Fair Value

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

8. Fair Value

When developing estimated fair values, considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, are presented below at:



	June 30, 2018
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	79,872	$	4,154	$	84,026
Foreign government	—		61,526		156		61,682
Foreign corporate	—		47,810		6,467		54,277
U.S. government and agency	24,231		21,156		—		45,387
RMBS	—		24,774		3,071		27,845
State and political subdivision	—		12,018		8		12,026
ABS	—		11,649		1,217		12,866
CMBS	—		7,833		389		8,222
Total fixed maturity securities	24,231		266,638		15,462		306,331
Equity securities	936		139		408		1,483
Unit-linked and FVO Securities (1)	11,526		2,053		269		13,848
Other limited partnership interests	—		—		168		168
Short-term investments (2)	936		1,680		559		3,175
Residential mortgage loans — FVO	—		—		405		405
Other investments	85		100		—		185
Derivative assets: (3)
Interest rate	1		4,548		26		4,575
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		2,296		77		2,373
Credit	—		179		34		213
Equity market	3		636		68		707
Total derivative assets	4		7,659		205		7,868
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (4)	—		—		153		153
Separate account assets (5)	84,346		105,856		1,145		191,347
Total assets	$	122,064	$	384,125	$	18,774	$	524,963
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (3)
Interest rate	$	5	$	295	$	221	$	521
Foreign currency exchange rate	6		2,624		51		2,681
Credit	—		44		—		44
Equity market	4		685		200		889
Total derivative liabilities	15		3,648		472		4,135
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (4)	—		—		393		393
Separate account liabilities (5)	4		7		7		18
Total liabilities	$	19	$	3,655	$	872	$	4,546



	December 31, 2017
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	78,171	$	4,490	$	82,661
Foreign government	—		61,325		209		61,534
Foreign corporate	—		48,840		6,729		55,569
U.S. government and agency	26,052		21,342		—		47,394
RMBS	—		25,339		3,461		28,800
State and political subdivision	—		12,455		—		12,455
ABS	—		11,204		1,087		12,291
CMBS	—		7,934		293		8,227
Total fixed maturity securities	26,052		266,610		16,269		308,931
Equity securities	1,104		981		428		2,513
Unit-linked and FVO Securities (1)	14,028		2,355		362		16,745
Short-term investments (2)	3,001		1,252		33		4,286
Residential mortgage loans — FVO	—		—		520		520
Other investments	81		84		—		165
Derivative assets: (3)
Interest rate	2		5,553		8		5,563
Foreign currency exchange rate	2		1,954		113		2,069
Credit	—		240		38		278
Equity market	18		548		75		641
Total derivative assets	22		8,295		234		8,551
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (4)	—		—		144		144
Separate account assets (5)	89,916		114,124		961		205,001
Total assets	$	134,204	$	393,701	$	18,951	$	546,856
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (3)
Interest rate	$	4	$	638	$	130	$	772
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		2,553		37		2,590
Credit	—		43		—		43
Equity market	4		731		199		934
Total derivative liabilities	8		3,965		366		4,339
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (4)	—		—		418		418
Separate account liabilities (5)	—		7		2		9
Total liabilities	$	8	$	3,972	$	786	$	4,766

__________________


(1)	Unit-linked and FVO Securities were comprised of over 85% Unit-linked investments at both June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.


(2)	Short-term investments as presented in the tables above differ from the amounts presented on the consolidated balance sheets because certain short-term investments are not measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis.

(3)

Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables.

(4)

Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances and other liabilities on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, debt and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of $0 and ($132) million, respectively.


(5)	Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders whose liability is reflected within separate account liabilities. Separate account liabilities are set equal to the estimated fair value of separate account assets. Separate account liabilities presented in the tables above represent derivative liabilities.

The following describes the valuation methodologies used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. The description includes the valuation techniques and key inputs for each category of assets or liabilities that are classified within Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investments

Valuation Controls and Procedures

On behalf of the Company’s Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), a pricing and valuation committee that is independent of the trading and investing functions and comprised of senior management, provides oversight of control systems and valuation policies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives. On a quarterly basis, this committee reviews and approves new transaction types and markets, ensures that observable market prices and market-based parameters are used for valuation, wherever possible, and determines that judgmental valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. This committee also provides oversight of the selection of independent third-party pricing providers and the controls and procedures to evaluate third-party pricing. Periodically, the Chief Accounting Officer reports to the Audit Committee of MetLife, Inc.’s Board of Directors regarding compliance with fair value accounting standards.

