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Fair Values of Financial Instruments
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Values of Financial Instruments Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The following sets forth a comparison of the carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments:
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Carrying
Amount		Fair ValueCarrying
Amount		Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale$51,700,743 $51,700,743 $51,580,490 $51,580,490 
Mortgage loans on real estate3,926,699 4,070,821 3,448,793 3,536,446 
Derivative instruments874,741 874,741 1,355,989 1,355,989 
Other investments495,740 495,740 492,301 492,301 
Cash and cash equivalents2,656,632 2,656,632 2,293,392 2,293,392 
Coinsurance deposits4,886,705 4,480,027 5,115,013 4,635,926 
Interest rate caps— — 6 6 
Liabilities
Policy benefit reserves59,750,209 51,872,229 61,540,992 51,800,247 
Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves241,782 249,341 255,698 263,773 
Notes payable495,528 544,640 495,116 541,520 
Subordinated debentures78,037 81,451 157,265 168,357 
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine that price for each financial instrument at each measurement date. We meet this objective using various methods of valuation that include market, income and cost approaches.
We categorize our financial instruments into three levels of fair value hierarchy based on the priority of inputs used in determining fair value. The hierarchy defines the highest priority inputs (Level 1) as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The lowest priority inputs (Level 3) are our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value such as estimated future cash flows. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. We categorize financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. We do not adjust the quoted price for these financial instruments, even in situations where we hold a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.
Level 2 - Quoted prices in active markets for similar financial instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments in markets that are not active; and models and other valuation methodologies using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable.
Level 3 - Models and other valuation methodologies using significant inputs that are unobservable for financial instruments and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in Level 3 are securities for which no market activity or data exists and for which we used discounted expected future cash flows with our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value.
Transfers of securities among the levels occur at times and depend on the type of inputs used to determine fair value of each security. There were no transfers between levels during any period presented.
Our assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are presented below based on the fair value hierarchy levels:
Total
Fair Value		Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)		Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2020
Assets
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit$38,739 $32,906 $5,833 $— 
United States Government sponsored agencies1,074,978 — 1,074,978 — 
United States municipalities, states and territories3,805,086 — 3,805,086 — 
Foreign government obligations209,233 — 209,233 — 
Corporate securities33,457,290 10 33,457,280 — 
Residential mortgage backed securities1,623,073 — 1,623,073 — 
Commercial mortgage backed securities5,478,783 — 5,478,783 — 
Other asset backed securities6,013,561 — 6,013,561 — 
Derivative instruments874,741 — 874,741 — 
Cash and cash equivalents2,656,632 2,656,632 — — 
$55,232,116 $2,689,548 $52,542,568 $— 
Liabilities
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives$7,475,216 $— $— $7,475,216 
December 31, 2019
Assets
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
United States Government full faith and credit$161,765 $155,945 $5,820 $— 
United States Government sponsored agencies625,020 — 625,020 — 
United States municipalities, states and territories4,527,671 — 4,527,671 — 
Foreign government obligations205,096 — 205,096 — 
Corporate securities32,536,839 4 32,536,835 — 
Residential mortgage backed securities1,575,664 — 1,575,664 — 
Commercial mortgage backed securities5,786,279 — 5,786,279 — 
Other asset backed securities6,162,156 — 6,162,156 — 
Derivative instruments1,355,989 — 1,355,989 — 
Cash and cash equivalents2,293,392 2,293,392 — — 
Interest rate caps6 — 6 — 
$55,229,877 $2,449,341 $52,780,536 $— 
Liabilities
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives$9,624,395 $— $— $9,624,395 
The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments during the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.
Fixed maturity securities
The fair values of fixed maturity securities in an active and orderly market are determined by utilizing independent pricing services. The independent pricing services incorporate a variety of observable market data in their valuation techniques, including:
•reported trading prices,
•benchmark yields,
•broker-dealer quotes,
•benchmark securities,
•bids and offers,
•credit ratings,
•relative credit information, and
•other reference data.
