Unum Group - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒ Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021
☐ 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 001-11294
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) | |||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Common stock, $0.10 par value | UNM | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
6.250% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2058 | UNMA | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
(Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer | x | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ¨ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | |||||||||||||
| If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. | ☐ | |||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
204,240,512 shares of the registrant's common stock were outstanding as of May 4, 2021.
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:
•The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial position, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, and overall business operations.
•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 governmental programs.
•Unfavorable economic or business conditions, both domestic and foreign, that may result in decreases in sales, premiums, or persistency, as well as unfavorable claims activity.
•Changes in, or interpretations or enforcement of, laws and regulations.
•A cyber attack or other security breach could result in the unauthorized acquisition of confidential data.
•The failure of our business recovery and incident management processes to resume our business operations in the event of a natural catastrophe, cyber attack, or other event.
•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.
•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.
•Our ability to develop digital capabilities or execute on our technology systems upgrades or replacements.
•Actual experience in the broad array of our products that deviates from our assumptions used in pricing, underwriting, and reserving.
•Availability of reinsurance in the market and the ability of our reinsurers to meet their obligations to us.
•Ability to generate sufficient internal liquidity and/or obtain external financing.
•Damage to our reputation due to, among other factors, regulatory investigations, legal proceedings, external events, and/or inadequate or failed internal controls and procedures.
•Recoverability and/or realization of the carrying value of our intangible assets, long-lived assets, and deferred tax assets.
•Effectiveness of our risk management program.
•Contingencies and the level and results of litigation.
•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.
•Fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates.
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, 2020.
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.
1
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
| March 31 | December 31 | ||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Investments | |||||||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities - at fair value (amortized cost of $36,565.9; $36,546.5; allowance for credit losses of $7.3; $6.8) | $ | 42,076.0 | $ | 44,137.3 | |||||||
Mortgage Loans (net of allowance for credit losses of $11.5; $13.1) | 2,402.2 | 2,432.1 | |||||||||
| Policy Loans | 3,628.8 | 3,683.9 | |||||||||
| Other Long-term Investments | 995.3 | 960.2 | |||||||||
| Short-term Investments | 756.1 | 1,470.0 | |||||||||
| Total Investments | 49,858.4 | 52,683.5 | |||||||||
| Other Assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and Bank Deposits | 561.8 | 197.0 | |||||||||
Accounts and Premiums Receivable (net of allowance for credit losses of $33.7; $38.8) | 1,656.1 | 1,519.3 | |||||||||
Reinsurance Recoverable (net of allowance for credit losses of $11.7; $11.7) | 11,550.2 | 10,666.0 | |||||||||
| Accrued Investment Income | 668.7 | 611.4 | |||||||||
| Deferred Acquisition Costs | 2,254.8 | 2,272.6 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 353.0 | 353.0 | |||||||||
| Property and Equipment | 500.6 | 498.0 | |||||||||
| Income Tax Receivable | 43.3 | 72.7 | |||||||||
| Other Assets | 1,809.7 | 1,752.3 | |||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 69,256.6 | $ | 70,625.8 | |||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
| March 31 | December 31 | ||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | |||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Policy and Contract Benefits | $ | 1,899.3 | $ | 1,855.4 | |||||||
| Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits | 48,112.3 | 49,653.0 | |||||||||
| Unearned Premiums | 425.0 | 349.3 | |||||||||
| Other Policyholders’ Funds | 1,736.1 | 1,663.9 | |||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax | 319.2 | 416.1 | |||||||||
| Long-term Debt | 3,346.8 | 3,345.7 | |||||||||
| Other Liabilities | 2,847.8 | 2,471.4 | |||||||||
| Total Liabilities | 58,686.5 | 59,754.8 | |||||||||
| Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - Note 11 | |||||||||||
| Stockholders' Equity | |||||||||||
Common Stock, $0.10 par | |||||||||||
Authorized: 725,000,000 shares | |||||||||||
Issued: 307,065,068 and 306,566,572 shares | 30.7 | 30.7 | |||||||||
| Additional Paid-in Capital | 2,380.8 | 2,376.2 | |||||||||
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | (24.9) | 374.2 | |||||||||
| Retained Earnings | 11,363.2 | 11,269.6 | |||||||||
Treasury Stock - at cost: 102,876,514 shares | (3,179.7) | (3,179.7) | |||||||||
| Total Stockholders' Equity | 10,570.1 | 10,871.0 | |||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | 69,256.6 | $ | 70,625.8 | |||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars, except share data) | |||||||||||
| Revenue | |||||||||||
| Premium Income | $ | 2,378.3 | $ | 2,371.4 | |||||||
| Net Investment Income | 548.7 | 585.0 | |||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | 84.6 | (144.0) | |||||||||
| Other Income | 60.4 | 58.7 | |||||||||
| Total Revenue | 3,072.0 | 2,871.1 | |||||||||
| Benefits and Expenses | |||||||||||
| Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 2,051.2 | 1,854.8 | |||||||||
| Commissions | 259.9 | 279.2 | |||||||||
| Interest and Debt Expense | 44.4 | 45.7 | |||||||||
| Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (130.6) | (162.0) | |||||||||
| Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 166.4 | 176.2 | |||||||||
| Compensation Expense | 236.9 | 239.5 | |||||||||
| Other Expenses | 245.0 | 235.6 | |||||||||
| Total Benefits and Expenses | 2,873.2 | 2,669.0 | |||||||||
| Income Before Income Tax | 198.8 | 202.1 | |||||||||
| Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | |||||||||||
| Current | 67.5 | 57.6 | |||||||||
| Deferred | (21.7) | (16.5) | |||||||||
| Total Income Tax Expense | 45.8 | 41.1 | |||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 153.0 | $ | 161.0 | |||||||
| Net Income Per Common Share | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.79 | |||||||
| Assuming Dilution | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.79 | |||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED)
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 153.0 | $ | 161.0 | |||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||||||||||
Change in Net Unrealized Gain on Securities Before Adjustment (net of tax benefit of $434.2; $436.5) | (1,646.0) | (1,666.7) | |||||||||
Change in Adjustment to Deferred Acquisition Costs and Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits, Net of Reinsurance (net of tax expense of $331.8; $380.8) | 1,256.5 | 1,446.1 | |||||||||
Change in Net Gain on Hedges (net of tax expense (benefit) of $(5.4); $6.6) | (20.7) | 22.8 | |||||||||
Change in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment (net of tax expense of $1.8; $2.1) | 7.3 | (63.6) | |||||||||
Change in Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs (net of tax expense of $1.2; $1.9) | 3.8 | 7.0 | |||||||||
| Total Other Comprehensive Loss | (399.1) | (254.4) | |||||||||
| Comprehensive Loss | $ | (246.1) | $ | (93.4) | |||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Common Stock | |||||||||||
| Balance at Beginning of Year and End of Period | $ | 30.7 | $ | 30.6 | |||||||
| Additional Paid-in Capital | |||||||||||
| Balance at Beginning of Year | 2,376.2 | 2,348.1 | |||||||||
| Common Stock Activity | 4.6 | 9.2 | |||||||||
| Balance at End of Period | 2,380.8 | 2,357.3 | |||||||||
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||||||||||
| Balance at Beginning of Year | 374.2 | 37.3 | |||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Loss | (399.1) | (254.4) | |||||||||
| Balance at End of Period | (24.9) | (217.1) | |||||||||
| Retained Earnings | |||||||||||
| Balance at Beginning of Year | 11,269.6 | 10,728.7 | |||||||||
| Adjustment to Adopt Accounting Standard Update - Note 2 | — | (18.9) | |||||||||
| Balance at Beginning of Year, as Adjusted | 11,269.6 | 10,709.8 | |||||||||
| Net Income | 153.0 | 161.0 | |||||||||
Dividends to Stockholders (per common share: $0.285; $0.285) | (59.4) | (58.8) | |||||||||
| Balance at End of Period | 11,363.2 | 10,812.0 | |||||||||
| Treasury Stock | |||||||||||
| Balance at Beginning of Year and End of Period | (3,179.7) | (3,179.7) | |||||||||
| Total Stockholders' Equity at End of Period | $ | 10,570.1 | $ | 9,803.1 | |||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 153.0 | $ | 161.0 | |||||||
| Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities | |||||||||||
| Change in Receivables | 4.5 | (8.7) | |||||||||
| Change in Deferred Acquisition Costs | 35.8 | 14.2 | |||||||||
| Change in Insurance Reserves and Liabilities | 291.1 | 67.5 | |||||||||
| Change in Income Taxes | 44.9 | 24.9 | |||||||||
| Change in Other Accrued Liabilities | (72.4) | (121.3) | |||||||||
| Non-cash Components of Net Investment Income | (108.0) | (92.5) | |||||||||
| Net Realized Investment (Gain) Loss | (84.6) | 144.0 | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 29.3 | 28.5 | |||||||||
| Cash Related to Reinsurance Agreement | (456.8) | — | |||||||||
| Other, Net | 1.2 | 2.3 | |||||||||
| Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities | (162.0) | 219.9 | |||||||||
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from Sales of Fixed Maturity Securities | 157.4 | 120.7 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities | 856.3 | 414.3 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from Sales and Maturities of Other Investments | 68.2 | 48.5 | |||||||||
| Purchases of Fixed Maturity Securities | (1,185.0) | (780.5) | |||||||||
| Purchases of Other Investments | (62.5) | (144.2) | |||||||||
| Net Sales and Maturities of Short-term Investments | 769.0 | 15.5 | |||||||||
| Net Increase in Payables for Collateral on Investments | 16.1 | 487.4 | |||||||||
| Net Purchases of Property and Equipment | (30.9) | (39.1) | |||||||||
| Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities | 588.6 | 122.6 | |||||||||
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |||||||||||
| Long-term Debt Repayment | — | (15.0) | |||||||||
| Issuance of Common Stock | 0.8 | 1.3 | |||||||||
| Dividends Paid to Stockholders | (58.4) | (57.8) | |||||||||
| Cash Received Related to Active Life Volatility Cover Agreement | 17.9 | — | |||||||||
| Other, Net | (22.1) | (17.9) | |||||||||
| Net Cash Used by Financing Activities | (61.8) | (89.4) | |||||||||
| Net Increase in Cash and Bank Deposits | 364.8 | 253.1 | |||||||||
| Cash and Bank Deposits at Beginning of Year | 197.0 | 84.1 | |||||||||
| Cash and Bank Deposits at End of Period | $ | 561.8 | $ | 337.2 | |||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
7
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
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, 2020.
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, particularly when considering the risks and uncertainties associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the impacts it may have on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, and overall business operations.
Note 2 - Accounting Developments
Accounting Updates Adopted in 2021:
| Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) | Description | Date of Adoption | Effect on Financial Statements | |||||||||||||||||
| ASC 740 "Income Taxes" | The amendments in this update simplified the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions in the guidance related to the following: 1. losses in continuing operations when there is income in other items, 2. foreign subsidiaries becoming equity method investments and vice versa, and 3. year-to-date interim period losses exceeding anticipated loss for the year. The amendments also simplified the accounting for income taxes related to the following: 1. franchise taxes partially based on income, 2. step up in the tax basis of goodwill, 3. allocation of tax expense to entities not subject to tax, 4. enacted changes in tax law or rates in interim periods, and 5. employee stock ownership programs and investments in qualified affordable housing projects accounted for using the equity method. | January 1, 2021 | The adoption of this update did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. | |||||||||||||||||
Summary of Financial Statement Impacts of Accounting Updates Adopted in 2020:
Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted an update under ASC 326 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses" that amended the guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. The update added an impairment model known as the current expected credit loss model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses and will generally result in earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The current expected credit loss model applies to financial instruments such as mortgage loans, fixed maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity, and certain receivables. The update also modified the other-than-temporary impairment model used for available-for-sale fixed maturity securities such that credit losses are recognized as an allowance rather than as a reduction in the amortized cost of the security. The reversal of previously recognized credit losses on available-for-sale fixed maturity securities is allowed under specified circumstances. The guidance was applied using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect reduction to retained earnings of $18.9 million as of the beginning of the period of adoption. For available-for-sale fixed maturity securities, the update was applied prospectively. Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized on available-for-sale fixed maturity securities prior to adoption of the update cannot be reversed.
See Note 4 for discussion on the allowance for current expected credit losses on our commercial mortgage loans and the allowance for credit losses on our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities. See Note 12 for discussion on the allowance for expected credit losses on our premiums receivable balances.
8
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 2 - Accounting Developments - Continued
Accounting Updates Outstanding:
| ASC | Description | Date of Adoption | Effect on Financial Statements | |||||||||||||||||
| ASC 848 "Reference Rate Reform" | The amendments in this update provide optional guidance, for a limited period of time, to ease the potential burden in accounting for and recognizing the effects of reference rate reform on financial reporting. The guidance allows for various practical expedients and exceptions when applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected either by discontinued rates as a direct result of reference rate reform or a market-wide change in interest rates used for discounting, margining or contract price alignment, if certain criteria are met. Specifically, the guidance provides certain practical expedients for contract modifications, fair value hedges, and cash flow hedges, and also provides certain exceptions related to changes in the critical terms of a hedging relationship. The guidance also allows for a one-time election to sell or transfer debt securities that were both classified as held-to-maturity prior to January 1, 2020 and reference a rate affected by the reform. | Adoption is permitted as of the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020 (the issuance date of the update), or any date thereafter, through December 31, 2022, at which point the guidance will sunset. | We have not yet determined the impact on our financial position or results of operations if we elect to adopt this guidance. | |||||||||||||||||
| ASC 944 "Financial Services - Insurance" | This update significantly amends the accounting and disclosure requirements for long-duration insurance contracts. These changes include a requirement to review, and if necessary, update cash flow assumptions used to measure the liability for future policy benefits for traditional and limited-payment contracts at least annually, with changes recognized in earnings. In addition, an entity will be required to update the discount rate assumption at each reporting date using a yield that is reflective of an upper-medium grade fixed-income instrument, with changes recognized in other comprehensive income. These changes result in the elimination of the provision for risk of adverse deviation and premium deficiency (or loss recognition) testing. The update also requires that an entity measure all market risk benefits associated with deposit contracts at fair value, with changes recognized in earnings except for the portion attributable to a change in the instrument-specific credit risk, which is to be recognized in other comprehensive income. This update also simplifies the amortization of deferred acquisition costs by requiring amortization on a constant level basis over the expected term of the related contracts. Deferred acquisition costs are required to be written off for unexpected contract terminations but are no longer subject to an impairment test. Significant additional disclosures will also be required, which include disaggregated rollforwards of certain liability balances and the disclosure of qualitative and quantitative information about expected cash flows, estimates, and assumptions. The application of this guidance will vary based upon the specific requirements of the update but will generally result in either a modified retrospective or full retrospective approach with changes applied as of the beginning of the earliest period presented. Early adoption is permitted. | January 1, 2023 | We are currently evaluating the impact of the update and expect that the adoption may have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations. The update will also significantly expand our disclosures. | |||||||||||||||||
9
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments
Fair Value Measurements for Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value
We report fixed maturity securities, which are classified as available-for-sale securities, derivative financial instruments, and unrestricted equity securities at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. We report our investments in private equity partnerships at our share of the partnerships' net asset value per share or its equivalent (NAV) as a practical expedient for fair value.
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, 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.
We classify financial instruments in accordance with a fair value hierarchy consisting of three levels based on the observability of valuation inputs:
•Level 1 - the highest category of the fair value hierarchy classification wherein inputs are unadjusted and represent quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
•Level 2 - 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.
•Level 3 - 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.
Valuation Methodologies of Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value
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 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
10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
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 it is a bid or market quote. 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 2021, we have applied valuation approaches and techniques on a consistent basis to similar assets and liabilities and consistent with those approaches and techniques used at year end 2020.
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
We use observable and unobservable inputs in measuring the fair value of our fixed maturity and equity securities. For securities categorized as Level 1, fair values equal active Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE) pricing or unadjusted broker market maker prices. For securities categorized as Level 2 or Level 3, inputs that may be used in valuing each class of securities at any given time period are disclosed below. Actual inputs used to determine fair values will vary for each reporting period depending on the availability of inputs which may, at times, be affected by the lack of market liquidity.
| Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
| Instrument | Observable Inputs | Unobservable Inputs | |||||||||||||||
| United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities | |||||||||||||||||
| Valuation Method | Principally the market approach | Not applicable | |||||||||||||||
| Valuation Techniques / Inputs | Prices obtained from external pricing services | ||||||||||||||||
| States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | |||||||||||||||||
| Valuation Method | Principally the market approach | Principally the market approach | |||||||||||||||
| Valuation Techniques / Inputs | Prices obtained from external pricing services | Analysis of similar bonds, adjusted for comparability | |||||||||||||||
| Relevant reports issued by analysts and rating agencies | |||||||||||||||||
| Audited financial statements | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | |||||||||||||||||
| Valuation Method | Principally the market approach | Principally the market approach | |||||||||||||||
| Valuation Techniques / Inputs | Prices obtained from external pricing services | Analysis of similar bonds, adjusted for comparability | |||||||||||||||
| Non-binding broker quotes | |||||||||||||||||
| Call provisions | |||||||||||||||||
| Public Utilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Valuation Method | Principally the market and income approaches | Principally the market and income approaches | |||||||||||||||
| Valuation Techniques / Inputs | Prices obtained from external pricing services | Change in benchmark reference | |||||||||||||||
11
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
| Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
| Instrument | Observable Inputs | Unobservable Inputs | |||||||||||||||
| Public Utilities - Continued | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-binding broker quotes | Analysis of similar bonds, adjusted for comparability | ||||||||||||||||
| Benchmark yields | Discount for size - illiquidity | ||||||||||||||||
| Transactional data for new issuances and secondary trades | Volatility of credit | ||||||||||||||||
| Security cash flows and structures | Lack of marketability | ||||||||||||||||
| Recent issuance / supply | |||||||||||||||||
| Audited financial statements | |||||||||||||||||
| Security and issuer level spreads | |||||||||||||||||
| Security creditor ratings/maturity/capital structure/optionality | |||||||||||||||||
| Public covenants | |||||||||||||||||
| Comparative bond analysis | |||||||||||||||||
| Relevant reports issued by analysts and rating agencies | |||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | |||||||||||||||||
| Valuation Method | Principally the market and income approaches | Principally the market approach | |||||||||||||||
| Valuation Techniques / Inputs | Prices obtained from external pricing services | Analysis of similar bonds, adjusted for comparability | |||||||||||||||
| Non-binding broker quotes | Prices obtained from external pricing services | ||||||||||||||||
| Security cash flows and structures | |||||||||||||||||
| Underlying collateral | |||||||||||||||||
| Prepayment speeds/loan performance/delinquencies | |||||||||||||||||
| Relevant reports issued by analysts and rating agencies | |||||||||||||||||
| Audited financial statements | |||||||||||||||||
| All Other Corporate Bonds | |||||||||||||||||
| Valuation Method | Principally the market and income approaches | Principally the market and income approaches | |||||||||||||||
| Valuation Techniques / Inputs | Prices obtained from external pricing services | Change in benchmark reference | |||||||||||||||
| Non-binding broker quotes | Discount for size - illiquidity | ||||||||||||||||
| Benchmark yields | Volatility of credit | ||||||||||||||||
| Transactional data for new issuances and secondary trades | Lack of marketability | ||||||||||||||||
| Security cash flows and structures | Prices obtained from external pricing services | ||||||||||||||||
| Recent issuance / supply | |||||||||||||||||
| Security and issuer level spreads | |||||||||||||||||
| Security creditor ratings/maturity/capital structure/optionality | |||||||||||||||||
12
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
| Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
| Instrument | Observable Inputs | Unobservable Inputs | |||||||||||||||
| All Other Corporate Bonds - Continued | |||||||||||||||||
| Public covenants | |||||||||||||||||
| Comparative bond analysis | |||||||||||||||||
| Relevant reports issued by analysts and rating agencies | |||||||||||||||||
| Audited financial statements | |||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable Preferred Stocks | |||||||||||||||||
| Valuation Method | Principally the market approach | Principally the market approach | |||||||||||||||
| Valuation Techniques / Inputs | Non-binding broker quotes | Financial statement analysis | |||||||||||||||
| Benchmark yields | |||||||||||||||||
| Comparative bond analysis | |||||||||||||||||
| Call provisions | |||||||||||||||||
| Relevant reports issued by analysts and rating agencies | |||||||||||||||||
| Audited financial statements | |||||||||||||||||
| Perpetual Preferred and Equity Securities | |||||||||||||||||
| Valuation Method | Principally the market approach | Principally the market and income approaches | |||||||||||||||
| Valuation Techniques / Inputs | Prices obtained from external pricing services | Financial statement analysis | |||||||||||||||
| Non-binding broker quotes | |||||||||||||||||
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 that vary between multiple pricing vendors by a threshold that is outside a normal market range for the asset type. 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 prices that did not change from the prior month to ensure that these prices are within our expectations. 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.
