certain of its intermediate holding company subsidiaries may also receive dividends from our U.K. subsidiaries, the payment of which may be subject to applicable insurance company regulations and capital guidance in the U.K.
The payment of dividends to the parent company from our subsidiaries also requires the approval of the individual subsidiary's board of directors.
During 2015, we intend to maintain a level of capital in our U.S. and U.K. insurance subsidiaries above the applicable capital adequacy requirements and minimum solvency margins.
Insurance regulatory restrictions do not limit the amount of dividends available for distribution from non-insurance subsidiaries except where the non-insurance subsidiaries are held directly or indirectly by an insurance subsidiary and only indirectly by Unum Group.
Funding for Employee Benefit Plans
We made contributions during the first three months of 2015 of approximately $21.4 million and £1.0 million to our U.S. and U.K. defined contribution plans, respectively, and expect to make additional contributions of approximately $47.5 million and £3.6 million during the remainder of 2015. We do not expect to make contributions to our U.S. or U.K. qualified defined benefit pension plans during 2015. We have met all minimum pension funding requirements set forth by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. We have estimated our future funding requirements under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and under applicable U.K. law and do not believe that any future funding requirements will cause a material adverse effect on our liquidity.
Debt
At March 31, 2015, we had short-term debt of $151.9 million, consisting entirely of our 6.85% notes due in the fourth quarter of 2015, and long-term debt of $2,603.3 million, consisting primarily of secured and unsecured senior notes and junior subordinated debt securities.
Northwind Holdings made principal payments on its floating rate, senior secured notes of $29.1 million in the first three months of 2015.
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There are no significant financial covenants associated with any of our outstanding debt obligations. We continually monitor our compliance with our debt covenants and remain in compliance. We have not observed any current trends that would cause a breach of any debt covenants. See Note 11 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1 and "Debt" and Note 8 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained in Part II, Items 7 and 8, respectively, of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for further discussion.
Commitments
At March 31, 2015, we had legally binding unfunded commitments of $8.8 million to fund tax credit partnership investments and $24.1 million to fund the purchase of transferable state tax credits. These commitments are recognized as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets, with a corresponding recognition of other long-term investments and other assets, respectively. In addition, we had non-binding commitments of $59.0 million to fund certain investments in private placement fixed maturity securities, $159.0 million to fund certain private equity partnerships, and $55.8 million to fund certain commercial mortgage loans. These amounts may or may not be funded.
With respect to our commitments and off-balance sheet arrangements, see the discussion under “Commitments” in Part II, Item 7 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. During the first three months of 2015, there were no substantive changes in our commitments, contractual obligations, or other off-balance sheet arrangements other than the changes noted herein.
Transfers of Financial Assets
Our investment policy permits us to lend fixed maturity securities to unaffiliated financial institutions in short-term securities lending agreements, which increases our investment income with minimal risk. We account for all of our securities lending agreements and repurchase agreements as secured borrowings. We had $25.3 million of securities lending agreements outstanding at March 31, 2015 which were collateralized by cash and reported as other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. The cash received as collateral was reinvested in short-term investments. The average balance during the first three months of 2015 was $37.1 million, and the maximum amount outstanding at any month end was $52.1 million. In addition, at March 31, 2015, we had $161.5 million of off-balance sheet securities lending agreements which were collateralized by securities that we were neither permitted to sell nor control. The average balance of these off-balance sheet transactions during the first three months of 2015 was $144.3 million, and the maximum amount outstanding at any month end was $161.5 million.
We had no repurchase agreements outstanding at March 31, 2015, nor did we utilize any repurchase agreements during the first three months of 2015. Our use of repurchase agreements and securities lending agreements can fluctuate during any given period and will depend on our liquidity position, the availability of long-term investments that meet our purchasing criteria, and our general business needs.
During 2014, certain of our domestic insurance subsidiaries were approved for membership of regional FHLBs. We made initial common stock membership purchases and obtained our initial funding advance during the first quarter of 2015.
See Note 4 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1 for further information.
Consolidated Cash Flows
(in millions of dollars) | ||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | $ | 400.1 | $ | 346.7 | ||||
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities | (233.6 | ) | (555.5 | ) | ||||
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities | (184.9 | ) | 190.9 | |||||
Net Decrease in Cash and Bank Deposits | $ | (18.4 | ) | $ | (17.9 | ) |
Operating Cash Flows
Operating cash flows are primarily attributable to the receipt of premium and investment income, offset by payments of claims, commissions, expenses, and income taxes. Premium income growth is dependent not only on new sales, but on policy renewals and growth of existing business, renewal price increases, and persistency. Investment income growth is dependent on the growth
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in the underlying assets supporting our insurance reserves and capital and on the earned yield. The level of commissions and operating expenses is attributable to the level of sales and the first year acquisition expenses associated with new business as well as the maintenance of existing business. The level of paid claims is affected partially by the growth and aging of the block of business and also by the general economy, as previously discussed in the operating results by segment.