The Company reviews its valuation methodologies on an ongoing basis and revises those methodologies when necessary based on changing market conditions. Assurance is gained on the overall reasonableness and consistent application of input assumptions, valuation methodologies and compliance with fair value accounting standards through controls designed to ensure valuations represent an exit price. Several controls are utilized, including certain monthly controls, which include, but are not limited to, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns, comparing a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, comparing fair value estimates to management’s knowledge of the current market, reviewing the bid/ask spreads to assess activity, comparing prices from multiple independent pricing services and ongoing due diligence to confirm that independent pricing services use market-based parameters. The process includes a determination of the observability of inputs used in estimated fair values received from independent pricing services or brokers by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data. The Company ensures that prices received from independent brokers, also referred to herein as “consensus pricing,” represent a reasonable estimate of fair value by considering such pricing relative to the Company’s knowledge of the current market dynamics and current pricing for similar financial instruments. While independent non-binding broker quotations are utilized, they are not used for a significant portion of the portfolio. For example, fixed maturity securities priced using independent non-binding broker quotations represent less than 1% of the total estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities and 2% of the total estimated fair value of Level 3 fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2018.

The Company also applies a formal process to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of estimated fair value. If prices received from independent pricing services are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value, independent non-binding broker quotations are obtained, or an internally developed valuation is prepared. Internally developed valuations of current estimated fair value, which reflect internal estimates of liquidity and nonperformance risks, compared with pricing received from the independent pricing services, did not produce material differences in the estimated fair values for the majority of the portfolio; accordingly, overrides were not material. This is, in part, because internal estimates of liquidity and nonperformance risks are generally based on available market evidence and estimates used by other market participants. In the absence of such market-based evidence, management’s best estimate is used.

Securities, Short-term Investments and Other Investments

When available, the estimated fair value of these financial instruments is based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. Generally, these are the most liquid of the Company’s securities holdings and valuation of these securities does not involve management’s judgment.

When quoted prices in active markets are not available, the determination of estimated fair value is based on market standard valuation methodologies, giving priority to observable inputs. The significant inputs to the market standard valuation methodologies for certain types of securities with reasonable levels of price transparency are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. When observable inputs are not available, the market standard valuation methodologies rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management’s judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though these inputs are unobservable, management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities and are considered appropriate given the circumstances.

The estimated fair value of Unit-linked and FVO Securities and other investments is determined on a basis consistent with the methodologies described herein for securities.

Other Limited Partnership Interests

The estimated fair values of other limited partnership interests are generally based on the Company’s share of the net asset value (“NAV”) of the other limited partnership interests as provided on the financial statements of the investee. In certain circumstances, management may adjust the NAV when it has sufficient evidence to support applying such adjustments.

The valuation of most instruments listed below is determined using independent pricing sources, matrix pricing, discounted cash flow methodologies or other similar techniques that use either observable market inputs or unobservable inputs.



Instrument	Level 2 Observable Inputs			Level 3 Unobservable Inputs
Fixed maturity securities
U.S. corporate and Foreign corporate securities
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches.			Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.
	Key Inputs:			Key Inputs:
	•	quoted prices in markets that are not active		•	illiquidity premium
	•	benchmark yields; spreads off benchmark yields; new issuances; issuer rating		•	delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues
	•	trades of identical or comparable securities; duration		•	credit spreads
	•	Privately-placed securities are valued using the additional key inputs:		•	quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
		•	market yield curve; call provisions
		•	observable prices and spreads for similar public or private securities that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer	•	independent non-binding broker quotations
		•	delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues
Foreign government, U.S. government and agency and State and political subdivision securities
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.			Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.
	Key Inputs:			Key Inputs:
	•	quoted prices in markets that are not active		•	independent non-binding broker quotations
	•	benchmark U.S. Treasury yield or other yields		•	quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
	•	the spread off the U.S. Treasury yield curve for the identical security
	•	issuer ratings and issuer spreads; broker-dealer quotes		•	credit spreads
	•	comparable securities that are actively traded
Structured Securities
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches.			Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches.
	Key Inputs:			Key Inputs:
	•	quoted prices in markets that are not active		•	credit spreads
	•	spreads for actively traded securities; spreads off benchmark yields		•	quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
	•	expected prepayment speeds and volumes
	•	current and forecasted loss severity; ratings; geographic region		•	independent non-binding broker quotations
	•	weighted average coupon and weighted average maturity
	•	average delinquency rates; debt-service coverage ratios
	•	issuance-specific information, including, but not limited to:
		•	collateral type; structure of the security; vintage of the loans
		•	payment terms of the underlying assets
		•	payment priority within the tranche; deal performance