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, 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
13
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
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.
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.
At March 31, 2021, approximately 23.5 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 remaining 76.5 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on non-binding quotes or other observable and unobservable inputs, as discussed below:
•60.5 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.
•10.9 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on one or more non-binding broker quotes, if validated by observable market data. 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.
•5.1 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on prices of comparable securities, internal models, or pricing services or other 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.
Derivatives
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 London Interbank Offered Rate (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.
We consider transactions in inactive markets to be less representative of fair value. We use all available observable inputs when measuring fair value, but when significant unobservable inputs are used, we classify these assets or liabilities as Level 3.
14
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
Private Equity Partnerships
Our private equity partnerships represent funds that are primarily invested in private credit, private equity, and real assets, as described below. Distributions received from the funds arise from income generated by the underlying investments as well as the liquidation of the underlying investments. There is generally not a public market for these investments.
The following tables present additional information about our private equity partnerships, including commitments for additional investments which may or may not be funded:
| March 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment Category | Fair Value | Redemption Term / Redemption Notice | Unfunded Commitments | |||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Private Credit | (a) | $ | 247.5 | Not redeemable | $ | 190.3 | ||||||||||||||
| 41.9 | Initial 2 year lock on each new investment / Quarterly after 2 year lock with 90 days notice | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Private Credit | 289.4 | 191.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Private Equity | (b) | 249.8 | Not redeemable | 216.4 | ||||||||||||||||
| 9.2 | Initial 5.5 year lock on each new investment / Quarterly after 5.5 year lock with 90 days notice | 34.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Private Equity | 259.0 | 250.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Real Assets | (c) | 187.7 | Not redeemable | 198.9 | ||||||||||||||||
| 56.3 | Quarterly / 90 days notice | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Real Assets | 244.0 | 198.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Partnerships | $ | 792.4 | $ | 641.0 | ||||||||||||||||
15
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment Category | Fair Value | Redemption Term / Redemption Notice | Unfunded Commitments | |||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Private Credit | (a) | $ | 233.3 | Not redeemable | $ | 178.9 | ||||||||||||||
| 40.4 | Initial 2 year lock on each new investment / Quarterly after 2 year lock with 90 days notice | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Private Credit | 273.7 | 180.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Private Equity | (b) | 232.6 | Not redeemable | 191.0 | ||||||||||||||||
| 9.2 | Initial 5.5 year lock on each new investment / Quarterly after 5.5 year lock with 90 days notice | 34.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Private Equity | 241.8 | 225.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Real Assets | (c) | 176.3 | Not redeemable | 185.2 | ||||||||||||||||
| 55.7 | Quarterly / 90 days notice | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Real Assets | 232.0 | 185.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Partnerships | $ | 747.5 | $ | 590.7 | ||||||||||||||||
16
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
(a)Private Credit - The limited partnerships described in this category employ various investment strategies, generally providing direct lending or other forms of debt financing including first-lien, second-lien, mezzanine, and subordinated loans. The limited partnerships have credit exposure to corporates, physical assets, and/or financial assets within a variety of industries (including manufacturing, healthcare, energy, business services, technology, materials, and retail) in North America and, to a lesser extent, outside of North America. As of March 31, 2021, the estimated remaining life of the investments that do not allow for redemptions is approximately 34 percent in the next 3 years, 51 percent during the period from 3 to 5 years, 13 percent during the period from 5 to 10 years, and 2 percent during the period from 10 to 15 years.
(b)Private Equity - The limited partnerships described in this category employ various strategies generally investing in controlling or minority control equity positions directly in companies and/or assets across various industries (including manufacturing, healthcare, energy, business services, technology, materials, and retail), primarily in private markets within North America and, to a lesser extent, outside of North America. As of March 31, 2021, the estimated remaining life of the investments that do not allow for redemptions is approximately 21 percent in the next 3 years, 34 percent during the period from 3 to 5 years, 44 percent during the period from 5 to 10 years, and 1 percent during the period from 10 to 15 years.
(c)Real Assets - The limited partnerships described in this category employ various strategies, which include investing in the equity and/or debt financing of physical assets, including infrastructure (energy, power, water/wastewater, communications), transportation (including airports, ports, toll roads, aircraft, railcars) and real estate in North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. As of March 31, 2021, the estimated remaining life of the investments that do not allow for redemptions is approximately 11 percent in the next 3 years, 21 percent during period from 3 to 5 years and 68 percent during the period from 5 to 10 years.
We record changes in our share of net asset value of the partnerships in net investment income. We receive financial information related to our investments in partnerships and generally record investment income on a one-quarter lag in accordance with our accounting policy.
17
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
The following tables present information about financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis by fair value level, based on the observability of the inputs used:
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | NAV | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities | $ | 101.1 | $ | 475.5 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 576.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | 54.1 | 4,149.8 | — | — | 4,203.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | — | 1,098.9 | 21.7 | — | 1,120.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Public Utilities | 594.2 | 5,746.9 | 103.4 | — | 6,444.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | — | 847.9 | 77.2 | — | 925.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All Other Corporate Bonds | 9,144.4 | 19,157.6 | 499.2 | — | 28,801.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable Preferred Stocks | — | 4.1 | — | — | 4.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fixed Maturity Securities | 9,893.8 | 31,480.7 | 701.5 | — | 42,076.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Long-term Investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forwards | — | 0.1 | — | — | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts | — | 17.4 | — | — | 17.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Default Swaps | — | 0.1 | — | — | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Derivatives | — | 17.6 | — | — | 17.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Perpetual Preferred Equity Securities | 26.1 | 0.2 | 5.2 | — | 31.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private Equity Partnerships | — | — | — | 792.4 | 792.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other Long-term Investments | 26.1 | 17.8 | 5.2 | 792.4 | 841.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Financial Instrument Assets Carried at Fair Value | $ | 9,919.9 | $ | 31,498.5 | $ | 706.7 | $ | 792.4 | $ | 42,917.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forwards | $ | — | $ | 0.1 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts | — | 54.8 | — | — | 54.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | — | — | 22.9 | — | 22.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Derivatives | — | 54.9 | 22.9 | — | 77.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Financial Instrument Liabilities Carried at Fair Value | $ | — | $ | 54.9 | $ | 22.9 | $ | — | $ | 77.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
18
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | NAV | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities | $ | — | $ | 709.8 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 709.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | — | 4,245.7 | 15.5 | — | 4,261.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | — | 1,146.4 | 21.8 | — | 1,168.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Public Utilities | 131.9 | 6,644.7 | 185.7 | — | 6,962.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | — | 1,026.4 | 81.3 | — | 1,107.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All Other Corporate Bonds | 4,089.4 | 24,886.1 | 943.1 | — | 29,918.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable Preferred Stocks | — | 9.5 | — | — | 9.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fixed Maturity Securities | 4,221.3 | 38,668.6 | 1,247.4 | — | 44,137.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Long-term Investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts | — | 19.7 | — | — | 19.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Default Swaps | — | 0.1 | — | — | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Derivatives | — | 19.8 | — | — | 19.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Perpetual Preferred Equity Securities | 8.4 | 15.2 | 4.7 | — | 28.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private Equity Partnerships | — | — | — | 747.5 | 747.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other Long-term Investments | 8.4 | 35.0 | 4.7 | 747.5 | 795.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Financial Instrument Assets Carried at Fair Value | $ | 4,229.7 | $ | 38,703.6 | $ | 1,252.1 | $ | 747.5 | $ | 44,932.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forwards | $ | — | $ | 0.5 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts | — | 59.2 | — | — | 59.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | — | — | 39.8 | — | 39.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Derivatives | — | 59.7 | 39.8 | — | 99.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Financial Instrument Liabilities Carried at Fair Value | $ | — | $ | 59.7 | $ | 39.8 | $ | — | $ | 99.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
19
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
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, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Beginning of Year | Total Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) in | Level 3 Transfers | Fair Value End of Period | Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Held at the End of Period included in | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings | OCI(1) | Purchases | Sales | Into | Out of | OCI | Earnings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | $ | 15.5 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (15.5) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | 21.8 | — | (0.1) | — | — | — | — | 21.7 | (0.1) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Public Utilities | 185.7 | — | (4.6) | — | — | 36.0 | (113.7) | 103.4 | (4.6) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 81.3 | — | (34.5) | — | (32.6) | 86.1 | (23.1) | 77.2 | (34.5) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All Other Corporate Bonds | 943.1 | — | (13.8) | — | — | — | (430.1) | 499.2 | (13.8) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fixed Maturity Securities | 1,247.4 | — | (53.0) | — | (32.6) | 122.1 | (582.4) | 701.5 | (53.0) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Perpetual Preferred Equity Securities | 4.7 | — | — | — | — | 0.5 | — | 5.2 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | (39.8) | 16.9 | — | — | — | — | — | (22.9) | — | 16.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
20
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Beginning of Year | Total Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) in | Level 3 Transfers | Fair Value End of Period | Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Held at the End of Period included in | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings | OCI | Purchases | Sales | Into | Out of | OCI | Earnings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | $ | 41.8 | $ | — | $ | 2.8 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (13.3) | $ | 31.3 | $ | 2.9 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | 21.8 | — | (0.9) | — | — | — | — | 20.9 | (0.9) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Public Utilities | 14.6 | — | (0.3) | — | — | 18.0 | (6.0) | 26.3 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 34.1 | — | (0.8) | — | — | 49.2 | (7.4) | 75.1 | (0.2) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All Other Corporate Bonds | 600.5 | — | (50.6) | 20.9 | — | 236.2 | (254.0) | 553.0 | (2.2) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fixed Maturity Securities | 712.8 | — | (49.8) | 20.9 | — | 303.4 | (280.7) | 706.6 | (0.4) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Perpetual Preferred Equity Securities | 4.6 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4.6 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | (22.8) | (86.9) | — | — | — | — | — | (109.7) | — | (86.9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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.
21
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
The table below provides quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements derived from internal models. Unobservable inputs for fixed maturity securities are weighted by the fair value of the securities. 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, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Valuation Method | Unobservable Input | Range/Weighted Average | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| All Other Corporate Bonds - Private | $ | 45.0 | Market Approach | Volatility of Credit | (a) | 0.50% - 47.79% / 6.58% | |||||||||||||||||
| Perpetual Preferred Equity Securities | 5.2 | Market Approach | Market Convention | (b) | Priced at Cost or Owner's Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
| Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | (22.9) | Discounted Cash Flows | Projected Liability Cash Flows Weighted Spread of Swap Curve | (c) | Actuarial Assumptions 0.7% | ||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Valuation Method | Unobservable Input | Range/Weighted Average | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| All Other Corporate Bonds - Private | $ | 45.7 | Market Approach | Volatility of Credit | (a) | 0.50% - 24.90% / 3.63% | |||||||||||||||||
| Perpetual Preferred Equity Securities | 4.7 | Market Approach | Market Convention | (b) | Priced at Cost or Owner's Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
| Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | (39.8) | Discounted Cash Flows | Projected Liability Cash Flows Weighted Spread of Swap Curve | (c) | Actuarial Assumptions 1.0% | ||||||||||||||||||
(a)Represents basis point adjustments for credit-specific factors
(b)Represents a decision to price based on par value, cost, or owner's equity when limited data is available
(c)Represents various actuarial assumptions required to derive the liability cash flows. Fair value of embedded derivative is most often driven by the change in the weighted average credit spread to the swap curve for the assets backing the hypothetical loan.
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, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
Fair Value Measurements for Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair values of financial instruments not carried at fair value are discussed as follows:
Mortgage Loans: Fair value of newly originated, seasoned performing, or sub-performing but likely to continue cash flowing loans are calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis. Loans’ cash flows are modeled and appropriately discounted by a rate based on current yields and credit spreads. For sub and non-performing loans where there is some probability the loan will not continue to pay, a price based approach would be used to estimate the loan’s value in the open market utilizing current transaction information from similar loans.
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 $3,337.3 million and $3,390.6 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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.
Miscellaneous Long-term Investments: Carrying amounts for tax credit partnerships equal the unamortized balance of our contractual commitments and approximate fair value. Our shares of FHLB common stock are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
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.
Federal Home Loan Bank (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.
Unfunded Commitments to Investment Partnerships: Unfunded equity commitments represent amounts that we have committed to fund certain investment partnerships. These commitments are legally binding, subject to the partnerships meeting specified conditions. Carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate fair value.
23
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments not measured at fair value and indicates the level in the fair value hierarchy of the estimated fair value measurement based on the observability of the inputs used:
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage Loans | $ | — | $ | 2,456.1 | $ | — | $ | 2,456.1 | $ | 2,402.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Policy Loans | — | — | 3,761.3 | 3,761.3 | 3,628.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Long-term Investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous Long-term Investments | — | 26.9 | 24.4 | 51.3 | 51.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Financial Instrument Assets Not Carried at Fair Value | $ | — | $ | 2,483.0 | $ | 3,785.7 | $ | 6,268.7 | $ | 6,082.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term Debt | $ | 3,230.9 | $ | 557.9 | $ | — | $ | 3,788.8 | $ | 3,346.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Payable for Collateral on Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Funding Agreements | — | 302.2 | — | 302.2 | 302.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unfunded Commitments | — | 0.9 | — | 0.9 | 0.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Financial Instrument Liabilities Not Carried at Fair Value | $ | 3,230.9 | $ | 861.0 | $ | — | $ | 4,091.9 | $ | 3,649.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
24
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 3 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage Loans | $ | — | $ | 2,641.8 | $ | — | $ | 2,641.8 | $ | 2,432.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Policy Loans | — | — | 3,850.8 | 3,850.8 | 3,683.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Long-term Investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous Long-term Investments | — | 28.2 | 29.3 | 57.5 | 57.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Financial Instrument Assets Not Carried at Fair Value | $ | — | $ | 2,670.0 | $ | 3,880.1 | $ | 6,550.1 | $ | 6,173.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term Debt | $ | 2,393.1 | $ | 1,494.3 | $ | — | $ | 3,887.4 | $ | 3,345.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Payables for Collateral on FHLB Funding Agreements | — | 312.2 | — | 312.2 | 312.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unfunded Commitments | — | 0.9 | — | 0.9 | 0.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Financial Instrument Liabilities Not Carried at Fair Value | $ | 2,393.1 | $ | 1,807.4 | $ | — | $ | 4,200.5 | $ | 3,658.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
The carrying values of financial instruments such as short-term investments, cash and bank deposits, accounts and premiums receivable, accrued investment income, securities lending agreements, and short-term debt approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. As such, these financial instruments are not included in the above chart.
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.
25
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 4 - Investments
Fixed Maturity Securities
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | ACL(1) | Gross Unrealized Gain | Gross Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities | $ | 464.6 | $ | — | $ | 112.1 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 576.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | 3,735.9 | — | 506.7 | 38.7 | 4,203.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | 899.0 | — | 224.3 | 2.7 | 1,120.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Public Utilities | 5,390.6 | — | 1,080.0 | 26.1 | 6,444.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 851.6 | — | 73.6 | 0.1 | 925.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All Other Corporate Bonds | 25,220.2 | 7.3 | 3,698.3 | 110.0 | 28,801.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable Preferred Stocks | 4.0 | — | 0.1 | — | 4.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 36,565.9 | $ | 7.3 | $ | 5,695.1 | $ | 177.7 | $ | 42,076.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | ACL(1) | Gross Unrealized Gain | Gross Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities | $ | 559.0 | $ | — | $ | 150.8 | $ | — | $ | 709.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | 3,609.9 | — | 652.8 | 1.5 | 4,261.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | 902.9 | — | 266.5 | 1.2 | 1,168.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Public Utilities | 5,486.4 | — | 1,481.9 | 6.0 | 6,962.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 1,019.9 | — | 88.0 | 0.2 | 1,107.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All Other Corporate Bonds | 24,958.8 | 6.8 | 5,013.5 | 46.9 | 29,918.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable Preferred Stocks | 9.6 | — | — | 0.1 | 9.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 36,546.5 | $ | 6.8 | $ | 7,653.5 | $ | 55.9 | $ | 44,137.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
(1) Allowance for Credit Losses
26
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
The following charts indicate the length of time our fixed maturity securities have been in a gross unrealized loss position.
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | $ | 5.9 | $ | 0.1 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | 888.1 | 38.7 | 0.6 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | 61.8 | 2.7 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Public Utilities | 321.4 | 22.8 | 38.6 | 3.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 0.6 | 0.1 | 3.1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| All Other Corporate Bonds | 1,883.4 | 84.0 | 246.0 | 26.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 3,161.2 | $ | 148.4 | $ | 288.3 | $ | 29.3 | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less Than 12 Months | 12 Months or Greater | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | $ | 133.4 | $ | 1.5 | $ | 0.1 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign Governments | 20.3 | 1.2 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Public Utilities | 76.3 | 3.7 | 25.4 | 2.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 3.0 | 0.1 | 3.1 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| All Other Corporate Bonds | 520.4 | 22.4 | 113.5 | 24.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable Preferred Stocks | 9.5 | 0.1 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 762.9 | $ | 29.0 | $ | 142.1 | $ | 26.9 | |||||||||||||||
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, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost, Net of ACL | Unrealized Gain Position | Unrealized Loss Position | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Gain | Fair Value | Gross Loss | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 year or less | $ | 777.5 | $ | 16.7 | $ | 731.2 | $ | 1.6 | $ | 61.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Over 1 year through 5 years | 6,304.4 | 581.8 | 6,672.8 | 16.2 | 197.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Over 5 years through 10 years | 10,695.5 | 1,531.9 | 11,529.8 | 23.1 | 674.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Over 10 years | 17,929.6 | 3,491.1 | 18,771.3 | 136.7 | 2,512.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 35,707.0 | 5,621.5 | 37,705.1 | 177.6 | 3,445.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 851.6 | 73.6 | 921.4 | 0.1 | 3.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 36,558.6 | $ | 5,695.1 | $ | 38,626.5 | $ | 177.7 | $ | 3,449.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
27
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost, Net of ACL | Unrealized Gain Position | Unrealized Loss Position | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Gain | Fair Value | Gross Loss | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 year or less | $ | 881.8 | $ | 19.5 | $ | 836.4 | $ | 2.9 | $ | 62.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Over 1 year through 5 years | 6,162.6 | 589.9 | 6,545.7 | 22.9 | 183.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Over 5 years through 10 years | 10,886.9 | 1,914.8 | 12,659.4 | 10.7 | 131.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Over 10 years | 17,588.5 | 5,041.3 | 22,089.2 | 19.2 | 521.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 35,519.8 | 7,565.5 | 42,130.7 | 55.7 | 898.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities | 1,019.9 | 88.0 | 1,101.6 | 0.2 | 6.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 36,539.7 | $ | 7,653.5 | $ | 43,232.3 | $ | 55.9 | $ | 905.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
The following chart depicts an analysis of our fixed maturity security portfolio between investment-grade and below-investment-grade categories as of March 31, 2021:
| Gross Unrealized Loss | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Gain | Amount | Percent of Total Gross Unrealized Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment-Grade | $ | 38,846.3 | $ | 5,451.1 | $ | 149.9 | 84.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Below-Investment-Grade | 3,229.7 | 244.0 | 27.8 | 15.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 42,076.0 | $ | 5,695.1 | $ | 177.7 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
The 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. Below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities are generally more likely to develop credit concerns than investment-grade securities. At March 31, 2021, the unrealized losses in our below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities were generally due to credit 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 a credit loss will recover in value. We have the ability and intent to continue to hold these securities to recovery of amortized cost and believe that no credit losses have occurred.
As of March 31, 2021, we held 239 individual investment-grade fixed maturity securities and 21 individual below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position, of which 11 investment-grade fixed maturity securities and 12 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 represents a credit loss, 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
•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
28
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
•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 whether a credit loss exists 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 credit losses on a timely basis for investments determined to have a credit loss. We calculate the allowance for credit losses of fixed maturity securities based on the present value of our best estimate of cash flows expected to be collected, discounted using the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition. When estimating future cash flows, we analyze the strength of the issuer’s balance sheet, its debt obligations and near-term funding arrangements, cash flow and liquidity, the profitability of its core businesses, the availability of marketable assets which could be sold to increase liquidity, its industry fundamentals and regulatory environment, and its access to capital markets. As of March 31, 2021, with respect to the fixed maturity securities for which the allowance for credit losses was recognized, we do not intend to sell these securities, and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities before recovery of our estimated value.