The independent pricing services also take in to account perceived market movements and sector news, as well as a security's terms and conditions, including any features specific to that issue that may influence risk and marketability. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of observable market inputs may change as some observable market inputs may not be relevant or additional inputs may be necessary.
The independent pricing services provide quoted market prices when available. Quoted prices are not always available due to market inactivity. When quoted market prices are not available, the third parties use yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics to determine fair value for securities that are not actively traded. We generally obtain one value from our primary external pricing service. In situations where a price is not available from this service, we may obtain quotes or prices from additional parties as needed. Market indices of similar rated asset class spreads are considered for valuations and broker indications of similar securities are compared. Inputs used by the broker include market information, such as yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics. Valuations and quotes obtained from third party commercial pricing services are non-binding and do not represent quotes on which one may execute the disposition of the assets.
We validate external valuations at least quarterly through a combination of procedures that include the evaluation of methodologies used by the pricing services, comparison of the prices to a secondary pricing source, analytical reviews and performance analysis of the prices against trends, and maintenance of a securities watch list. Additionally, as needed we utilize discounted cash flow models or perform independent valuations on a case-by-case basis using inputs and assumptions similar to those used by the pricing services. Although we do identify differences from time to time as a result of these validation procedures, we did not make any significant adjustments as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Mortgage loans on real estate
Mortgage loans on real estate are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of mortgage loans on real estate are calculated using discounted expected cash flows using competitive market interest rates currently being offered for similar loans. The fair values of impaired mortgage loans on real estate that we have considered to be collateral dependent are based on the fair value of the real estate collateral (based on appraised values) less estimated costs to sell. The inputs utilized to determine fair value of all mortgage loans are unobservable market data (competitive market interest rates); therefore, fair value of mortgage loans falls into Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Derivative instruments
The fair values of derivative instruments, primarily call options, are based upon the amount of cash that we will receive to settle each derivative instrument on the reporting date. These amounts are determined by our investment team using industry accepted valuation models and are adjusted for the nonperformance risk of each counterparty net of any collateral held. Inputs include market volatility and risk free interest rates and are used in income valuation techniques in arriving at a fair value for each option contract. The nonperformance risk for each counterparty is based upon its credit default swap rate. We have no performance obligations related to the call options purchased to fund our fixed index annuity policy liabilities.
Other investments
Financial instruments included in other investments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis are policy loans, equity method investments and company owned life insurance ("COLI"). We have not attempted to determine the fair values associated with our policy loans, as we believe any differences between carrying values and the fair values afforded these instruments are immaterial to our consolidated financial position and, accordingly, the cost to provide such disclosure does not justify the benefit to be derived. The fair values of our equity method investments are obtained from third parties and are determined using a variety of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis, valuation multiples analysis for comparable investments and appraisal values. As the risk spread and liquidity discount are unobservable market inputs, the fair value of our equity method investments falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of our COLI approximates the cash surrender value of the policies and falls within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Cash and cash equivalents
Amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these instruments are reported at their historical cost which approximates fair value due to the nature of the assets assigned to this category.
Interest rate caps
The fair values of our interest rate caps are obtained from third parties and are determined by discounting expected future cash flows using a projected London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") for the term of the caps.
Policy benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves
The fair values of the liabilities under contracts not involving significant mortality or morbidity risks (principally deferred annuities), are stated at the cost we would incur to extinguish the liability (i.e., the cash surrender value) as these contracts are generally issued without an annuitization date. The coinsurance deposits related to the annuity benefit reserves have fair values determined in a similar fashion. For period-certain annuity benefit contracts, the fair value is determined by discounting the benefits at the interest rates currently in effect for newly issued immediate annuity contracts. We are not required to and have not estimated the fair value of the liabilities under contracts that involve significant mortality or morbidity risks, as these liabilities fall within the definition of insurance contracts that are exceptions from financial instruments that require disclosures of fair value. Policy benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. All of the fair values presented within these categories fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as most of the inputs are unobservable market data.