Instrument	Level 2 Observable Inputs		Level 3 Unobservable Inputs
Equity securities
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.		Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches.
	Key Input:		Key Inputs:
	•	quoted prices in markets that are not considered active	•	credit ratings; issuance structures
			•	quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
			•	independent non-binding broker quotations
Unit-linked and FVO Securities, Short-term investments, Other limited partnership interests and Other investments
	•	Unit-linked and FVO Securities include mutual fund interests without readily determinable fair values given prices are not published publicly. Valuation of these mutual funds is based upon quoted prices or reported NAV provided by the fund managers, which were based on observable inputs.	•	Unit-linked and FVO Securities and short-term investments are of a similar nature and class to the fixed maturity and equity securities described above; accordingly, the valuation approaches and unobservable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described above.
	•	All other investments are of a similar nature and class to the fixed maturity and equity securities described above; accordingly, the valuation approaches and observable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described above.	•	Valuation approaches for other limited partnership interests are discussed below.
Residential mortgage loans — FVO
	•	N/A	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.
			Valuation Techniques and Key Inputs: These investments are based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques that utilize inputs from mortgage servicers that are unobservable or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
Separate account assets and Separate account liabilities (1)
Mutual funds and hedge funds without readily determinable fair values as prices are not published publicly
	Key Input:		•	N/A
	•	quoted prices or reported NAV provided by the fund managers
Other limited partnership interests
	•	N/A	•	Valued giving consideration to the underlying holdings of the partnerships and adjusting, if appropriate.
			Key Inputs:
			•	liquidity; bid/ask spreads; performance record of the fund manager
			•	other relevant variables that may impact the exit value of the particular partnership interest

__________________

(1)

Estimated fair value equals carrying value, based on the value of the underlying assets, including: mutual fund interests, fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, hedge funds, other limited partnership interests, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents. Fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents are similar in nature to the instruments described under “— Securities, Short-term Investments and Other Investments,” “— Other Limited Partnership Interests” and “— Derivatives — Freestanding Derivatives.”

Derivatives

The estimated fair value of derivatives is determined through the use of quoted market prices for exchange-traded derivatives, or through the use of pricing models for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives. The determination of estimated fair value, when quoted market values are not available, is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that management believes are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments. Derivative valuations can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, financial indices, credit spreads, default risk, nonperformance risk, volatility, liquidity and changes in estimates and assumptions used in the pricing models. The valuation controls and procedures for derivatives are described in “— Investments.”

The significant inputs to the pricing models for most OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Certain OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives may rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs may involve significant management judgment or estimation. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments.

Most inputs for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are mid-market inputs but, in certain cases, liquidity adjustments are made when they are deemed more representative of exit value. Market liquidity, as well as the use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs, may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s derivatives and could materially affect net income.

The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives, and any potential credit adjustment is based on the net exposure by counterparty after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. The Company values its OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives using standard swap curves which may include a spread to the risk-free rate, depending upon specific collateral arrangements. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with similar collateral arrangements. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties generally execute trades at such pricing levels and hold sufficient collateral, additional credit risk adjustments are not currently required in the valuation process. The Company’s ability to consistently execute at such pricing levels is in part due to the netting agreements and collateral arrangements that are in place with all of its significant derivative counterparties. An evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period.

Freestanding Derivatives

Level 2 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs:

This level includes all types of derivatives utilized by the Company with the exception of exchange-traded derivatives included within Level 1 and those derivatives with unobservable inputs as described in Level 3.