The following table presents a rollforward of the allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale fixed maturity securities, all of which are classified as "all other corporate bonds" in the preceding tables, at March 31, 2021:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | 6.8 | $ | — | |||||||
| Credit losses on securities for which credit losses were not previously recorded | — | 48.0 | |||||||||
| Change in allowance on securities with allowance recorded in previous period | 0.5 | — | |||||||||
| Balance, end of period | $ | 7.3 | $ | 48.0 | |||||||
At March 31, 2021, we had commitments of $106.5 million to fund private placement fixed maturity securities, the amount of which may or may not be funded.
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, 2021, the carrying amount of our variable interest entity investments that are not consolidated in our financial statements was $816.8 million, comprised of $24.4 million of tax credit partnerships and $792.4 million of private equity partnerships. At December 31, 2020, the carrying amount of our variable interest entity investments that are not consolidated in our financial statements was $776.8 million, comprised of $29.3 million of tax credit partnerships and $747.5 million of private equity partnerships. These variable interest entity investments are reported as other long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets.
29
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
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 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Income Tax Credits | $ | 5.4 | $ | 8.3 | |||||||
| Amortization, Net of Tax | (3.7) | (5.5) | |||||||||
| Income Tax Benefit | $ | 1.7 | $ | 2.8 | |||||||
Contractually, we are a limited partner in these tax credit partnerships, and our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of our investment, which includes $0.9 million of unfunded unconditional commitments at March 31, 2021. See Note 3 for commitments to fund private equity partnerships.
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.
We carry our mortgage loans at amortized cost less an allowance for expected credit losses. The amortized cost of our mortgage loans was $2,413.7 million and $2,445.2 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The allowance for expected credit losses was $11.5 million and $13.1 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan's contractual interest rate. We report accrued interest income for our mortgage loans as accrued investment income on our consolidated balance sheets, and the amount of the accrued income was $8.0 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
30
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
The carrying amount of mortgage loans by property type and geographic region are presented below.
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Amount | Percent of Total | Carrying Amount | Percent of Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Property Type | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Apartment | $ | 648.2 | 27.0 | % | $ | 638.0 | 26.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Industrial | 650.6 | 27.1 | 654.0 | 26.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Office | 490.8 | 20.4 | 517.8 | 21.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Retail | 566.1 | 23.6 | 575.6 | 23.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 46.5 | 1.9 | 46.7 | 1.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,402.2 | 100.0 | % | $ | 2,432.1 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Region | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| New England | $ | 35.1 | 1.5 | % | $ | 40.0 | 1.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Mid-Atlantic | 200.6 | 8.4 | 202.5 | 8.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| East North Central | 310.4 | 12.9 | 330.4 | 13.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| West North Central | 194.3 | 8.1 | 196.1 | 8.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| South Atlantic | 510.4 | 21.2 | 512.0 | 21.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| East South Central | 109.1 | 4.5 | 110.0 | 4.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| West South Central | 255.3 | 10.6 | 257.4 | 10.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mountain | 276.3 | 11.5 | 268.8 | 11.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Pacific | 510.7 | 21.3 | 514.9 | 21.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,402.2 | 100.0 | % | $ | 2,432.1 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
The risk in our mortgage loan portfolio is primarily related to vacancy rates. Events or developments, such as economic conditions that impact the ability of the borrowers to ensure occupancy of the property, may have a negative effect on our mortgage loan portfolio, particularly to the extent that our portfolio is concentrated in an affected region or property type. An increase in vacancies increases the probability of default, which would negatively affect our expected losses in our mortgage loan portfolio.
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
31
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
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.
We estimate an allowance for credit losses that we expect to incur over the life of our mortgage loans using a probability of default method. For each loan, we estimate the probability that the loan will default before its maturity (probability of default) and the amount of the loss if the loan defaults (loss given default). These two factors result in an expected loss percentage that is applied to the amortized cost of each loan to determine the expected credit loss. As we are the original underwriter of the mortgage loans, the amortized cost generally equals the principal amount of the loan. We measure losses on defaults of our mortgage loans as the excess amortized cost of the mortgage loan over the fair value of the underlying collateral in the event that we foreclose on the loan or over the expected future cash flows of the loan if we retain the mortgage loan until payoff. We do not purchase mortgage loans with existing credit impairments.
In estimating the probability of default, we consider historical experience, current market conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts about the future market conditions. We utilize our historical loan experience in combination with a large third-party industry database for a period of time that aligns with the average life of our loans based on the maturity dates of the loans and prepayment experience. Our model utilizes an industry database of the historical loss experience based on our actual portfolio characteristics such as loan-to-value, debt service coverage, collateral type, geography, and late payment history. In addition, because we actively manage our portfolio, we may extend the term of a loan in certain situations and will accordingly extend the maturity date in the estimate of probability of default. In estimating the loss given default, we primarily consider the type and value of collateral and secondarily the expected liquidation costs and time to recovery.
The primary market factors that we consider in our forecast of future market conditions are gross domestic product, unemployment rates, interest rates, inflation, commercial real estate values, household formation, and retail sales. We also forecast certain loan specific factors such as growth in the fair value and net operating income of collateral by property type. We include our estimate of these factors over a two-year period and for the remainder of the loans’ estimated lives, adjusted for estimated prepayments. Past the two-year forecast period, we revert to the historical assumptions ratably by the end of the fifth year of the loan after which we utilize only historical assumptions.
We utilize various scenarios to estimate our allowance for expected losses ranging from a base case scenario that reflects normal market conditions to a severe case scenario that reflects adverse market conditions. We will adjust our allowance each period to utilize the scenario or weighting of the scenarios that best reflects our view of current market conditions.
32
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
The following tables present information about mortgage loans by the applicable credit quality indicators:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Amount | Percent of Total | Carrying Amount | Percent of Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Internal Rating | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| AA | $ | 3.4 | 0.1 | % | $ | 3.5 | 0.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
| A | 533.7 | 22.2 | 510.0 | 21.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| BBB | 1,810.0 | 75.3 | 1,863.0 | 76.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| BB | 39.1 | 1.6 | 39.4 | 1.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| B | 16.0 | 0.8 | 16.2 | 0.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,402.2 | 100.0 | % | $ | 2,432.1 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Loan-to-Value Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| <= 65% | $ | 1,180.4 | 49.1 | % | $ | 1,189.4 | 48.9 | % | |||||||||||||||
| > 65% <= 75% | 986.5 | 41.1 | 1,000.3 | 41.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| > 75% <= 85% | 156.1 | 6.5 | 155.8 | 6.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| > 85% | 79.2 | 3.3 | 86.6 | 3.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,402.2 | 100.0 | % | $ | 2,432.1 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
The following table presents the amortized cost of our mortgage loans by year of origination and credit quality indicators at March 31, 2021:
| Prior to 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Internal Rating | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AA | $ | 3.4 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A | 376.2 | 60.3 | 63.8 | 16.7 | 17.9 | — | 534.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BBB | 705.0 | 241.0 | 326.3 | 350.2 | 165.7 | 31.6 | 1,819.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BB | 29.2 | 10.4 | — | — | — | — | 39.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| B | 16.0 | — | — | — | — | — | 16.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Amortized Cost | 1,129.8 | 311.7 | 390.1 | 366.9 | 183.6 | 31.6 | 2,413.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses | (3.9) | (1.6) | (2.1) | (2.4) | (1.4) | (0.1) | (11.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Amount | $ | 1,125.9 | $ | 310.1 | $ | 388.0 | $ | 364.5 | $ | 182.2 | $ | 31.5 | $ | 2,402.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan-to-Value Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <=65% | $ | 821.9 | $ | 131.2 | $ | 90.6 | $ | 82.3 | $ | 37.2 | $ | 20.2 | $ | 1,183.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| >65<=75% | 161.1 | 109.2 | 280.1 | 284.6 | 146.4 | 11.4 | 992.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| >75%<=85% | 106.4 | 37.6 | 13.3 | — | — | — | 157.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| >85% | 40.4 | 33.7 | 6.1 | — | — | — | 80.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Amortized Cost | 1,129.8 | 311.7 | 390.1 | 366.9 | 183.6 | 31.6 | 2,413.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses | (3.9) | (1.6) | (2.1) | (2.4) | (1.4) | (0.1) | (11.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Amount | $ | 1,125.9 | $ | 310.1 | $ | 388.0 | $ | 364.5 | $ | 182.2 | $ | 31.5 | $ | 2,402.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
33
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
The following table presents a roll-forward of allowance for expected credit losses by loan-to-value ratio:
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning of Year | Current Period Provisions | Write-Offs | Recoveries | End of Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan-to-Value Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <=65% | $ | 3.4 | $ | (0.4) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| >65<=75% | 7.3 | (1.0) | — | — | 6.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| >75%<=85% | 1.3 | (0.1) | — | — | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| >85% | 1.1 | (0.1) | — | — | 1.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 13.1 | $ | (1.6) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 11.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning of Year | Current Period Provisions | Write-Offs | Recoveries | End of Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan-to-Value Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <=65% | $ | 2.8 | $ | 0.7 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| >65<=75% | 4.6 | 1.9 | — | — | 6.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| >75%<=85% | 0.5 | (0.1) | — | — | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| >85% | 0.4 | 0.3 | — | — | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 8.3 | $ | 2.8 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 11.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
The decrease in our estimate of expected losses during the first quarter of 2021 is primarily due to improved economic conditions and recovery from COVID-19, specifically as it relates to underlying commercial real estate values.
There were no troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we held no mortgage loans that were greater than 90 days past due regarding principal and/or interest payments.
We had no loan foreclosures for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
We had no impaired mortgage loans during three months ended March 31, 2021, or 2020, nor did we recognize any interest income on mortgage loans subsequent to impairment.
At March 31, 2021, we had commitments of $18.0 million to fund certain commercial mortgage loans. Consistent with how we determine the estimate of current expected credit losses for our funded mortgage loans each period, we estimate expected credit losses for loans that have not been funded but we are committed to fund at the end of each period. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had a de minimis amount and $0.1 million, respectively, of expected credit losses related to unfunded commitments on our consolidated balance sheets.
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 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.
34
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
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. We may receive cash and/or securities as collateral under these agreements. Cash received as collateral is typically reinvested in short-term investments. If securities are received as collateral, we are not permitted to sell or re-post them.
As of March 31, 2021, the carrying amount of fixed maturity securities loaned to third parties under our securities lending program was $220.0 million, for which we received collateral in the form of cash and securities of $43.5 million and $186.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, the carrying amount of fixed maturity securities loaned to third parties under our securities lending program was $96.6 million, for which we received collateral in the form of cash and securities of $17.6 million and $82.8 million, respectively. We had no outstanding repurchase agreements at March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020.
The remaining contractual maturities of our securities lending agreements disaggregated by class of collateral pledged are as
follows:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| Overnight and Continuous | |||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Borrowings | |||||||||||
| United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities | $ | 0.1 | $ | 0.1 | |||||||
| State, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions | 0.4 | 0.4 | |||||||||
| Public Utilities | 0.5 | 0.3 | |||||||||
| All Other Corporate Bonds | 42.5 | 16.8 | |||||||||
| Total Borrowings | $ | 43.5 | $ | 17.6 | |||||||
| Gross Amount of Recognized Liability for Securities Lending Transactions | 43.5 | 17.6 | |||||||||
| Amounts Related to Agreements Not Included in Offsetting Disclosure Contained Herein | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
Certain of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are members of regional FHLBs. Membership, which requires that we purchase a minimum amount of FHLB common stock on which we receive dividends, provides access to low-cost funding. Advances received from the FHLB are used for the purchase of short-term investments or fixed maturity securities. Additional common stock purchases may be required, based on the amount of funds we borrow from the FHLBs. The carrying value of common stock owned, collateral posted, and advances received are as follows:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||||||
| Carrying Value of FHLB Common Stock | $ | 26.9 | $ | 28.2 | ||||||||||
| Advances from FHLB | $ | 302.2 | $ | 312.2 | ||||||||||
| Carrying Value of Collateral Posted to FHLB | ||||||||||||||
| Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 857.9 | $ | 944.0 | ||||||||||
| Commercial Mortgage Loans | 982.1 | 1,072.5 | ||||||||||||
| Total Carrying Value of Collateral Posted to FHLB | $ | 1,840.0 | $ | 2,016.5 | ||||||||||
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
35
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
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.
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, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | $ | 17.6 | $ | — | $ | 17.6 | $ | (9.9) | $ | (7.7) | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities Lending | 220.0 | — | 220.0 | (176.5) | (43.5) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 237.6 | $ | — | $ | 237.6 | $ | (186.4) | $ | (51.2) | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | $ | 54.9 | $ | — | $ | 54.9 | $ | (54.6) | $ | — | $ | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities Lending | 43.5 | — | 43.5 | (43.5) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 98.4 | $ | — | $ | 98.4 | $ | (98.1) | $ | — | $ | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | $ | 19.8 | $ | — | $ | 19.8 | $ | (10.1) | $ | (8.7) | $ | 1.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities Lending | 96.6 | — | 96.6 | (79.0) | (17.6) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 116.4 | $ | — | $ | 116.4 | $ | (89.1) | $ | (26.3) | $ | 1.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | $ | 59.7 | $ | — | $ | 59.7 | $ | (59.0) | $ | — | $ | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities Lending | 17.6 | — | 17.6 | (17.6) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 77.3 | $ | — | $ | 77.3 | $ | (76.6) | $ | — | $ | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
36
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
Net Investment Income
Net investment income reported in our consolidated statements of income is presented below.
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 469.8 | $ | 539.8 | |||||||
| Derivatives | 16.2 | 20.2 | |||||||||
| Mortgage Loans | 26.3 | 29.0 | |||||||||
| Policy Loans | 4.8 | 4.8 | |||||||||
| Other Long-term Investments | |||||||||||
Perpetual Preferred Securities1 | 3.6 | (17.1) | |||||||||
Private Equity Partnerships2 | 35.9 | 10.4 | |||||||||
| Other | 2.1 | 3.2 | |||||||||
| Short-term Investments | 0.6 | 6.4 | |||||||||
| Gross Investment Income | 559.3 | 596.7 | |||||||||
| Less Investment Expenses | 7.5 | 8.5 | |||||||||
| Less Investment Income on Participation Fund Account Assets | 3.1 | 3.2 | |||||||||
| Net Investment Income | $ | 548.7 | $ | 585.0 | |||||||
1 The net unrealized gain (loss) recognized in net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 related to perpetual preferred securities still held at March 31, 2021 was $2.7 million. The net unrealized loss recognized in net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 related to perpetual preferred securities still held at March 31, 2020 was $17.9 million.
2 The net unrealized gain recognized in net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 related to private equity partnerships still held at March 31, 2021 was $27.0 million. The net unrealized gain recognized in net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 related to private equity partnerships still held at March 31, 2020 was $5.4 million. See Note 3 for further discussion of private equity partnerships.
37
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 4 - Investments - Continued
Realized Investment Gain and Loss
Realized investment gains and losses are as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Fixed Maturity Securities | |||||||||||
Gross Gains on Sales1 | $ | 71.3 | $ | 1.4 | |||||||
| Gross Losses on Sales | (1.1) | (0.7) | |||||||||
| Credit Losses | (8.3) | (53.9) | |||||||||
| Mortgage Loans and Other Invested Assets | |||||||||||
| Gross Gains on Sales | 2.5 | 0.3 | |||||||||
| Gross Losses on Sales | — | (0.2) | |||||||||
| Credit Losses | 1.7 | (2.6) | |||||||||
| Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | 16.9 | (86.9) | |||||||||
| All Other Derivatives | 1.7 | (0.7) | |||||||||
| Foreign Currency Transactions | (0.1) | (0.7) | |||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | $ | 84.6 | $ | (144.0) | |||||||
1Gross gains on sales of fixed maturity securities includes gains of $67.6 million as a result of the second phase of the reinsurance transaction that we completed during the first quarter of 2021. See Note 12 for further discussion.
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, current and forward currency swaps, forward benchmark interest rate 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 benchmark interest rate locks are used to minimize interest rate risk associated with the anticipated purchase or disposal of fixed maturity securities or debt. A forward benchmark interest rate lock is a derivative contract without an initial investment where we and the counterparty agree to purchase or sell a specific benchmark interest rate fixed maturity bond at a future date at a pre-determined price.
38
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and previously used to reduce our exposure to interest rate and duration risk included:
•Interest rate swaps were used to effectively convert certain of our fixed rate securities into floating rate securities which were used to fund our floating rate long-term debt. Under these swap agreements, we received a variable rate of interest and paid a fixed rate of interest. Additionally, we used interest rate swaps to effectively convert certain fixed rate, long-term debt into floating rate long-term debt. Under these swap agreements, we received a fixed rate of interest and paid a variable rate of interest.
Derivatives designated as either cash flow or fair value hedges and used to reduce our exposure to foreign currency risk are as follows:
•Foreign currency interest rate swaps are used to hedge the currency risk of certain foreign currency-denominated fixed maturity securities owned for portfolio diversification. Under these swap agreements, 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.
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and used to reduce our exposure to foreign currency risk, credit losses on securities owned, and volatility of the underlying deferred assets in our non-qualified defined contribution plan 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. These derivatives were effective hedges prior to novation to a new counterparty. In conjunction with the novation, these derivatives were de-designated as hedges. 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.
•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.
•Foreign currency forward contracts are used to minimize foreign currency risk. A foreign currency forward is a derivative without an initial investment where we and the counterparty agree to exchange a specific amount of currencies, at a specific exchange rate, on a specific date. We use these forward contracts to hedge the currency risk arising from foreign-currency denominated securities.
•Total Return Swaps are used to economically hedge a portion of the liability related to our non-qualified defined contribution plan. A total return swap is an agreement in which we pay a floating rate of interest to the counterparty and receive the total return on a portfolio of exchange traded funds. These swaps are cash settled on the last day of every month and the notional amended each month based on periodic distributions from and contributions to the plan assets.
39
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued
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. Credit exposure on derivatives is limited to the value of those contracts in a net gain position, including accrued interest receivable less collateral held. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had no credit exposure on derivatives. At December 31, 2020, we had $0.7 million credit exposure on derivatives. The table below summarizes the nature and amount of collateral received from and posted to our derivative counterparties.
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||||||
| Carrying Value of Collateral Received from Counterparties | ||||||||||||||
| Cash | $ | 8.8 | $ | 8.7 | ||||||||||
| Carrying Value of Collateral Posted to Counterparties | ||||||||||||||
| Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 46.8 | $ | 54.0 | ||||||||||
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 $54.9 million and $59.7 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
40
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued
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 Fixed/Pay Fixed | Receive Fixed/Pay Variable | Credit Default | Total Return | Forwards | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ | 611.1 | $ | 250.0 | $ | 11.4 | $ | — | $ | 8.9 | $ | 881.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | 52.0 | — | — | — | — | 52.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Terminations | — | — | — | — | 1.3 | 1.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Currency | — | — | (0.7) | — | — | (0.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2020 | $ | 663.1 | $ | 250.0 | $ | 10.7 | $ | — | $ | 7.6 | $ | 931.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 720.8 | $ | — | $ | 11.7 | $ | — | $ | 11.9 | $ | 744.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | 26.2 | — | — | 75.5 | — | 101.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Currency | — | — | 0.2 | — | — | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2021 | $ | 747.0 | $ | — | $ | 11.9 | $ | 75.5 | $ | 11.9 | $ | 846.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flow Hedges
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had $210.2 million notional amount of receive fixed, pay fixed, open current and forward foreign currency interest rate swaps to hedge fixed income foreign currency-denominated securities.
During the first quarter of 2021, in connection with the second phase of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction, we reclassified $0.6 million of deferred gains from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings included in the net realized investment gain line item on our income statement. The deferred gains were related to previously terminated interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments of fixed maturity securities in the Closed Block individual disability product line. See Note 12 for further discussion.
As of March 31, 2021, we expect to amortize approximately $56.9 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. 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 cannot be estimated.
As of March 31, 2021, we are hedging the variability of future cash flows associated with forecasted transactions through the year 2045.
Fair Value Hedges
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had $388.6 million and $362.4 million notional amount of receive fixed, pay fixed, open current and forward foreign currency interest rate swaps to hedge fixed income foreign currency-denominated securities.
At December 31, 2019, we had $250.0 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 which matured in the third quarter of 2020 along with the hedged
41
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued
debt. These swaps effectively converted the associated fixed rate long-term debt into floating rate debt and provided 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 following table summarizes the carrying amount of hedged assets and the related cumulative basis adjustments related to our fair value hedges:
| Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets | Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Receive fixed functional currency interest, pay fixed foreign currency interest | $ | 405.6 | $ | 404.5 | $ | 14.9 | $ | 24.4 | |||||||||||||||
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, $(7.0) million and $28.8 million, respectively, of the derivative instruments' gain (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, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we held $148.2 million notional amount of receive fixed, pay fixed, foreign currency interest rate swaps. These derivatives are not designated as hedges, and as such, changes in fair value related to these derivatives are reported in earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss.
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we held $11.9 million and $11.7 million, respectively, 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.
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we held $11.9 million notional amount of foreign currency forwards to mitigate the foreign currency risk associated with specific securities owned.
We sponsor a non-qualified defined contribution plan for certain current and former employees. During the first quarter of 2021, we entered into a $75.5 million notional total return swap in order to mitigate the volatility associated with changes in the fair value of the underlying notional assets in our non-qualified defined contribution plan. This derivative is an economic hedge not designated as a hedging instrument, and changes in fair value are reported as a component of other expenses in our income statement.
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.
42
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued
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, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Assets | Derivative Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value | Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designated as Hedging Instruments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Flow Hedges | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other L-T Investments | $ | 15.4 | Other Liabilities | $ | 10.1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Hedges | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other L-T Investments | 2.0 | Other Liabilities | 22.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Designated as Hedging Instruments | $ | 17.4 | $ | 32.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Default Swaps | Other L-T Investments | $ | 0.1 | Other Liabilities | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Forwards | Other L-T Investments | 0.1 | Other Liabilities | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other L-T Investments | — | Other Liabilities | 22.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | Other L-T Investments | — | Other Liabilities | 22.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | $ | 0.2 | $ | 45.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
43
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Assets | Derivative Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value | Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designated as Hedging Instruments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Flow Hedges | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other L-T Investments | $ | 16.4 | Other Liabilities | $ | 9.4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Hedges | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other L-T Investments | 3.3 | Other Liabilities | 26.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Designated as Hedging Instruments | $ | 19.7 | $ | 35.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Default Swaps | Other L-T Investments | $ | 0.1 | Other Liabilities | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Forwards | Other L-T Investments | — | Other Liabilities | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts | Other L-T Investments | — | Other Liabilities | 23.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | Other L-T Investments | — | Other Liabilities | 39.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | $ | 0.1 | $ | 64.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
44
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued
The following tables summarize the location of gains and losses of derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments, as reported in our consolidated statements of income.
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | Interest and Debt Expense | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | Interest and Debt Expense | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Income and Expense Presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income of Which Hedged Items are Recorded | $ | 548.7 | $ | 84.6 | $ | 44.4 | $ | 585.0 | $ | (144.0) | $ | 45.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Relationships | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Rate Swaps: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hedged items | 52.0 | 2.4 | 7.3 | 73.0 | — | 7.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | 15.5 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 19.2 | — | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hedged items | 3.1 | — | — | 2.9 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | 0.3 | — | — | 0.9 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Relationships | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Rate Swaps: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hedged items | — | — | — | — | (1.5) | 3.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | — | — | — | — | 1.5 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hedged items | 2.3 | (9.5) | — | 1.4 | (13.2) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | 1.0 | 9.5 | — | 0.8 | 13.2 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes the location of gains and losses of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments, as reported in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
| Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||||||
| Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivatives | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts | $ | (1.5) | $ | 19.5 | ||||||||||
45
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 5 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued
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 | ||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | ||||||||||||||
| Credit Default Swaps | $ | (0.1) | $ | 0.8 | ||||||||||
| Foreign Exchange Contracts | 1.8 | (1.5) | ||||||||||||
| Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement | 16.9 | (86.9) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 18.6 | $ | (87.6) | ||||||||||
| Other Expenses | ||||||||||||||
| Total Return Swaps | $ | 1.3 | $ | — | ||||||||||
46
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 6 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), after tax, and related changes are as follows:
| Net Unrealized Gain on Securities | Net Gain on Hedges | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 1,067.7 | $ | 97.8 | $ | (261.3) | $ | (530.0) | $ | 374.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications | (447.2) | (6.8) | 7.3 | (0.5) | (447.2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income or Loss | 57.7 | (13.9) | — | 4.3 | 48.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | (389.5) | (20.7) | 7.3 | 3.8 | (399.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2021 | $ | 678.2 | $ | 77.1 | $ | (254.0) | $ | (526.2) | $ | (24.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ | 615.9 | $ | 187.8 | $ | (281.6) | $ | (484.8) | $ | 37.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications | (263.2) | 37.7 | (63.6) | 3.1 | (286.0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income or Loss | 42.6 | (14.9) | — | 3.9 | 31.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | (220.6) | 22.8 | (63.6) | 7.0 | (254.4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2020 | $ | 395.3 | $ | 210.6 | $ | (345.2) | $ | (477.8) | $ | (217.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The net unrealized gain on securities consists of the following components:
| March 31 | December 31 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 5,517.4 | $ | 7,597.6 | $ | (2,080.2) | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred Acquisition Costs | (66.6) | (85.1) | 18.5 | |||||||||||||||||
| Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits | (4,588.9) | (6,225.6) | 1,636.7 | |||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance Recoverable | 133.3 | 200.2 | (66.9) | |||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax | (317.0) | (419.4) | 102.4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 678.2 | $ | 1,067.7 | $ | (389.5) | ||||||||||||||
| March 31 | December 31 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed Maturity Securities | $ | 4,261.2 | $ | 6,364.4 | $ | (2,103.2) | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred Acquisition Costs | (37.4) | (62.7) | 25.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits | (3,899.5) | (5,803.1) | 1,903.6 | |||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance Recoverable | 322.7 | 424.7 | (102.0) | |||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax | (251.7) | (307.4) | 55.7 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 395.3 | $ | 615.9 | $ | (220.6) | ||||||||||||||
47
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 6 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Continued
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were recognized in our consolidated statements of income as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | ||||||||||||||
| Net Unrealized Gain on Securities | ||||||||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on Sales of Securities | $ | 68.3 | $ | — | ||||||||||
| Credit Losses on Fixed Maturity Securities | (8.3) | (53.9) | ||||||||||||
| Loss on Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | (133.1) | — | ||||||||||||
| (73.1) | (53.9) | |||||||||||||
| Income Tax Benefit | (15.4) | (11.3) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (57.7) | $ | (42.6) | ||||||||||
| Net Gain on Hedges | ||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on Interest Rate Swaps and Forwards | $ | 15.3 | $ | 18.8 | ||||||||||
| Gain on Foreign Exchange Contracts | 0.5 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gain | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on Interest Rate Swaps | 1.8 | — | ||||||||||||
| Interest and Debt Expense | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on Interest Rate Swaps | — | (0.6) | ||||||||||||
| 17.6 | 18.7 | |||||||||||||
| Income Tax Expense | 3.7 | 3.8 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 13.9 | $ | 14.9 | ||||||||||
| Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs | ||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss | $ | (5.6) | $ | (5.0) | ||||||||||
| Amortization of Prior Service Credit | 0.1 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||
| (5.5) | (4.9) | |||||||||||||
| Income Tax Benefit | (1.2) | (1.0) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (4.3) | $ | (3.9) | ||||||||||
48
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 7 - Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses
Changes in the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses are as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Balance at January 1 | $ | 24,180.2 | $ | 23,076.7 | |||||||
| Less Reinsurance Recoverable | 8,378.9 | 2,246.8 | |||||||||
| Net Balance at January 1 | 15,801.3 | 20,829.9 | |||||||||
| Incurred Related to | |||||||||||
| Current Year | 1,782.0 | 1,605.9 | |||||||||
| Prior Years | |||||||||||
| Interest | 183.4 | 271.9 | |||||||||
| All Other Incurred | (55.9) | (126.7) | |||||||||
| Foreign Currency | 17.3 | (127.6) | |||||||||
| Total Incurred | 1,926.8 | 1,623.5 | |||||||||
| Paid Related to | |||||||||||
| Current Year | (409.2) | (368.0) | |||||||||
| Prior Years | (1,327.2) | (1,453.7) | |||||||||
| Total Paid | (1,736.4) | (1,821.7) | |||||||||
| Reserves Ceded Pursuant to Reinsurance Transaction | (990.0) | — | |||||||||
Net Balance at March 31 | 15,001.7 | 20,631.7 | |||||||||
| Plus Reinsurance Recoverable | 9,225.8 | 2,260.7 | |||||||||
Balance at March 31 | $ | 24,227.5 | $ | 22,892.4 | |||||||
The majority of the net balances are related to disability claims with long-tail payouts on which interest earned on assets backing liabilities is an integral part of pricing and reserving. Interest accrued on prior year reserves has been calculated on the opening reserve balance less one-half of the period's claim payments relative to prior years at our average reserve discount rate for the respective periods.
"Incurred Related to Prior Years - All Other Incurred" shown in the preceding chart includes the $133.1 million increase in benefits and change in reserves for future benefits resulting from the realization of previously unrealized investment gains and losses as a result of the second phase of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction, which impacts the comparability between the years presented. Excluding that adjustment, the variability exhibited year over year is primarily caused by the level of claim resolutions in the period relative to the long-term expectations reflected in the reserves. 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, both favorably and unfavorably. Also included in the first quarter of 2021 was a reinsurance recoverable of $990.0 million representing the ceded reserves related to the cohort of policies on claim status as of January 1, 2021 (DLR cohort) related to the second phase of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction. See Note 12 for further discussion regarding the total impacts of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction.
49
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 7 - Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses - Continued
Reconciliation
A reconciliation of policy and contract benefits and reserves for future policy and contract benefits as reported in our consolidated balance sheets to the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses is as follows:
| March 31 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Policy and Contract Benefits | $ | 1,899.3 | $ | 1,760.3 | |||||||
| Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits | 48,112.3 | 45,706.5 | |||||||||
| Total | 50,011.6 | 47,466.8 | |||||||||
| Less: | |||||||||||
| Life Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits | 8,389.3 | 8,428.5 | |||||||||
| Accident and Health Active Life Reserves | 12,805.9 | 12,246.4 | |||||||||
| Adjustment Related to Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses | 4,588.9 | 3,899.5 | |||||||||
| Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses | $ | 24,227.5 | $ | 22,892.4 | |||||||
The adjustment related to unrealized investment gains and losses reflects the changes that would be necessary to policyholder liabilities if the unrealized investment gains and losses related to the corresponding available-for-sale securities had been realized. Changes in this adjustment are reported as a component of other comprehensive income or loss.
50
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 8 - Segment Information
We have three principal operating business segments: Unum US, Unum International, and Colonial Life. Our other segments are Closed Block and Corporate.
Segment information is as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Premium Income | |||||||||||
| Unum US | |||||||||||
| Group Disability | |||||||||||
| Group Long-term Disability | $ | 457.7 | $ | 463.0 | |||||||
| Group Short-term Disability | 215.2 | 203.2 | |||||||||
| Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment | |||||||||||
| Group Life | 410.0 | 414.5 | |||||||||
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment | 41.4 | 41.7 | |||||||||
| Supplemental and Voluntary | |||||||||||
| Individual Disability | 115.7 | 109.5 | |||||||||
| Voluntary Benefits | 218.7 | 230.4 | |||||||||
| Dental and Vision | 67.1 | 65.4 | |||||||||
| 1,525.8 | 1,527.7 | ||||||||||
| Unum International | |||||||||||
| Unum UK | |||||||||||
| Group Long-term Disability | 97.1 | 90.8 | |||||||||
| Group Life | 27.3 | 30.9 | |||||||||
| Supplemental | 28.0 | 23.9 | |||||||||
| Unum Poland | 22.0 | 19.0 | |||||||||
| 174.4 | 164.6 | ||||||||||
| Colonial Life | |||||||||||
| Accident, Sickness, and Disability | 240.7 | 249.3 | |||||||||
| Life | 96.6 | 93.8 | |||||||||
| Cancer and Critical Illness | 89.1 | 91.6 | |||||||||
| 426.4 | 434.7 | ||||||||||
| Closed Block | |||||||||||
| Long-term Care | 177.4 | 164.8 | |||||||||
| Individual Disability | 72.1 | 77.0 | |||||||||
| All Other | 2.2 | 2.6 | |||||||||
| 251.7 | 244.4 | ||||||||||
| Total Premium Income | $ | 2,378.3 | $ | 2,371.4 | |||||||
51
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 8 - Segment Information - Continued
| Unum US | Unum International | Colonial Life | Closed Block | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premium Income | $ | 1,525.8 | $ | 174.4 | $ | 426.4 | $ | 251.7 | $ | — | $ | 2,378.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | 179.7 | 26.0 | 37.7 | 297.2 | 8.1 | 548.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Income | 40.4 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 18.4 | 1.3 | 60.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Revenue | $ | 1,745.9 | $ | 200.5 | $ | 464.3 | $ | 567.3 | $ | 9.4 | $ | 2,987.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) | $ | 115.7 | $ | 26.4 | $ | 73.3 | $ | 97.0 | $ | (38.9) | $ | 273.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premium Income | $ | 1,527.7 | $ | 164.6 | $ | 434.7 | $ | 244.4 | $ | — | $ | 2,371.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | 179.6 | 26.5 | 37.7 | 336.1 | 5.1 | 585.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Income | 40.2 | — | 0.3 | 18.2 | — | 58.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Revenue | $ | 1,747.5 | $ | 191.1 | $ | 472.7 | $ | 598.7 | $ | 5.1 | $ | 3,015.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) | $ | 261.8 | $ | 19.4 | $ | 81.1 | $ | 29.7 | $ | (45.9) | $ | 346.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31 | December 31 | ||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Unum US | $ | 18,563.1 | $ | 19,034.2 | |||||||
| Unum International | 4,163.6 | 4,206.2 | |||||||||
| Colonial Life | 4,817.3 | 4,864.3 | |||||||||
| Closed Block | 37,845.1 | 38,187.2 | |||||||||
| Corporate | 3,867.5 | 4,333.9 | |||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 69,256.6 | $ | 70,625.8 | |||||||
We measure and analyze our segment performance on the basis of "adjusted operating revenue" and "adjusted operating income" or "adjusted operating loss", which 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 the amortization of the cost of reinsurance as well as certain other items as specified in the reconciliations below. We believe adjusted operating revenue and adjusted operating income or loss are better performance measures and better indicators of the revenue and profitability and underlying trends in our business. These performance measures are in accordance with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, but they should not be viewed as a substitute for total revenue, income before income tax, or net income.
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.
52
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 8 - Segment Information - Continued
We have exited a substantial portion of our Closed Block individual disability product line through the two phases of the reinsurance agreement that was executed in December 2020 and March 2021. As a result, we exclude the amortization of the cost of reinsurance that was recognized as a result of the exit of the business related to the DLR cohort of policies. We believe that the exclusion of the amortization of the cost of reinsurance provides a better view of our results from our ongoing businesses. See Note 12 for further discussion regarding the total impacts of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction and the amortization of the cost of reinsurance.
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 total revenue to "adjusted operating revenue" and income before income tax to "adjusted operating income" is as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 3,072.0 | $ | 2,871.1 | |||||||
| Excluding: | |||||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | 84.6 | (144.0) | |||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Revenue | $ | 2,987.4 | $ | 3,015.1 | |||||||
| Income Before Income Tax | $ | 198.8 | $ | 202.1 | |||||||
| Excluding: | |||||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses | |||||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gain Related to Reinsurance Transaction | 67.6 | — | |||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss), Other | 17.0 | (144.0) | |||||||||
| Total Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | 84.6 | (144.0) | |||||||||
| Items Related to Closed Block Individual Disability Reinsurance Transaction | |||||||||||
| Change in Benefit Reserves and Transaction Costs | (139.3) | — | |||||||||
| Amortization of the Cost of Reinsurance | (20.0) | — | |||||||||
| Total Items Related to Closed Block Individual Disability Reinsurance Transaction | (159.3) | — | |||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income | $ | 273.5 | $ | 346.1 | |||||||
Note 9 - 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. The U.S. qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans comprise the majority of our total benefit obligation and benefit cost. We maintain a separate defined benefit plan for eligible employees in our U.K. operation. The U.S. defined benefit pension plans were closed to new entrants on December 31, 2013, the OPEB plan was closed to new entrants on December 31, 2012, and the U.K. plan was closed to new entrants on December 31, 2002.
53
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 9 - Employee Benefit Plans - Continued
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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service Cost | $ | 2.4 | $ | 2.8 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Cost | 16.3 | 18.2 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expected Return on Plan Assets | (25.2) | (26.7) | (2.5) | (2.4) | (0.1) | (0.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Actuarial Loss | 5.3 | 4.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prior Service Credit | — | — | — | — | (0.1) | (0.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) | $ | (1.2) | $ | (1.0) | $ | (1.1) | $ | (0.9) | $ | 0.6 | $ | 0.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The service cost component of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (credit) is included as a component of compensation expense in our consolidated statements of income. All other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost are included in other expenses.
Note 10 - 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 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars, except share data) | |||||||||||
| Numerator | |||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 153.0 | $ | 161.0 | |||||||
| Denominator (000s) | |||||||||||
| Weighted Average Common Shares - Basic | 204,133.3 | 203,306.0 | |||||||||
| Dilution for Assumed Exercises of Stock Options and Nonvested Stock Awards | 604.0 | 49.7 | |||||||||
| Weighted Average Common Shares - Assuming Dilution | 204,737.3 | 203,355.7 | |||||||||
| Net Income Per Common Share | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.79 | |||||||
| Assuming Dilution | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.79 | |||||||
We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In computing earnings per share assuming dilution, we include potential common shares that are dilutive (those that reduce earnings per share). We use the treasury stock method to account for the effect of outstanding stock options, nonvested stock success units, nonvested restricted stock units, and nonvested performance share units on the computation of diluted earnings per share. Under this method, the potential common shares from stock options, nonvested stock success units, and nonvested restricted stock units will each have a dilutive effect, as individually measured, when the average market price of
54
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 10 - Stockholders' Equity and Earnings Per Common Share - Continued
Unum Group common stock during the period exceeds the exercise price of the stock options and the grant price of the nonvested stock success units and nonvested restricted stock units. The outstanding stock options have an exercise price of $24.25 and the nonvested stock success units and nonvested restricted stock units have grant prices ranging from $12.45 to $49.31. Potential common shares from performance based share units will have a dilutive effect as the attainment of performance conditions is progressively achieved during the vesting period. Potential common shares not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact would be antidilutive, approximated 1.6 million and 1.1 million potential common shares for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Common Stock
As part of our capital deployment strategy, we may repurchase shares of Unum Group's common stock, as authorized by our board of directors. During the first quarter of 2021, we did not have an open share repurchase program and did not repurchase any shares.
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 11 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Contingent Liabilities
We are a defendant in a number of litigation matters that have arisen in the normal course of business, including the matters discussed below. 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.
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.
55
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 11 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - Continued
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
Similar to other insurers, we were the subject of 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 cooperated fully with this examination and in the fourth quarter of 2017, we started the process to reach a Global Resolution Agreement with the third party regarding settlement of the examination, which we finalized in January of 2018. Under the terms of the agreement, the third party acting on behalf of the signatory states compared insured data to the Social Security Administration's Death Master File to identify deceased insureds and contract holders where a valid claim has not been made. During the fourth quarter of 2017, we established reserves which reflect our estimate of the liability expected to be paid as we execute on the terms of the settlement. In March of 2021, the third party confirmed our compliance with the terms of the settlement and closed out the audit.
Securities Class Actions: Three alleged securities class action lawsuits have been filed against Unum Group and individual defendants as follows:
•On June 13, 2018, an alleged securities class action lawsuit entitled Cynthia Pittman v. Unum Group, Richard McKenney, John McGarry, and Daniel Waxenberg was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. The plaintiff seeks to represent purchasers of Unum Group publicly traded securities between January 31, 2018 and May 2, 2018. The plaintiff alleges the Company caused its shares to trade at artificially high levels by failing to disclose information about the rate of long-term care policy terminations and long-term care claim incidence resulting in misleading statements about capital management plans and long-term care reserves. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and seeks compensatory damages in an amount to be proven at trial. The Company strongly denies these allegations and will vigorously defend the litigation.
•On July 13, 2018, an alleged securities class action lawsuit entitled Scott Cunningham v. Unum Group, Richard McKenney, John McGarry, and Daniel Waxenberg was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. The allegations, class period, and damages claimed mirror those in the Pittman matter. The Company strongly denies these allegations and will vigorously defend the litigation.
•On July 25, 2018, an alleged securities class action lawsuit entitled City of Taylor Police and Fire Retirement System v. Unum Group, Richard McKenney, John McGarry, Steve Zabel, and Daniel Waxenberg was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. The plaintiff seeks to represent purchasers of Unum Group publicly traded securities between October 27, 2016 and May 1, 2018. The allegations and damages claimed mirror those in the Pittman matter. The Company strongly denies these allegations and will vigorously defend the litigation.
On November 9, 2018, the court consolidated the Pittman, Cunningham, and City of Taylor Police and Fire Retirement System cases into one matter entitled In re Unum Group Securities Litigation, appointed a lead plaintiff and lead plaintiff’s counsel, and directed the plaintiff to file a consolidated amended complaint. On January 15, 2019, the plaintiff filed a consolidated amended complaint asserting claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and seeks compensatory damages in an amount to be proven at trial as well as costs, expenses, and attorney’s fees. On March 18, 2019, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint. On November 4, 2019 the court heard oral argument on the motion. On June 1, 2020, the court granted the Company's motion and dismissed the cases with prejudice. On June 26, 2020, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The court heard oral argument on March 2, 2021 and took the matter under advisement.
We believe the appeal and the underlying claims lack merit and reserves have not been established for these matters as we are unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible losses. However, an adverse outcome in one or more of these actions could,
56
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 11 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - Continued
depending on the nature, scope, and amount of any ruling, materially adversely affect our consolidated results of operations in a period.
Note 12 - Other
Reinsurance
In December 2020, we completed the first phase of a reinsurance transaction, pursuant to which Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company, The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company, and Unum Life Insurance Company of America, wholly-owned domestic insurance subsidiaries of Unum Group, and collectively referred to as "the ceding companies", each entered into separate reinsurance agreements with Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance Company (Commonwealth), to reinsure on a coinsurance basis effective as of July 1, 2020, approximately 75 percent of the Closed Block individual disability business, primarily direct business written by the ceding companies. On March 31, 2021, we completed the second phase of the reinsurance transaction, pursuant to which the ceding companies and Commonwealth amended and restated their respective reinsurance agreements to reinsure on a coinsurance and modified coinsurance basis effective as of January 1, 2021, a substantial portion of the remaining Closed Block individual disability business that was not ceded in December 2020, primarily business previously assumed by the ceding companies. Commonwealth established and will maintain collateralized trust accounts for the benefit of the ceding companies to secure its obligations under the reinsurance agreements.
In December 2020, Provident Life and Casualty Insurance Company (PLC), also a wholly-owned domestic insurance subsidiary of Unum Group, entered into an agreement with Commonwealth whereby PLC will provide a 12-year volatility cover to Commonwealth for the active life cohort (ALR cohort). On March 31, 2021, PLC and Commonwealth amended and restated this agreement to incorporate the ALR cohort related to the additional business that was reinsured between the ceding companies and Commonwealth as part of the second phase of the transaction. As part of the amended and restated volatility cover, PLC received a payment from Commonwealth of approximately $18 million. At the end of the 12-year coverage period, Commonwealth will retain the remaining incidence and claims risk on the ALR cohort of the ceded business.
In connection with the second phase of the reinsurance transaction, Commonwealth paid a total ceding commission to the ceding companies of $18.2 million. The ceding companies transferred assets of $767.0 million, which consisted primarily of cash and fixed maturity securities. In addition, we recognized the following in the first quarter of 2021 related to the second phase:
•Net realized investment gains totaling $67.6 million related to the transfer of investments.
•Increase in benefits and change in reserves for future benefits of $133.1 million resulting from the realization of previously unrealized investment gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.
•Transaction costs totaling $6.2 million.
•Reinsurance recoverable of $990.0 million related to the policies on claim status.
•Payable of $307.2 million related to the portfolio of invested assets associated with the business ceded on a modified coinsurance basis.
•Cost of reinsurance, or prepaid reinsurance premium, of $43.1 million related to the DLR cohort. The total cost of reinsurance recognized on a combined basis for the first and second phases was $854.8 million for which we amortized $20.0 million during the first three months of 2021.
•Deposit asset of $5.0 million related to the ALR cohort. The total deposit asset recognized on a combined basis for the first and second phases was $91.8 million.
Allowance for Expected Credit Losses on Premiums Receivable
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the allowance for expected credit losses on premiums receivables was $33.7 million and $38.8 million, respectively, on gross premiums receivables of $602.9 million and $525.8 million, respectively. The decrease in the allowance of $5.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021 was driven primarily by improvements in the age of premiums due to be collected and improvements in unemployment levels.
57
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries
March 31, 2021
Note 12 - Other - Continued
At March 31, 2020 and January 1, 2020, the allowance for expected credit losses on premiums receivables was $32.6 million and $23.8 million, respectively, on gross premiums receivables of $607.2 million and $543.0 million, respectively. The increase in the allowance of $8.8 million during the first quarter of 2020 was driven primarily by the increase in unemployment levels and the general uncertainty around the financial condition of some of our customers resulting from the impacts of COVID-19.
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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, Poland and, to a limited extent, in certain other countries. The principal operating subsidiaries in the United States are Unum Life Insurance Company of America (Unum America), Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company (Provident), The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company (Paul Revere), Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, Starmount Life Insurance Company, in the United Kingdom, Unum Limited, and in Poland, Unum Zycie TUiR S.A. (Unum Poland). We are a leading provider of financial protection benefits in the United States and the United Kingdom. Our products include disability, life, accident, critical illness, dental and vision, and other related services. We market our products primarily through the workplace.
We have three principal operating business segments: Unum US, Unum International, 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 the working world thrive throughout life's moments and protect people from the financial hardship of illness, injury, or loss of life by providing support when it is needed most. As a leading provider of employee benefits, we offer a broad portfolio of products and services through the workplace.
Specifically, we offer group, individual, voluntary, and dental and vision products as well as provide certain fee-based services. These products and services, which can be sold stand-alone or combined with other coverages, 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 are the most effective way to provide workers with access to information and options 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. Because we see important links between the obligations we have to all of our stakeholders, we place a strong emphasis on operating with integrity and contributing to positive change in our communities. Accordingly, we are committed not only to meeting the needs of our customers who depend on us, but also to being accountable for our actions through sound and consistent business practices, a strong internal compliance program, a comprehensive risk management strategy, and an engaged employee workforce.
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, 2020.
Operating Performance and Capital Management
For the first quarter of 2021, we reported net income of $153.0 million, or $0.75 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $161.0 million, or $0.79 per diluted common share, in the first quarter of 2020. Included in our results for the first quarter of 2021 are the impact from the second phase of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction, which resulted in a net loss of $71.7 million before tax and $56.7 million after tax, or $0.27 per diluted common share, the amortization of the cost of reinsurance of $20.0 million before tax and $15.8 million after tax, or $0.08 per diluted common share, and a net realized investment gain, excluding the net realized investment gain related to the reinsurance transaction, of $17.0 million before tax and $13.5 million after tax, or $0.06 per diluted common share. Included in our results for the first quarter of 2020 is a net realized investment loss of $144.0 million before tax and $113.1 million after tax, or $0.56 per diluted common share. Excluding these items, after-tax adjusted operating income for the first quarter of 2021 was $212.0 million, or $1.04 per diluted common share compared to $274.1 million, or $1.35 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2020. See "Closed Block Individual Disability Reinsurance Agreement" and "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" contained in this Item 2 for further discussion and a reconciliation of these items.
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Our Unum US segment reported a decrease in adjusted operating income of 55.8 percent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020, due primarily to unfavorable benefits experience, particularly in our life product lines. The benefit ratio for our Unum US segment was 74.3 percent in the first quarter of 2021, compared to 64.4 percent in first quarter of 2020. Unum US sales decreased 10.3 percent in first quarter 2021 compared to the same period of 2020. Overall persistency was higher relative to the same prior year period.
Our Unum International segment reported an increase in adjusted operating income, as measured in U.S. dollars, of 36.1 percent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020. As measured in local currency, our Unum UK line of business reported an increase in adjusted operating income of 35.8 percent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to favorable benefits experience and lower operating expenses, partially offset by lower net investment income and lower premium income. The benefit ratio for our Unum UK line of business was 75.3 percent in the first quarter of 2021, compared to 80.5 percent in the same period of 2020. Unum International sales, as measured in U.S. dollars, decreased 2.9 percent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020. Unum UK sales, as measured in local currency decreased 13.3 percent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020. Persistency was lower relative to the same prior year period.
Our Colonial Life segment reported a decrease in adjusted operating income of 9.6 percent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020, due primarily to unfavorable benefits experience, particularly in our life product line, and lower premium income, partially offset by lower operating expenses. The benefit ratio for Colonial Life was 55.4 percent in the first quarter of 2021, compared to 52.4 percent in the same period of 2020. Colonial Life sales decreased 9.2 percent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020. Persistency was higher relative to the same prior year period.
Our Closed Block segment reported a loss before income tax and net realized investment gains and losses of $62.3 million, which includes the impacts related to the second phase of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction and the amortization of the cost of reinsurance. Excluding these items, our Closed Block segment reported adjusted operating income of $97.0 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $29.7 million in the same period of 2020. The long-term care interest adjusted loss ratio was favorable during the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 and is currently lower than our long-term range of expectations. The individual disability interest adjusted loss ratio, excluding the reserve recognition impact from the second phase of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance agreement, was favorable relative to the same prior year period. See "Closed Block Individual Disability Reinsurance Transaction" contained herein for further discussion.
Our net investment income yields continue to be pressured by the low interest rate environment as we maintain consistent credit quality in our invested asset portfolio. The net unrealized gain on our fixed maturity securities was $5.5 billion at March 31, 2021, compared to $7.6 billion at December 31, 2020, with the decrease due primarily to an increase in U.S. Treasury rates. The earned book yield on our investment portfolio was 4.91 percent for the first three months of 2021 compared to a yield of 4.75 percent for full year 2020.
We believe our capital and financial positions are strong. At March 31, 2021, 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 370 percent, which is in line with our expectations. We did not repurchase shares during the first three months of 2021. Our weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution, equaled 204.7 million and 203.4 million for the first quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of March 31, 2021, Unum Group and our intermediate holding companies had available holding company liquidity of $1,664 million that was held primarily in bank deposits, commercial paper, money market funds, corporate bonds, and asset backed securities.
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Closed Block Individual Disability Reinsurance Transaction
In December 2020, we completed the first phase of a reinsurance transaction, pursuant to which Provident, Paul Revere, and Unum America, wholly-owned domestic insurance subsidiaries of Unum Group, and collectively referred to as "the ceding companies", each entered into separate reinsurance agreements with Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance Company (Commonwealth), to reinsure on a coinsurance basis effective as of July 1, 2020, approximately 75 percent of the Closed Block individual disability business, primarily direct business written by the ceding companies. On March 31, 2021, we completed the second phase of the reinsurance transaction, pursuant to which the ceding companies and Commonwealth amended and restated their respective reinsurance agreements to reinsure on a coinsurance and modified coinsurance basis effective as of January 1, 2021, a substantial portion of the remaining Closed Block individual disability business that was not ceded in December 2020, primarily business previously assumed by the ceding companies. Commonwealth established and will maintain collateralized trust accounts for the benefit of the ceding companies to secure its obligations under the reinsurance agreements.
In December 2020, Provident Life and Casualty Insurance Company (PLC), also a wholly-owned domestic insurance subsidiary of Unum Group, entered into an agreement with Commonwealth whereby PLC will provide a 12-year volatility cover to Commonwealth for the active life cohort (ALR cohort). On March 31, 2021, PLC and Commonwealth amended and restated this agreement to incorporate the ALR cohort related to the additional business that was reinsured between the ceding companies and Commonwealth as part of the second phase of the transaction. As part of the amended and restated volatility cover, PLC received a payment from Commonwealth of approximately $18 million. At the end of the 12-year coverage period, Commonwealth will retain the remaining incidence and claims risk on the ALR cohort of the ceded business.
In connection with the second phase of the reinsurance transaction, Commonwealth paid a total ceding commission to the ceding companies of $18.2 million. The ceding companies transferred assets of $767.0 million, which consisted primarily of cash and fixed maturity securities. In addition, we recognized the following in the first quarter of 2021 related to the second phase:
•Net realized investment gains totaling $67.6 million, or $53.4 million after tax, related to the transfer of investments.
•Increase in benefits and change in reserves for future benefits of $133.1 million, or $105.1 million after tax, resulting from the realization of previously unrealized investment gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.
•Transaction costs totaling $6.2 million, or $5.0 million after tax.
•Reinsurance recoverable of $990.0 million related to the policies on claim status (DLR cohort).
•Payable of $307.2 million related to the portfolio of invested assets associated with the business ceded on a modified coinsurance basis.
•Cost of reinsurance, or prepaid reinsurance premium, of $43.1 million related to the DLR cohort. The total cost of reinsurance recognized on a combined basis for the first and second phases was $854.8 million for which we amortized $20.0 million during the first three months of 2021.
•Deposit asset of $5.0 million related to the ALR cohort. The total deposit asset recognized on a combined basis for the first and second phases was $91.8 million.
We released approximately $200 million of capital during the first quarter of 2021 in addition to the $400 million that was released in December 2020. See Note 12 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1 for further discussion on the impacts related to this reinsurance transaction.
2020 Long-term Care Reserve Increase
During the fourth quarter of 2020, we completed a review of policy reserve adequacy, which incorporated our most recent experience and included a review of all material assumptions. Based on our analysis, during the fourth quarter of 2020, we updated our reserve assumptions and determined that our gross policy and claim reserves should be increased by $151.5 million to reflect our current estimate of future benefit obligations. This increase was primarily driven by an update to our interest rate assumption, partially offset by favorable premium rate increase approvals and inventory updates.
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U.K. Referendum
On January 31, 2020, an official bill was passed formalizing the withdrawal of the U.K. from the European Union (EU). A deal was reached on December 24, 2020 on the future trading relationship with the EU. The deal focused primarily on the trading of goods rather than the U.K.’s service sector, which will be subject to further negotiations in 2021 and will focus on financial services and future regulation. In addition, the U.K. government is reviewing the regulatory framework of financial services companies which may result in changes to U.K. regulatory capital or U.K. tax regulations. We do not expect that the underlying operations of our U.K. business, nor the Polish business which is in the EU, will be significantly impacted by the withdrawal, but it is possible that we may experience some short-term volatility in financial markets, which could impact the fair value of investments, our solvency ratios, or the British pound sterling to dollar exchange rate. Further discussion is contained herein in "Unum International Segment" in this Item 2.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization identified the spread of COVID-19 as a pandemic. COVID-19 has caused significant disruption to the global economy and has unfavorably impacted our company as well as the overall insurance industry. Due to the unprecedented nature of these events and the current pace of change in this environment, we cannot fully estimate the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at this time. We are closely monitoring several key factors related to our business that have and may continue to have adverse impacts.
Results of Operations
Benefits Experience
We have experienced higher mortality in our life product lines and higher claim incidence in certain of our disability product lines. Conversely, with respect to our long-term care product line, we have experienced higher claimant mortality.
We continue to monitor the benefits experience across all of our products for trends potentially correlated with COVID-19. For further discussion regarding the benefits experience for each of our operating business segments, see "Segment Results" herein in this Item 2.
Net Investment Income
The current economic conditions have sustained the low interest rate environment, which has and will continue to impact the yield on our invested assets, particularly related to the investment of new cash flows. The net asset values of our partnerships have fully recovered from the depressed values experienced in early 2020 and are currently producing returns that are consistent with our expectations prior to COVID-19. For further information on our investment portfolio, see "Investments" contained herein in this Item 2 and Notes 3 and 4 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1.
Premium Income and Premium Receivable Collectability
We have experienced a disruption in sales activity related to certain of our product lines due to some potential new customers deferring their purchasing decisions given the current economic environment and challenges in our ability to meet with potential new customers for policies that are traditionally sold in person mitigated somewhat by our investment in digital tools and capabilities. If we continue to experience this disruption, our premium income may continue to decline in our principal operating segments. In addition, in certain of our product lines, we are also experiencing a decline in the number of lives insured by our customers as they navigate the current environment. With respect to premium collectability, as our outlook regarding the economic environment and the financial condition of our customers has improved, we have begun to gradually reduce the allowance for expected credit losses on our premiums receivable balances that we established during 2020. We continue to work with our customers to understand their respective financial conditions and develop solutions on a case-by-case basis to allow for additional payment flexibility to enhance the likelihood of premium collection and avoid disruptions in coverage. However, circumstances may deteriorate quickly which could result in the decline of persistency levels and sales growth in the near term, and potentially longer if the current situation persists, which may materially impact our results of operations.
See Note 12 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1 for further information on our allowance for expected credit losses.
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Financial Condition
Investments
Regarding our fixed maturity security portfolio, the current economic conditions have increased volatility in the capital markets and have caused significant pressure on the profitability of many companies. Our fixed income exposure to consumer cyclicals, which have been stressed due to COVID-19 related shutdowns, is a small portion of our portfolio and our exposure to other stressed industries such as airlines and restaurants is minimal. We continue to monitor capital market activity on a regular basis and to the extent that there are continued volatility and ratings downgrades related to the issuers of our fixed maturity securities, we could experience further credit losses, an increase in defaults, and the need for additional capital in our insurance subsidiaries. However, we remain confident in the overall strength and credit quality of our investment portfolio.
Other
If we continue to experience unfavorable trends in the above areas of focus, we may also experience certain additional, correlated impacts such as an increase in the amortization of deferred acquisition costs if we have a decline in persistency. We may also be required to write-off or impair certain intangible/long-lived assets such as value of business acquired and goodwill if we experience declines in the overall profitability of our businesses. Furthermore, if the profitability of our businesses declines, we may also be required to establish a valuation allowance regarding the realization of our deferred tax assets.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have strengthened our liquidity position through actions such as maintaining a higher level of cash and short-term investments and posting additional collateral from certain of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries to the regional Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLB). As a result, we believe we have the appropriate liquidity and access to capital to avoid significant disruption to our operations. We have not yet experienced a significant impact to our liquidity as a result of the collection of premiums and submitted claims activity; however, we continually monitor the developments of these items.
As of March 31, 2021, we have borrowed $302.2 million of funds through our memberships with the regional FHLBs and
those funds are used for the purpose of investing in either short-term investments or fixed maturity securities and have additional borrowing capacity of approximately $939 million that can be utilized for liquidity if the need arises. Additionally, we have access to two unsecured revolving credit facilities under separate syndicates of lenders that allow us to borrow up to a total of $600 million. There are currently no outstanding borrowings on these facilities but we remain in compliance with required covenants should we choose to borrow in the future. We have no significant upcoming debt maturities until 2024. We continue to meet the financial covenants contained in our current debt agreements and credit facilities, and we expect that we will continue to meet those covenants in subsequent periods.
To the extent that we begin to experience a significant impact to our liquidity, we would likely sell highly liquid invested assets or borrow funds on our credit facilities to meet operational cash flow requirements.
Business Operations
Other than disruption to sales processes in certain of our product lines, we have not experienced a significant disruption to our operational processes as we have been able to successfully implement our business continuation plans to accommodate remote work arrangements for the safety of our employees and customers. We also have not experienced significant disruption to our financial reporting systems or internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures as a result of COVID-19. We have implemented certain travel restrictions for the safety of our employees and customers, but do not expect those restrictions to significantly disrupt our operations.
Consolidated Company Outlook
We believe our disciplined approach to providing financial protection products at the workplace puts us in a position of strength. The products and services we provide have never been more important to employers, employees and their families, especially given the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to fulfill our corporate purpose of helping the working world thrive throughout life’s moments by providing excellent service to people at their time of need. Our strategy remains centered on growing our core businesses, through investing and transforming our operations and technology to anticipate and respond to the changing needs of our customers, expand into new adjacent markets through meaningful partnerships and effective deployment of our capital across our portfolio.