Investing Cash Flows
Investing cash inflows consist primarily of the proceeds from the sales and maturities of investments. Investing cash outflows consist primarily of payments for purchases of investments. Our investment strategy is to match the cash flows and durations of our assets with the cash flows and durations of our liabilities to meet the funding requirements of our business. When market opportunities arise we may sell selected securities and reinvest the proceeds to improve the yield and credit quality of our portfolio. We may at times also sell selected securities and reinvest the proceeds to improve the duration matching of our assets and liabilities and/or re-balance our portfolio. As a result, sales before maturity may vary from period to period. The sale and purchase of short-term investments is influenced by our securities lending program and by the amount of cash which is at times held in short-term investments to facilitate the availability of cash to fund the purchase of appropriate long-term investments and/or to fund our capital deployment program.
See Notes 4 and 5 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1 for further information.
Financing Cash Flows
Financing cash flows consist primarily of borrowings and repayments of debt, issuance or repurchase of common stock, and dividends paid to stockholders.
During the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, we made principal payments of $29.1 million and $15.0 million, respectively, on our senior secured non-recourse notes issued by Northwind Holdings.
During the first quarter of 2014, we issued $350.0 million of 4.00% unsecured 10-year senior notes in a public offering and received proceeds of $347.2 million, excluding the associated debt issuance costs and discounts.
Cash used to repurchase shares of Unum Group's common stock during the first quarter of 2015 and 2014 was $108.1 million and $100.5 million, respectively. During the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, we paid dividends of $42.3 million and $38.3 million, respectively, to holders of Unum Group's common stock.
See Notes 9 and 11 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1 and "Debt" contained in this Item 2 for further information.
Ratings
AM Best, Fitch, Moody's, and S&P are among the third parties that assign issuer credit ratings to Unum Group and financial strength ratings to our insurance subsidiaries. Issuer credit ratings reflect an agency's opinion of the overall financial capacity of a company to meet its senior debt obligations. Financial strength ratings are specific to each individual insurance subsidiary and reflect each rating agency's view of the overall financial strength (capital levels, earnings, growth, investments, business mix, operating performance, and market position) of the insuring entity and its ability to meet its obligations to policyholders. Both the issuer credit ratings and financial strength ratings incorporate quantitative and qualitative analyses by rating agencies and are routinely reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis.
We compete based in part on the financial strength ratings provided by rating agencies. A downgrade of our financial strength ratings can be expected to adversely affect us and could potentially, among other things, adversely affect our relationships with distributors of our products and services and retention of our sales force, negatively impact persistency and new sales, particularly large case group sales and individual sales, and generally adversely affect our ability to compete. A downgrade in the issuer credit rating assigned to Unum Group can be expected to adversely affect our cost of capital or our ability to raise additional capital.
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The table below reflects the outlook as well as the issuer credit ratings for Unum Group and the financial strength ratings for each of our traditional insurance subsidiaries as of the date of this filing.
AM Best | Fitch | Moody's | S&P | ||||
Outlook | Stable | Stable | Stable | Stable | |||
Issuer Credit Ratings | bbb | BBB | Baa2 | BBB | |||
Financial Strength Ratings | |||||||
Provident Life and Accident | A | A | A2 | A | |||
Provident Life and Casualty | A | A | NR | NR | |||
Unum Life of America | A | A | A2 | A | |||
First Unum Life | A | A | A2 | A | |||
Colonial Life & Accident | A | A | A2 | A | |||
Paul Revere Life | A | A | A2 | A | |||
Unum Insurance Company* | B++ | A | A2 | NR | |||
Unum Limited | NR | NR | NR | A- |
NR = not rated
* Upon receipt of appropriate regulatory approval, we changed the name of The Paul Revere Variable Annuity Insurance Company to Unum Insurance Company effective April 8, 2015.
We maintain an ongoing dialogue with the four rating agencies that evaluate us in order to inform them of progress we are making regarding our strategic objectives and financial plans as well as other pertinent issues. A significant component of our communications involves our annual review meeting with each of the four agencies. We hold other meetings throughout the year regarding our business, including, but not limited to, quarterly updates. There have been no changes in any of the rating agencies' outlook statements or ratings during 2015 prior to the date of this filing.