Level 3 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs:

These valuation methodologies generally use the same inputs as described in the corresponding sections for Level 2 measurements of derivatives. However, these derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

Freestanding derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models. Key inputs are as follows:



Instrument		Interest Rate		Foreign Currency Exchange Rate		Credit		Equity Market
Inputs common to Level 2 and Level 3 by instrument type	•	swap yield curves	•	swap yield curves	•	swap yield curves	•	swap yield curves
	•	basis curves	•	basis curves	•	credit curves	•	spot equity index levels
	•	interest rate volatility (1)	•	currency spot rates	•	recovery rates	•	dividend yield curves
			•	cross currency basis curves			•	equity volatility (1)
			•	currency volatility (1)
Level 3	•	swap yield curves (2)	•	swap yield curves (2)	•	swap yield curves (2)	•	dividend yield curves (2)
	•	basis curves (2)	•	basis curves (2)	•	credit curves (2)	•	equity volatility (1), (2)
	•	repurchase rates	•	cross currency basis curves (2)	•	credit spreads	•	correlation between model inputs (1)
			•	currency correlation	•	repurchase rates
			•	currency volatility (1)	•	independent non-binding broker quotations

__________________


(1)	Option-based only.


(2)	Extrapolation beyond the observable limits of the curve(s).

Embedded Derivatives

Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct, assumed and ceded variable annuity guarantees, equity or bond indexed crediting rates within certain funding agreements and annuity contracts, and those related to funds withheld on ceded reinsurance agreements. Embedded derivatives are recorded at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value reported in net income.

The Company issues certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs contain embedded derivatives, which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company’s actuarial department calculates the fair value of these embedded derivatives, which are estimated as the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior. The calculation is based on in-force business, and is performed using standard actuarial valuation software which projects future cash flows from the embedded derivative over multiple risk neutral stochastic scenarios using observable risk-free rates.

Capital market assumptions, such as risk-free rates and implied volatilities, are based on market prices for publicly traded instruments to the extent that prices for such instruments are observable. Implied volatilities beyond the observable period are extrapolated based on observable implied volatilities and historical volatilities. Actuarial assumptions, including mortality, lapse, withdrawal and utilization, are unobservable and are reviewed at least annually based on actuarial studies of historical experience.

The valuation of these guarantee liabilities includes nonperformance risk adjustments and adjustments for a risk margin related to non-capital market inputs. The nonperformance adjustment is determined by taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for MetLife, Inc.’s debt, including related credit default swaps. These observable spreads are then adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the priority of these liabilities and the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance subsidiaries as compared to MetLife, Inc.

Risk margins are established to capture the non-capital market risks of the instrument which represent the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties of such actuarial assumptions as annuitization, premium persistency, partial withdrawal and surrenders. The establishment of risk margins requires the use of significant management judgment, including assumptions of the amount and cost of capital needed to cover the guarantees. These guarantees may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining equity markets. Market conditions including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, market volatility and foreign currency exchange rates; changes in nonperformance risk; and variations in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, mortality and risk margins related to non-capital market inputs, may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of the guarantees that could materially affect net income.

The Company ceded the risk associated with certain of the GMIBs previously described. These reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives which are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses) or policyholder benefits and claims depending on the statement of operations classification of the direct risk. The value of the embedded derivatives on the ceded risk is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company with the exception of the input for nonperformance risk that reflects the credit of the reinsurer.

The estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives within funds withheld related to certain ceded reinsurance is determined based on the change in estimated fair value of the underlying assets held by the Company in a reference portfolio backing the funds withheld liability. The estimated fair value of the underlying assets is determined as described in “— Investments — Securities, Short-term Investments and Other Investments.” The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives is included, along with their funds withheld hosts, in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in the credit spreads on the underlying assets, interest rates and market volatility may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives that could materially affect net income.

The estimated fair value of the embedded equity and bond indexed derivatives contained in certain funding agreements is determined using market standard swap valuation models and observable market inputs, including a nonperformance risk adjustment. The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives are included, along with their funding agreements host, within policyholder account balances with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in equity and bond indices, interest rates and the Company’s credit standing may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives that could materially affect net income.

The Company issues certain annuity contracts which allow the policyholder to participate in returns from equity indices. These equity indexed features are embedded derivatives which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host fixed annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets.

The estimated fair value of the embedded equity indexed derivatives, based on the present value of future equity returns to the policyholder using actuarial and present value assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior, is calculated by the Company’s actuarial department. The calculation is based on in-force business and uses standard capital market techniques, such as Black-Scholes, to calculate the value of the portion of the embedded derivative for which the terms are set. The portion of the embedded derivative covering the period beyond where terms are set is calculated as the present value of amounts expected to be spent to provide equity indexed returns in those periods. The valuation of these embedded derivatives also includes the establishment of a risk margin, as well as changes in nonperformance risk.

Embedded Derivatives Within Asset and Liability Host Contracts

Level 3 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs:

Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits

These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations are based on option pricing techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include swap yield curves, currency exchange rates and implied volatilities. These embedded derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Significant unobservable inputs generally include: the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curves and implied volatilities, actuarial assumptions for policyholder behavior and mortality and the potential variability in policyholder behavior and mortality, nonperformance risk and cost of capital for purposes of calculating the risk margin.

Reinsurance ceded on certain guaranteed minimum benefits

These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. The valuation techniques and significant market standard unobservable inputs used in their valuation are similar to those described above in “— Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits” and also include counterparty credit spreads.

Transfers between Levels

Overall, transfers between levels occur when there are changes in the observability of inputs and market activity. Transfers into or out of any level are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period.

Transfers between Levels 1 and 2:

There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 for assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value and still held at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Transfers into or out of Level 3:

Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at:



					June 30, 2018				December 31, 2017				Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value (2)
	Valuation Techniques		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range			Weighted Average (1)	Range			Weighted Average (1)	Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value (2)
Fixed maturity securities (3)
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate	•	Matrix pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	87	-	137	106	83	-	142	110	Increase
	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	37	-	770	126	10	-	443	121	Increase
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	96	-	104	101	97	-	104	101	Increase
RMBS	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	—	-	109	95	—	-	126	94	Increase (5)
ABS	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	3	-	117	100	5	-	117	100	Increase (5)
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	100	-	103	101	100	-	103	100	Increase (5)
Derivatives
Interest rate	•	Present value techniques	•	Swap yield (6)	287	-	311		200	-	300		Increase (7)
			•	Repurchase rates (8)	1	-	52		(5)	-	5		Decrease (7)
Foreign currency exchange rate	•	Present value techniques	•	Swap yield (6)	(27)	-	309		(14)	-	309		Increase (7)
Credit	•	Present value techniques	•	Credit spreads (9)	97	-	100		—	-	—		Decrease (7)
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (10)
Equity market	•	Present value techniques or option pricing models	•	Volatility (11)	17%	-	30%		11%	-	31%		Increase (7)
			•	Correlation (12)	10%	-	30%		10%	-	30%
Embedded derivatives
Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits	•	Option pricing techniques	•	Mortality rates:
				Ages 0 - 40	0%	-	0.21%		0%	-	0.21%		Decrease (13)
				Ages 41 - 60	0.03%	-	0.75%		0.03%	-	0.75%		Decrease (13)
				Ages 61 - 115	0%	-	100%		0.15%	-	100%		Decrease (13)
			•	Lapse rates:
				Durations 1 - 10	0.25%	-	100%		0.25%	-	100%		Decrease (14)
				Durations 11 - 20	2%	-	100%		2%	-	100%		Decrease (14)
				Durations 21 - 116	1.25%	-	100%		1.25%	-	100%		Decrease (14)
			•	Utilization rates	0%	-	25%		0%	-	25%		Increase (15)
			•	Withdrawal rates	0%	-	20%		0%	-	20%		(16)
			•	Long-term equity volatilities	8.47%	-	33%		8.25%	-	33%		Increase (17)
			•	Nonperformance risk spread	0.03%	-	1.46%		0.02%	-	1.32%		Decrease (18)

__________________


(1)	The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities.


(2)	The impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on estimated fair value. For embedded derivatives, changes to direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits are based on liability positions; changes to ceded guaranteed minimum benefits are based on asset positions.