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In consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the near term, we expect top line growth to be challenging, and we may also continue to experience increased claims volatility. The low interest rate environment continues to place pressure on our profit margins by impacting net investment income yields as well as potentially discount rates on our insurance liabilities. We would also expect to experience further investment volatility through net investment income particularly for partnership net asset value changes. As part of our continued pricing discipline and our reserving methodology, we continuously monitor emerging interest rate experience and adjust our pricing and reserve discount rates, as appropriate.
Our business is well-diversified by geography, industry exposures and case size, and we continue to analyze and employ strategies that we believe will help us navigate the current environment. These strategies allow us to maintain financial flexibility to support the needs of our businesses, while also returning capital to our shareholders. We have strong core businesses that have a track record of generating significant capital, and we will continue to invest in our operations and expand into adjacent markets where we can best leverage our expertise and capabilities to capture market growth opportunities as those opportunities re-emerge. Long-term, 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 financial objectives.
Further discussion is included in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures," "Consolidated Operating Results," "Segment Results," "Investments," and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" contained herein in this Item 2 and in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP and Other 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 measure of "after-tax adjusted operating income" differs from net income as presented in our consolidated operating results and income statements prepared in accordance with GAAP due to the exclusion of net realized investment gains and losses and the amortization of the cost of reinsurance as well as certain other items as specified in the reconciliations below. We believe after-tax adjusted operating income is a better performance measure and better indicator of the 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.
As previously discussed, we have exited a substantial portion of our Closed Block individual disability product line through the two phases of the reinsurance agreement that were executed in December 2020 and March 2021, respectively. As a result, we exclude the amortization of the cost of reinsurance that was recognized upon the exit of the business related to the DLR cohort of policies. We believe that the exclusion of the amortization of the cost of reinsurance provides a better view of our results from our ongoing businesses.
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. See "Executive Summary" contained herein in Item 2 and Notes 7 and 12 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1 for further discussion regarding the total impacts of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction and the amortization of the cost of reinsurance.
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A reconciliation of GAAP financial measures to our non-GAAP financial measures is as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | per share * | (in millions) | per share * | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 153.0 | $ | 0.75 | $ | 161.0 | $ | 0.79 | |||||||||||||||
| Excluding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Realized Investment Gain Related to Reinsurance Transaction (net of tax expense of $14.2; $—) | 53.4 | 0.26 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss), Other (net of tax expense (benefit) of $3.5; $(30.9)) | 13.5 | 0.06 | (113.1) | (0.56) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | 66.9 | 0.32 | (113.1) | (0.56) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Items Related to Closed Block Individual Disability Reinsurance Transaction | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in Benefit Reserves and Transaction Costs (net of tax benefit of $29.2; $—) | (110.1) | (0.53) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of the Cost of Reinsurance (net of tax benefit of $4.2; $—) | (15.8) | (0.08) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Items Related to Closed Block Individual Disability Reinsurance Transaction | (125.9) | (0.61) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| After-tax Adjusted Operating Income | $ | 212.0 | $ | 1.04 | $ | 274.1 | $ | 1.35 | |||||||||||||||
| * Assuming Dilution | |||||||||||||||||||||||
We measure and analyze our segment performance on the basis of "adjusted operating revenue" and "adjusted operating income" or "adjusted operating loss", which 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 the amortization of the cost of reinsurance as well as certain other items as specified in the reconciliations below. These performance measures are in accordance with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, but they should not be viewed as a substitute for total revenue, income before income tax, or net income.
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A reconciliation of total revenue to "adjusted operating revenue" and income before income tax to "adjusted operating income" is as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 3,072.0 | $ | 2,871.1 | |||||||
| Excluding: | |||||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | 84.6 | (144.0) | |||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Revenue | $ | 2,987.4 | $ | 3,015.1 | |||||||
| Income Before Income Tax | $ | 198.8 | $ | 202.1 | |||||||
| Excluding: | |||||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses | |||||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gain Related to Reinsurance Transaction | 67.6 | — | |||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss), Other | 17.0 | (144.0) | |||||||||
| Total Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | 84.6 | (144.0) | |||||||||
| Items Related to Closed Block Individual Disability Reinsurance Transaction | |||||||||||
| Change in Benefit Reserves and Transaction Costs | (139.3) | — | |||||||||
| Amortization of the Cost of Reinsurance | (20.0) | — | |||||||||
| Total Items Related to Closed Block Individual Disability Reinsurance Transaction | (159.3) | — | |||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income | $ | 273.5 | $ | 346.1 | |||||||
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 three months ended March 31, 2021.
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, 2020.
Accounting Developments
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 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Premium Income | $ | 2,378.3 | 0.3 | % | $ | 2,371.4 | |||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | 548.7 | (6.2) | 585.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) | 84.6 | 158.8 | (144.0) | ||||||||||||||
| Other Income | 60.4 | 2.9 | 58.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue | 3,072.0 | 7.0 | 2,871.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 2,051.2 | 10.6 | 1,854.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Commissions | 259.9 | (6.9) | 279.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest and Debt Expense | 44.4 | (2.8) | 45.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (130.6) | (19.4) | (162.0) | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 166.4 | (5.6) | 176.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Compensation Expense | 236.9 | (1.1) | 239.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses | 245.0 | 4.0 | 235.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Benefits and Expenses | 2,873.2 | 7.7 | 2,669.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Income Before Income Tax | 198.8 | (1.6) | 202.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Income Tax | 45.8 | 11.4 | 41.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | 153.0 | (5.0) | $ | 161.0 | ||||||||||||
Fluctuations in exchange rates, particularly between the British pound sterling and the U.S. dollar for our U.K. operations, have an effect on our consolidated financial results. 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.
The weighted average pound/dollar exchange rate for our Unum UK line of business was 1.382 and 1.277 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. If the first quarter 2020 results for our U.K. operations had been translated at the higher exchange rate of 2021, our adjusted operating revenue and adjusted operating income by segment would have both been higher by approximately $14 million and $1 million, respectively, in the first quarter of 2020. 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 in our principal operating segments was generally consistent in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 with higher premium income in the Unum International segment mostly offset by slight declines in the Unum US and Colonial Life segments.
Net investment income decreased in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 due primarily to a decline in the yield on invested assets, a decrease in the level of invested assets supporting the Closed Block individual disability product line resulting from the reinsurance transaction, partially offset by an increase in the level of invested assets in our other product lines and an increase in miscellaneous investment income, particularly related to our private equity partnerships.
We recognized a net realized investment gain totaling $67.6 million in the first quarter of 2021 related to the transfer of investments in the second phase of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction. Credit losses on fixed maturity securities of $8.3 million and $53.9 million were recognized in net realized investment gains and losses for the first quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively. Also included in net realized investment gains and losses were changes in the fair value of an embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement, which resulted in realized gains (losses) of $16.9 million
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and $(86.9) million in the first quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively. The changes in the embedded derivative are primarily driven by movements in credit spreads in the overall investment market. See Note 4 in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1 for further information on realized investment gains and losses.
Other income is primarily comprised of fee-based service products in the Unum US segment, which include leave management services and administrative services only (ASO) business, and the underlying results and associated net investment income of certain assumed blocks of individual disability reinsured business in the Closed Block segment.
Overall benefits experience in the first quarter of 2021, which included the reserve recognition impact from the second phase of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction, was unfavorable relative to the same period of 2020. The benefits experience for each of our operating business segments is discussed more fully in "Segment Results" as follows.
Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were lower during the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 driven primarily by lower sales in our Unum US voluntary benefits product line and Colonial Life segment. The decrease in amortization of deferred acquisition costs in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 is primarily due to a decline in the level of the deferred asset.
Interest and debt expense decreased in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 due primarily to the December 2020 redemption of the Northwind notes by Northwind Holdings, LLC (Northwind Holdings).
Other expenses and compensation expense, on a combined basis, increased in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to growth in our fee-based service products, an increase in operational investments in our business, and costs related to the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction, partially offset by a decrease in the provision for the allowance for expected credit losses on premium receivable balances and our continued focus on expense management and operating efficiencies.
Our effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2021 was 23.0 percent, compared to 20.3 percent for the same prior year period. Our effective income tax rates differed from the U.S. statutory rate in effect for the first quarter of 2021 primarily due to global intangible low-taxed income, partially offset by favorable tax credits. Our effective income tax rate differed from the U.S. statutory rate in effect for the first quarter of 2020 primarily due to favorable tax credits. In March 2021, an income tax rate change was proposed which would increase the tax rate in the U.K. from the current rate of 19 percent to 25 percent effective 2023. If enacted, we would adjust deferred tax assets and liabilities through income on the date of enactment of the rate change.
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Consolidated Sales Results
Shown below are sales results for our three principal operating business segments.
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Unum US | $ | 211.4 | (10.3) | % | $ | 235.8 | |||||||||||
| Unum International | $ | 23.2 | (2.9) | % | $ | 23.9 | |||||||||||
| Colonial Life | $ | 90.2 | (9.2) | % | $ | 99.3 | |||||||||||
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 levels and new product offerings. Sales results may fluctuate significantly due to case size and timing of sales submissions. Given the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect to experience further disruption in our sales activity in 2021.
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 International, Colonial Life, Closed Block, and Corporate.
Unum US Segment
The Unum US segment is comprised of group disability insurance, which includes our long-term and short-term disability products, our medical stop-loss product, and our fee-based leave management services and ASO business, group life and accidental death and dismemberment products, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business, which are comprised of individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision 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 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Premium Income | $ | 1,525.8 | (0.1) | % | $ | 1,527.7 | |||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | 179.7 | 0.1 | 179.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Income | 40.4 | 0.5 | 40.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,745.9 | (0.1) | 1,747.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 1,133.3 | 15.1 | 984.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Commissions | 147.9 | (4.1) | 154.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (66.9) | (16.0) | (79.6) | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 98.7 | (8.4) | 107.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses | 317.2 | (0.5) | 318.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,630.2 | 9.7 | 1,485.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income | $ | 115.7 | (55.8) | $ | 261.8 | ||||||||||||
| Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefit Ratio | 74.3 | % | 64.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Other Expense Ratio | 20.8 | % | 20.9 | % | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income Ratio | 7.6 | % | 17.1 | % | |||||||||||||
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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 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Premium Income | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Long-term Disability | $ | 457.7 | (1.1) | % | $ | 463.0 | |||||||||||
| Group Short-term Disability | 215.2 | 5.9 | 203.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Premium Income | 672.9 | 1.0 | 666.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | 97.4 | 4.3 | 93.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Income | 39.5 | 2.9 | 38.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 809.8 | 1.5 | 798.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 503.3 | 3.3 | 487.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Commissions | 51.3 | 2.8 | 49.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (12.6) | (1.6) | (12.8) | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 12.9 | (3.0) | 13.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses | 190.8 | 3.8 | 183.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 745.7 | 3.3 | 721.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income | $ | 64.1 | (16.0) | $ | 76.3 | ||||||||||||
| Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefit Ratio | 74.8 | % | 73.2 | % | |||||||||||||
| Other Expense Ratio | 28.4 | % | 27.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income Ratio | 9.5 | % | 11.5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Persistency: | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Long-term Disability | 90.7 | % | 90.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Group Short-term Disability | 86.1 | % | 86.1 | % | |||||||||||||
Premium income was higher in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to higher sales in certain of our short-term disability products. Net investment income was higher in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 due to higher miscellaneous investment income, partially offset by a decline in the yield on invested assets and a lower level of invested assets. Other income increased in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to growth in our fee-based service products.
Benefits experience was unfavorable in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to higher claims incidence in the short-term disability product line resulting from the impacts of COVID-19, partially offset by favorable claim recoveries in our group long-term disability product line.
Commissions were higher in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due primarily to higher sales. The deferral of acquisition costs was generally consistent in first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs decreased in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to a decline in the level of the deferred asset. Our other expense ratio increased in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due primarily to an increase in operational investments in our business and growth in our fee-based service products, partially elevated from higher volumes due to the current COVID-19 environment. Partially offsetting the increase was our continued focus on expense management and operating efficiencies.
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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 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Premium Income | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Life | $ | 410.0 | (1.1) | % | $ | 414.5 | |||||||||||
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment | 41.4 | (0.7) | 41.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Premium Income | 451.4 | (1.1) | 456.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | 24.9 | (3.1) | 25.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Income | 0.3 | (40.0) | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 476.6 | (1.2) | 482.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 445.8 | 38.4 | 322.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Commissions | 36.8 | 1.1 | 36.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (9.4) | (1.1) | (9.5) | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 9.6 | (3.0) | 9.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses | 52.1 | (1.9) | 53.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 534.9 | 29.8 | 412.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) | $ | (58.3) | (182.8) | $ | 70.4 | ||||||||||||
| Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefit Ratio | 98.8 | % | 70.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Other Expense Ratio | 11.5 | % | 11.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) Ratio | (12.9) | % | 15.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Persistency: | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Life | 90.1 | % | 88.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment | 89.7 | % | 87.9 | % | |||||||||||||
Premium income was slightly lower in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to lower prior period sales, partially offset by higher persistency. Net investment income was lower in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 due to a decline in the yield on invested assets.
Benefits experience in the first quarter of 2021 was unfavorable compared to the same period of 2020 due primarily to higher claims incidence in the group life product line resulting from the impacts of COVID-19.
Commissions were higher in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due primarily to higher current period sales. The deferral of acquisition costs was generally consistent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs decreased in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 due to a decline in the level of the deferred asset. The other expense ratio was generally consistent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020.
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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 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Premium Income | |||||||||||||||||
| Individual Disability | $ | 115.7 | 5.7 | % | $ | 109.5 | |||||||||||
| Voluntary Benefits | 218.7 | (5.1) | 230.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Dental and Vision | 67.1 | 2.6 | 65.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Premium Income | 401.5 | (0.9) | 405.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | 57.4 | (5.1) | 60.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Income | 0.6 | (53.8) | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 459.5 | (1.6) | 467.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 184.2 | 5.2 | 175.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Commissions | 59.8 | (12.1) | 68.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (44.9) | (21.6) | (57.3) | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 76.2 | (9.8) | 84.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses | 74.3 | (9.1) | 81.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 349.6 | (0.7) | 352.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income | $ | 109.9 | (4.5) | $ | 115.1 | ||||||||||||
| Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefit Ratios: | |||||||||||||||||
| Individual Disability | 42.4 | % | 52.1 | % | |||||||||||||
| Voluntary Benefits | 39.3 | % | 32.7 | % | |||||||||||||
| Dental and Vision | 73.2 | % | 65.1 | % | |||||||||||||
| Other Expense Ratio | 18.5 | % | 20.2 | % | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income Ratio | 27.4 | % | 28.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Persistency: | |||||||||||||||||
| Individual Disability | 90.2 | % | 88.9 | % | |||||||||||||
| Voluntary Benefits | 74.3 | % | 72.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Dental and Vision | 87.4 | % | 81.9 | % | |||||||||||||
Premium income was slightly lower in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020, with a decline in the voluntary benefits product line, mostly offset by growth in the individual disability and dental and vision product lines. Net investment income was lower in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to a decline in the yield on invested assets, partially offset by an increase in the level of invested assets.
Benefits experience for the individual disability product line was favorable in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to lower claims incidence and favorable mortality experience. Benefits experience for voluntary benefits was unfavorable in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to higher claims incidence in the life product line, resulting from the impacts of COVID-19. Benefits experience for the dental and vision product line was unfavorable in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 driven by higher claims incidence.
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Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were lower for the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 due primarily to lower sales in the voluntary benefits product line. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs decreased in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 due primarily to a decline in the level of deferred asset. Our other expense ratio improved in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to our continued focus on expense management and operating efficiencies and a decrease in the allowance for expected credit losses on premium receivable balances.
Sales
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Sales by Product | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Disability and Group Life and AD&D | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Long-term Disability | $ | 31.1 | (1.0) | % | $ | 31.4 | |||||||||||
| Group Short-term Disability | 24.1 | 69.7 | 14.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Group Life and AD&D | 30.2 | 7.5 | 28.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 85.4 | 15.9 | 73.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Supplemental and Voluntary | |||||||||||||||||
| Individual Disability | 17.0 | (25.1) | 22.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Voluntary Benefits | 101.0 | (21.5) | 128.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Dental and Vision | 8.0 | (25.9) | 10.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 126.0 | (22.3) | 162.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Sales | $ | 211.4 | (10.3) | $ | 235.8 | ||||||||||||
| Sales by Market Sector | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Disability and Group Life and AD&D | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Market (< 2,000 employees) | $ | 58.2 | 13.7 | % | $ | 51.2 | |||||||||||
| Large Case Market | 27.2 | 20.9 | 22.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 85.4 | 15.9 | 73.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Supplemental and Voluntary | 126.0 | (22.3) | 162.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Sales | $ | 211.4 | (10.3) | $ | 235.8 | ||||||||||||
Group sales increased during the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to higher sales to new and existing customers in both the core market, which we define as employee groups with fewer than 2,000 employees, and the large case market, partially offset by lower sales in our medical stop-loss product. The sales mix in the group market sector for the first three months of 2021 was approximately 68 percent core market and 32 percent large case market.
Individual disability sales, which are primarily concentrated in the multi-life market, decreased in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to lower sales to both new and existing customers. Voluntary benefits sales decreased during the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to lower sales to both new and existing customers in both the core and large case markets. Dental and vision sales declined in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 driven by lower sales to both new and existing customers.
We believe the lower sales levels during the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020, particularly in our supplemental and voluntary product lines, are driven by the continued impact of COVID-19, which has caused higher unemployment levels and general uncertainty around the financial condition of our customers as well as disruption in our sales processes. Further discussion of COVID-19 is contained herein in "Executive Summary" in this Item 2.
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Segment Outlook
We remain committed to offering consumers a broad set of financial protection benefit products at the worksite. During 2021, we will continue to invest in a unique customer experience defined by simplicity, empathy, and deep industry expertise through the re-design of our processes and the increased utilization of digital capabilities and technology to enhance enrollment, underwriting, and claims processing. In addition, we will continue to focus on the expansion of our portfolio of products. In particular, with respect to smaller employers, we will continue to provide comprehensive consumer-focused products, enhance our distribution model, and utilize our digital tools to bring industry leading enrollment capabilities and a fully integrated customer experience. Our differentiated offering and significant investment in leave management services will allow for substantial growth opportunities, particularly with larger employers, and stronger persistency in our core products. We believe our active client management and differentiated integrated customer experience across our product lines, underpinned by strong risk management, will continue to enable us to grow our market over the long-term.
Given the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect to experience further disruption in our sales activity and ultimately premium income in 2021, particularly in the first half of the year. We could also continue to experience claims volatility, particularly in our short-term disability and group and voluntary life products as well as potential disruption in our overall claims processing activity which can result in short-term unfavorable experience. In addition, we could continue to experience an increase in the volume of activity associated with our leave management product which would lead to an increase in expenses. The low interest rate environment continues to place pressure on our profit margins by impacting net investment income yields as well as potentially discount rates on our insurance liabilities. Our net investment income may continue to be unfavorably impacted by fluctuations in miscellaneous investment income. As part of our continued pricing discipline and our reserving methodology, we continuously monitor emerging interest rate experience and adjust our pricing and reserve discount rates, as appropriate. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risks and adjust our business plans accordingly.
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Unum International Segment
The Unum International segment is comprised of our operations in both the United Kingdom and Poland. Our Unum UK products include insurance for group long-term disability, group life, and supplemental lines of business, which includes dental, individual disability, and critical illness products. Our Unum Poland products include insurance for individual and group life with accident and health riders. Unum International's products are sold primarily through field sales personnel and independent brokers and consultants.
Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for the Unum International segment.
| (in millions of dollars, except ratios) | |||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Premium Income | |||||||||||||||||
| Unum UK | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Long-term Disability | $ | 97.1 | 6.9 | % | $ | 90.8 | |||||||||||
| Group Life | 27.3 | (11.7) | 30.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Supplemental | 28.0 | 17.2 | 23.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Unum Poland | 22.0 | 15.8 | 19.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Premium Income | 174.4 | 6.0 | 164.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | 26.0 | (1.9) | 26.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Income | 0.1 | N.M. | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 200.5 | 4.9 | 191.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 129.5 | 0.7 | 128.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Commissions | 12.9 | 4.9 | 12.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (2.9) | (3.3) | (3.0) | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 2.1 | 16.7 | 1.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses | 32.5 | 1.6 | 32.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 174.1 | 1.4 | 171.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income | $ | 26.4 | 36.1 | $ | 19.4 | ||||||||||||
| N.M. = not a meaningful percentage | |||||||||||||||||
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currencies of Unum UK and Unum Poland are the British pound sterling and Polish zloty, respectively. Premium income, net investment income, claims, and expenses are received or paid in the functional currency, and we hold functional currency-denominated assets to support functional currency-denominated policy reserves and liabilities. We translate functional currency-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 exchange rates have an effect on Unum International's reported financial results and our consolidated financial results. In periods when the functional currency strengthens relative to the preceding period, translation increases current period results relative to the prior period. In periods when the functional currency weakens, translation decreases current period results relative to the prior period.
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Unum UK Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for the Unum UK product lines in functional currency.
| (in millions of pounds, except ratios) | |||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Premium Income | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Long-term Disability | £ | 70.4 | (0.8) | % | £ | 71.0 | |||||||||||
| Group Life | 19.8 | (18.2) | 24.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Supplemental | 20.3 | 9.1 | 18.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Premium Income | 110.5 | (2.9) | 113.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | 17.4 | (9.8) | 19.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 127.9 | (3.9) | 133.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 83.2 | (9.2) | 91.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Commissions | 6.7 | (5.6) | 7.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (0.8) | (33.3) | (1.2) | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 1.3 | (7.1) | 1.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses | 18.9 | (7.8) | 20.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 109.3 | (8.5) | 119.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income | £ | 18.6 | 35.8 | £ | 13.7 | ||||||||||||
| Weighted Average Pound/Dollar Exchange Rate | 1.382 | 1.277 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefit Ratio | 75.3 | % | 80.5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Other Expense Ratio | 17.1 | % | 18.0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income Ratio | 16.8 | % | 12.0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Persistency: | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Long-term Disability | 87.0 | % | 90.1 | % | |||||||||||||
| Group Life | 87.2 | % | 86.3 | % | |||||||||||||
| Supplemental | 88.2 | % | 91.2 | % | |||||||||||||
Premium income was lower in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to an increase in ceded premiums in our group life product line, partially offset by both higher sales and persistency in the group life product line and rate increases in the group long-term disability product line.
Net investment income was lower in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 due to lower miscellaneous investment income and a lower yield on fixed-rate bonds, partially offset by higher investment income from inflation index-linked bonds. Our investments in inflation index-linked bonds support the claim reserves associated with certain group policies that provide for inflation-linked increases in benefits. The change in net investment income attributable to these index-linked bonds is generally offset by a change in the reserves for future claim payments related to the inflation index-linked group long-term disability and group life policies.
Benefits experience was favorable in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 due primarily to favorable mortality experience and lower claims incidence in both the group long-term disability and group critical illness product lines, partially offset by higher claims incidence in the group life product line, resulting from the impacts of COVID-19.
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Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were lower in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same prior year period due primarily to lower sales. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs during the first quarter of 2021 was generally consistent with the same prior year period. The other expense ratio was lower in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same prior year period due to our continued focus on expense management and operating efficiencies.
Sales
| (in millions of dollars and pounds) | |||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Unum International Sales by Product | |||||||||||||||||
| Unum UK | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Long-term Disability | $ | 8.1 | (5.8) | % | $ | 8.6 | |||||||||||
| Group Life | 6.5 | 16.1 | 5.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Supplemental | 5.1 | (28.2) | 7.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Unum Poland | 3.5 | 34.6 | 2.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Sales | $ | 23.2 | (2.9) | $ | 23.9 | ||||||||||||
| Unum International Sales by Market Sector | |||||||||||||||||
| Unum UK | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Long-term Disability and Group Life | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Market (< 500 employees) | $ | 8.2 | (9.9) | % | $ | 9.1 | |||||||||||
| Large Case Market | 6.4 | 25.5 | 5.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 14.6 | 2.8 | 14.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Supplemental | 5.1 | (28.2) | 7.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Unum Poland | 3.5 | 34.6 | 2.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Sales | $ | 23.2 | (2.9) | $ | 23.9 | ||||||||||||
| Unum UK Sales by Product | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Long-term Disability | £ | 5.9 | (11.9) | % | £ | 6.7 | |||||||||||
| Group Life | 4.7 | 6.8 | 4.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Supplemental | 3.7 | (31.5) | 5.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Sales | £ | 14.3 | (13.3) | £ | 16.5 | ||||||||||||
| Unum UK Sales by Market Sector | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Long-term Disability and Group Life | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Market (< 500 employees) | £ | 6.0 | (16.7) | % | £ | 7.2 | |||||||||||
| Large Case Market | 4.6 | 17.9 | 3.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 10.6 | (4.5) | 11.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Supplemental | 3.7 | (31.5) | 5.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Sales | £ | 14.3 | (13.3) | £ | 16.5 | ||||||||||||
The following discussion of sales results relates only to our Unum UK product lines and is based on functional currency.
Group long-term disability sales decreased in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020, driven primarily by lower sales to new customers in our large case market.
Group life sales increased in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 driven primarily by higher sales to existing customers in the large case market, partially offset by lower sales to both new and existing customers in the core market.
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Supplemental sales declined in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to lower sales across all product lines.
Segment Outlook
We are committed to driving growth in the Unum International segment and will build on the capabilities that we believe will generate growth and profitability in our businesses over the long term. Within our Unum UK line of business, expanding our group long-term disability market position remains a priority. In addition, we will continue to focus on increasing participation levels while also developing new distribution and services to reach new small case clients. We will also continue the implementation of price increases and will maintain our disciplined sales approach. Within our Unum Poland line of business, we will leverage our U.S. and U.K. expertise to grow existing distribution channels and expand our current product offerings. We continue to invest in digital capabilities, technology, and product enhancements which we believe will drive sustainable growth over the long term.
Given the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect to experience further disruption to our financial results in 2021. Sales activity could be lower and we could also continue to experience claims volatility in our group life and disability product lines. Uncertainty in the U.K. economy may continue to pressure our growth expectations in the near-term and may also lead to lower claim discount rates. However, we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on future growth opportunities as the operating environment improves. 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 will likely continue to experience volatility in net investment income and our benefit ratio due to fluctuations in the level of inflation in the U.K.; however, we do not expect this to have a significant impact on adjusted operating income. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risks and adjust our business plans accordingly to respond to external challenges.
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Colonial Life Segment
The Colonial Life segment includes insurance for accident, sickness, and disability products, which includes our dental and vision products, life products, and cancer and critical illness products issued primarily by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company and marketed to employees, on both a group and an individual basis, 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 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Premium Income | |||||||||||||||||
| Accident, Sickness, and Disability | $ | 240.7 | (3.4) | % | $ | 249.3 | |||||||||||
| Life | 96.6 | 3.0 | 93.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Cancer and Critical Illness | 89.1 | (2.7) | 91.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Premium Income | 426.4 | (1.9) | 434.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | 37.7 | — | 37.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Income | 0.2 | (33.3) | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 464.3 | (1.8) | 472.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 236.2 | 3.6 | 228.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Commissions | 78.3 | (15.8) | 93.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferral of Acquisition Costs | (60.8) | (23.4) | (79.4) | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs | 65.6 | (1.6) | 66.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses | 71.7 | (13.9) | 83.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 391.0 | (0.2) | 391.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income | $ | 73.3 | (9.6) | $ | 81.1 | ||||||||||||
| Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefit Ratio | 55.4 | % | 52.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Other Expense Ratio | 16.8 | % | 19.1 | % | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income Ratio | 17.2 | % | 18.7 | % | |||||||||||||
| Persistency: | |||||||||||||||||
| Accident, Sickness, and Disability | 75.0 | % | 73.0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Life | 84.1 | % | 83.0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Cancer and Critical Illness | 82.3 | % | 80.9 | % | |||||||||||||
Premium income decreased in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to a decline in sales, partially offset by higher persistency. Net investment income during the first quarter of 2021 was in-line with the same period of 2020.
Benefits experience in the first quarter of 2021 was unfavorable relative to the same period of 2020, with unfavorable experience in the life product line, resulting from the impacts of COVID-19, partially offset by favorable experience in the accident, sickness, and disability line of business.
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Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were lower in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 due to lower sales. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs in the first quarter of 2021 was generally consistent with the same period of 2020 with a higher level of policy terminations, offset by a decline in the level of the deferred asset. The other expense ratio was lower in the first quarter of 2021 due primarily to a decrease in the allowance for expected credit losses on premium receivable balances and our continued focus on expense management and operating efficiencies, partially offset by an increase in operational investments in our business.
Sales
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Sales by Product | |||||||||||||||||
| Accident, Sickness, and Disability | $ | 57.4 | (11.1) | % | $ | 64.6 | |||||||||||
| Life | 20.6 | (0.5) | 20.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Cancer and Critical Illness | 12.2 | (12.9) | 14.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Sales | $ | 90.2 | (9.2) | $ | 99.3 | ||||||||||||
| Sales by Market Sector | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | |||||||||||||||||
| Core Market (< 1,000 employees) | $ | 62.3 | (7.8) | % | $ | 67.6 | |||||||||||
| Large Case Market | 11.5 | (3.4) | 11.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 73.8 | (7.2) | 79.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Public Sector | 16.4 | (17.2) | 19.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Sales | $ | 90.2 | (9.2) | $ | 99.3 | ||||||||||||
The impact of COVID-19 has caused higher unemployment levels and general uncertainty around the financial condition of our customers as well as disruption in our sales processes. As a result, sales for each of our product lines and market sectors have declined during the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020. The number of new accounts decreased 9.5 percent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020. The average new case size increased 1.7 percent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020.
Segment Outlook
We remain committed to providing employees and their families with simple, modern, and personal benefit solutions. During 2021, we will continue to utilize our strong distribution system of agency sales personnel, benefit counselors, and broker partnerships. We will also continue to invest in new solutions and digital capabilities to expand our reach and effectiveness, driving growth and improving productivity while enhancing the customer experience. In 2021, we will also bring an enhanced engagement and enrollment platform to market, enabling deeper connections with employees through the enrollment process as well as maintaining stronger relationships throughout the customer lifecycle. We believe our distribution system, customer service capabilities, digital and virtual tools, and ability to serve all market sizes position us well for future growth in the long-term.
Given the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect to experience further disruption in our sales activity and ultimately, premium income in 2021. We could also continue to experience claims volatility, particularly in our life and disability products. The lower interest rate environment will continue to have an unfavorable impact on our profit margins, and volatility in miscellaneous investment income is likely to continue. While we believe our underlying profitability will remain strong, current economic conditions and increasing competition in the voluntary workplace market are seen as external risks to achievement of our business plans. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risks and adjust our business plans accordingly.
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Closed Block Segment
The Closed Block segment consists of group and individual long-term care, individual disability, and other insurance products no longer actively marketed. We discontinued offering individual long-term care in 2009 and group long-term care in 2012. Individual disability in this segment generally consists of policies we sold prior to the mid-1990s and entirely discontinued selling in 2004. As of March 2021, we have ceded a significant portion of this individual disability business to a third party reinsurer. See "Executive Summary" herein Item 2 for further discussion. Other insurance products include group pension, individual life and corporate-owned life insurance, reinsurance pools and management operations, and other miscellaneous product lines.
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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 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Premium Income | |||||||||||||||||
| Long-term Care | $ | 177.4 | 7.6 | % | $ | 164.8 | |||||||||||
| Individual Disability | 72.1 | (6.4) | 77.0 | ||||||||||||||
| All Other | 2.2 | (15.4) | 2.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Premium Income | 251.7 | 3.0 | 244.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | 297.2 | (11.6) | 336.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Income | 18.4 | 1.1 | 18.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 567.3 | (5.2) | 598.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits | 552.2 | 7.5 | 513.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Commissions | 20.8 | 6.1 | 19.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest and Debt Expense | — | N.M. | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Expenses | 56.6 | 61.7 | 35.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 629.6 | 10.7 | 569.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) Before Income Tax and Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses | (62.3) | N.M. | 29.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Impacts from Closed Block Individual Disability Reinsurance Transaction | 139.3 | N.M. | — | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of the Cost of Reinsurance | 20.0 | N.M. | — | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income | $ | 97.0 | N.M. | $ | 29.7 | ||||||||||||
| Interest Adjusted Loss Ratios: | |||||||||||||||||
| Long-term Care | 77.7 | % | 81.0 | % | |||||||||||||
Individual Disability 1 | 68.9 | % | 84.5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income): | |||||||||||||||||
Other Expense Ratio 2 | 12.1 | % | 14.3 | % | |||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) Ratio | (24.8) | % | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income Ratio | 38.5 | % | 12.2 | % | |||||||||||||
| Persistency: | |||||||||||||||||
| Long-term Care | 93.3 | % | 95.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Individual Disability | 87.7 | % | 88.9 | % | |||||||||||||
1 Excludes the $133.1 million reserve recognition related to the second phase of the reinsurance transaction during the first quarter of 2021. | |||||||||||||||||
2 Excludes $20.0 million of amortization of the cost of reinsurance and $6.2 million of transaction costs related to the reinsurance transaction during the first quarter of 2021. | |||||||||||||||||
| N.M. = not a meaningful percentage | |||||||||||||||||
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Premium income for long-term care increased in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020, with rate increases partially offset by policy terminations. 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 which reflect assumptions as of the date of filings. 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. Premium income for individual disability decreased in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 due to policy terminations and maturities.
Net investment income was lower during the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 due to a decrease in the level of invested assets supporting individual disability resulting from the reinsurance transaction, partially offset by higher miscellaneous investment income, primarily related to increases in the net asset values (NAV) on our private equity partnerships, and an increase in the level of invested assets supporting long-term care. Other income, which primarily includes the underlying results and associated net investment income of certain assumed blocks of individual disability business, was generally consistent with prior year.
The interest adjusted loss ratio for long-term care was favorable during the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 driven primarily by higher claimant mortality, partially offset by higher submitted claims. The interest adjusted loss ratio for long-term care for the rolling twelve months, excluding the previously discussed update of assumptions during the fourth quarter of 2020, was 68.1 percent. The interest adjusted loss ratio for individual disability, excluding the reserve recognition impact from the reinsurance transaction, was favorable relative to 2020 driven primarily by lower submitted claims.
The decrease in interest and debt expense is due to the December 2020 redemption of the Northwind notes by Northwind Holdings.
The other expense ratio, excluding certain costs incurred and the amortization of cost of reinsurance related to previously discussed reinsurance transaction, was lower in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 due to our continued focus on expense management and operating efficiencies.
Segment Outlook
We will continue to execute on our well-defined strategy of implementing long-term care premium rate increases, efficient capital management, improved financial analysis, and operational effectiveness. We will continue to explore structural options to enhance financial flexibility. Despite continued anticipated premium rate increases in our long-term care business, we expect overall premium income and adjusted operating revenue to decline over time as these closed blocks of business wind down. We will likely experience volatility in net investment income due to fluctuations of miscellaneous investment income and the increased allocation towards alternative assets, primarily private equity partnership investments, in the long-term care product line portfolio. We record changes in our share of the NAV of the partnerships in net investment income. We receive financial information related to our investments in partnerships and generally record investment income on a one-quarter lag in accordance with our accounting policy. As these net asset values are volatile and can fluctuate materially with changes in market economic conditions, there may possibly be significant movements up or down in future periods as conditions change. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risks and adjust our business plans accordingly.
Profitability of our long-tailed products is affected by claims experience related to mortality and morbidity, resolutions, investment returns, premium rate increases, and persistency. We believe that the interest adjusted loss ratio for long-term care will be relatively flat over the long term, but may continue to experience quarterly volatility, particularly in the near term as our claim block matures and as we continue the implementation of premium rate increases. Specific to our long-term care line of business, which is in loss recognition and should report levels of benefits plus operating expenses that equal the gross premium reported, we expect the long term interest adjusted loss ratio to be in the 85 to 90 percent range with some quarterly volatility. 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, resolutions, premium rate increases, benefit change elections, and persistency, could result in a material impact on the adequacy of our reserves, including adjustments to reserves established under loss recognition.
As a result of the execution of the reinsurance agreement related to our individual disability line of business where we have fully ceded a significant portion of this business, we expect that the primary impact on earnings will be the amortization of the cost of reinsurance for that agreement which we expect to be in the range of $75 million to $85 million for 2021 and will continue to be amortized on a declining trajectory consistent with the expected run-off pattern of the ceded reserves, which we estimate to be approximately 25 years. Due to the relatively small amount of business that will be retained, we expect that the
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interest adjusted loss ratio will be more volatile from period to period and we expect minimal earnings related to the retained business.
In consideration of the recent COVID-19 pandemic and related impacts, we expect our Closed Block segment could temporarily experience greater than normal volatility across multiple risk factors. Specific to our long-term care line of business, we expect that we may experience an increase in mortality as well as a decrease in incidence and interest rates.
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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 expenses not allocated to a line of business.
Operating Results
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | % Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income | $ | 8.1 | 58.8 | % | $ | 5.1 | |||||||||||
| Other Income | 1.3 | N.M. | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 9.4 | 84.3 | 5.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest and Other Expenses | 48.3 | (5.3) | 51.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Loss | $ | (38.9) | (15.3) | $ | (45.9) | ||||||||||||
| N.M. = not a meaningful percentage | |||||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating loss declined in the first quarter of 2021 relative to the same period of 2020 due to higher net investment income, resulting primarily from an increase in the level of invested assets, and lower operating expenses.
Segment Outlook
We expect to continue to generate excess capital on an annual basis through the statutory earnings in our insurance subsidiaries and believe we are well positioned with flexibility to preserve our capital strength while also returning capital to our shareholders. We may experience volatility in net investment income based on both the composition and level of invested assets that we allocate to our products from period to period.
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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 manage our asset and liability cash flow match and our asset and liability duration match to manage 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 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 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 has positioned us well and generally reduced the volatility in our results.
Closed Block Individual Disability Reinsurance Agreement
As part of the second phase of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance agreement entered into in December 2020 with Commonwealth, we transferred fixed maturity securities of $226.8 million on an amortized cost basis and $293.7 million on a fair value basis and we recorded a total realized investment gain from the transfer of these securities, including a related net gain from cash flow hedges of $67.6 million. After the transfer of these fixed maturity securities, the overall credit profile of our remaining portfolio has not changed. See "Executive Summary" for further information on the reinsurance transaction contained herein in this Item 2.
COVID-19
During 2020, economic conditions increased volatility in the capital markets and caused significant pressure on the profitability of many companies. Our fixed income exposure to consumer cyclicals, which had been stressed due to COVID-19 related shutdowns, is approximately 3.8 percent of our fixed maturity security portfolio. Our exposure to other stressed industries such as airlines and restaurants is minimal at 0.2 percent and 0.3 percent of our portfolio, respectively. In the first three months of 2021, we had approximately $91.5 million of downgrades of investment-grade securities to high yield or below investment grade, although this did not have a significant impact to our below investment grade investments as a percent of our total investment portfolio. Our holdings of below-investment-grade securities decreased from 6.7 percent at December 31, 2020 to 6.5 percent at March 31, 2021 on a fair value basis.
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We continue to monitor capital market activity on a regular basis and to the extent that there is continued volatility and ratings downgrades related to the issuers of our fixed maturity securities, we could experience further credit losses, an increase in defaults, and the need for additional capital in our insurance subsidiaries. However, we remain confident in the overall strength and credit quality of our investment portfolio. Net investment income may decline, as the sustained low interest rate environment will continue to impact the yield on our invested assets, particularly related to the investment of new cash flows. For further discussion, see "Fixed Maturity Securities" contained herein in this Item 2.
See "Executive Summary" for further information on the impact from COVID-19 contained herein in this Item 2.
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, 2021
| (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 | $ | 3,108.1 | $ | 343.7 | $ | 226.9 | $ | 7.2 | $ | 2,881.2 | $ | 350.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital Goods | 3,829.2 | 494.0 | 192.6 | 8.6 | 3,636.6 | 502.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Communications | 2,625.5 | 425.8 | 153.1 | 8.3 | 2,472.4 | 434.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer Cyclical | 1,583.9 | 168.5 | 182.0 | 10.1 | 1,401.9 | 178.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer Non-Cyclical | 6,795.8 | 930.6 | 567.2 | 28.4 | 6,228.6 | 959.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy | 3,549.5 | 497.0 | 186.8 | 11.2 | 3,362.7 | 508.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Institutions | 3,621.8 | 353.9 | 383.9 | 18.9 | 3,237.9 | 372.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage/Asset-Backed | 925.1 | 73.5 | 3.7 | 0.1 | 921.4 | 73.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sovereigns | 1,120.6 | 221.6 | 61.8 | 2.7 | 1,058.8 | 224.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Technology | 1,732.9 | 146.0 | 140.6 | 12.5 | 1,592.3 | 158.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation | 1,958.6 | 228.9 | 96.3 | 4.8 | 1,862.3 | 233.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government Agencies and Municipalities | 4,780.5 | 580.0 | 894.6 | 38.8 | 3,885.9 | 618.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Public Utilities | 6,444.5 | 1,053.9 | 360.0 | 26.1 | 6,084.5 | 1,080.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 42,076.0 | $ | 5,517.4 | $ | 3,449.5 | $ | 177.7 | $ | 38,626.5 | $ | 5,695.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following two tables show the length of time our investment-grade and below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities portfolios had been in a gross unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2021 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, 2021. The increase in the unrealized loss on fixed maturity securities during the first quarter of 2021 was due primarily to an increase in U.S. Treasury rates.