Agency ratings are not directed toward the holders of our securities and are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold our securities. Each rating is subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization, and each rating should be regarded as an independent assessment, not conditional on any other rating. Given the dynamic nature of the ratings process, changes by these or other rating agencies may or may not occur in the near-term. Based on our ongoing dialogue with the rating agencies concerning our insurance risk profile, our financial flexibility, our operating performance, and the quality of our investment portfolio, we do not expect any negative actions from any of the four rating agencies related to either Unum Group's current issuer credit ratings or the financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries. However, in the event that we are unable to meet the rating agency specific guideline values to maintain our current ratings, including but not limited to maintenance of our capital management metrics at the threshold values stated and maintenance of our financial flexibility and operational consistency, we could be placed on a negative credit watch, with a potential for a downgrade to both our issuer credit ratings and our financial strength ratings.
See our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for further information regarding our debt and financial strength ratings and the risks associated with rating changes.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are subject to various market risk exposures including interest rate risk and foreign exchange rate risk. With respect to our exposure to market risk, see the discussion under "Investments" in Item 2 of this Form 10-Q and in Part II, Item 7A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. During the first three months of 2015, there was no substantive change to our market risk or the management of this risk.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. We assessed those controls based on criteria established in the 2013 Integrated Internal Control Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, these officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2015.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Refer to Part I, Item 1, Note 10 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for information on legal proceedings.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Shares Issued Under Certain Employee Benefit Plans
Our U.S. employees are eligible to participate in the Unum Group 401(k) Retirement Plan (the 401(k) Plan). One of the investment choices in the 401(k) Plan is the Unum Group Unitized Stock Fund, which gives participants the opportunity to invest amounts deposited in their plan accounts in units principally comprised of Unum Group common stock. The Unum Group common stock held in the stock fund is purchased in open market transactions by the plan trustee. During the first quarter of 2015, we determined that the number of shares of Unum Group common stock issued under the 401(k) Plan has exceeded the number of shares registered under the registration statement covering the 401(k) Plan. Under applicable federal securities laws, plan participants who purchased units that included unregistered shares may have a right to rescind their purchases and require us to repurchase their units for an amount equal to the price paid for the units (or, if the units have been sold, to receive damages for any loss that was incurred on the sale), plus interest. Generally, the federal statute of limitations applicable to securities rescission rights is one year from the date of acquisition of the security.
On April 28, 2015, we filed a new registration statement on Form S-8 to register an additional 3,000,000 shares of common stock and related interests in the 401(k) Plan for offer to plan participants. Based on the latest data provided to us, we estimate that approximately 722,421 unregistered shares were included in units sold through the 401(k) Plan during the twelve months ended April 28, 2015, including approximately 243,480 shares sold during the first quarter of 2015. During this twelve month period, the closing price of our common stock ranged from a low of $31.05 per share to a high of $36.81 per share. The closing price of our common stock on April 28, 2015 was $33.79 per share.
The failure to register the shares of common stock under the 401(k) Plan was inadvertent, and we expect to make a voluntary rescission offer to eligible plan participants during the second quarter of 2015. Based on the current market price of Unum Group's common stock, we do not expect that the exercise of any applicable rescission rights will have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.
Share Repurchase Program
The following table provides information about our share repurchase activity for the first quarter of 2015:
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased | (b) Average Price Paid per Share (1) | (c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program (2) | (d) Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (2) | ||||||||||
January 1 - January 31, 2015 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 429,496,320 | |||||||
February 1 - February 28, 2015 | 1,880,000 | 33.82 | 1,880,000 | 365,923,571 | |||||||||
March 1 - March 31, 2015 | 1,329,301 | 33.44 | 1,329,301 | 321,474,713 | |||||||||
Total | 3,209,301 | 3,209,301 |
(1) | The average price paid per share excludes the cost of commissions. |
(2) | In December 2013, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $750 million of Unum Group's common stock through June 12, 2015. |
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Index to Exhibits
Exhibit 10.1 | Letter Agreement with Richard P. McKenney, dated January 30, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2015). |
Exhibit 10.2 | Severance Agreement between Unum Group and Richard P. McKenney, dated effective as of April 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2015). |
Exhibit 10.3 | Aircraft Time-Sharing Agreement between Unum Group and Richard P. McKenney, dated effective as of May 21, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2015). |
Exhibit 10.4 | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with Employee for awards in 2015 under the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. |
Exhibit 10.5 | Form of Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with Employee for awards in 2015 under the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. |
Exhibit 10.6 | Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement with Employee for awards in 2015 under the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. |
Exhibit 31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
Exhibit 31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
Exhibit 32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
Exhibit 32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
Exhibit 101 | The following financial statements from Unum Group's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, filed on April 30, 2015, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Unum Group | ||
(Registrant) | ||
Date: April 30, 2015 | By: | /s/ Thomas R. Watjen |
Thomas R. Watjen | ||
Chief Executive Officer | ||
Date: April 30, 2015 | By: | /s/ John F. McGarry |
John F. McGarry | ||
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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