(3)	Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations.


(4)	Range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par.


(5)	Changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default are accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for prepayment rates.

(6)

Ranges represent the rates across different yield curves and are presented in basis points. The swap yield curves are utilized among different types of derivatives to project cash flows, as well as to discount future cash flows to present value. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across a yield curve to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation.


(7)	Changes in estimated fair value are based on long U.S. dollar net asset positions and will be inversely impacted for short U.S. dollar net asset positions.


(8)	Ranges represent different repurchase rates utilized as components within the valuation methodology and are presented in basis points.


(9)	Represents the risk quoted in basis points of a credit default event on the underlying instrument. Credit derivatives with significant unobservable inputs are primarily comprised of written credit default swaps.


(10)	At both June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of less than 1% of the total net derivative estimated fair value.


(11)	Ranges represent the underlying equity volatility quoted in percentage points. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across multiple volatility surfaces to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation.


(12)	Ranges represent the different correlation factors utilized as components within the valuation methodology. Presenting a range of correlation factors is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. Increases (decreases) in correlation in isolation will increase (decrease) the significance of the change in valuations.


(13)	Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Mortality rate assumptions are based on company experience. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied. For any given contract, mortality rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(14)

Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in the money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies. For any given contract, lapse rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(15)

The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contractholders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible. The rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder. For any given contract, utilization rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(16)

The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value.


(17)	Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.


(18)	Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration and by currency. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

The following is a summary of the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities classified within Level 3 that are not included in the preceding table. Generally, all other classes of securities classified within Level 3, including those within separate account assets, and embedded derivatives within funds withheld related to certain ceded reinsurance, use the same valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs as previously described for Level 3 securities. This includes matrix pricing and discounted cash flow methodologies, inputs such as quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2, as well as independent non-binding broker quotations. The residential mortgage loans — FVO are valued using independent non-binding broker quotations and internal models including matrix pricing and discounted cash flow methodologies using current interest rates. Other limited partnership interests valuations are generally based on the Company’s share of the NAV as provided on the financial statements of the investees. In certain circumstances, management may adjust the NAV when it has sufficient evidence to support applying such adjustments. The sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in the significant unobservable inputs for these other assets and liabilities is similar in nature to that described in the preceding table.

The following tables summarize the change of all assets (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			Foreign Government			Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision		Equity Securities			Unit-linked and FVO Securities
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Balance, beginning of period	$	10,810		$	179		$	4,582		$	—	$	422		$	286
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3)	1			1			21			—		(5		)	(11		)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(369		)	(9		)	(12		)	—		—			—
Purchases (4)	806			—			998			8		7			84
Sales (4)	(512		)	(14		)	(275		)	—		(16		)	(81		)
Issuances (4)	—			—			—			—		—			—
Settlements (4)	—			—			—			—		—			—
Transfers into Level 3 (5)	1			—			2			—		—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (5)	(116		)	(1		)	(639		)	—		—			(9		)
Balance, end of period	$	10,621		$	156		$	4,677		$	8	$	408		$	269
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Balance, beginning of period	$	10,968		$	289		$	5,705		$	—	$	480		$	335
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3)	9			1			35			—		(4		)	9
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	216			(1		)	33			—		13			—
Purchases (4)	1,523			5			543			—		5			150
Sales (4)	(1,086		)	(5		)	(589		)	—		(26		)	(109		)
Issuances (4)	—			—			—			—		—			—
Settlements (4)	—			—			—			—		—			—
Transfers into Level 3 (5)	227			—			65			—		—			3
Transfers out of Level 3 (5)	(225		)	(81		)	(853		)	—		—			(76		)
Balance, end of period	$	11,632		$	208		$	4,939		$	—	$	468		$	312
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2018 (6)	$	1		$	—		$	19		$	—	$	—		$	(10	)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2017 (6)	$	7		$	1		$	33		$	—	$	(4	)	$	9



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Other Limited Partnership Interests			Short-term Investments			Residential Mortgage Loans — FVO			Net Derivatives (7)			Net Embedded Derivatives (8)			Separate Accounts (9)
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Balance, beginning of period	$	194		$	615		$	438		$	(182	)	$	(328	)	$	1,224
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3)	—			—			1			(106		)	152			(1		)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	2			(3		)	—			(19		)	13			—
Purchases (4)	—			4			—			4			—			270
Sales (4)	(28		)	(33		)	(17		)	—			—			(323		)
Issuances (4)	—			—			—			—			—			(2		)
Settlements (4)	—			—			(17		)	36			(77		)	2
Transfers into Level 3 (5)	—			—			—			—			—			71
Transfers out of Level 3 (5)	—			(24		)	—			—			—			(103		)
Balance, end of period	$	168		$	559		$	405		$	(267	)	$	(240	)	$	1,138
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Balance, beginning of period	$	—		$	779		$	639		$	(397	)	$	(695	)	$	1,184
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3)	—			1			6			4			114			2
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	—			(1		)	—			96			13			—
Purchases (4)	—			99			42			—			—			131
Sales (4)	—			(1		)	(47		)	—			—			(81		)
Issuances (4)	—			—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (4)	—			—			(25		)	9			(78		)	(16		)
Transfers into Level 3 (5)	—			—			—			—			—			16
Transfers out of Level 3 (5)	—			(55		)	—			—			—			(277		)
Balance, end of period	$	—		$	822		$	615		$	(288	)	$	(646	)	$	959
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2018 (6)	$	—		$	—		$	(1	)	$	(86	)	$	153		$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2017 (6)	$	—		$	1		$	6		$	(12	)	$	112		$	—



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			Foreign Government			Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision			Equity Securities			Unit-linked and FVO Securities
	(In millions)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Balance, beginning of period	$	11,219		$	209		$	4,841		$	—		$	428		$	362
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3)	9			2			43			—			(10		)	(6		)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(433		)	(12		)	12			—			—			—
Purchases (4)	1,321			1			1,022			8			5			104
Sales (4)	(1,221		)	(16		)	(539		)	—			(15		)	(141		)
Issuances (4)	—			—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (4)	—			—			—			—			—			—
Transfers into Level 3 (5)	140			—			51			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (5)	(414		)	(28		)	(753		)	—			—			(50		)
Balance, end of period	$	10,621		$	156		$	4,677		$	8		$	408		$	269
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Balance, beginning of period	$	11,537		$	289		$	5,215		$	10		$	468		$	287
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3)	4			3			66			—			(14		)	16
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	458			5			80			—			35			—
Purchases (4)	2,320			12			735			—			6			207
Sales (4)	(1,357		)	(87		)	(918		)	—			(27		)	(109		)
Issuances (4)	—			—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (4)	—			—			—			—			—			—
Transfers into Level 3 (5)	135			4			78			—			—			8
Transfers out of Level 3 (5)	(1,465		)	(18		)	(317		)	(10		)	—			(97		)
Balance, end of period	$	11,632		$	208		$	4,939		$	—		$	468		$	312
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2018 (6)	$	2		$	1		$	39		$	—		$	—		$	(7	)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2017 (6)	$	3		$	1		$	57		$	—		$	(10	)	$	14



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Other Limited Partnership Interests			Short-term Investments			Residential Mortgage Loans — FVO			Net Derivatives (7)			Net Embedded Derivatives (8)			Separate Accounts (9)
	(In millions)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Balance, beginning of period	$	—		$	33		$	520		$	(132	)	$	(274	)	$	959
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3)	(5		)	—			3			(94		)	188			1
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	4			(3		)	—			(123		)	(3		)	—
Purchases (4)	—			560			—			4			—			307
Sales (4)	(47		)	(11		)	(81		)	—			—			(147		)
Issuances (4)	—			—			—			—			—			(3		)
Settlements (4)	—			—			(37		)	78			(151		)	1
Transfers into Level 3 (5)	216			—			—			—			—			99
Transfers out of Level 3 (5)	—			(20		)	—			—			—			(79		)
Balance, end of period	$	168		$	559		$	405		$	(267	)	$	(240	)	$	1,138
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Balance, beginning of period	$	—		$	46		$	566		$	(562	)	$	(729	)	$	1,141
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3)	—			1			3			30			283			(17		)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	—			(1		)	—			135			(46		)	—
Purchases (4)	—			822			174			—			—			171
Sales (4)	—			(17		)	(79		)	—			—			(54		)
Issuances (4)	—			—			—			(7		)	—			1
Settlements (4)	—			—			(49		)	116			(154		)	(50		)
Transfers into Level 3 (5)	—			—			—			—			—			12
Transfers out of Level 3 (5)	—			(29		)	—			—			—			(245		)
Balance, end of period	$	—		$	822		$	615		$	(288	)	$	(646	)	$	959
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2018 (6)	$	(5	)	$	—		$	(8	)	$	(18	)	$	184		$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2017 (6)	$	—		$	1		$	3		$	9		$	279		$	—

__________________


(1)	Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities.

(2)

Amortization of premium/accretion of discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to net income (loss) on securities are included in net investment gains (losses), while changes in estimated fair value of residential mortgage loans — FVO are included in net investment income. Lapses associated with net embedded derivatives are included in net derivative gains (losses). Substantially all realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).


(3)	Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.


(4)	Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements.


(5)	Gains and losses, in net income (loss) and OCI, are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.


(6)	Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) relate to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the respective periods. Substantially all changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).


(7)	Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.


(8)	Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.

(9)

Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income (loss). For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses). Separate account assets and liabilities are presented net for the purposes of the rollforward.

Fair Value Option

The Company elects the FVO for certain residential mortgage loans that are managed on a total return basis. The following table presents information for residential mortgage loans, which are accounted for under the FVO and were initially measured at fair value.



	June 30, 2018			December 31, 2017
	(In millions)
Unpaid principal balance	$	496		$	650
Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance	(91		)	(130		)
Carrying value at estimated fair value	$	405		$	520
Loans in nonaccrual status	$	129		$	198
Loans more than 90 days past due	$	64		$	94
Loans in nonaccrual status or more than 90 days past due, or both — difference between aggregate estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance	$	(66	)	$	(102	)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value

The following tables provide fair value information for financial instruments that are carried on the balance sheet at amounts other than fair value. These tables exclude the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income, payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions, short-term debt and those short-term investments that are not securities, such as time deposits, and therefore are not included in the three level hierarchy table disclosed in the “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements” section. The estimated fair value of the excluded financial instruments, which are primarily classified in Level 2, approximates carrying value as they are short-term in nature such that the Company believes there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit quality. All remaining balance sheet amounts excluded from the tables below are not considered financial instruments subject to this disclosure.

The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at:



	June 30, 2018
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	70,447	$	—	$	—	$	71,330	$	71,330
Policy loans	$	9,702	$	—	$	341	$	10,977	$	11,318
Other invested assets	$	1,204	$	—	$	793	$	411	$	1,204
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	4,121	$	—	$	1,230	$	3,030	$	4,260
Other assets	$	327	$	—	$	142	$	185	$	327
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	114,519	$	—	$	—	$	115,292	$	115,292
Long-term debt	$	14,526	$	—	$	15,392	$	—	$	15,392
Collateral financing arrangement	$	1,085	$	—	$	—	$	882	$	882
Junior subordinated debt securities	$	3,146	$	—	$	3,995	$	—	$	3,995
Other liabilities	$	3,870	$	—	$	2,205	$	2,223	$	4,428
Separate account liabilities	$	112,708	$	—	$	112,708	$	—	$	112,708



	December 31, 2017
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	68,211	$	—	$	—	$	69,797	$	69,797
Policy loans	$	9,669	$	—	$	336	$	11,176	$	11,512
Other limited partnership interests	$	219	$	—	$	—	$	216	$	216
Other invested assets	$	443	$	—	$	—	$	443	$	443
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	4,155	$	—	$	1,283	$	3,056	$	4,339
Other assets	$	285	$	—	$	189	$	139	$	328
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	114,355	$	—	$	—	$	116,534	$	116,534
Long-term debt	$	15,675	$	—	$	17,773	$	—	$	17,773
Collateral financing arrangement	$	1,121	$	—	$	—	$	894	$	894
Junior subordinated debt securities	$	3,144	$	—	$	4,319	$	—	$	4,319
Other liabilities	$	3,208	$	—	$	1,496	$	2,345	$	3,841
Separate account liabilities	$	124,011	$	—	$	124,011	$	—	$	124,011

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details