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Unrealized Loss on Investment-Grade Fixed Maturity Securities
Length of Time in Unrealized Loss Position
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31 | December 31 | September 30 | June 30 | March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value < 100% >= 70% of Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <= 90 days | $ | 122.1 | $ | 3.8 | $ | 10.1 | $ | 18.0 | $ | 499.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| > 90 <= 180 days | 6.1 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 45.7 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 180 <= 270 days | 10.4 | 1.5 | 14.9 | 1.9 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 270 days <= 1 year | 2.1 | 6.4 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 1 year <= 2 years | 6.9 | 0.1 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 1.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 2 years <= 3 years | 2.3 | 2.3 | — | — | 3.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sub-total | 149.9 | 18.0 | 32.7 | 68.1 | 504.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value < 70% >= 40% of Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <= 90 days | — | — | — | — | 145.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 180 <= 270 days | — | — | — | — | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sub-total | — | — | — | — | 145.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 149.9 | $ | 18.0 | $ | 32.7 | $ | 68.1 | $ | 650.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
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Unrealized Loss on Below-Investment-Grade Fixed Maturity Securities
Length of Time in Unrealized Loss Position
| (in millions of dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31 | December 31 | September 30 | June 30 | March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value < 100% >= 70% of Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <= 90 days | $ | 3.9 | $ | 4.0 | $ | 13.8 | $ | 16.1 | $ | 167.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| > 90 <= 180 days | 3.8 | — | 4.5 | 77.1 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 180 <= 270 days | — | 1.6 | 40.0 | 0.4 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 270 days <= 1 year | — | 7.8 | 0.2 | 5.5 | 4.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 1 year <= 2 years | 5.8 | 1.9 | 6.4 | 8.1 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 2 years <= 3 years | 0.4 | 5.0 | 4.1 | 11.7 | 12.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 3 years | 8.5 | 7.4 | 8.1 | 7.9 | 11.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sub-total | 22.4 | 27.7 | 77.1 | 126.8 | 197.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value < 70% >= 40% of Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <= 90 days | — | — | — | — | 114.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 90 <= 180 days | — | — | — | 5.2 | 2.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 180 <= 270 days | — | — | 1.0 | 3.8 | 12.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 270 days <= 1 year | — | — | 3.8 | — | 12.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 1 year <= 2 years | 5.4 | 10.2 | 9.8 | 13.6 | 5.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 2 years <= 3 years | — | — | 8.1 | — | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 3 years | — | — | 13.8 | 13.9 | 10.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sub-total | 5.4 | 10.2 | 36.5 | 36.5 | 160.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value < 40% of Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <= 90 days | — | — | — | — | 9.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 270 days <= 1 year | — | — | — | — | 15.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 1 year <= 2 years | — | — | — | — | 8.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 2 years <= 3 years | — | — | — | — | 9.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| > 3 years | — | — | — | — | 16.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sub-total | — | — | — | — | 59.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 27.8 | $ | 37.9 | $ | 113.6 | $ | 163.3 | $ | 417.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
At March 31, 2021, we held no fixed maturity securities with a gross unrealized loss greater than $10.0 million.
We had no individual realized investment losses of $10.0 million or greater from credit losses during the first quarter of 2021 and no individual realized investment losses of $10.0 million or greater from sales of fixed maturity securities during the first quarter of 2021 or 2020.
During the first quarter of 2020, we recognized the following credit losses greater than $10 million:
•$20.8 million on fixed maturity securities issued by an oil and gas producer. The profitability of the company has been impacted by the decline in oil prices. Given the current environment, near term debt maturities may be difficult to
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refinance. We changed our intent to hold this security in the second quarter of 2020 and recognized a $1.4 million loss on the sale of the security in addition to the credit loss previously recorded.
•$17.1 million on fixed maturity securities issued by an oil and gas producer. The profitability of the company has been impacted by the decline in oil prices and the company has a high level of debt. The company filed for bankruptcy as expected in early April 2020. We changed our intent to hold this security in the third quarter of 2020 and recognized a $1.0 million loss on the sale of the security in addition to the credit loss previously recorded.
•$10.2 million on fixed maturity securities issued by a paper company whose sales of lumber and other products have been impacted by the slowdown in the economy. As a result of an improvement in lumber and other products, during the fourth quarter of 2020, we reversed the remainder of the allowance for credit losses that we had recognized in the previous quarters of 2020.
During the remainder of 2020, we did not experience any credit losses exceeding $10 million.
As of March 31, 2021, the amortized cost net of allowance for credit losses and fair value of our below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities was $3,013.5 million and $3,229.7 million, respectively. Below-investment-grade securities are inherently riskier 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.
Fixed Maturity Securities - Foreign Exposure
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.
Mortgage Loans
The carrying value of our mortgage loan portfolio was $2,402.2 million and $2,432.1 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Our investments in mortgage loans are carried at amortized cost less an allowance for expected credit losses which was $11.5 million and $13.1 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Our mortgage loan portfolio is comprised entirely of commercial mortgage loans. Our mortgage loan portfolio is well diversified geographically and among property types. Due to conservative underwriting, the incidence of problem mortgage loans and foreclosure activity continues to be low. We held no impaired mortgage loans at March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020. See Note 4 in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1 for further discussion of our mortgage loan portfolio and the allowance for expected credit losses.
Private Equity Partnerships
The carrying value of our investments in private equity partnerships was $792.4 million and $747.5 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. These partnerships are passive in nature and represent funds that are primarily invested in private credit, private equity, and real assets. The carrying value of the partnerships is based on our share of the partnership's net asset value (NAV) and changes in the carrying value are recorded as a component of net investment income. We receive financial information related to our investments in partnerships and generally record investment income on a one-quarter lag in accordance with our accounting policy. We recorded net investment income totaling $35.9 million for the partnerships in the first quarter of 2021 reflecting the market conditions of the fourth quarter of 2020. The majority of our investments in partnerships are not redeemable. Distributions received from the funds arise from income generated by the underlying investments as well as the liquidation of the underlying investments. There is generally not a public market for these investments. We had $641.0 million of commitments for additional investments in the partnerships at March 31, 2021 which may or may not be funded. See Note 3 in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1 for further discussion of our private equity partnerships.
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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 specific fixed income securities, and credit default swaps. Credit exposure on derivatives is limited to the value of those contracts in a net gain position, including accrued interest receivable less collateral held. At March 31, 2021, we had no credit exposure on derivatives. We held $8.8 million of net cash collateral from our counterparties at March 31, 2021. The carrying value of fixed maturity securities posted as collateral to our counterparties was $46.8 million at March 31, 2021. We believe that our credit risk is mitigated by our use of multiple counterparties, all of which have an investment-grade credit rating, 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 $20.8 million on a fair value basis at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
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, 2020, and Notes 3, 4, and 5 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 1.
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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.
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 generally consistent, even during cycles of economic downturns, which serves to minimize liquidity risk.
The liquidity requirements of the holding company Unum Group include common stock dividends, interest and debt service, and ongoing investments in our businesses. Unum Group's liquidity requirements are met by assets held by Unum Group and our intermediate holding companies, dividends from primarily our insurance subsidiaries, and issuance of common stock, debt, or other capital securities and borrowings from existing credit facilities, as needed. As of March 31, 2021, Unum Group and our intermediate holding companies had available holding company liquidity of $1,664 million that was held primarily in bank deposits, commercial paper, money market funds, corporate bonds, and asset backed securities. No significant restrictions exist on our ability to use or access funds in any of our U.S. or foreign intermediate holding companies. Dividends repatriated from our foreign subsidiaries are eligible for 100 percent exemption from U.S. income tax but may be subject to withholding tax and/or tax on foreign currency gain or loss.
As part of our capital deployment strategy, we may repurchase shares of Unum Group's common stock, as authorized by our board of directors. During the first quarter of 2021, we did not have an open share repurchase program and did not repurchase any shares. See Note 10 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained within Item 1.
Liquidity and Capital Resource Considerations - COVID-19
We have strengthened our liquidity position through actions such as maintaining a higher level of short-term investments and posting additional collateral from certain of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries to the regional FHLBs. As a result, we believe we have the appropriate liquidity and access to capital to avoid significant disruption to our operations. We have not yet experienced a significant impact to our liquidity as a result of the collection of premiums and submitted claims activity; however, we continually monitor the developments of these items.
As of March 31, 2021, we have borrowed $302.2 million of funds through our memberships with the regional FHLBs and those funds are used for the purpose of investing in either short-term investments or fixed maturity securities and have additional borrowing capacity of approximately $939 million that can be utilized for liquidity if the need arises. Additionally, we have access to two unsecured revolving credit facilities under separate syndicates of lenders that allow us to borrow up to a total of $600 million. There are currently no outstanding borrowings on these facilities but we remain in compliance with required covenants should we choose to borrow in the future. We have no significant upcoming debt maturities until 2024. We continue to meet the financial covenants contained in our current debt agreements and credit facilities, and we expect that we will continue to meet those covenants in subsequent periods.
To the extent that we begin to experience a significant impact to our liquidity, we would likely sell highly liquid invested assets or borrow funds on our credit facilities to meet operational cash flow requirements.
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See "Debt" and "Transfers of Financial Assets" for further discussion of our debt arrangements, credit facilities, and of our FHLB arrangements contained herein in this Item 2. For further discussion of the key considerations regarding the impacts of COVID-19 see "Executive Summary" herein in this Item 2.
Closed Block Individual Disability Reinsurance Transaction
In December 2020, we completed the first phase of a reinsurance transaction, pursuant to which Provident, Paul Revere, and Unum America, wholly-owned domestic insurance subsidiaries of Unum Group and collectively referred to as "the ceding companies", each entered into separate reinsurance agreements with Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance Company (Commonwealth), to reinsure on a coinsurance basis effective as of July 1, 2020, approximately 75 percent of the Closed Block individual disability business, primarily direct business written by the ceding companies. On March 31, 2021, we completed the second phase of the reinsurance transaction, pursuant to which the ceding companies and Commonwealth amended and restated their respective reinsurance agreements to reinsure on a coinsurance and modified coinsurance basis effective as of January 1, 2021, a substantial portion of the remaining Closed Block individual disability business that was not ceded in December 2020, primarily business previously assumed by the ceding companies. Commonwealth established and will maintain collateralized trust accounts for the benefit of the ceding companies to secure its obligations under the reinsurance agreements.
In connection with the second phase of the reinsurance transaction, Commonwealth paid a total ceding commission to the ceding companies of $18.2 million. The ceding companies transferred assets of $767.0 million, which consisted primarily of cash and fixed maturity securities. We released approximately $200 million of capital during the first quarter of 2021 in addition to the $400 million that was released in December 2020.
See "Executive Summary" contained here in this Item 2 for further discussion on the impacts related to this reinsurance transaction.
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.
Unum America cedes blocks of business to Fairwind Insurance Company (Fairwind), which is an affiliated captive reinsurance subsidiary domiciled in the United States. The ability of Fairwind to pay dividends to Unum Group will depend on its satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements and on the performance of the business reinsured by 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. The RBC ratios for our U.S. insurance subsidiaries at March 31, 2021 are in line with our expectations and are significantly above the level that would require state regulatory action.
In connection with a financial examination of Unum America, which closed at the end of the second quarter of 2020, the Maine Bureau of Insurance (MBOI) concluded that Unum America’s long-term care statutory reserves are deficient by $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2018, the financial statement date of the examination period. The MBOI granted permission to Unum America on May 1, 2020, to phase in the additional statutory reserves over seven years beginning with year-end 2020 and ending with year-end 2026. The 2020 phase-in amount was $229 million and was funded using cash flows from operations. The 2021 phase-in amount will be calculated and recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021. This strengthening will be incorporated by using explicitly agreed upon margins into our existing assumptions for annual statutory reserve adequacy testing. These actions will add margin to Unum America's best estimate assumptions. Our long-term care reserves and
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financial results reported under generally accepted accounting principles are not affected by the MBOI’s examination conclusion. We plan to fund the additional statutory reserves with expected cash flows.
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. Unum Limited is subject to the requirements of Solvency II, a European Union (EU) directive, which prescribes capital requirements and risk management standards for the European insurance industry. Our European holding company is also subject to the Solvency II requirements relevant to insurance holding companies, while its subsidiaries (the Unum European Economic Area (EEA) Group), which includes Unum Limited, are subject to group supervision under Solvency II. The Unum EEA Group received approval from the U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority to use its own internal model for calculating regulatory capital and also received approval for certain associated regulatory permissions including transitional relief as the Solvency II capital regime continues to be implemented. In connection with the recent exit from the EU, the U.K. government is reviewing the regulatory framework of financial services companies, which may result in changes to U.K. regulatory capital or U.K. tax regulations. Recent economic conditions have caused volatility in our solvency ratios used to monitor capital adequacy.
The payment of dividends to the parent company from our subsidiaries also requires the approval of the individual subsidiary's board of directors.
During 2021, we intend to maintain a level of capital in our 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, which does not apply to our current entity structure.
Funding for Employee Benefit Plans
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we made contributions of $14.8 million and £0.9 million to our U.S. and U.K. defined contribution plans, respectively, and expect to make additional contributions of approximately $52 million and £3 million during the remainder of 2021. We made no contributions to our U.S. and U.K. qualified defined benefit pension plans during the three months ended March 31, 2021. We do not expect to make any contributions to either plan during 2021. 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
Our long-term debt balance at March 31, 2021 was $3,346.8 million, net of deferred debt issuance costs of $33.8 million, and consisted primarily of unsecured senior notes and junior subordinated debt securities.
We have access to two separate unsecured revolving credit facilities, each with a different syndicate of lenders. One of our credit facilities is under a five-year agreement and is effective through April 2024. The terms of this agreement provide for a borrowing capacity of $500.0 million with an option to be increased up to $700.0 million. We may also request, on up to two occasions, that the lenders' commitment termination dates be extended by one year. The credit facility provides for the issuance of letters of credit subject to certain terms and limitations. At March 31, 2021, letters of credit totaling $0.6 million had been issued from this credit facility, but there were no borrowed amounts outstanding.
Our other credit facility is under a three-year agreement and is effective until April 2022. The terms of this agreement provide for a borrowing capacity of $100.0 million with an option to be increased up to $140.0 million. We may also request that the lenders' commitment termination dates be extended by one year. The credit facility provides for the issuance of letters of credit subject to certain terms and limitations. At March 31, 2021, there have been no letters of credit issued from the credit facility and there were no borrowed amounts outstanding.
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. Our credit facilities include financial covenants that place limitations on our leverage ratio and consolidated net worth. The credit facilities also include covenants that limit subsidiary indebtedness. We have not observed any current trends that would cause a breach of any of our debt or credit facility
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covenants. See "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, 2020 for further discussion.
Commitments
At March 31, 2021, we had unfunded unconditional commitments of $0.9 million to fund tax credit partnership investments and $12.6 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 commitments of $106.5 million to fund certain investments in private placement fixed maturity securities and $641.0 million to fund certain private equity partnerships. As of March 31, 2021, we had $18.0 million of commercial mortgage loan commitments.
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, 2020. During the first three months of 2021, 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. As of March 31, 2021, we held $43.5 million of cash collateral from securities lending agreements. The average cash collateral balance during the first three months of 2021 was $45.4 million, and the maximum amount outstanding at any month end was $46.6 million. As of March 31, 2021, we held $186.4 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 2021 was $171.6 million, and the maximum amount outstanding at any month end was $186.4 million.
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. We had no repurchase agreements outstanding at March 31, 2021, nor did we utilize any repurchase agreements during the first three months of 2021. 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.
Certain of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are members of regional FHLBs. As of March 31, 2021, we owned $26.9 million of FHLB common stock and had outstanding advances of $302.2 million from the regional FHLBs.
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 | ||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities | $ | (162.0) | $ | 219.9 | ||||||||||
| Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities | 588.6 | 122.6 | ||||||||||||
| Net Cash Used by Financing Activities | (61.8) | (89.4) | ||||||||||||
| Net Change in Cash and Bank Deposits | $ | 364.8 | $ | 253.1 | ||||||||||
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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 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.
Included in the change in insurance reserves and liabilities and net realized investment (gain) loss to reconcile net income to
net cash provided (used) by operating activities as reported in our consolidated statements of cash flows for the first quarter of 2021 were the impacts of the second phase of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction. Also included in operating cash flows for the first quarter of 2021 was $456.8 million of cash paid to the reinsurer related to the second phase of the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction. See Note 12 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for additional information on the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction.
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 proceeds received from FHLB funding advances, issuance of debt, 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, repay maturing debt, and/or to fund our capital deployment program.
See Note 4 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 and dividends paid to stockholders.
During the first three months of 2021 and 2020, we paid dividends of $58.4 million and $57.8 million, respectively, to holders of Unum Group's common stock.
Included in financing cash flows during the first three months of 2021 was $17.9 million of cash received related to the ALR cohort volatility agreement with Commonwealth.
During the first three months of 2020, we made principal payments of $15.0 million on our senior secured non-recourse notes issued by Northwind Holdings.
See Note 12 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 Ratings (Fitch), Moody's Investors Service (Moody's), and Standard & Poor's Rating Services (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.
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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.
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 | Negative | Stable | Negative | Stable | |||||||||||||||||||
| Issuer Credit Ratings | bbb | BBB- | Baa3 | BBB | |||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Strength Ratings | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company | A | A- | A3 | A | |||||||||||||||||||
| Provident Life and Casualty Insurance Company | A | A- | NR | NR | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unum Life Insurance Company of America | A | A- | A3 | A | |||||||||||||||||||
| First Unum Life Insurance Company | A | A- | A3 | A | |||||||||||||||||||
| Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company | A | A- | A3 | A | |||||||||||||||||||
| The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company | A | A- | A3 | A | |||||||||||||||||||
| Starmount Life Insurance Company | A- | NR | NR | NR | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unum Insurance Company | A- | A- | A3 | NR | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unum Limited | NR | NR | NR | A- | |||||||||||||||||||
NR = not rated
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.
During the first quarter of 2021, Fitch affirmed their financial strength ratings for our domestic insurance subsidiaries and their issuer credit ratings on our senior debt obligations. In addition, Fitch revised their outlook to stable from negative, citing a favorable outlook compared to original COVID-19 expectations, earnings and capital metrics stability, and manageable credit losses.
There have been no other changes in the rating agencies' outlooks or ratings during 2021 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. We have ongoing dialogue with the rating agencies concerning our insurance risk profile, our financial flexibility, our operating performance, and the quality of our investment portfolios. The rating agencies provide specific criteria and, depending on our performance relative to the criteria, will determine future negative or positive rating agency actions.
See our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 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, 2020. During the first three months of 2021, 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 report. We evaluated those controls based on the 2013 Internal Control - Integrated Framework from 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, 2021.
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, 2021 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 11 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, 2020
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
As part of our capital deployment strategy, we may repurchase shares of Unum Group's common stock, as authorized by our board of directors. During the first quarter of 2021, we did not have an open share repurchase program and did not repurchase any shares.
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
| Index to Exhibits | ||||||||
(2.1) | ||||||||
(2.2) | ||||||||
| (2.3) | ||||||||
(3.1) | ||||||||
(10.1) | ||||||||
(10.2) | ||||||||
(31.1) | ||||||||
(31.2) | ||||||||
(32.1) | ||||||||
(32.2) | ||||||||
(101) | The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document. | |||||||
(104) | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). | |||||||
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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: May 6, 2021 | By: | /s/ Steven A. Zabel | ||||||
| Steven A. Zabel | ||||||||
| Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
| Date: May 6, 2021 | By: | /s/ Cherie A. Pashley | ||||||
| Cherie A. Pashley | ||||||||
| Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer | ||||||||
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