Notes payable
The fair values of our senior unsecured notes are based upon quoted market prices and are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Subordinated debentures
Fair values for subordinated debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based principally on observable inputs including our incremental borrowing rates, which reflect our credit rating, for similar types of borrowings with maturities consistent with those remaining for the debt being valued. These fair values are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Subordinated debentures are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives
We estimate the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves at each valuation date by (i) projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and (ii) discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts at the applicable risk free interest rates adjusted for our nonperformance risk related to those liabilities. The projections of policy contract values are based on our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth and future policy decrements. Our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth include assumptions for the expected index credit on the next policy anniversary date which are derived from the fair values of the underlying call options purchased to fund such index credits and the expected costs of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.
Within this determination we have the following significant unobservable inputs: 1) the expected cost of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary and 2) our best estimates for future policy decrements, primarily lapse, partial withdrawal and mortality rates. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we utilized an estimate of 2.10% and 2.90%, respectively, for the expected cost of annual call options, which is based on estimated long-term account value growth and a historical review of our actual option costs. The decrease in the expected cost of annual call options was due to an update in our estimated long-term account value growth as a result of current economic conditions and the low interest rate environment.
Our best estimate assumptions for lapse, partial withdrawal and mortality rates are based on our actual experience and our outlook as to future expectations for such assumptions. These assumptions, which are consistent with the assumptions used in calculating deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements, are reviewed on a quarterly basis and are revised as our experience develops and/or as future expectations change. The following table presents average lapse rate and partial withdrawal rate assumptions, by contract duration, used in estimating the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves at each reporting date:
Average Lapse RatesAverage Partial Withdrawal Rates
Contract Duration (Years)September 30, 2020December 31, 2019September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
1 - 5
1.19%0.90%2.62%3.33%
6 - 10
1.38%1.29%3.14%3.84%
11 - 15
5.57%3.31%3.57%4.12%
16 - 20
7.30%8.52%3.77%4.18%
20+
7.35%7.10%3.54%4.12%
Lapse rates are generally expected to increase as surrender charge percentages decrease. Lapse expectations reflect a significant increase in the year in which the surrender charge period on a contract ends.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for our Level 3 liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,		Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
2020201920202019
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives
Beginning balance$9,418,485 $9,281,117 $9,624,395 $8,165,405 
Premiums less benefits78,244 74,979 243,421 333,459 
Change in fair value, net(2,021,513)24,998 (2,392,600)882,230 
Ending balance$7,475,216 $9,381,094 $7,475,216 $9,381,094 
The fair value of our fixed index annuities embedded derivatives is net of coinsurance ceded of $611.2 million and $644.6 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Change in fair value, net for each period in our embedded derivatives is included in change in fair value of embedded derivatives in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations.
Certain derivatives embedded in our fixed index annuity contracts are our most significant financial instrument measured at fair value that are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The contractual obligations for future annual index credits within our fixed index annuity contracts are treated as a "series of embedded derivatives" over the expected life of the applicable contracts. We estimate the fair value of these embedded derivatives at each valuation date by the method described above under fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.
The most sensitive assumption in determining policy liabilities for fixed index annuities is the rates used to discount the excess projected contract values. As indicated above, the discount rate reflects our nonperformance risk. If the discount rates used to discount the excess projected contract values at September 30, 2020, were to increase by 100 basis points, the fair value of the embedded derivatives would decrease by $579.1 million recorded through operations as a decrease in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and there would be a corresponding decrease of $243.8 million to our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements recorded through operations as an increase in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. A decrease by 100 basis points in the discount rates used to discount the excess projected contract values would increase the fair value of the embedded derivatives by $622.2 million recorded through operations as an increase in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and there would be a corresponding increase of $266.4 million to our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements recorded through operations as a decrease in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements.