10-Q 1 bhf-20180930x10q.htm 10-Q Document
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
  
FORM 10-Q
 
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
or
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___ to ___                    
Commission File Number: 001-37905
 
bhflogorgb970pxa15.jpg
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
81-3846992
(State of incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
11225 North Community House Road, Charlotte, North Carolina
 
28277
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(980) 365-7100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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 þ  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 þ    No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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.
Large accelerated filer  ¨
  
Accelerated filer  ¨
Non-accelerated filer    þ
  
Smaller reporting company  ¨
Emerging growth company  ¨
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes ¨    No þ
At November 2, 2018, 118,601,232 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were outstanding.
 
 


Table of Contents
 
Page
 
   Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements (at September 30, 2018 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2017 and for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited)):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Item 2.
  Item 3.
  Item 4.
 
 
 
  Item 1.
  Item 1A.
  Item 2.
  Item 6.
 
 


Part I — Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2018 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2017
(In millions, except share and per share data)
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $60,705 and $60,173, respectively)
 
$
62,279

 
$
64,991

Equity securities, at estimated fair value (cost: $139 and $142, respectively)
 
150

 
161

Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $56 and $47, respectively; includes $93 and $115, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)
 
13,033

 
10,742

Policy loans
 
1,443

 
1,523

Real estate joint ventures
 
444

 
433

Other limited partnership interests
 
1,765

 
1,669

Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value
 
116

 
312

Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value
 
2,099

 
2,507

Total investments
 
81,329

 
82,338

Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value
 
2,144

 
1,857

Accrued investment income (includes $0 and $1, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
 
675

 
601

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
 
13,551

 
13,525

Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
 
6,050

 
6,286

Current income tax recoverable
 
878

 
740

Other assets
 
583

 
588

Separate account assets
 
111,736

 
118,257

Total assets
 
$
216,946

 
$
224,192

Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
 
$
35,748

 
$
36,616

Policyholder account balances
 
39,446

 
37,783

Other policy-related balances
 
2,907

 
2,985

Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
 
4,043

 
4,169

Long-term debt (includes $3 and $11, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)
 
3,966

 
3,612

Deferred income tax liability
 
576

 
927

Other liabilities
 
5,575

 
5,263

Separate account liabilities
 
111,736

 
118,257

Total liabilities
 
203,997

 
209,612

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 11)
 

 

Equity
 
 
 
 
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 119,782,668 and 119,773,106 shares issued, respectively; 118,800,611 and 119,773,106 shares outstanding, respectively
 
1

 
1

Additional paid-in capital
 
12,469

 
12,432

Retained earnings (deficit)
 
(96
)
 
406

Treasury stock, at cost; 982,057 and 0 shares, respectively
 
(42
)
 
—

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
552

 
1,676

Total Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity
 
12,884

 
14,515

Noncontrolling interests
 
65

 
65

Total equity
 
12,949

 
14,580

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
216,946

 
$
224,192

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited)
(In millions, except share and per share data)
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums
$
225

 
$
236

 
$
677

 
$
630

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
972

 
1,025

 
2,936

 
2,935

Net investment income
853

 
761

 
2,476

 
2,309

Other revenues
105

 
93

 
308

 
329

Net investment gains (losses)
(42
)
 
21

 
(121
)
 
(34
)
Net derivative gains (losses)
(691
)
 
(164
)
 
(1,337
)
 
(1,207
)
Total revenues
1,422

 
1,972

 
4,939

 
4,962

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder benefits and claims
822

 
1,083

 
2,373

 
2,732

Interest credited to policyholder account balances
273

 
279

 
809

 
838

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
30

 
123

 
581

 
(4
)
Other expenses
665

 
611

 
1,974

 
1,789

Total expenses
1,790

 
2,096

 
5,737

 
5,355

Income (loss) before provision for income tax
(368
)
 
(124
)
 
(798
)
 
(393
)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
(99
)
 
819

 
(226
)
 
653

Net income (loss)
(269
)
 
(943
)
 
(572
)
 
(1,046
)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
2

 
—

 
5

 
—

Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders
$
(271
)
 
$
(943
)
 
$
(577
)
 
$
(1,046
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(532
)
 
$
(1,529
)
 
$
(1,617
)
 
$
(1,003
)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
2

 
—

 
5

 
—

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
$
(534
)
 
$
(1,529
)
 
$
(1,622
)
 
$
(1,003
)
Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
(2.26
)
 
$
(7.87
)
 
$
(4.82
)
 
$
(8.73
)
Diluted
$
(2.26
)
 
$
(7.87
)
 
$
(4.82
)
 
$
(8.73
)
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited)
(In millions)
 
 
Shareholder’s Net Investment
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings (Deficit)
 
Treasury Stock at Cost
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Stockholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
$
—

 
$
1

 
$
12,432

 
$
406

 
$
—

 
$
1,676

 
$
14,515

 
$
65

 
$
14,580

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and other, net of income tax (Note 1)
 


 

 

 
75

 

 
(79
)
 
(4
)
 

 
(4
)
Balance at January 1, 2018
 
—

 
1

 
12,432

 
481

 
—

 
1,597

 
14,511

 
65

 
14,576

Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases
 


 

 

 

 
(42
)
 

 
(42
)
 

 
(42
)
Share-based compensation
 


 

 
37

 

 

 

 
37

 

 
37

Change in noncontrolling interests
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
—

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Net income (loss)
 

 

 

 
(577
)
 

 

 
(577
)
 
5

 
(572
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax
 


 


 


 


 


 
(1,045
)
 
(1,045
)
 


 
(1,045
)
Balance at September 30, 2018
 
$
—

 
$
1

 
$
12,469

 
$
(96
)
 
$
(42
)
 
$
552

 
$
12,884

 
$
65

 
$
12,949

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder’s Net Investment
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings (Deficit)
 
Treasury Stock at Cost
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Stockholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
13,597

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1,265

 
$
14,862

 
$
—

 
$
14,862

Issuance of Common Stock to MetLife, Inc.
 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Distribution to MetLife, Inc.
 
(1,798
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,798
)
 

 
(1,798
)
Other separation related transactions
 
1,704

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,704

 

 
1,704

Net income (loss)
 
(1,085
)
 


 


 
39

 


 


 
(1,046
)
 


 
(1,046
)
Separation from MetLife, Inc.
 
(12,419
)
 
1

 
12,418

 


 


 


 
—

 


 
—

Change in noncontrolling interests
 


 


 


 


 


 


 
—

 
65

 
65

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax
 


 


 


 


 


 
43

 
43

 


 
43

Balance at September 30, 2017
 
$
—


$
1


$
12,418


$
39

 
$
—


$
1,308

 
$
13,766

 
$
65

 
$
13,831

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited)
(In millions)
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
1,496

 
$
2,030

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
Sales, maturities and repayments of:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
11,680

 
12,784

Equity securities
15

 
58

Mortgage loans
446

 
565

Real estate and real estate joint ventures
87

 
47

Other limited partnership interests
137

 
195

Purchases of:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
(12,005
)
 
(12,888
)
Equity securities
(1
)
 
(2
)
Mortgage loans
(2,771
)
 
(1,554
)
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
(31
)
 
(224
)
Other limited partnership interests
(194
)
 
(174
)
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives
1,142

 
1,811

Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives
(2,286
)
 
(3,382
)
Net change in policy loans
81

 
(5
)
Net change in short-term investments
196

 
180

Net change in other invested assets
35

 
33

Other, net
—

 
2

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(3,469
)
 
(2,554
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
Policyholder account balances:
 
 
 
Deposits
4,704

 
3,464

Withdrawals
(2,199
)
 
(2,269
)
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
(126
)
 
(2,747
)
Long-term debt issued
375

 
3,589

Long-term debt repaid
(9
)
 
(10
)
Collateral financing arrangements repaid
—

 
(2,797
)
Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases
(42
)
 
—

Distribution to MetLife, Inc.
—

 
(1,798
)
Cash received from MetLife, Inc. in connection with shareholder’s net investment
—

 
293

Cash paid to MetLife, Inc. in connection with shareholder’s net investment
—

 
(668
)
Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net
(386
)
 
(37
)
Other, net
(57
)
 
(26
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
2,260

 
(3,006
)
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
287

 
(3,530
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
1,857

 
5,228

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period
$
2,144

 
$
1,698

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
 
 
 
Net cash paid (received) for:
 
 
 
Interest
$
83

 
$
89

Income tax
$
3

 
$
76

Non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
Transfer of fixed maturity securities to former affiliates
$
—

 
$
293

Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with reinsurance transactions
$
—

 
$
293

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

5
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business
“Brighthouse” and the “Company” refer to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. is a holding company formed to own the legal entities that historically operated a substantial portion of the former Retail segment of MetLife, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”). Brighthouse Financial, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware on August 1, 2016 in preparation for MetLife, Inc.’s separation of a substantial portion of its former Retail segment, as well as certain portions of its Corporate Benefit Funding segment (the “Separation”), which was completed on August 4, 2017.
In connection with the Separation, 80.8% of MetLife, Inc.’s interest in Brighthouse Financial, Inc. was distributed to holders of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock and MetLife, Inc. retained the remaining 19.2%. On June 14, 2018, MetLife, Inc. divested its remaining shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock (the “MetLife Divestiture”). As a result, MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates are no longer considered related parties subsequent to the MetLife Divestiture.
The Company offers a range of individual annuities and individual life insurance products. The Company reports results through three segments: Annuities, Life and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results in Corporate & Other.
Basis of Presentation
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Consolidation
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has control, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
The Company uses the equity method of accounting for equity securities when it has significant influence or at least 20% interest and for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests (“investee”) when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. When the Company has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations, the investment is carried at fair value.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the prior year periods’ interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related footnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 presentation as discussed throughout the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, effective January 1, 2018 the Company recorded an increase to other liabilities of $46 million, a decrease to deferred tax liabilities of $22 million, a decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) of $64 million, and an increase to retained earnings (deficit) of $40 million, to reflect an adjustment, net of tax, to prior year accretion of certain investments in redeemable preferred stock.
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2017 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 Annual Report”), which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company included in the 2017 Annual Report.

6
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
Changes to GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. The following table provides a description of new ASUs issued by the FASB and the expected impact of the adoption on the Company’s financial statements.
ASUs adopted as of September 30, 2018 are summarized in the table below.
Standard
Description
Effective Date
Impact on Financial Statements
ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
The new guidance changes the current accounting guidance related to (i) the classification and measurement of certain equity investments, (ii) the presentation of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option (“FVO”) that are due to instrument-specific credit risk, and (iii) certain disclosures associated with the fair value of financial instruments. Additionally, there will no longer be a requirement to assess equity securities for impairment since such securities will be measured at fair value through net income.
January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method
The Company 1) reclassified net unrealized gains related to equity securities previously classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) from AOCI to retained earnings (deficit) and 2) increased the carrying value of equity investments previously accounted for under the cost method to estimated fair value. The cumulative effect of the adoption is a net increase to retained earnings (deficit) of $38 million and a net decrease of $15 million to AOCI, after taxes.
ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)
For those contracts that are impacted, the guidance will require an entity to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled, in exchange for those goods or services.
January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method
The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements other than expanded disclosures in Note 9.
ASUs issued but not yet adopted as of September 30, 2018 are summarized in the table below.
Standard
Description
Effective Date
Impact on Financial Statements
ASU 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract
The amendments to Topic 350 require the capitalization of certain implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. The requirements align with the existing requirements to capitalize implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software.
January 1, 2020 using the prospective method or retrospective method (with early adoption permitted)
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements.

7
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

ASU 2018-12, Financial Services -Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts
The amendments to Topic 944 will result in significant changes to the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts. These changes (1) require all guarantees that qualify as market risk benefits to be measured at fair value, (2) require more frequent updating of assumptions and modify existing discount rate requirements for certain insurance liabilities, (3) modify the methods of amortization for deferred acquisition costs, and (4) require new qualitative and quantitative disclosures around insurance contract asset and liability balances and the judgments, assumptions and methods used to measure those balances.
January 1, 2021 using a modified retrospective method for the new market risk benefit guidance and prospective methods for the increased frequency of updating assumptions, the new discount rate requirements and deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) amortization changes. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is in the early stages of evaluating the new guidance and therefore is unable to estimate the impact to its financial statements. The most significant impact will be the measurement of liabilities for variable annuity guarantees.

Upon adoption of the ASU, all guarantees associated with variable annuities will be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in net income (excluding the change in fair value attributable to nonperformance risk, which would be reported in other comprehensive income). These changes will result in an impact to equity upon adoption and more volatility in net income going forward.

Additionally, certain life insurance and payout annuity contract liabilities will be affected by more frequent updating of cash flow assumptions and changes to the rate used to discount those cash flows. Most products will be impacted by the changes to deferred acquisition cost amortization.  
ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
The amendments to Topic 815 (i) refine and expand the criteria for achieving hedge accounting on certain hedging strategies, (ii) require the earnings effect of the hedging instrument be presented in the same line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported, and (iii) eliminate the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness.
January 1, 2019 using modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted)
The Company does not expect a material impact on its financial statements from adoption of the new guidance.
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
The amendments to Topic 326 replace the incurred loss impairment methodology for certain financial instruments with one that reflects expected credit losses based on historical loss information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new guidance also requires that an other-than- temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a debt security will be recognized as an allowance going forward, such that improvements in expected future cash flows after an impairment will no longer be reflected as a prospective yield adjustment through net investment income, but rather a reversal of the previous impairment and recognized through realized investment gains and losses.
January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted beginning January 1, 2019)
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements, with the most significant impact expected to be earlier recognition of credit losses on mortgage loan investments.
ASU 2016-02, Leases - Topic 842
The new guidance will require a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Leases would be classified as finance or operating leases and both types of leases will be recognized on the balance sheet. Lessor accounting will remain largely unchanged from current guidance except for certain targeted changes. The amendments also require new qualitative and quantitative disclosures.
January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted)
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements, with the most significant impact expected to be a gross-up of certain lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.

8
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)


2. Segment Information
The Company is organized into three segments: Annuities; Life; and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other.
Annuities
The Annuities segment consists of a variety of variable, fixed, index-linked and income annuities designed to address contract holders’ needs for protected wealth accumulation on a tax-deferred basis, wealth transfer and income security.
Life
The Life segment consists of insurance products and services, including term, whole, universal and variable life products designed to address policyholders’ needs for financial security and protected wealth transfer, which may be provided on a tax-advantaged basis.
Run-off
The Run-off segment consists of products no longer actively sold and which are separately managed, including structured settlements, pension risk transfer contracts, certain company-owned life insurance policies, funding agreements and universal life with secondary guarantees.
Corporate & Other
Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments and interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt, as well as expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of intersegment amounts, long-term care and workers compensation business reinsured through 100% quota share reinsurance agreements, and term life insurance sold direct to consumers, which is no longer being offered for new sales.
Financial Measures and Segment Accounting Policies
Adjusted earnings is a financial measure used by management to evaluate performance, allocate resources and facilitate comparisons to industry results. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, adjusted earnings is also used to measure segment performance. The Company believes the presentation of adjusted earnings, as the Company measures it for management purposes, enhances the understanding of its performance by the investor community. Adjusted earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders, and excludes net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Adjusted earnings, which may be positive or negative, focuses on the Company’s primary businesses principally by excluding (i) the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends, and (ii) businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by the Company, referred to as divested businesses.

9
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)

The following are significant items excluded from total revenues, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings:
•
Net investment gains (losses);
•
Net derivative gains (losses) except earned income on derivatives and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment; and
•
Amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”) fees (“GMIB Fees”).
The following are significant items excluded from total expenses, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings:
•
Amounts associated with benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”);
•
Amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets and market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”); and
•
Amortization of DAC and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) related to: (i) net investment gains (losses), (ii) net derivative gains (losses), (iii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs and (iv) Market Value Adjustments.
The tax impact of the adjustments mentioned above is calculated net of the U.S. statutory tax rate, which could differ from the Company’s effective tax rate.
Set forth in the tables below is certain financial information with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The segment accounting policies are the same as those used to prepare the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements, except for the adjustments to calculate adjusted earnings described above. In addition, segment accounting policies include the methods of capital allocation described below.
Beginning in the first quarter of 2018, the Company changed the methodology for how capital is allocated to segments and, in some cases, products (the “Portfolio Realignment”). Segment investment and capitalization targets are now based on statutory oriented risk principles and metrics. Segment invested assets backing liabilities are based on net statutory liabilities plus excess capital. For the variable annuity business, the excess capital held is based on the target statutory total asset requirement consistent with the Company’s variable annuity risk management strategy discussed in the 2017 Annual Report. For insurance businesses other than variable annuities, excess capital held is based on a percentage of required statutory risk-based capital. Assets in excess of those allocated to the segments, if any, are held in Corporate & Other. Segment net investment income reflects the performance of each segment’s respective invested assets.
Previously, invested assets held in the segments were based on net GAAP liabilities. Excess capital was retained in Corporate & Other and allocated to segments based on an internally developed statistics based capital model intended to capture the material risks to which the Company was exposed (referred to as “allocated equity”). Surplus assets in excess of the combined allocations to the segments were held in Corporate & Other with net investment income being credited back to the segments at a predetermined rate. Any excess or shortfall in net investment income from surplus assets was recognized in Corporate & Other.
The Portfolio Realignment had no effect on the Company’s consolidated net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders or adjusted earnings, but it did impact segment results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. It was not practicable to determine the impact of the Portfolio Realignment to adjusted earnings in prior periods; however, the Company estimates that pre-tax adjusted earnings in the Life segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased between $90 million and $105 million as a result of the change, with most of the offsetting impact in the Run-off segment. Impacts to the Annuities segment and Corporate & Other would not have been significantly different under the previous allocation method.
In addition, the total assets recognized in the segments changed as a result of the Portfolio Realignment. Total assets (on a book value basis) in the Annuities and Life segments increased approximately $2 billion and approximately $5 billion, respectively, under the new allocation method. The Run-off segment and Corporate & Other experienced decreases in total assets of approximately $3 billion and approximately $4 billion, respectively, as a result of the Portfolio Realignment.

10
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)

 
 
Operating Results
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Annuities
 
Life
 
Run-off
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
 
 
(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings
 
$
487

 
$
78

 
$
(134
)
 
$
(117
)
 
$
314

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
86

 
17

 
(29
)
 
(32
)
 
42

Post-tax adjusted earnings
 
401

 
61

 
(105
)
 
(85
)
 
272

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2

 
2

Adjusted earnings
 
$
401

 
$
61

 
$
(105
)
 
$
(87
)
 
270

Adjustments for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(42
)
Net derivative gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(691
)
Other adjustments to net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
51

Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
141

Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(271
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest revenue
 
$
399

 
$
115

 
$
322

 
$
16

 
 
Interest expense
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
39

 
 
 
 
Operating Results
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Annuities
 
Life
 
Run-off
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
 
 
(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings
 
$
488

 
$
(8
)
 
$
119

 
$
(95
)
 
$
504

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
133

 
(14
)
 
36

 
1,025

 
1,180

Post-tax adjusted earnings
 
355

 
6

 
83

 
(1,120
)
 
(676
)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Adjusted earnings
 
$
355

 
$
6

 
$
83

 
$
(1,120
)
 
(676
)
Adjustments for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21

Net derivative gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(164
)
Other adjustments to net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(485
)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
361

Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(943
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest revenue
 
$
310

 
$
87

 
$
348

 
$
35

 
 
Interest expense
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
36

 
 

11
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)

 
 
Operating Results
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Annuities
 
Life
 
Run-off
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
 
 
(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings
 
$
1,025

 
$
205

 
$
(79
)
 
$
(327
)
 
$
824

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
177

 
41

 
(18
)
 
(87
)
 
113

Post-tax adjusted earnings
 
848

 
164

 
(61
)
 
(240
)
 
711

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5

 
5

Adjusted earnings
 
$
848

 
$
164

 
$
(61
)
 
$
(245
)
 
706

Adjustments for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(121
)
Net derivative gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,337
)
Other adjustments to net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(164
)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
339

Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(577
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest revenue
 
$
1,138

 
$
334

 
$
979

 
$
38

 
 
Interest expense
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
113

 
 
 
 
Operating Results
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Annuities
 
Life
 
Run-off
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
 
 
(In millions)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings
 
$
1,111

 
$
—

 
$
272

 
$
(61
)
 
$
1,322

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
302

 
(11
)
 
88

 
1,015

 
1,394

Post-tax adjusted earnings
 
809

 
11

 
184

 
(1,076
)
 
(72
)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Adjusted earnings
 
$
809

 
$
11

 
$
184

 
$
(1,076
)
 
(72
)
Adjustments for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(34
)
Net derivative gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,207
)
Other adjustments to net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(474
)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
741

Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(1,046
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest revenue
 
$
948

 
$
263

 
$
1,060

 
$
159

 
 
Interest expense
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
23

 
$
94

 
 

12
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)

The following table presents total revenues with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In millions)
Annuities
 
$
1,160

 
$
1,070

 
$
3,453

 
$
3,270

Life
 
346

 
387

 
1,054

 
982

Run-off
 
536

 
547

 
1,594

 
1,631

Corporate & Other
 
47

 
59

 
112

 
230

Adjustments
 
(667
)
 
(91
)
 
(1,274
)
 
(1,151
)
Total
 
$
1,422

 
$
1,972

 
$
4,939

 
$
4,962

The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at:

September 30, 2018

December 31, 2017

(In millions)
Annuities
$
152,342

 
$
154,667

Life
20,485

 
18,049

Run-off
31,710

 
36,824

Corporate & Other
12,409

 
14,652

Total
$
216,946


$
224,192

3. Insurance
Guarantees
As discussed in Notes 1 and 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report, the Company issues variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”), the non-life contingent portion of guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWBs”) and the portion of certain GMIBs that do not require annuitization are accounted for as embedded derivatives in policyholder account balances and are further discussed in Note 5.
The Company also issues universal and variable life contracts where the Company contractually guarantees to the contract holder a secondary guarantee.
Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
In the
Event of Death
 
At
Annuitization
 
In the
Event of Death
 
At
Annuitization
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Annuity Contracts (1), (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable Annuity Guarantees
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total account value (3)
$
109,613

 
$
63,194

 
$
115,147

 
$
67,110

 
Separate account value
$
104,479

 
$
61,945

 
$
109,792

 
$
65,782

 
Net amount at risk
$
6,471

(4)
$
2,521

(5)
$
5,261

(4)
$
2,642

(5)
Average attained age of contract holders
68 years

 
68 years

 
68 years

 
68 years

 

13
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
3. Insurance (continued)

 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Secondary Guarantees
 
(Dollars in millions)
Universal Life Contracts
 
 
 
Total account value (3)
$
6,133

 
$
6,244

Net amount at risk (6)
$
73,680

 
$
75,304

Average attained age of policyholders
65 years

 
64 years

 
 
 
 
Variable Life Contracts
 
 
 
Total account value (3)
$
3,486

 
$
3,379

Net amount at risk (6)
$
23,250

 
$
24,546

Average attained age of policyholders
49 years

 
49 years

__________________
(1)
The Company’s annuity contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive.
(2)
Includes direct business, but excludes offsets from hedging or reinsurance, if any. Therefore, the net amount at risk presented reflects the economic exposures of living and death benefit guarantees associated with variable annuities, but not necessarily their impact on the Company. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report for a discussion of guaranteed minimum benefits which have been reinsured.
(3)
Includes the contract holder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable.
(4)
Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death.
(5)
Defined as the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contract holders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the contracts contain terms that allow annuitization of the guaranteed amount only after the 10th anniversary of the contract, which not all contract holders have achieved.
(6)
Defined as the guarantee amount less the account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date.

14
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

4. Investments
See Note 6 for information about the fair value hierarchy for investments and the related valuation methodologies.
Fixed Maturity Securities AFS
Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector
The following table presents the fixed maturity securities AFS by sector at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gains
 
Temporary
Losses
 
OTTI
Losses (1)
 
Gains
 
Temporary
Losses
 
OTTI
Losses (1)
 
 
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. corporate
$
23,475

 
$
918

 
$
458

 
$
—

 
$
23,935

 
$
21,190

 
$
1,859

 
$
92

 
$
—

 
$
22,957

U.S. government and agency
10,089

 
1,075

 
214

 
—

 
10,950

 
14,548

 
1,862

 
118

 
—

 
16,292

RMBS
8,373

 
227

 
230

 
(4
)
 
8,374

 
7,749

 
285

 
60

 
(3
)
 
7,977

Foreign corporate
7,311

 
155

 
218

 
—

 
7,248

 
6,703

 
386

 
66

 
—

 
7,023

State and political subdivision
3,747


369


47


—


4,069


3,635


553


6


1


4,181

CMBS
4,381

 
9

 
101

 
(1
)
 
4,290

 
3,386

 
53

 
17

 
(1
)
 
3,423

ABS
2,006

 
10

 
7

 
—

 
2,009

 
1,810

 
21

 
2

 
—

 
1,829

Foreign government
1,323

 
104

 
23

 
—

 
1,404

 
1,152

 
161

 
4

 
—

 
1,309

Total fixed maturity securities
$
60,705


$
2,867


$
1,298


$
(5
)

$
62,279


$
60,173


$
5,180


$
365


$
(3
)

$
64,991

__________________
(1)
Noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities. See also “— Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).”
(2)
Redeemable preferred stock is reported within U.S. corporate and foreign corporate fixed maturity securities. Included within fixed maturity securities are structured securities including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”).
The Company held non-income producing fixed maturity securities with an estimated fair value of less than $1 million and $4 million with unrealized gains (losses) of less than ($1) million and ($2) million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at September 30, 2018:
 
Due in One
Year or Less
 
Due After One
Year Through
Five Years
 
Due After Five
Years Through Ten Years
 
Due After Ten
Years
 
Structured
Securities
 
Total Fixed
Maturity
Securities
 
(In millions)
Amortized cost
$
1,956

 
$
8,580

 
$
11,376

 
$
24,033

 
$
14,760

 
$
60,705

Estimated fair value
$
1,962

 
$
8,638

 
$
11,263

 
$
25,743

 
$
14,673

 
$
62,279

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured Securities are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity.

15
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector
The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Less than 12 Months
 
Equal to or Greater
 than 12 Months
 
Less than 12 Months
 
Equal to or Greater
than 12 Months
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(Dollars in millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. corporate
$
9,484

 
$
308

 
$
1,742

 
$
150

 
$
1,783

 
$
21

 
$
1,451

 
$
71

U.S. government and agency
2,530

 
52

 
1,901

 
162

 
4,962

 
38

 
1,573

 
80

RMBS
3,838

 
103

 
1,619

 
123

 
2,367

 
14

 
1,332

 
43

Foreign corporate
3,410

 
131

 
562

 
87

 
637

 
8

 
603

 
58

State and political subdivision
1,076

 
34

 
151

 
13

 
170

 
3

 
106

 
4

CMBS
3,078

 
68

 
542

 
32

 
619

 
6

 
335

 
10

ABS
998

 
7

 
27

 
—

 
170

 
—

 
74

 
2

Foreign government
449

 
17

 
111

 
6

 
155

 
2

 
69

 
2

Total fixed maturity securities
$
24,863


$
720


$
6,655


$
573


$
10,863


$
92


$
5,543


$
270

Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position
2,978

 
 
 
807

 
 
 
911

 
 
 
638

 
 
Evaluation of AFS Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities
Evaluation and Measurement Methodologies
Management considers a wide range of factors about the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Considerations used in the impairment evaluation process include, but are not limited to: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the estimated fair value has been below amortized cost; (ii) the potential for impairments when the issuer is experiencing significant financial difficulties; (iii) the potential for impairments in an entire industry sector or sub-sector; (iv) the potential for impairments in certain economically depressed geographic locations; (v) the potential for impairments where the issuer, series of issuers or industry has suffered a catastrophic loss or has exhausted natural resources; (vi) whether the Company has the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before the decline in estimated fair value below amortized cost recovers; (vii) with respect to Structured Securities, changes in forecasted cash flows after considering the quality of underlying collateral, expected prepayment speeds, current and forecasted loss severity, consideration of the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security, and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security; (viii) the potential for impairments due to weakening of foreign currencies on non-functional currency denominated fixed maturity securities that are near maturity; and (ix) other subjective factors, including concentrations and information obtained from regulators and rating agencies.
Current Period Evaluation
Based on the Company’s current evaluation of its AFS securities in an unrealized loss position in accordance with its impairment policy, and the Company’s current intentions and assessments (as applicable to the type of security) about holding, selling and any requirements to sell these securities, the Company concluded that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2018.
Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities increased $931 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to $1.3 billion. The increase in gross unrealized losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily attributable to increasing longer-term interest rates and widening credit spreads.

16
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)

At September 30, 2018, $4 million of the total $1.3 billion of gross unrealized losses were from ten fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater.
Mortgage Loans
Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment
Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Carrying
Value
 
% of
Total
 
Carrying
Value
 
% of
Total
 
(Dollars in millions)
Mortgage loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
8,405

 
64.5
 %
 
$
7,260

 
67.5
 %
Agricultural
2,767

 
21.2

 
2,276

 
21.2

Residential
1,824

 
14.0

 
1,138

 
10.6

Subtotal (1)
12,996

 
99.7

 
10,674

 
99.3

Valuation allowances (2)
(56
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(47
)
 
(0.4
)
Subtotal mortgage loans, net
12,940

 
99.3

 
10,627

 
98.9

Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO
93

 
0.7

 
115

 
1.1

Total mortgage loans, net
$
13,033

 
100.0
 %
 
$
10,742

 
100.0
 %
__________________
(1)
Purchases of mortgage loans from third parties were $816 million and $1.4 billion for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $147 million and $307 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans.
(2)
The valuation allowances were primarily from collective evaluation (non-specific loan related).
See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of consolidated securitization entities (“CSEs”).
Information on commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans is presented in the tables below. Information on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO is presented in Note 6. The Company elects the FVO for certain commercial mortgage loans and related long-term debt that are managed on a total return basis.
Valuation Allowance Methodology
Mortgage loans are considered to be impaired when it is probable that, based upon current information and events, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the loan agreement. Specific valuation allowances are established using the same methodology for all three portfolio segments as the excess carrying value of a loan over either (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, (ii) the estimated fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral if the loan is in the process of foreclosure or otherwise collateral dependent, or (iii) the loan’s observable market price. A common evaluation framework is used for establishing non-specific valuation allowances for all loan portfolio segments; however, a separate non-specific valuation allowance is calculated and maintained for each loan portfolio segment that is based on inputs unique to each loan portfolio segment. Non-specific valuation allowances are established for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics where a property-specific or market-specific risk has not been identified, but for which the Company expects to incur a credit loss. These evaluations are based upon several loan portfolio segment-specific factors, including the Company’s experience for loan losses, defaults and loss severity, and loss expectations for loans with similar risk characteristics. These evaluations are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available.

17
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans
The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at:
 
Recorded Investment
 
 
 
 
 
Debt Service Coverage Ratios
 
 
 
% of
Total
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
% of
Total
 
> 1.20x
 
1.00x - 1.20x
 
< 1.00x
 
Total
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan-to-value ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 65%
$
7,438

 
$
38

 
$
15

 
$
7,491

 
89.2
%
 
$
7,440

 
89.2
%
65% to 75%
738

 
12

 
68

 
818

 
9.7

 
809

 
9.7

76% to 80%
87

 
—

 
9

 
96

 
1.1

 
92

 
1.1

Total
$
8,263


$
50


$
92


$
8,405

 
100.0
%
 
$
8,341

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan-to-value ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 65%
$
6,194

 
$
293

 
$
33

 
$
6,520

 
89.8
%
 
$
6,681

 
90.0
%
65% to 75%
642

 
—

 
14

 
656

 
9.0

 
658

 
8.9

76% to 80%
42

 
—

 
9

 
51

 
0.7

 
50

 
0.7

Greater than 80%
—

 
9

 
24

 
33

 
0.5

 
30

 
0.4

Total
$
6,878


$
302


$
80


$
7,260

 
100.0
%
 
$
7,419

 
100.0
%
Credit Quality of Agricultural Mortgage Loans
The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at: 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of
Total
 
Recorded
Investment 
 
% of
Total
 
(Dollars in millions)
Loan-to-value ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 65%
$
2,488

 
89.9
%
 
$
2,113

 
92.8
%
65% to 75%
279

 
10.1

 
163

 
7.2

Total
$
2,767

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,276

 
100.0
%
The estimated fair value of agricultural mortgage loans was $2.7 billion and $2.3 billion at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

18
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Credit Quality of Residential Mortgage Loans
The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Recorded Investment
 
% of
Total
 
Recorded Investment
 
% of
Total
 
(Dollars in millions)
Performance indicators:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performing
$
1,792

 
98.2
%
 
$
1,106

 
97.2
%
Nonperforming
32

 
1.8

 
32

 
2.8

Total
$
1,824

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,138

 
100.0
%
The estimated fair value of residential mortgage loans was $1.8 billion and $1.2 billion at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Past Due, Nonaccrual and Modified Mortgage Loans
The Company has a high quality, well performing mortgage loan portfolio, with over 99% of all mortgage loans classified as performing at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days. The Company had no commercial or agricultural mortgage loans past due and no commercial or agricultural mortgage loans in nonaccrual status at either September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017. The recorded investment of residential mortgage loans past due and in nonaccrual status was $32 million at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not have a significant amount of mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring.
Cash Equivalents
The carrying value of cash equivalents, which includes securities and other investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, was $1.1 billion and $1.4 billion at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities and the effect on DAC, VOBA, deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) and future policy benefits, that would result from the realization of the unrealized gains (losses), are included in net unrealized investment gains (losses) in AOCI.

19
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)

The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities
$
1,558

 
$
4,806

Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI
5

 
2

Total fixed maturity securities
1,563

 
4,808

Equity securities
—

 
39

Derivatives
202

 
239

Other
(14
)
 
(8
)
Subtotal
1,751

 
5,078

Amounts allocated from:
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
(851
)
 
(2,626
)
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI
(5
)
 
(2
)
DAC, VOBA and DSI
(136
)
 
(265
)
Subtotal
(992
)
 
(2,893
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI
3

 
—

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
(161
)
 
(459
)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
$
601

 
$
1,726

The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2018
 
(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2017
$
1,726

Unrealized investment gains (losses) change due to cumulative effect, net of income tax (1)
(79
)
Balance, January 1, 2018
1,647

Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
3

Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period
(3,251
)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
 
Future policy benefits
1,775

DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI
(3
)
DAC, VOBA and DSI
129

Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI
3

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
298

Balance, September 30, 2018
$
601

Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)
$
(1,046
)
__________________
(1)
See Note 1 for more information related to the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and other.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
There were no investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of the Company’s equity, other than the U.S. government and its agencies, at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

20
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Securities Lending
Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
(In millions)
Securities on loan: (1)
 
 
 
Amortized cost
$
3,317

 
$
3,085

Estimated fair value
$
3,664

 
$
3,748

Cash collateral received from counterparties (2)
$
3,746

 
$
3,791

Security collateral received from counterparties (3)
$
—

 
$
29

Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value
$
3,749

 
$
3,823

__________________
(1)
Included within fixed maturity securities.
(2)
Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.
(3)
Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the consolidated financial statements.
The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements
 
 
 
Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements
 
 
 
Open (1)
 
1 Month or Less
 
1 to 6 Months
 
Total
 
Open (1)
 
1 Month or Less
 
1 to 6 Months
 
Total
 
(In millions)
U.S. government and agency
$
1,317

 
$
2,015

 
$
414

 
$
3,746

 
$
1,626

 
$
964

 
$
1,201

 
$
3,791

__________________
(1)
The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.
If the Company is required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and is forced to sell securities to meet the return obligation, it may have difficulty selling such collateral that is invested in securities in a timely manner, be forced to sell securities in a volatile or illiquid market for less than what otherwise would have been realized under normal market conditions, or both. The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at September 30, 2018 was $1.3 billion, all of which were U.S. government and agency securities which, if put back to the Company, could be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirement.
The reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consisted principally of fixed maturity securities (including agency RMBS, U.S. government and agency securities, ABS, U.S. and foreign corporate securities, and non-agency RMBS) with 58% invested in agency RMBS, U.S. government and agency securities, cash equivalents, short-term investments or held in cash at September 30, 2018. If the securities on loan or the reinvestment portfolio become less liquid, the Company has the liquidity resources of most of its general account available to meet any potential cash demands when securities on loan are put back to the Company.

21
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral
Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
(In millions)
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) (1)
$
8,035

 
$
8,263

Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) (2)
3,275

 
2,634

Invested assets pledged as collateral (3)
4,514

 
3,199

Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral
$
15,824


$
14,096

__________________
(1)
The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, on deposit with governmental authorities relating to certain policyholder liabilities, of which $92 million and $34 million of the assets on deposit balance represents restricted cash at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(2)
The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, held in trust relating to certain reinsurance transactions. $27 million and $42 million of the assets held in trust balance represents restricted cash at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(3)
The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report) and derivative transactions (see Note 5).
See “— Securities Lending” for information regarding securities on loan.
Variable Interest Entities
The Company has invested in legal entities that are VIEs. In certain instances, the Company holds both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity, as well as an economic interest in the entity and, as such, is deemed to be the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity.
The determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary requires an evaluation of the contractual and implied rights and obligations associated with each party’s relationship with or involvement in the entity, an estimate of the entity’s expected losses and expected residual returns and the allocation of such estimates to each party involved in the entity.
Consolidated VIEs
Creditors or beneficial interest holders of VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary have no recourse to the general credit of the Company, as the Company’s obligation to the VIEs is limited to the amount of its committed investment.

22
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)

The following table presents the total assets and total liabilities relating to VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and which are consolidated at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Total
Assets
 
Total
Liabilities
 
Total
Assets
 
Total
Liabilities
 
(In millions)
CSEs (assets (primarily loans) and liabilities (primarily debt)) (1)
$
93

 
$
3

 
$
116

 
$
11

__________________
(1)
The Company consolidates entities that are structured as CMBS. The assets of these entities can only be used to settle their respective liabilities, and under no circumstances is the Company liable for any principal or interest shortfalls should any arise. The Company’s exposure was limited to that of its remaining investment in these entities of $72 million and $86 million at estimated fair value at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Unconsolidated VIEs
The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest but is not the primary beneficiary and which have not been consolidated were as follows at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Maximum
Exposure
to Loss (1)
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Maximum
Exposure
to Loss (1)
 
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities AFS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Structured Securities (2)
$
11,560

 
$
11,560

 
$
11,461

 
$
11,461

U.S. and foreign corporate
418

 
418

 
504

 
504

Other limited partnership interests
1,600

 
2,977

 
1,511

 
2,463

Other investments (3)
88

 
91

 
82

 
89

Total
$
13,666


$
15,046


$
13,558


$
14,517

__________________
(1)
The maximum exposure to loss relating to fixed maturity securities AFS is equal to their carrying amounts or the carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments. Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer or investee.
(2)
For these variable interests, the Company’s involvement is limited to that of a passive investor in mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities issued by trusts that do not have substantial equity.
(3)
Other investments is comprised of real estate joint ventures and other invested assets.
As described in Note 11, the Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. Excluding these commitments, the Company did not provide financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs during both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

23
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Net Investment Income
The components of net investment income were as follows:

Three Months Ended
 September 30,

Nine Months Ended
 September 30,

2018

2017

2018

2017

(In millions)
Investment income:







Fixed maturity securities
$
641

 
$
601

 
$
1,907

 
$
1,809

Equity securities
1

 
2

 
5

 
7

Mortgage loans
138

 
112

 
384

 
332

Policy loans
17

 
18

 
67

 
53

Real estate joint ventures
12

 
13

 
36

 
39

Other limited partnership interests
69

 
38

 
159

 
144

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
8

 
11

 
21

 
29

Other
11

 
10

 
29

 
25

Subtotal
897


805


2,608


2,438

Less: Investment expenses
53

 
46

 
145

 
135

Subtotal, net
844


759


2,463


2,303

FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans
9

 
2

 
13

 
6

Net investment income
$
853


$
761


$
2,476


$
2,309

See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs.
See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of related party investment expenses.



24
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Net Investment Gains (Losses)
Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses)
The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:

Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018

2017

(In millions)
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 



Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector:
 
 
 
 



State and political subdivision
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
(1
)
OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings
—


—


—


(1
)
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals
(34
)
 
21

 
(138
)
 
(15
)
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities
(34
)

21


(138
)

(16
)
Total gains (losses) on equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities — Mark to market and net gains (losses) on sales and disposals
(1
)
 
3

 
(5
)
 
4

Total gains (losses) on equity securities
(1
)

3


(5
)

4

Mortgage loans
(5
)
 
(2
)
 
(12
)
 
(7
)
Real estate joint ventures
—

 
1

 
42

 
4

Other limited partnership interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10
)
Other
1

 
(1
)
 
3

 
(6
)
Subtotal
(39
)

22


(110
)

(31
)
FVO CSEs:

 

 

 

Commercial mortgage loans
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
(12
)
 
(2
)
Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans
1

 
—

 
1

 
—

Non-investment portfolio gains (losses)
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
Subtotal
(3
)

(1
)

(11
)

(3
)
Total net investment gains (losses)
$
(42
)

$
21


$
(121
)

$
(34
)
See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs.
See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of related party net investment gains (losses) related to transfers of invested assets.
Sales or Disposals and Impairments of Fixed Maturity Securities
Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity securities and the components of fixed maturity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the table below.
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In millions)
Proceeds
$
3,091

 
$
4,929

 
$
8,428

 
$
9,316

Gross investment gains
$
58

 
$
30

 
$
70

 
$
50

Gross investment losses
(92
)
 
(9
)
 
(208
)
 
(65
)
OTTI losses
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
Net investment gains (losses)
$
(34
)
 
$
21

 
$
(138
)
 
$
(16
)

25
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Credit Loss Rollforward
The table below presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”):
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period
$
—

 
$
9

 
$
—

 
$
28

Reductions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI
—

 
(8
)
 
—

 
(27
)
Balance, end of period
$
—


$
1


$
—


$
1

Related Party Investment Transactions
The Company previously transferred invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to former affiliates. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company did not transfer any invested assets to former affiliates or receive transfers of invested assets from former affiliates. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company did not transfer any invested assets to former affiliates or receive transfers of invested assets from former affiliates. The amortized cost and estimated fair value on transfers of invested assets to former affiliates was $294 million and $292 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers of invested assets to former affiliates was ($2) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
At March 31, 2017, the Company had $1.1 billion of loans due from MetLife, Inc., which were included in other invested assets. These loans were carried at fixed interest rates of 4.21% and 5.10%, payable semiannually, and were due on September 30, 2032 and December 31, 2033, respectively. In April 2017, these loans were satisfied in a non-cash exchange for $1.1 billion of notes due to MetLife, Inc. See Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report.
In January 2017, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”), a former affiliate, recaptured risks related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees on certain variable annuities being reinsured by the Company. The Company transferred invested assets and cash and cash equivalents which are included in the table above. See Note 12 for additional information related to these transfers.
In March 2017, the Company sold an operating joint venture with a book value of $89 million to MLIC for $286 million. The operating joint venture was accounted for under the equity method and included in other invested assets. This sale resulted in an increase in additional paid-in capital of $202 million in the first quarter of 2017.
The Company receives investment administrative services from MetLife Investment Advisors, LLC (“MLIA”), which was considered a related party investment manager until the completion of the MetLife Divestiture. The related investment administrative service charges were $0 and $50 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $22 million and $71 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. All of the charges reported as related party activity in 2018 occurred prior to the MetLife Divestiture. See Note 1 regarding the MetLife Divestiture.
5. Derivatives
Accounting for Derivatives
Freestanding Derivatives
Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement.
Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities.

26
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses) except for economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees which are presented in future policy benefits and claims.
Hedge Accounting
The Company primarily designates derivatives as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or a variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in fair value are recorded in OCI and subsequently reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. The Company also designates derivatives as a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liabilities (fair value hedge). When a derivative is designated as fair value hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in fair value are recorded in net derivative gains (losses), consistent with the change in estimated fair value of the hedged item attributable to the designated risk being hedged.
To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge. In its hedge documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship.
The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument.
When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.
In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses).
Embedded Derivatives
The Company sells variable annuities and issues certain insurance products and investment contracts and is a party to certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative if:
•
the combined instrument is not accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings;
•
the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and
•
a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would qualify as a derivative instrument.
Such embedded derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses), except for those in policyholder benefits and claims related to ceded reinsurance of GMIB.

27
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

See “— Variable Annuity Guarantees” in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report for additional information on the accounting policy for embedded derivatives bifurcated from variable annuity host contracts.
Derivative Strategies
The Company is exposed to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, credit and equity market. The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivatives.
Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”). The types of derivatives the Company uses include swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit default swaps to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash markets.
Interest Rate Derivatives
The Company uses a variety of interest rate derivatives to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates, including interest rate swaps, interest rate total return swaps, caps, floors, swaptions, futures and forwards.
Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). In an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts as calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps in fair value, cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships.
Interest rate total return swaps are swaps whereby the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by the counterparty at each due date. Interest rate total return swaps are used by the Company to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). The Company utilizes interest rate total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships.
The Company purchases interest rate caps and floors primarily to protect its floating rate liabilities against rises in interest rates above a specified level, and against interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities, as well as to protect its minimum rate guarantee liabilities against declines in interest rates below a specified level, respectively. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased caps and floors by entering into offsetting written caps and floors. The Company utilizes interest rate caps and floors in nonqualifying hedging relationships.
In exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of interest rate securities. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures are used primarily to hedge mismatches between the duration of assets in a portfolio and the duration of liabilities supported by those assets, to hedge against changes in value of securities the Company owns or anticipates acquiring, to hedge against changes in interest rates on anticipated liability issuances by replicating Treasury or swap curve performance, and to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded interest rate futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships.
Swaptions are used by the Company to hedge interest rate risk associated with the Company’s long-term liabilities and invested assets. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased swaptions by entering into offsetting written swaptions. The Company pays a premium for purchased swaptions and receives a premium for written swaptions. The Company utilizes swaptions in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Swaptions are included in interest rate options.

28
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives
The Company uses foreign currency swaps to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. In a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a fixed exchange rate, generally set at inception, calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount. The notional amount of each currency is exchanged at the inception and termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company utilizes foreign currency swaps in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships.
To a lesser extent, the Company uses foreign currency forwards in nonqualifying hedging relationships.
Credit Derivatives
The Company enters into purchased credit default swaps to hedge against credit-related changes in the value of its investments. In a credit default swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to pay, at specified intervals, a premium to hedge credit risk. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the delivery of par quantities of the referenced investment equal to the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the payment of cash amounts by the counterparty equal to the par value of the investment surrendered. Credit events vary by type of issuer but typically include bankruptcy, failure to pay debt obligations, repudiation, moratorium, involuntary restructuring or governmental intervention. In each case, payout on a credit default swap is triggered only after the Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) deems that a credit event has occurred. The Company utilizes credit default swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships.
The Company enters into written credit default swaps to create synthetic credit investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. These transactions are a combination of a derivative and one or more cash instruments, such as U.S. government and agency securities or other fixed maturity securities. These credit default swaps are not designated as hedging instruments.
Equity Derivatives
The Company uses a variety of equity derivatives to reduce its exposure to equity market risk, including equity index options, equity variance swaps, exchange-traded equity futures and equity total return swaps.
Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices, the Company enters into contracts to sell the equity index within a limited time at a contracted price. The contracts will be net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price. Certain of these contracts may also contain settlement provisions linked to interest rates. In certain instances, the Company may enter into a combination of transactions to hedge adverse changes in equity indices within a pre-determined range through the purchase and sale of options. The Company utilizes equity index options in nonqualifying hedging relationships.
Equity variance swaps are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. In an equity variance swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange amounts in the future, based on changes in equity volatility over a defined period. The Company utilizes equity variance swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships.
In exchange-traded equity futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of equity securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts and to pledge initial margin based on futures exchange requirements. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded equity futures are used primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded equity futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

29
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

In an equity total return swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the LIBOR, calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. The Company uses equity total return swaps to hedge its equity market guarantees in certain of its insurance products. Equity total return swaps can be used as hedges or to create synthetic investments. The Company utilizes equity total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships.
Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives
The following table presents the primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount, and estimated fair value of the Company’s derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held at:
 
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Primary Underlying Risk Exposure
 
Gross
Notional
Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Gross
Notional
Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
(In millions)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
175

 
$
44

 
$
—

Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
27

 
5

 
—

Foreign currency swaps
Foreign currency exchange rate
 
2,347

 
116

 
65

 
1,827

 
94

 
75

Subtotal
 
 
2,347

 
116

 
65

 
1,854

 
99

 
75

Total qualifying hedges
 
 
2,347

 
116

 
65

 
2,029

 
143

 
75

Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate
 
15,237

 
546

 
940

 
20,213

 
922

 
774

Interest rate caps
Interest rate
 
3,350

 
32

 
—

 
2,671

 
7

 
—

Interest rate futures
Interest rate
 
54

 
—

 
—

 
282

 
1

 
—

Interest rate options
Interest rate
 
13,819

 
51

 
105

 
24,600

 
133

 
63

Foreign currency swaps
Foreign currency exchange rate
 
1,140

 
68

 
28

 
1,115

 
71

 
42

Foreign currency forwards
Foreign currency exchange rate
 
125

 
1

 
—

 
130

 
—

 
1

Credit default swaps — purchased
Credit
 
86

 
3

 
1

 
65

 
—

 
1

Credit default swaps — written
Credit
 
1,894

 
32

 
—

 
1,900

 
40

 
—

Equity futures
Equity market
 
2,215

 
1

 
1

 
2,713

 
15

 
—

Equity index options
Equity market
 
51,044

 
862

 
1,657

 
47,066

 
794

 
1,664

Equity variance swaps
Equity market
 
9,713

 
143

 
445

 
8,998

 
128

 
430

Equity total return swaps
Equity market
 
2,516

 
1

 
63

 
1,767

 
—

 
79

Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives
 
101,193

 
1,740

 
3,240

 
111,520

 
2,111

 
3,054

Total
 
 
$
103,540

 
$
1,856

 
$
3,305

 
$
113,549

 
$
2,254

 
$
3,129

Based on gross notional amounts, a substantial portion of the Company’s derivatives was not designated or did not qualify as part of a hedging relationship at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company’s use of derivatives includes (i) derivatives that serve as macro hedges of the Company’s exposure to various risks and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting due to the criteria required under the portfolio hedging rules; (ii) derivatives that economically hedge insurance liabilities that contain mortality or morbidity risk and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because the lack of these risks in the derivatives cannot support an expectation of a highly effective hedging relationship; (iii) derivatives that economically hedge embedded derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting because the changes in estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives are already recorded in net income; and (iv) written credit default swaps that are used to create synthetic credit investments and that do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not involve a hedging relationship. For these nonqualified derivatives, changes in market factors can lead to the recognition of fair value changes on the statement of operations without an offsetting gain or loss recognized in earnings for the item being hedged.

30
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

The following table presents earned income on derivatives:
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In millions)
Qualifying hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
$
8

 
$
5

 
$
20

 
$
17

Nonqualifying hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net derivative gains (losses)
33

 
67

 
124

 
253

Policyholder benefits and claims
—

 
1

 
—

 
8

Total
$
41

 
$
73

 
$
144

 
$
278


31
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

The following tables present the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized for derivatives and gains (losses) pertaining to hedged items presented in net derivative gains (losses):
 
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1)
 
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2)
 
Net Investment Income (3)
 
Policyholder Benefits and Claims (4)
 
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
 
(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value hedges (5):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
(2
)
 
$
2

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Total fair value hedges
(2
)
 
2

 
—

 
—

 
—

Cash flow hedges (5):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
46

 
—

 
1

 
—

 
(3
)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4
)
Total cash flow hedges
46

 
—

 
1

 
—

 
(7
)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
(281
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
2

 
(3
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Credit derivatives
8

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Equity derivatives
(458
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Embedded derivatives
(38
)
 
—

 
—

 
(2
)
 
—

Total non-qualifying hedges
(767
)
 
(3
)
 
—

 
(2
)
 
—

Total
$
(723
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
1

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(7
)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value hedges (5):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
1

 
$
(1
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Total fair value hedges
1

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Cash flow hedges (5):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
—

 
—

 
1

 
—

 
1

Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(53
)
Total cash flow hedges
—

 
—

 
1

 
—

 
(52
)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
(81
)
 
—

 
—

 
6

 
—

Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
(30
)
 
4

 
—

 
—

 
—

Credit derivatives
6

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Equity derivatives
(712
)
 

 
—

 
(64
)
 
—

Embedded derivatives
582

 
—

 
—

 
(21
)
 
—

Total non-qualifying hedges
(235
)
 
4

 
—

 
(79
)
 
—

Total
$
(234
)
 
$
3

 
$
1

 
$
(79
)
 
$
(52
)

32
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

 
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1)
 
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2)
 
Net Investment Income (3)
 
Policyholder Benefits and Claims (4)
 
Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI
 
(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value hedges (5):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
(12
)
 
$
12

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Total fair value hedges
(12
)
 
12

 
—

 
—

 
—

Cash flow hedges (5):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
62

 
—

 
4

 
—

 
(5
)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
33

Total cash flow hedges
61

 
—

 
4

 
—

 
28

Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
(1,255
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
17

 
(4
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Credit derivatives
(2
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Equity derivatives
(942
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Embedded derivatives
664

 
—

 
—

 
(4
)
 
—

Total non-qualifying hedges
(1,518
)
 
(4
)
 
—

 
(4
)
 
—

Total
$
(1,469
)
 
$
8

 
$
4

 
$
(4
)
 
$
28

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value hedges (5):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
2

 
$
(2
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Total fair value hedges
2

 
(2
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Cash flow hedges (5):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
2

 
—

 
4

 
—

 
3

Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
11

 
(10
)
 
—

 
—

 
(107
)
Total cash flow hedges
13

 
(10
)
 
4

 
—

 
(104
)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
(145
)
 
—

 
—

 
8

 
—

Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
(72
)
 
(30
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Credit derivatives
17

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Equity derivatives
(2,123
)
 
—

 
(1
)
 
(341
)
 
—

Embedded derivatives
890

 
—

 
—

 
(22
)
 
—

Total non-qualifying hedges
(1,433
)
 
(30
)
 
(1
)
 
(355
)
 
—

Total
$
(1,418
)
 
$
(42
)
 
$
3

 
$
(355
)
 
$
(104
)
______________
(1)
Includes gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI for cash flow hedges.
(2)
Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. Hedged items in fair value hedging relationship includes fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits and fixed maturity securities. Ineffective portion of the gains (losses) recognized in income is not significant.
(3)
Includes changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures and gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI for cash flow hedges.

33
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

(4)
Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits.
(5)
All components of each derivative's gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions were no longer probable of occurring. Because certain of the forecasted transactions also were not probable of occurring within two months of the anticipated date, the Company reclassified amounts from AOCI into net derivative gains (losses). These amounts were $0 for both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, and $0 and $12 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.
There were no hedged forecasted transactions, other than the receipt or payment of variable interest payments, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. At December 31, 2017, the maximum length of time over which the Company was hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions did not exceed two years.
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $202 million and $239 million, respectively.
Credit Derivatives
In connection with synthetically created credit investment transactions, the Company writes credit default swaps for which it receives a premium to insure credit risk. Such credit derivatives are included within the nonqualifying derivatives and derivatives for purposes other than hedging table. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the Company paying the counterparty the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the delivery of par quantities of the referenced credit obligation. The Company can terminate these contracts at any time through cash settlement with the counterparty at an amount equal to the then current estimated fair value of the credit default swaps.
The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at: 
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced
Credit Obligations (1)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
of Credit
Default
Swaps
 
Maximum
Amount of
Future
Payments under
Credit Default
Swaps
 
Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity (2)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
of Credit
Default
Swaps
 
Maximum
Amount of
Future
Payments under
Credit Default
Swaps
 
Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity (2)
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
Aaa/Aa/A
 
$
11

 
$
677

 
2.4

 
$
12

 
$
558

 
2.8
Baa
 
21

 
1,217

 
5.2

 
28

 
1,317

 
4.7
Ba
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
25

 
4.5
Total
 
$
32

 
$
1,894

 
4.2

 
$
40

 
$
1,900

 
4.1
__________________
(1)
Includes both single name credit default swaps that may be referenced to the credit of corporations, foreign governments or state and political subdivisions and credit default swaps referencing indices. The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.
(2)
The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts.
Counterparty Credit Risk
The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties to derivatives. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivatives is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivatives at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of master netting or similar agreements and any collateral received pursuant to such agreements.

34
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

The Company manages its credit risk related to derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties and establishing and monitoring exposure limits. The Company’s OTC-bilateral derivative transactions are generally governed by ISDA Master Agreements which provide for legally enforceable set-off and close-out netting of exposures to specific counterparties in the event of early termination of a transaction, which includes, but is not limited to, events of default and bankruptcy. In the event of an early termination, the Company is permitted to set off receivables from the counterparty against payables to the same counterparty arising out of all included transactions. Substantially all of the Company’s ISDA Master Agreements also include Credit Support Annex provisions which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its OTC-bilateral derivatives.
The Company’s OTC-cleared derivatives are effected through central clearing counterparties and its exchange-traded derivatives are effected through regulated exchanges. Such positions are marked to market and margined on a daily basis (both initial margin and variation margin), and the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivatives.
See Note 6 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivatives.
The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at: 
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
 
(In millions)
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTC-bilateral (1)
 
$
1,903

 
$
3,295

 
$
2,233

 
$
3,081

OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded (1), (6)
 
22

 
2

 
70

 
40

Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1)
 
1,925

 
3,297

 
2,303

 
3,121

Amounts offset on the consolidated balance sheets
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the consolidated balance sheets (1), (6)
 
1,925

 
3,297

 
2,303

 
3,121

Gross amounts not offset on the consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTC-bilateral
 
(1,569
)
 
(1,569
)
 
(1,942
)
 
(1,942
)
OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Cash collateral: (3), (4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTC-bilateral
 
(237
)
 
—

 
(257
)
 
—

OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded
 
(21
)
 
—

 
(28
)
 
(39
)
Securities collateral: (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTC-bilateral
 
(86
)
 
(1,726
)
 
(31
)
 
(1,138
)
OTC-cleared and Exchange-traded
 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral
 
$
11

 
$
—

 
$
44

 
$
1

__________________
(1)
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, derivative assets included income or (expense) accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $69 million and $49 million, respectively, and derivative liabilities included (income) or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of ($8) million and ($8) million, respectively.
(2)
Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals.
(3)
Cash collateral received by the Company for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives is included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments or in fixed maturity securities, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions on the balance sheet.

35
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

(4)
The receivable for the return of cash collateral provided by the Company is inclusive of initial margin on exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives and is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company received excess cash collateral of $39 million and $94 million, respectively, and provided excess cash collateral of $0 and $5 million, respectively, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation.
(5)
Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but at September 30, 2018, none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $69 million and $337 million, respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $307 million and $471 million, respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, and $79 million and $427 million, respectively, for its OTC-cleared derivatives, and $105 million and $118 million, respectively, for its exchange-traded derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation.
(6)
Effective January 16, 2018, the London Clearing House (“LCH”) amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. These amendments impacted the accounting treatment of the Company’s centrally cleared derivatives, for which the LCH serves as the central clearing party.
The Company’s collateral arrangements for its OTC-bilateral derivatives generally require the counterparty in a net liability position, after considering the effect of netting agreements, to pledge collateral when the amount owed by that counterparty reaches a minimum transfer amount. A small number of these arrangements also include credit-contingent provisions that include a threshold above which collateral must be posted. Such agreements provide for a reduction of these thresholds (on a sliding scale that converges toward zero) in the event of downgrades in the credit ratings of the Company and/or the counterparty. In addition, substantially all of the Company’s netting agreements for derivatives contain provisions that require both the Company and the counterparty to maintain a specific investment grade credit rating from each of Moody’s and S&P. If a party’s financial strength or credit ratings were to fall below that specific investment grade credit rating, that party would be in violation of these provisions, and the other party to the derivatives could terminate the transactions and demand immediate settlement and payment based on such party’s reasonable valuation of the derivatives.
The following table presents the estimated fair value of the Company’s OTC-bilateral derivatives that are in a net liability position after considering the effect of netting agreements, together with the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the collateral pledged. The Company’s collateral agreements require both parties to be fully collateralized, as such, the Company would not be required to post additional collateral as a result of a downgrade in its financial strength rating. OTC-bilateral derivatives that are not subject to collateral agreements are excluded from this table.  
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(In millions)
Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1)
 
$
1,726

 
$
1,138

Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided:
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
$
1,999

 
$
1,414

__________________
(1)
After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.

36
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

Embedded Derivatives
The Company issues certain products or purchases certain investments that contain embedded derivatives that are required to be separated from their host contracts and accounted for as freestanding derivatives. These host contracts principally include: variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits, including GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs; related party ceded reinsurance of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs; related party assumed reinsurance of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs and certain GMIBs; funds withheld on assumed and ceded reinsurance; assumed reinsurance on fixed deferred annuities; fixed annuities with equity-indexed returns; and certain debt and equity securities. 
The following table presents the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivatives that have been separated from their host contracts at:
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
(In millions)
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
 
$
166

 
$
227

Options embedded in debt or equity securities (1)
Investments
 
—

 
(52
)
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts
 
$
166

 
$
175

Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits
Policyholder account balances
 
$
396

 
$
1,212

Assumed reinsurance on fixed deferred annuities
Policyholder account balances
 
—

 
1

Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns
Policyholder account balances
 
1,205


674

Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts
 
$
1,601

 
$
1,887

__________________
(1)
In connection with the adoption of new guidance related to the recognition and measurement of financial instruments (see Note 1), effective January 1, 2018, the Company is no longer required to bifurcate and account separately for derivatives embedded in equity securities. Beginning January 1, 2018, the entire change in the estimated fair value of equity securities is recognized as a component of net investment gains and losses.
The following table presents changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives:
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In millions)
Net derivative gains (losses) (1), (2)
$
(38
)
 
$
582

 
$
664

 
$
890

Policyholder benefits and claims
$
(2
)
 
$
(21
)
 
$
(4
)
 
$
(22
)
__________________
(1)
The valuation of direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits includes a nonperformance risk adjustment. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses) in connection with this adjustment were ($150) million and ($116) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $457 million and $385 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.
(2)
See Note 12 for discussion of related party net derivative gains (losses).

37
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

6. Fair Value
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:
 
September 30, 2018
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total Estimated
Fair Value
 
(In millions)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. corporate
$
—

 
$
23,332

 
$
603

 
$
23,935

U.S. government and agency
4,072

 
6,878

 
—

 
10,950

RMBS
—

 
7,291

 
1,083

 
8,374

Foreign corporate
—

 
6,206

 
1,042

 
7,248

State and political subdivision
—

 
4,069

 
—

 
4,069

CMBS
—

 
4,160

 
130

 
4,290

ABS
—

 
1,948

 
61

 
2,009

Foreign government
—

 
1,404

 
—

 
1,404

Total fixed maturity securities
4,072

 
55,288

 
2,919

 
62,279

Equity securities
15

 
13

 
122

 
150

Short-term investments
56

 
60

 
—

 
116

Real estate joint ventures (1)
—

 
—

 
15

 
15

Other limited partnership interests (1)
—

 
—

 
25

 
25

Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO
—

 
93

 
—

 
93

Derivative assets: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate
—

 
629

 
—

 
629

Foreign currency exchange rate
—

 
185

 
—

 
185

Credit
—

 
25

 
10

 
35

Equity market
1

 
854

 
152

 
1,007

Total derivative assets
1

 
1,693

 
162

 
1,856

Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3)
—

 
—

 
166

 
166

Separate account assets
202

 
111,530

 
4

 
111,736

Total assets
$
4,346

 
$
168,677

 
$
3,413

 
$
176,436

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate
$
—

 
$
1,045

 
$
—

 
$
1,045

Foreign currency exchange rate
—

 
92

 
1

 
93

Credit
—

 
1

 
—

 
1

Equity market
1

 
1,716

 
449

 
2,166

Total derivative liabilities
1

 
2,854

 
450

 
3,305

Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3)
—

 
—

 
1,601

 
1,601

Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO
—

 
3

 
—

 
3

Total liabilities
$
1

 
$
2,857

 
$
2,051

 
$
4,909


38
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

 
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
$
—

 
$
22,048

 
$
909

 
$
22,957

U.S. government and agency
8,304

 
7,988

 
—

 
16,292

RMBS
—

 
6,989

 
988

 
7,977

Foreign corporate
—

 
5,935

 
1,088

 
7,023

State and political subdivision
—

 
4,181

 
—

 
4,181

CMBS
—

 
3,287

 
136

 
3,423

ABS
—

 
1,723

 
106

 
1,829

Foreign government
—

 
1,304

 
5

 
1,309

Total fixed maturity securities
8,304

 
53,455

 
3,232

 
64,991

Equity securities (4)
18

 
19

 
124

 
161

Short-term investments
142

 
156

 
14

 
312

Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO
—

 
115

 
—

 
115

Derivative assets: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate
1

 
1,111

 
—

 
1,112

Foreign currency exchange rate
—

 
165

 
—

 
165

Credit
—

 
30

 
10

 
40

Equity market
15

 
773

 
149

 
937

Total derivative assets
16

 
2,079

 
159

 
2,254

Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3)
—

 
—

 
227

 
227

Separate account assets
410

 
117,842

 
5

 
118,257

Total assets
$
8,890

 
$
173,666

 
$
3,761

 
$
186,317

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate
$
—

 
$
837

 
$
—

 
$
837

Foreign currency exchange rate
—

 
117

 
1

 
118

Credit
—

 
1

 
—

 
1

Equity market
—

 
1,736

 
437

 
2,173

Total derivative liabilities
—

 
2,691

 
438

 
3,129

Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3)
—

 
—

 
1,887

 
1,887

Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO
—

 
11

 
—

 
11

Total liabilities
$
—

 
$
2,702

 
$
2,325

 
$
5,027

__________________
(1)
In connection with the adoption of new guidance related to the recognition and measurement of financial instruments (see Note 1), effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis, the Company carries real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests previously accounted under the cost method of accounting at estimated fair value.
(2)
Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables.
(3)
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, debt and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of $0 and ($52) million, respectively.

39
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

(4)
The Company reclassified Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock in the prior period from equity securities to other invested assets.
Valuation Controls and Procedures
The Company monitors and provides oversight of valuation controls and policies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives, which are primarily executed by MLIA. The valuation methodologies used to determine fair values prioritize the use of observable market prices and market-based parameters and determines that judgmental valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. The valuation methodologies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives are reviewed on an ongoing basis and revised when necessary, based on changing market conditions. In addition, the Chief Accounting Officer periodically reports to the Audit Committee of Brighthouse’s Board of Directors regarding compliance with fair value accounting standards.
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities is based on quoted market prices, where available. The Company assesses whether prices received represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through controls designed to ensure valuations represent an exit price. MLIA performs several controls, 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, 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. Independent non-binding broker quotes, also referred to herein as “consensus pricing,” are used for non-significant portion of the portfolio. Prices received from independent brokers are assessed to determine if they represent a reasonable estimate of fair value by considering such pricing relative to the current market dynamics and current pricing for similar financial instruments. 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 5% of the total estimated fair value of Level 3 fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2018.
MLIA 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. If obtaining an independent non-binding broker quotation is unsuccessful, MLIA will use the last available price.
The Company reviews outputs of MLIA’s controls and performs additional controls, including certain monthly controls, which include but are not limited to, performing balance sheet analytics to assess reasonableness of period to period pricing changes, including any price adjustments. Price adjustments are applied if prices or quotes received from independent pricing services or brokers are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value. The Company did not have significant price adjustments during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Determination of Fair Value
Fixed maturity securities
The fair values for actively traded marketable bonds, primarily U.S. government and agency securities, are determined using the quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For fixed maturity securities classified as Level 2 assets, fair values are determined using either a market or income approach and are valued based on a variety of observable inputs as described below.
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, new issuances, issuer rating, trades of identical or comparable securities, or duration. Privately-placed securities are valued using the additional key inputs: 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, and delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues.
U.S. government and agency, state and political subdivision and foreign government securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, benchmark U.S. Treasury yield or other yields, spread off the U.S. Treasury yield curve for the identical security, issuer ratings and issuer spreads, broker dealer quotes, and comparable securities that are actively traded.

40
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

Structured securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, spreads for actively traded securities, spreads off benchmark yields, expected prepayment speeds and volumes, current and forecasted loss severity, ratings, geographic region, weighted average coupon and weighted average maturity, average delinquency rates and debt-service coverage ratios. Other issuance-specific information is also used, including, but not limited to; collateral type, structure of the security, vintage of the loans, payment terms of the underlying asset, payment priority within tranche, and deal performance.
Equity securities, short-term investments, real estate joint ventures, other limited partnership interests, commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO and long-term debt of CSEs — FVO
The fair value for actively traded equity securities and short-term investments are determined using quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For financial instruments classified as Level 2 assets or liabilities, fair values are determined using a market approach and are valued based on a variety of observable inputs as described below.
Equity securities and short-term investments: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary input being quoted prices in markets that are not active.
Real Estate Joint Ventures and Other Limited Partnership Interests: Fair value is generally based on the Company’s share of the net asset value (“NAV”) as provided on the financial statements of the investees.
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO and long-term debt of CSEs — FVO: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary input being quoted securitization market price determined principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs or quoted prices or reported NAV provided by the fund managers.
Derivatives
The fair values for exchange-traded derivatives are determined using the quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For OTC-bilateral derivatives and OTC-cleared derivatives classified as Level 2 assets or liabilities, fair values are determined using the income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models which are based on market standard valuation methodologies and a variety of observable inputs.
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.

41
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

Embedded Derivatives
Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct, assumed and ceded variable annuity guarantees, equity or bond indexed crediting rates within certain 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 Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s debt. These observable spreads are then adjusted to reflect the priority of these liabilities and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance subsidiaries as compared to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s overall financial strength.
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 recaptured from a former affiliate the risk associated with certain GMIBs. These embedded derivatives are included in policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The value of the embedded derivatives on these recaptured risks is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company.
The Company ceded to a former affiliate the risk associated with certain of the GMIBs, GMABs and GMWBs described above that are also accounted for as embedded derivatives. In addition to ceding risks associated with guarantees that are accounted for as embedded derivatives, the Company also ceded, to a former affiliate, certain directly written GMIBs that are accounted for as insurance (i.e., not as embedded derivatives), but where the reinsurance agreement contains an embedded derivative. These embedded derivatives 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). 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.

42
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

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 previously described in “— Equity securities, short-term investments, real estate joint ventures, other limited partnership interests, commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO and long-term debt of CSEs — FVO.” 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 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.
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:
For assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value and still held at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, transfers between Levels 1 and 2 were not significant.
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.

43
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

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:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 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)
 
Fixed maturity securities (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate
•
Matrix pricing
 
•
Offered quotes (4)
 
86
-
126
 
104
 
93
-
142
 
111
 
Increase
 
•
Market pricing
 
•
Quoted prices (4)
 
53
-
316
 
101
 
—
-
443
 
77
 
Increase
RMBS
•
Market pricing
 
•
Quoted prices (4)
 
59
-
107
 
95
 
3
-
107
 
95
 
Increase (5)
CMBS
•
Market pricing
 
•
Quoted prices (4)
 
67
-
104
 
92
 
8
-
104
 
88
 
Increase (5)
 
•
Consensus pricing
 
•
Offered quotes (4)
 
103
-
103
 
103
 
105
-
105
 
105
 
Increase (5)
ABS
•
Market pricing
 
•
Quoted prices (4)
 
99
-
101
 
100
 
100
-
104
 
101
 
Increase (5)
 
•
Consensus pricing
 
•
Offered quotes (4)
 
100
-
100
 
100
 
100
-
100
 
100
 
Increase (5)
Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange rate
•
Present value techniques
 
•
Swap yield (17)
 
(23)
-
2
 
 
 
—
-
—
 
 
 
Increase (6)
Credit
•
Present value techniques
 
•
Credit spreads (7)
 
97
-
99
 
 
 
—
-
—
 
 
 
Decrease (6)
 
•
Consensus pricing
 
•
Offered quotes (8)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity market
•
Present value techniques or option pricing models
 
•
Volatility (9)
 
12%
-
26%
 
 
 
11%
-
31%
 
 
 
Increase (6)
 
 
 
 
•
Correlation (10)
 
30%
-
30%
 
 
 
10%
-
30%
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits
•
Option pricing techniques
 
•
Mortality rates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ages 0 - 40
 
0%
-
0.08%
 
 
 
0%
-
0.09%
 
 
 
Decrease (11)
 
 
 
 
 
Ages 41 - 60
 
0.04%
-
0.60%
 
 
 
0.04%
-
0.65%
 
 
 
Decrease (11)
 
 
 
 
 
Ages 61 - 115
 
0.26%
-
100%
 
 
 
0.26%
-
100%
 
 
 
Decrease (11)
 
 
 
 
•
Lapse rates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Durations 1 - 10
 
0.25%
-
100%
 
 
 
0.25%
-
100%
 
 
 
Decrease (12)
 
 
 
 
 
Durations 11 - 20
 
2%
-
100%
 
 
 
2%
-
100%
 
 
 
Decrease (12)
 
 
 
 
 
Durations 21 - 116
 
2%
-
100%
 
 
 
2%
-
100%
 
 
 
Decrease (12)
 
 
 
 
•
Utilization rates
 
0%
-
25%
 
 
 
0%
-
25%
 
 
 
Increase (13)
 
 
 
 
•
Withdrawal rates
 
0.25%
-
10%
 
 
 
0.25%
-
10%
 
 
 
(14)
 
 
 
 
•
Long-term equity volatilities
 
17.40%
-
25%
 
 
 
17.40%
-
25%
 
 
 
Increase (15)
 
 
 
 
•
Nonperformance risk spread
 
1.05%
-
1.91%
 
 
 
0.64%
-
1.43%
 
 
 
Decrease (16)
___________________
(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 is 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.

44
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

(6)
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.
(7)
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.
(8)
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of less than 1% and 1% of the total net derivative estimated fair value, respectively.
(9)
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.
(10)
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.
(11)
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.
(12)
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.
(13)
The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contract holders 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.
(14)
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.
(15)
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.
(16)
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.
(17)
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.

45
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

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 assumed 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 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 and (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)
 
Structured Securities
 
State and
Political
Subdivision
 
Foreign
Government
 
Equity
Securities
 
 
(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
1,872

 
$
1,268

 
$
8

 
$
—

 
$
120

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in net income (loss) (6) (7)
 
—

 
10

 
2

 
—

 
(2
)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in AOCI
 
(44
)
 
(8
)
 
(2
)
 
—

 
—

Purchases (8)
 
56

 
287

 
—

 
—

 
—

Sales (8)
 
(51
)
 
(114
)
 
(6
)
 
—

 
—

Issuances (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Settlements (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Transfers into Level 3 (9)
 
20

 
3

 
—

 
—

 
9

Transfers out of Level 3 (9)
 
(208
)
 
(172
)
 
(2
)
 
—

 
(5
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
1,645

 
$
1,274

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
122

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
2,356

 
$
1,489

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
134

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in net income (loss) (6) (7)
 
1

 
13

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in AOCI
 
35

 
6

 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
Purchases (8)
 
92

 
147

 
—

 
—

 
—

Sales (8)
 
(57
)
 
(230
)
 
(1
)
 
—

 
(3
)
Issuances (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Settlements (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Transfers into Level 3 (9)
 
191

 
—

 
10

 
—

 
—

Transfers out of Level 3 (9)
 
(19
)
 
(13
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Balance, end of period
 
$
2,599

 
$
1,412

 
$
9

 
$
—

 
$
130

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included
in net income (loss) for the instruments still
held at September 30, 2018 (10)
 
$
—

 
$
4

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included
in net income (loss) for the instruments still
held at September 30, 2017 (10)
 
$
1

 
$
10

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—


46
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Real Estate Joint
Ventures (2)
 
Other Limited Partnership Interests (2)
 
Short-term
Investments
 
Net
Derivatives (3)
 
Net Embedded
Derivatives (4)
 
Separate
Account Assets (5)
 
 
(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
17

 
$
24

 
$
—

 
$
(284
)
 
$
(1,241
)
 
$
4

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in net income (loss) (6) (7)
 
—

 
3

 
—

 
(4
)
 
(40
)
 
—

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in AOCI
 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Purchases (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1

Sales (8)
 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Issuances (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Settlements (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(154
)
 
—

Transfers into Level 3 (9)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Transfers out of Level 3 (9)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
15

 
$
25

 
$
—

 
$
(288
)
 
$
(1,435
)
 
$
4

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
91

 
$
(780
)
 
$
(2,113
)
 
$
6

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in net income (loss) (6) (7)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4

 
558

 
—

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in AOCI
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Purchases (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2

Sales (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Issuances (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Settlements (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
370

 
(155
)
 
—

Transfers into Level 3 (9)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Transfers out of Level 3 (9)
 
—

 
—

 
(90
)
 
—

 
—

 
(2
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1

 
$
(406
)
 
$
(1,710
)
 
$
6

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included
in net income (loss) for the instruments still
held at September 30, 2018 (10)
 
$
—

 
$
3

 
$
—

 
$
(4
)
 
$
(37
)
 
$
—

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included
in net income (loss) for the instruments still
held at September 30, 2017 (10)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
4

 
$
330

 
$
—


47
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
 
 
 
Corporate (1)
 
Structured Securities
 
State and
Political
Subdivision
 
Foreign
Government
 
Equity
Securities
 
 
(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
1,997

 
$
1,230

 
$
—

 
$
5

 
$
124

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in net income (loss) (6) (7)
 
2

 
21

 
—

 
—

 
(4
)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in AOCI
 
(121
)
 
(10
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Purchases (8)
 
164

 
339

 
—

 
—

 
—

Sales (8)
 
(184
)
 
(229
)
 
—

 
—

 
(3
)
Issuances (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Settlements (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Transfers into Level 3 (9)
 
20

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
10

Transfers out of Level 3 (9)
 
(233
)
 
(77
)
 
—

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
1,645

 
$
1,274

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
122

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
2,391

 
$
1,711

 
$
17

 
$
—

 
$
137

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in net income (loss) (6) (7)
 
(2
)
 
22

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in AOCI
 
179

 
43

 
—

 
—

 
2

Purchases (8)
 
235

 
186

 
—

 
—

 
4

Sales (8)
 
(231
)
 
(467
)
 
(1
)
 
—

 
(13
)
Issuances (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Settlements (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Transfers into Level 3 (9)
 
180

 
—

 
3

 
—

 
—

Transfers out of Level 3 (9)
 
(153
)
 
(83
)
 
(10
)
 
—

 
—

Balance, end of period
 
$
2,599

 
$
1,412

 
$
9

 
$
—

 
$
130

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included
in net income (loss) for the instruments still
held at September 30, 2018 (10)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
14

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
(4
)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included
in net income (loss) for the instruments still
held at September 30, 2017 (10)
 
$
1

 
$
19

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—




48
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Real Estate Joint
Ventures (2)
 
Other Limited Partnership Interests (2)
 
Short-term
Investments
 
Net
Derivatives (3)
 
Net Embedded
Derivatives (4)
 
Separate
Account Assets (5)
 
 
(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
22

 
$
28

 
$
14

 
$
(279
)
 
$
(1,660
)
 
$
5

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in net income (loss) (6) (7)
 
(1
)
 
2

 
—

 
(12
)
 
660

 
—

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in AOCI
 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Purchases (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3

 
—

 
1

Sales (8)
 
(6
)
 
(4
)
 
(14
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
Issuances (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Settlements (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(435
)
 
(1
)
Transfers into Level 3 (9)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Transfers out of Level 3 (9)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Balance, end of period
 
$
15

 
$
25

 
$
—

 
$
(288
)
 
$
(1,435
)
 
$
4

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
2

 
$
(954
)
 
$
(2,383
)
 
$
10

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in net income (loss) (6) (7)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
100

 
883

 
—

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
included in AOCI
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Purchases (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4

 
—

 
2

Sales (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3
)
Issuances (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Settlements (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
444

 
(210
)
 
—

Transfers into Level 3 (9)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1

Transfers out of Level 3 (9)
 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
(4
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1

 
$
(406
)
 
$
(1,710
)
 
$
6

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included
in net income (loss) for the instruments still
held at September 30, 2018 (10)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
2

 
$
—

 
$
(12
)
 
$
867

 
$
—

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included
in net income (loss) for the instruments still
held at September 30, 2017 (10)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
98

 
$
1,002

 
$
—

_________________
(1)
Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities.
(2)
In connection with the adoption of new guidance related to the recognition and measurement of financial instruments (see Note 1), effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis, the Company carries real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests previously accounted under the cost method of accounting at estimated fair value.
(3)
Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.
(4)
Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.
(5)
Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contract holders 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).
(6)
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). 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).
(7)
Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.

49
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

(8)
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.
(9)
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.
(10)
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).
Fair Value Option
The following table presents information for certain assets and liabilities of CSEs, which are accounted for under the FVO. These assets and liabilities were initially measured at fair value.
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
(In millions)
Assets (1)
 
 
 
Unpaid principal balance
$
59

 
$
70

Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance
34

 
45

Carrying value at estimated fair value
$
93

 
$
115

Liabilities (1)
 
 
 
Contractual principal balance
$
3

 
$
10

Difference between estimated fair value and contractual principal balance
—

 
1

Carrying value at estimated fair value
$
3

 
$
11

__________________
(1)
These assets and liabilities are comprised of commercial mortgage loans and long-term debt. Changes in estimated fair value on these assets and liabilities and gains or losses on sales of these assets are recognized in net investment gains (losses). Interest income on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO is recognized in net investment income. Interest expense from long-term debt of CSEs — FVO is recognized in other expenses.
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 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.

50
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

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:
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
 
 
Carrying
Value
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(In millions)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans
$
12,940

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
12,914

 
$
12,914

Policy loans
$
1,443

 
$
—

 
$
685

 
$
922

 
$
1,607

Other invested assets
$
77

 
$
—

 
$
64

 
$
13

 
$
77

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
$
1,636

 
$
—

 
$
60

 
$
1,719

 
$
1,779

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder account balances
$
16,026

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
14,871

 
$
14,871

Long-term debt
$
3,963

 
$
—

 
$
2,992

 
$
600

 
$
3,592

Other liabilities
$
515

 
$
—

 
$
304

 
$
211

 
$
515

Separate account liabilities
$
1,227

 
$
—

 
$
1,227

 
$
—

 
$
1,227

 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
 
 
Carrying
Value
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Total
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(In millions)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans
$
10,627

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
10,871

 
$
10,871

Policy loans
$
1,523

 
$
—

 
$
781

 
$
959

 
$
1,740

Real estate joint ventures (1)
$
5

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
22

 
$
22

Other limited partnership interests (1)
$
36

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
28

 
$
28

Other invested assets (2)
$
71

 
$
—

 
$
71

 
$
—

 
$
71

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
$
1,758

 
$
—

 
$
128

 
$
1,985

 
$
2,113

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder account balances
$
15,791

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
15,927

 
$
15,927

Long-term debt
$
3,601

 
$
—

 
$
3,039

 
$
600

 
$
3,639

Other liabilities
$
314

 
$
—

 
$
100

 
$
214

 
$
314

Separate account liabilities
$
1,210

 
$
—

 
$
1,210

 
$
—

 
$
1,210

_________________
(1)
In connection with the adoption of new guidance related to the recognition and measurement of financial instruments (see Note 1), effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis, the Company carries real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests previously accounted under the cost method of accounting at estimated fair value.
(2)
The Company reclassified FHLB stock in the prior period from equity securities to other invested assets.

51
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

7. Long-term Debt
Junior Subordinated Debentures
On September 12, 2018, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. issued $375 million of junior subordinated debentures (the “debentures”) due September 2058, which bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.250%, payable quarterly, subject to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s right to defer interest payments in accordance with the terms of the debentures. The debentures are unsecured obligations and are subordinate and junior in right of payment to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s senior indebtedness.
Repurchase Facility
In April 2018, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company entered into a committed repurchase facility (the “Repurchase Facility”) with a financial institution, pursuant to which Brighthouse Life Insurance Company may enter into repurchase transactions in an aggregate amount up to $2.0 billion in respect of certain eligible securities. The Repurchase Facility has a term of three years, beginning on July 31, 2018 and ending on July 31, 2021. At September 30, 2018, there were no drawdowns under the Repurchase Facility.
8. Equity
Common Stock Repurchase Program
On August 5, 2018, Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200 million of common stock. Repurchases made under such authorization may be made through open market purchases, pursuant to 10b5-1 plans, or pursuant to accelerated stock repurchase plans from time to time at management's discretion in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. As of September 30, 2018, the Company repurchased 982,057 shares of its common stock through open market purchases for $42 million.
Share-Based Compensation Plans
The Company’s share-based compensation plans provide awards to employees and non-employee directors and may be in the form of nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, and other share-based awards. Additionally, employees may purchase shares at a discount under an employee stock purchase plan. The Company also granted restricted stock units to certain employees and non-employee directors on September 8, 2017, shortly following the Separation (the “Founders’ Grant”). The employee stock incentive plan and the non-employee director stock compensation plan were each approved at the Brighthouse Financial, Inc. annual meeting of stockholders held on May 23, 2018. The aggregate number of authorized shares available for issuance at September 30, 2018 under the Company’s various share-based compensation plans was 7,330,377.
All share-based compensation is measured at fair value as of the grant date. The Company recognizes compensation expense related to share-based awards based on the number of awards expected to vest, which represents the awards granted less expected forfeitures over the life of the award, as estimated at the date of grant. Unless a material deviation from the assumed forfeiture rate is observed during the term in which the awards are expensed, the Company recognizes any adjustment necessary to reflect differences in actual experience in the period the award becomes payable or exercisable. Compensation expense related to share-based awards, which is included in other expenses, is principally related to the issuance of restricted stock units with other costs incurred relating to stock options and performance units. With the exception of the Founders’ Grant, the Company grants the majority of each year’s awards in the first quarter of the year.
Compensation Expense Related to Share-Based Compensation
The following table presents total share-based compensation expense:
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30, 2018
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2018
 
(In millions)
Restricted stock units, Founders’ Grant
$
21

 
$
31

Restricted stock units
$
3

 
$
4

Stock options
$
—

 
$
1

Performance share units
$
—

 
$
—


52
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
8. Equity (continued)

The share-based compensation cost for the Founders’ Grant was fully recognized at September 30, 2018. Unrecognized share-based compensation for other grants related to restricted stock units, stock options and performance share units was $16 million at September 30, 2018 with a weighted average recognition period of six quarters.
Equity Awards
Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”)
RSUs are units that, if vested, are payable in shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock. The Company does not credit RSUs with dividend-equivalents as RSUs do not accrue dividends. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of RSUs is based upon the closing price of shares on the date of grant, less a forfeiture rate. With the exception of the Founders’ Grant, most RSUs use graded vesting and vest in thirds on, or shortly after, the first three anniversaries of their grant date, while other RSUs vest in their entirety on the third or later anniversary of their grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria, and in certain other limited circumstances.
Performance Share Units (“PSUs”)
PSUs are units that, if vested, are multiplied by a performance factor to produce a number of final PSUs, which are payable in shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock. PSUs cliff vest at the end of the three-year performance period. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria, and in certain other limited circumstances. The performance factors will be based on the achievement of corporate expense reductions and the capital return targets over the respective three-year period.
For awards granted for performance periods in progress through September 30, 2018, the vested PSUs will be multiplied by a performance factor of 0% to 150%. Assuming the Company has met certain threshold performance goals, the Compensation Committee of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Board of Directors will determine the performance factor in its discretion. The Company estimates the fair value of performance shares semi-annually until they become payable.
The following table presents a summary of PSU and RSU activity:
 
Restricted
 
Performance
 
Units
 
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
 
Units
 
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2018
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
—

Granted
995,861

 
$
48.06

 
73,849

 
$
48.10

Forfeited
15,007

 
$
48.10

 
—

 
$
—

Paid
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
—

Outstanding at September 30, 2018
980,854

 
$
48.05

 
73,849

 
$
48.10

Vested at September 30, 2018
648,561

 
$
48.10

 
—

 
$
—

Stock Options
Stock options represent the contingent right of award holders to purchase shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock at a stated price for a limited time. All stock options have an exercise price equal to the closing price of a share on the date of grant and have a maximum term of ten years. Certain stock options granted are exercisable at a rate of one-third of each award on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, while others are exercisable entirely on the third anniversary of the grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria, and in certain other limited circumstances. In May 2018, the Company granted 242,560 options at a weighted average exercise price of $53.47 for aggregate intrinsic value of $0. No stock options were exercised, expired or forfeited during the period ended September 30, 2018.
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. The significant assumptions the Company uses in its model include: expected volatility of the price of shares; risk-free rate of return; graded three-year vesting; and expected option life.

53
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
8. Equity (continued)

The following table presents the weighted average assumptions used to determine the grant-date fair value of stock options that Brighthouse Financial, Inc. has granted:
 
September 30, 2018
Risk-free rate of return
2.93%
Expected volatility
25.00%
Expected option life, years
5.80
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted
$53.47
Weighted average fair value of stock options granted
$12.54
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30, 2018
 
Unrealized
Investment Gains
(Losses), Net of
Related Offsets (1)
 
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
 
Total
 
(In millions)
Balance, June 30, 2018
$
690

 
$
168

 
$
(19
)
 
$
(24
)
 
$
815

OCI before reclassifications
(310
)
 
(7
)
 
(7
)
 
—

 
(324
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
66

 
1

 
1

 
—

 
68

AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax
446

 
162

 
(25
)
 
(24
)
 
559

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
38

 
(47
)
 
—

 
—

 
(9
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
(8
)
 
10

 
—

 
—

 
2

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax
30

 
(37
)
 
—

 
—

 
(7
)
Balance, September 30, 2018
$
476

 
$
125

 
$
(25
)
 
$
(24
)
 
$
552

 
Three Months Ended
 September 30, 2017
 
Unrealized
Investment Gains
(Losses), Net of
Related Offsets (1)
 
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
 
Total
 
(In millions)
Balance, June 30, 2017
$
1,721

 
$
223

 
$
(33
)
 
$
(17
)
 
$
1,894

OCI before reclassifications
(844
)
 
(52
)
 
9

 
—

 
(887
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
302

 
18

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
317

AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax
1,179

 
189

 
(26
)
 
(18
)
 
1,324

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(26
)
 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
(27
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
9

 
2

 
—

 
—

 
11

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax
(17
)
 
1

 
—

 
—

 
(16
)
Balance, September 30, 2017
$
1,162

 
$
190

 
$
(26
)
 
$
(18
)
 
$
1,308


54
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
8. Equity (continued)

 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2018
 
Unrealized
Investment Gains
(Losses), Net of
Related Offsets (1)
 
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
 
Total
 
(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2017
$
1,572

 
$
154

 
$
(24
)
 
$
(26
)
 
$
1,676

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and other, net of income tax (see Note 1)
(79
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(79
)
Balance, January 1, 2018
1,493

 
154

 
(24
)
 
(26
)
 
1,597

OCI before reclassifications
(1,448
)
 
28

 
(1
)
 
3

 
(1,418
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
325

 
(6
)
 
—

 
(1
)
 
318

AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax
370

 
176

 
(25
)
 
(24
)
 
497

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
138

 
(65
)
 
—

 
—

 
73

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
(32
)
 
14

 
—

 
—

 
(18
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax
106

 
(51
)
 
—

 
—

 
55

Balance, September 30, 2018
$
476

 
$
125

 
$
(25
)
 
$
(24
)
 
$
552

 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2017
 
Unrealized
Investment Gains
(Losses), Net of
Related Offsets (1)
 
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
 
Total
 
(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2016
$
1,044

 
$
268

 
$
(31
)
 
$
(16
)
 
$
1,265

OCI before reclassifications
118

 
(104
)
 
5

 
(14
)
 
5

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
(41
)
 
36

 
—

 
12

 
7

AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax
1,121

 
200

 
(26
)
 
(18
)
 
1,277

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
64

 
(17
)
 
—

 
—

 
47

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
(23
)
 
7

 
—

 
—

 
(16
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax
41

 
(10
)
 
—

 
—

 
31

Balance, September 30, 2017
$
1,162

 
$
190

 
$
(26
)
 
$
(18
)
 
$
1,308

__________________
(1)
See Note 4 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI.

55
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
8. Equity (continued)

Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows:
AOCI Components
 
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations
 
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
 
$
(36
)
 
$
24

 
$
(137
)
 
$
(22
)
 
Net investment gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
 
—

 
—

 
1

 
2

 
Net investment income
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
 
(2
)
 
2

 
(2
)
 
(44
)
 
Net derivative gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax
 
(38
)
 
26

 
(138
)
 
(64
)
 
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
8

 
(9
)
 
32

 
23

 
 
 Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax
 
(30
)
 
17

 
(106
)
 
(41
)
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
15

 
—

 
31

 
—

 
Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate swaps
 
—

 
—

 
2

 
2

 
Net investment income
Interest rate forwards
 
31

 
—

 
31

 
2

 
Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate forwards
 
1

 
1

 
2

 
2

 
Net investment income
Foreign currency swaps
 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
 
11

 
Net derivative gains (losses)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax
 
47

 
1

 
65

 
17

 
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
(10
)
 
(2
)
 
(14
)
 
(7
)
 
 
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax
 
37

 
(1
)
 
51

 
10

 
 
Total reclassifications, net of income tax
 
$
7

 
$
16

 
$
(55
)
 
$
(31
)
 
 

56
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

9. Other Revenues and Other Expenses
Other Revenues
The Company has entered into contracts with mutual funds, fund managers, and their affiliates (collectively, the “Funds”) whereby the Company is paid monthly or quarterly fees (“12b-1 fees”) for providing certain services to customers and distributors of the Funds. The 12b-1 fees are generally equal to a fixed percentage of the average daily balance of the customer’s investment in a fund are based on a specified in the contract between the Company and the Funds. Payments are generally collected when due and are neither refundable nor able to offset future fees.
To earn these fees, the Company performs services such as responding to phone inquiries, maintaining records, providing information to distributors and shareholders about fund performance and providing training to account managers and sales agents. The passage of time reflects the satisfaction of the Company’s performance obligations to the Funds, and is used to recognize revenue associated with 12b-1 fees.
Other revenues consisted primarily of 12b-1 fees of $91 million and $275 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $94 million and $263 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, of which substantially all were reported in the Annuities segment.
Other Expenses
Information on other expenses was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In millions)
Compensation
$
99

 
$
84

 
$
252

 
$
213

Commissions
221

 
212

 
650

 
602

Volume-related costs
104

 
112

 
318

 
375

Expenses on ceded and assumed reinsurance with former affiliates
5

 
4

 
12

 
30

Capitalization of DAC
(83
)
 
(72
)
 
(235
)
 
(187
)
Interest expense on debt
40

 
34

 
113

 
116

Premium taxes, licenses and fees
12

 
16

 
55

 
49

Professional services
112

 
76

 
320

 
164

Rent and related expenses
4

 
2

 
10

 
10

Other
151

 
143

 
479

 
417

Total other expenses
$
665

 
$
611

 
$
1,974

 
$
1,789

Related Party Expenses
Commissions and capitalization of DAC include the impact of related party reinsurance transactions. See Note 12 for a discussion of related party expenses included in the table above.

57
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

10. Earnings Per Common Share
The following table sets forth the calculation of earnings per common share:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In millions, except share and per share data)
Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders
 
$
(271
)
 
$
(943
)
 
$
(577
)
 
$
(1,046
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
119,657,443

 
119,773,106

 
119,734,128

 
119,773,106

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
(2.26
)
 
$
(7.87
)
 
$
(4.82
)
 
$
(8.73
)
Basic loss per common share equaled diluted loss per common share for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018. The diluted shares were not utilized in the per share calculation, as the inclusion of such shares would have an antidilutive effect.
11. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees
Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is a defendant in a number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value.
Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law.
The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that some matters could require the Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated at September 30, 2018.
Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made
For some loss contingency matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. As of September 30, 2018, the Company estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued, if any, for these matters to be $0 to $10 million.

58
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
11. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (continued)

Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made
For other matters, the Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company is often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews.
Sales Practices Claims
Over the past several years, the Company has faced claims and regulatory inquiries and investigations, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities, mutual funds or other products. The Company vigorously defends against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters.
Group Annuity Class Action
Edward Roycroft v. Brighthouse Financial, Inc., et al. (U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, filed June 18, 2018). Edward Roycroft filed a purported class action against Brighthouse Financial, Inc., MetLife, Inc., and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. The complaint alleges plaintiff is a beneficiary of a Martindale-Hubbell group annuity contract and did not receive payments plaintiff claims he was entitled to upon his retirement in 1999. Plaintiff seeks to represent a class of all beneficiaries who were due annuity benefits pursuant to group annuity contracts and whose annuity benefits were released from reserves. Plaintiff’s causes of action are for conversion, unjust enrichment, an accounting and for a constructive trust. Plaintiff seeks damages, attorneys’ fees, declaratory and injunctive relief and other equitable remedies. In September 2018, plaintiff dismissed Brighthouse Financial, Inc. from the action without prejudice.
Summary
Various litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.
It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although, in light of these considerations, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Commitments
Mortgage Loan Commitments
The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $422 million and $388 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments
The Company commits to fund partnership investments and to lend funds under private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $1.8 billion and $1.4 billion at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

59
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
11. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (continued)

Guarantees
In the normal course of its business, the Company has provided certain indemnities, guarantees and commitments to third parties such that it may be required to make payments now or in the future. In the context of acquisition, disposition, investment and other transactions, the Company has provided indemnities and guarantees, including those related to tax, environmental and other specific liabilities and other indemnities and guarantees that are triggered by, among other things, breaches of representations, warranties or covenants provided by the Company. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Company provides indemnifications to counterparties in contracts with triggers similar to the foregoing, as well as for certain other liabilities, such as third-party lawsuits. These obligations are often subject to time limitations that vary in duration, including contractual limitations and those that arise by operation of law, such as applicable statutes of limitation. In some cases, the maximum potential obligation under the indemnities and guarantees is subject to a contractual limitation ranging from less than $1 million to $169 million, with a cumulative maximum of $175 million, while in other cases such limitations are not specified or applicable. Since certain of these obligations are not subject to limitations, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these guarantees in the future. Management believes that it is unlikely the Company will have to make any material payments under these indemnities, guarantees, or commitments.
In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Also, the Company indemnifies its agents for liabilities incurred as a result of their representation of the Company’s interests. Since these indemnities are generally not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these indemnities in the future.
The Company’s recorded liabilities were $2 million at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 for indemnities, guarantees and commitments.
12. Related Party Transactions
The Company had not historically operated as a standalone business prior to the Separation, and as a result had various existing arrangements with MetLife for services necessary to conduct its activities. Subsequent to the Separation, certain of such services continued, as provided for under a master service agreement and various transition services agreements entered into in connection with the Separation. MetLife was no longer considered a related party upon the completion of the MetLife Divestiture on June 14, 2018. All of the MetLife transactions reported as related party activity occurred prior to the MetLife Divestiture. See Note 1 for information regarding the MetLife Divestiture.
The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with MetLife for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In millions)
Income
$
—

 
$
(96
)
 
$
(182
)
 
$
(496
)
Expense
$
—

 
$
108

 
$
133

 
$
288

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with MetLife at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
(In millions)
Assets
$
—

 
$
2,907

Liabilities
$
—

 
$
2,178


60
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
12. Related Party Transactions (continued)

The material arrangements between the Company and MetLife are as follows:
Reinsurance Agreements
The Company enters into reinsurance agreements primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and also as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products issued by former affiliates. The Company participates in reinsurance activities in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to significant risks and provide additional capacity for future growth.
The Company has reinsurance agreements with certain MetLife subsidiaries, including MLIC, Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company and MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont, all of which were related parties until the completion of the MetLife Divestiture.
Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance with former MetLife affiliates included on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In millions)
Premiums
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance assumed
$
—

 
$
1

 
$
6

 
$
9

Reinsurance ceded
—

 
(106
)
 
(201
)
 
(423
)
Net premiums
$
—

 
$
(105
)
 
$
(195
)
 
$
(414
)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance assumed
$
—

 
$
31

 
$
45

 
$
77

Reinsurance ceded
—

 
1

 
1

 
(16
)
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees
$
—

 
$
32

 
$
46

 
$
61

Other revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance assumed
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
27

Reinsurance ceded
—

 
—

 
18

 
39

Net other revenues
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
18

 
$
66

Policyholder benefits and claims
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance assumed
$
—

 
$
9

 
$
8

 
$
21

Reinsurance ceded
—

 
(89
)
 
(177
)
 
(318
)
Net policyholder benefits and claims
$
—

 
$
(80
)
 
$
(169
)
 
$
(297
)
Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance with former MetLife affiliates included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Assumed
 
Ceded
 
Assumed
 
Ceded
 
(In millions)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
18

 
$
3,410

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other policy-related balances
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1,674

 
$
—

Other liabilities
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
30

 
$
401


61
Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
12. Related Party Transactions (continued)

The Company cedes risks to MLIC related to guaranteed minimum benefits written directly by the Company. The ceded reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives and changes in the estimated fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivatives associated with the cessions are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and were $0 and $2 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were $0 and less than ($1) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and ($1) million and ($264) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.
In May 2017, the Company recaptured from MLIC risks related to multiple life products ceded under yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements. This recapture resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $214 million and a decrease in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables of $189 million. The Company recognized a gain of $17 million, net of income tax, as a result of this reinsurance termination.
In January 2017, the Company executed a novation and assignment of a reinsurance agreements under which MLIC reinsured certain variable annuities, including guaranteed minimum benefits, issued by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY (“BHNY”) and New England Life Insurance Company (“NELICO”). As a result of the novation and assignment, the reinsurance agreement is now between Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and BHNY and NELICO. The transaction is treated as a termination of the existing reinsurance agreement with recognition of a loss and a new reinsurance agreement with no recognition of a gain or loss. The transaction resulted in an increase in other liabilities of $274 million. The Company recognized a loss of $178 million, net of income tax, as a result of this transaction.
In January 2017, MLIC recaptured risks related to guaranteed minimum benefits written by MLIC that were reinsured by the Company. This recapture resulted in a decrease in investments and cash and cash equivalents of $568 million, a decrease in future policy benefits of $106 million, and a decrease in policyholder account balances of $460 million. In June 2017, there was an adjustment to the recapture amounts of this transaction, which resulted in an increase in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables of $140 million at June 30, 2017. The Company recognized a gain of $89 million, net of income tax, as a result of this transaction.
Financing Arrangements
Prior to the Separation, the Company had collateral financing arrangements with MetLife that were used to support reinsurance obligations arising under previously affiliated reinsurance agreements. The Company recognized interest expense for such arrangements of $0 and $55 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. These arrangements were terminated in April 2017.
Investment Transactions
In the ordinary course of business, the Company had previously transferred invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from former affiliates. See Note 4 for further discussion of the related party investment transactions.
Shared Services and Overhead Allocations
MetLife provides the Company certain services, which include, but are not limited to, treasury, financial planning and analysis, legal, human resources, tax planning, internal audit, financial reporting, and information technology. The Company is charged for these services through a transition services agreement and allocated to the legal entities and products within the Company. When specific identification to a particular legal entity and/or product is not practicable, an allocation methodology based on various performance measures or activity-based costing, such as sales, new policies/contracts issued, reserves, and in-force policy counts is used. The bases for such charges are modified and adjusted by management when necessary or appropriate to reflect fairly and equitably the actual incidence of cost incurred by the Company and/or affiliate. Management believes that the methods used to allocate expenses under these arrangements are reasonable. Costs incurred with MetLife prior to the MetLife Divestiture under these arrangements, that were considered related party expenses, were $0 and $186 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $101 million and $296 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and were recorded in other expenses.

62

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

63

Introduction
For purposes of this discussion, “Brighthouse,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. a corporation incorporated in Delaware in 2016, and its subsidiaries. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. was formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”). Following this summary is a discussion addressing the consolidated results of operations and financial condition of the Company for the periods indicated. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with (i) the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere herein; (ii) our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 16, 2018 (the “2017 Annual Report”); (iii) our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 (the “First Quarter Form 10-Q”) filed with the SEC on May 9, 2018; (iv) our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 (the “Second Quarter Form 10-Q”) filed with the SEC on August 7, 2018; and (v) our current reports on Form 8-K filed in 2018.
The term “Separation” refers to the separation of MetLife’s former Brighthouse Financial segment from MetLife’s other businesses and the creation of a separate, publicly traded company, Brighthouse Financial, Inc., to hold the assets (including the equity interests of certain former MetLife subsidiaries) and liabilities associated with MetLife’s former Brighthouse Financial segment from and after the Distribution; the term “Distribution” refers to the distribution on August 4, 2017 of 96,776,670, or 80.8%, of the 119,773,106 shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution date by MetLife, Inc. to shareholders of MetLife, Inc. as of the record date for the Distribution. The term “MetLife Divestiture” refers to the disposition by MetLife, Inc. on June 14, 2018 of all its remaining shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock. Effective with the MetLife Divestiture, MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates are no longer considered related parties to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
Presentation
Prior to discussing our Results of Operations, we present background information and definitions that we believe are useful to understanding the discussion of our financial results. This information precedes the Results of Operations and is most beneficial when read in the sequence presented. A summary of key informational sections is as follows:
•
“Executive Summary” contains the following sub-sections:
•
“Overview” provides information regarding our business, segments and results as discussed in the Results of Operations.
•
“Background” presents details of the Company’s legal entity structure.
•
“Industry Trends” discusses updates and changes to a number of trends and uncertainties included in the 2017 Annual Report that we believe may materially affect our future financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
•
“Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” explains the most critical estimates and judgments applied in determining our GAAP results.
•
“Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures” defines key financial measures presented in the Results of Operations that are not calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) but are used by management in evaluating company and segment performance. As described in this section, adjusted earnings is presented by key business activities which are derived from, but different than, the line items presented in the GAAP statement of operations. This section also refers to certain other terms used to describe our insurance business and financial and operating metrics, but is not intended to be exhaustive.
Certain amounts presented in prior periods within the foregoing discussions of our financial results have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

64

Executive Summary
Overview
We are a major provider of annuity products and life insurance in the United States through multiple independent distribution channels and marketing arrangements with a diverse network of distribution partners.
For operating purposes, we have established three segments: (i) Annuities, (ii) Life and (iii) Run-off, which consists of operations relating to products we are not actively selling and which are separately managed. In addition, we report certain of our results of operations not included in the segments in Corporate & Other.
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Executive Summary — Overview,” and “Business — Segments and Corporate & Other” included in the 2017 Annual Report along with Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on our segments and Corporate & Other.
The table below presents a summary of our net income (loss) available to shareholders and adjusted earnings. For a detailed discussion of our results see “— Results of Operations.”
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In millions)
Net income (loss) available to shareholders before provision for income tax
$
(370
)
 
$
(124
)
 
$
(803
)
 
$
(393
)
Less: Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
(99
)
 
819

 
(226
)
 
653

Net income (loss) available to shareholders
$
(271
)
 
$
(943
)
 
$
(577
)
 
$
(1,046
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
$
312

 
$
504

 
$
819

 
$
1,322

Less: Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
42

 
1,180

 
113

 
1,394

Adjusted earnings
$
270

 
$
(676
)
 
$
706

 
$
(72
)
For the three months ended September 30, 2018, we had a net loss available to shareholders of $271 million and adjusted earnings of $270 million, compared to a net loss available to shareholders of $943 million and adjusted earnings of ($676) million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The net loss available to shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was driven primarily by net derivative losses resulting from changes in connection with the annual actuarial review in our variable annuity business, as well as market impacts on our structured annuities, embedded derivatives and freestanding interest rate derivatives. The net loss available to shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2017 resulted from a non-cash tax charge in connection with the Separation. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we had a net loss available to shareholders of $577 million and adjusted earnings of $706 million, compared to a net loss available to shareholders of $1.0 billion and adjusted earnings of ($72) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The net loss available to shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was driven primarily by net derivative losses resulting from changes in connection with the annual actuarial review in our variable annuity business as well as market impacts on our structured annuities, embedded derivatives and freestanding interest rate derivatives. The net loss available to shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 resulted primarily from a non-cash tax charge in connection with the Separation combined with equity hedge losses in our variable annuity exposure management program from higher equity markets.
See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the adoption of new accounting pronouncements in 2018.
Background
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of Brighthouse for the periods indicated. In addition to Brighthouse Financial, Inc., the companies and businesses included in the results of operations, financial condition and cash flows are:
•
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “BLIC”), formerly MetLife Insurance Company USA, our largest insurance operating entity, domiciled in Delaware and licensed to write business in 49 states;

65

•
New England Life Insurance Company (“NELICO”), domiciled in Massachusetts and licensed to write business in all 50 states;
•
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY (“BHNY”), formerly First MetLife Investors Insurance Company, domiciled in New York and licensed to write business in New York, which is a subsidiary of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company;
•
Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware (“BRCD”), our single reinsurance company licensed in Delaware, which is a subsidiary of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company;
•
Brighthouse Investment Advisers, LLC, formerly MetLife Advisers, LLC, serving as investment advisor to certain proprietary mutual funds that are underlying investments under our and MetLife’s variable insurance products;
•
Brighthouse Services, LLC, an internal services and payroll company;
•
Brighthouse Securities, LLC, registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC, approved as a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and registered as a broker-dealer and licensed as an insurance agency in all required states; and
•
Brighthouse Holdings, LLC (“BH Holdings”), a wholly-owned holding company subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc., domiciled in Delaware.
Industry Trends
Throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, we discuss a number of trends and uncertainties that we believe may materially affect our future financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Where these trends or uncertainties are specific to a particular aspect of our business, we often include such a discussion under the relevant caption of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as part of our broader analysis of that area of our business. Refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Industry Trends and Uncertainties” included in the 2017 Annual Report, as amended or supplemented by such information in the First Quarter Form 10-Q and the Second Quarter Form 10-Q in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Industry Trends”, for a comprehensive discussion of some of the key general trends and uncertainties that have influenced the development of our business and our historical financial performance and that we believe will continue to influence our business and results of operations in the future. In addition, significant changes or updates in certain of these trends and uncertainties are discussed below.
Variable Annuity Capital Reform
We currently support our variable annuity contracts with assets which are $2.0 billion to $3.0 billion in excess of the amount of assets required under CTE95 (defined as the amount of assets required to satisfy contract holder obligations across market environments in the average of the worst five percent of 1,000 capital market scenarios over the life of the contracts (“CTE95”)); see “Business — Risk Management Strategies — Variable Annuity Statutory Reserving Requirements and Exposure Management” in our 2017 Annual Report. At September 30, 2018, we had in excess of $600 million of assets above CTE98 (defined as the amount of assets required to satisfy contract holder obligations across market environments in the average of the worst two percent of 1,000 capital market scenarios over the life of the contracts (“CTE98”)) to support our variable annuity contracts.
On August 7, 2018, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the “NAIC”) approved the framework for variable annuity reserve and capital reform, which includes modifications to the calculation of risk-based capital (“RBC”). Various NAIC committees will now begin the process of clarifying certain implementation guidelines. The effective date of the reform is January 1, 2020. For capital management purposes and our CTE95 and CTE98 calculations, we have incorporated the new framework, including the equity and interest rate scenarios and behavioral assumptions, in our 2018 annual actuarial review process in the third quarter of 2018. We expect to continue to support our variable annuity contracts with assets which are $2.0 billion to $3.0 billion in excess of the amount of assets required under CTE95, which we expect will be above CTE98. For statutory reporting purposes, we will incorporate the new framework when permitted, which is expected to be either in 2019 through early adoption or by the effective date in 2020. It is not possible at this time to predict the extent to which the new framework would impact the effectiveness and design of our risk mitigation and hedging programs, and our historical estimates of the sensitivity of our variable annuity cash flows to capital market changes do not reflect the impact of variable annuity capital reform or the reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate pursuant to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Industry Trends — Regulatory Developments — NAIC” in the Second Quarter 10-Q.

66

Changes in Accounting Standards
Our financial statements are subject to the application of GAAP, which is periodically revised by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).
The FASB exposed several proposed amendments to the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts in 2016, and on August 15, 2018 issued a final accounting standards update (“ASU”) effective January 1, 2021. The ASU will result in significant changes to the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts, including a requirement for all guarantees associated with our variable annuity business to be measured at fair value. The Company is in the early stages of evaluating the new guidance and therefore is unable to estimate the impact to its financial statements. The ASU could result in a material adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and results of operations, including our net income.
Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The most critical estimates include those used in determining:
(i)
liabilities for future policy benefits;
(ii)
accounting for reinsurance;
(iii)
capitalization and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and the establishment and amortization of value of business acquired (“VOBA”);
(iv)
estimated fair values of investments in the absence of quoted market values;
(v)
investment impairments;
(vi)
estimated fair values of freestanding derivatives and the recognition and estimated fair value of embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation;
(vii)
measurement of income taxes and the valuation of deferred tax assets; and
(viii)
liabilities for litigation and regulatory matters.
In applying our accounting policies, we make subjective and complex judgments that frequently require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to our business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
The above critical accounting estimates are described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” and Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report.
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures
Our definitions of the non-GAAP and other financial measures may differ from those used by other companies.
Non-GAAP Financial Disclosures
Adjusted Earnings
In this report, we present adjusted earnings, which excludes net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, as a measure of our performance that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that this non-GAAP financial measure highlights our results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of our business, as well as enhances the understanding of our performance by the investor community. However, adjusted earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders, which is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. See “— Results of Operations” for a reconciliation of adjusted earnings to net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders.
Adjusted earnings, which may be positive or negative, is used by management to evaluate performance, allocate resources and facilitate comparisons to industry results. This financial measure focuses on our primary businesses principally by excluding (i) the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends, and (ii) businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by us, referred to as divested businesses.

67

The following are significant items excluded from total revenues, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings:
•
Net investment gains (losses);
•
Net derivative gains (losses) except earned income on derivatives and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment (“Investment Hedge Adjustments”); and
•
Amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”) fees (“GMIB Fees”).
The following are significant items excluded from total expenses, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings:
•
Amounts associated with benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”);
•
Amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets and market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”); and
•
Amortization of DAC and VOBA related to (i) net investment gains (losses), (ii) net derivative gains (losses), (iii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs and (iv) Market Value Adjustments.
The tax impact of the adjustments mentioned is calculated net of the U.S. statutory tax rate, which could differ from our effective tax rate.
We present adjusted earnings in a manner consistent with management’s view of the primary business activities that drive the profitability of our core businesses. The following table illustrates how each component of adjusted earnings is calculated from the GAAP statement of operations line items:
Component of Adjusted Earnings
How Derived from GAAP (1)
(i)
Fee income
(i)
Universal life and investment-type policy fees (excluding (a) unearned revenue adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and (b) GMIB Fees) plus Other revenues (excluding other revenues associated with related party reinsurance) and amortization of deferred gain on reinsurance.
(ii)
Net investment spread
(ii)
Net investment income (excluding securitization entities income) plus Investment Hedge Adjustments and interest received on ceded fixed annuity reinsurance deposit funds reduced by Interest credited to policyholder account balances and interest on future policy benefits.
(iii)
Insurance-related activities
(iii)
Premiums less Policyholder benefits and claims (excluding (a) GMIB Costs, (b) Market Value Adjustments, (c) interest on future policy benefits and (d) amortization of deferred gain on reinsurance) plus the pass through of performance of ceded separate account assets.
(iv)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
(iv)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA (excluding amounts related to (a) net investment gains (losses), (b) net derivative gains (losses), (c) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs and (d) Market Value Adjustments).
(v)
Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization
(v)
Other expenses reduced by capitalization of DAC and securitization entities expense.
(vi)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
(vi)
Tax impact of the above items.
______________
(1) Italicized items indicate GAAP statement of operations line items.
Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, adjusted earnings is also our GAAP measure of segment performance. Accordingly, we report adjusted earnings by segment in Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Adjusted Net Investment Income
We present adjusted net investment income, which is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. We present adjusted net investment income to measure our performance for management purposes, and we believe it enhances the understanding of our investment portfolio results. Adjusted net investment income represents net investment income including investment hedge adjustments and excluding the incremental net investment income of consolidated securitization entities (“CSEs”). For a reconciliation of adjusted net investment income to net investment income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure,

68

please see footnote 3 to the summary yield table located in “— Investments — Current Environment — Investment Portfolio Results.”
Other Financial Disclosures
The following additional information is relevant to an understanding of our performance results:
•
We sometimes refer to sales activity for various products. Statistical sales information for life sales are calculated using the LIMRA (Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association) definition of sales for core direct sales, excluding company-sponsored internal exchanges, corporate-owned life insurance, bank-owned life insurance, and private placement variable universal life insurance. Annuity sales consist of 10% of direct statutory premiums, excluding company sponsored internal exchanges. These sales statistics do not correspond to revenues under GAAP, but are used as relevant measures of business activity.
•
Allocated equity is the portion of common stockholders’ equity that management allocated to each of its segments prior to 2018. See “— Segment Capital” and Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
•
Similar to adjusted net investment income, we present net investment income yields as a performance measure we believe enhances the understanding of our investment portfolio results. Net investment income yields are calculated on adjusted net investment income as a percent of average quarterly asset carrying values. Asset carrying values exclude unrealized gains (losses), collateral received in connection with our securities lending program, freestanding derivative assets, collateral received from derivative counterparties and the effects of consolidating under GAAP certain variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that are treated as CSEs.
Segment Capital
Beginning in the first quarter of 2018, we changed the methodology for how capital is allocated to segments and, in some cases, products. Segment investment and capitalization targets are now based on statutory oriented risk principles and metrics. Segment invested assets backing liabilities are based on net statutory liabilities plus excess capital. For our variable annuity business, the excess capital held is based on the target statutory total asset requirement consistent with our variable annuity risk management strategy discussed in the 2017 Annual Report. For insurance businesses other than variable annuities, excess capital held is based on a percentage of required statutory RBC. Assets in excess of those allocated to the segments, if any, are held in Corporate & Other. Segment net investment income reflects the performance of each segment’s respective invested assets.
We refer to this change in methodology as the “Portfolio Realignment.” While this change had no effect on our consolidated net income (loss) or adjusted earnings, it did, and we expect will continue to, impact segment results. Prior period segment results were not recast for this change in methodology as the inventory of assets has changed over time. Therefore, it is not reasonably possible to replicate the asset transfers as of prior periods and estimating such would not provide a meaningful comparison. In the future, management will evaluate, on a periodic basis, the excess capital held by each segment and may rebalance or move capital between segments based on market changes or changes in our statutory metrics.
Previously, invested assets held in the segments were based on net GAAP liabilities. Excess capital was retained in Corporate & Other and allocated to segments based on an internally developed statistics based capital model intended to capture the material risks to which we were exposed (referred to as “allocated equity”). Surplus assets in excess of the combined allocations to the segments were held in Corporate & Other with net investment income being credited back to the segments at a predetermined rate. Any excess or shortfall in net investment income from surplus assets was recognized in Corporate & Other.
Management is responsible for the periodic review and enhancement of the capital allocation model to ensure it remains consistent with the Company’s overall objectives and emerging industry practices.

69

Results of Operations
Annual Actuarial Review
Generally, in the third quarter of each year we conduct an annual actuarial review (“AAR”). As a result of the 2017 AAR related to our variable annuity business, we made certain changes to policyholder behavior, harmonized models and assumptions between GAAP and statutory and reflected Brighthouse specific variables after the completion of the Separation from our former parent.
The 2018 AAR for our variable annuity business reflected the alignment to the statutory variable annuity capital reform framework. See “— Industry Trends — Variable Annuity Capital Reform.” These changes included lower lapse and utilization assumptions, consistent with updated Brighthouse policyholder experience and industry participants, as well as updates to the equity market scenario generator as reflected in the framework. We also updated the tax rate to reflect the statutory rate change due to the Tax Act. In our life business, we updated assumptions related to market returns, policyholder behavior and expenses.
The following table presents the impact on pre-tax adjusted earnings and net income (loss) before provision for income tax from the AAR’s for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The impact related to guaranteed minimum living benefits (“GMLBs”) is included in net income (loss), but is not included in pre-tax adjusted earnings. See “— Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures.”
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In millions)
GMLBs
 
$
(226
)
 
$
(329
)
Included in pre-tax adjusted earnings:
 
 
 
 
Other annuity business
 
195

 
218

Life business
 
15

 
(28
)
Run-off
 
(24
)
 
43

Total included in pre-tax adjusted earnings
 
186

 
233

Total impact on net income (loss) available to common shareholders
 
$
(40
)
 
$
(96
)

70

Consolidated Results for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Business Overview. We continue to evaluate our product offerings with the goal to provide new products that are simpler, more transparent and provide value to our advisors, clients and shareholders. New business efforts in both 2017 and 2018 centered on the sale of our suite of structured annuities consisting of products marketed under various names (collectively, “Shield Annuities”), which increased 33% and 38% compared to the three and nine months ending September 30, 2017, respectively. In addition, as part of our distribution agreement with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”), we launched a new fixed index annuity product in the second half of 2017.
Unless otherwise noted, all amounts in the following discussions of our results of operations are stated before income tax except for adjusted earnings, which are presented net of income tax.
 
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In millions)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums
 
$
225

 
$
236

 
$
677

 
$
630

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
 
972

 
1,025

 
2,936

 
2,935

Net investment income
 
853

 
761

 
2,476

 
2,309

Other revenues
 
105

 
93

 
308

 
329

Net investment gains (losses)
 
(42
)
 
21

 
(121
)
 
(34
)
Net derivative gains (losses)
 
(691
)
 
(164
)
 
(1,337
)
 
(1,207
)
Total revenues
 
1,422

 
1,972

 
4,939

 
4,962

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder benefits and claims
 
822

 
1,083

 
2,373

 
2,732

Interest credited to policyholder account balances
 
273

 
279

 
809

 
838

Capitalization of DAC
 
(83
)
 
(72
)
 
(235
)
 
(187
)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
 
30

 
123

 
581

 
(4
)
Interest expense on debt
 
43

 
34

 
113

 
116

Other expenses
 
705

 
649

 
2,096

 
1,860

Total expenses
 
1,790

 
2,096

 
5,737

 
5,355

Income (loss) before provision for income tax
 
(368
)
 
(124
)
 
(798
)
 
(393
)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
(99
)
 
819

 
(226
)
 
653

Net income (loss)
 
(269
)
 
(943
)
 
(572
)
 
(1,046
)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
2

 
—

 
5

 
—

Net income (loss) available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common shareholders
 
$
(271
)
 
$
(943
)
 
$
(577
)
 
$
(1,046
)

71

The table below shows the components of net income (loss) available to shareholders, in addition to pre-tax adjusted earnings.
 
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In millions)
GMLB Riders
 
$
(585
)
 
$
(641
)
 
$
(1,008
)
 
$
(1,507
)
Other derivative instruments
 
(60
)
 
(30
)
 
(539
)
 
(137
)
Net investment gains (losses)
 
(42
)
 
21

 
(121
)
 
(34
)
Other adjustments
 
5

 
22

 
46

 
(37
)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
312

 
504

 
819

 
1,322

Net income (loss) available to shareholders before provision for income tax
 
(370
)
 
(124
)
 
(803
)
 
(393
)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
(99
)
 
819

 
(226
)
 
653

Net income (loss) available to shareholders
 
$
(271
)
 
$
(943
)
 
$
(577
)
 
$
(1,046
)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. We had a higher pre-tax net loss in the current period of $246 million, driven primarily by a decline in pre-tax adjusted earnings, as well as unfavorable changes in net investment gains (losses) and other derivative instruments. These changes were partially offset by favorable changes in GMLB Riders. Our net loss was lower by $672 million primarily due to a non-cash tax charge in connection with the Separation recognized in the prior period.
GMLB Riders. Results from GMLB Riders reflect (i) changes in the carrying value of GMLB liabilities, including GMIBs, GMWBs, and guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”); (ii) changes in the fair value of the hedges and reinsurance of GMLB liabilities; (iii) the fees earned from GMLB liabilities; and (iv) the related DAC and VOBA amortization offsets to certain of the preceding components (collectively, “GMLB Riders”).
GMLB Riders had a favorable impact on comparative results of $56 million as favorable changes from the hedging program and DAC offsets were partially offset by unfavorable changes in the GMLB liabilities. For a detailed discussion of GMLB Riders, see “— GMLB Riders — Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017.”
Other Derivative Instruments. We have other derivative instruments, in addition to the hedges and embedded derivatives included in GMLB Riders, for which changes in fair value are recognized in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in the fair value of other derivative instruments had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $30 million.
Freestanding Derivatives. Changes in the fair value of freestanding derivatives had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $30 million, primarily due to the impact of changes in interest rates on the fair value of our interest rate swaps.
Embedded Derivatives. Embedded derivatives were largely unchanged compared to the prior period.
Net Investment Gains (Losses). Net investment gains (losses) had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $63 million, primarily due to current period net losses on sales of U.S. Treasuries due to portfolio repositioning actions.
Other Adjustments. Other adjustments to determine adjusted earnings had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $17 million, primarily due to lower policyholder benefits and claims resulting from the adjustment for market performance related to participating products in our Run-off segment.
Pre-tax Adjusted Earnings. Pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, decreased $192 million (increased $946 million, net of income tax) for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the prior period. Adjusted earnings are discussed in greater detail below.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $99 million, or 27% of net income (loss) available to shareholders before provision for income tax, compared to income tax expense of $819 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Our effective tax rates typically differ from the U.S. statutory rates primarily due to the impacts of the dividend received deductions and utilization of tax credits. The inclusion of the non-cash tax charge in connection with the Separation recognized in the prior period resulted in an effective tax rate percentage that is not meaningful for comparison purposes and accordingly has not been included.

72

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. We had a higher pre-tax loss in the current period of $410 million, driven primarily by (i) a decline in pre-tax adjusted earnings, (ii) net unfavorable changes in other derivative instruments and (iii) unfavorable net investment losses. These changes were partially offset by net favorable changes in GMLB Riders and favorable changes related to market value adjustments for participating products. Our net loss was lower by $469 million, primarily due to a non-cash tax charge in connection with the Separation recognized in the prior period.
GMLB Riders. GMLB Riders had a favorable impact on comparative results of $499 million as favorable changes from the hedging program were partially offset by unfavorable changes in the GMLB Riders liabilities as well as the DAC offsets. For a detailed discussion of GMLB Riders see “— GMLB Riders — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017.”
Other Derivative Instruments. Changes in the fair value of other derivative instruments had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $402 million.
Freestanding Derivatives. Changes in the fair value of freestanding derivatives had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $597 million, primarily due to the impact of changes in interest rates on the fair value of our interest rate swaps.
Embedded Derivatives. Changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives had a favorable impact on comparative results of $195 million, primarily due to unfavorable mark-to-market adjustments in the prior period on our Shield Annuities liabilities from an increase in underlying equity index levels. In connection with the transition to our new variable annuity hedging program, changes in the fair value of the Shield Annuities liabilities are included in the hedging program component of GMLB Riders beginning in the third quarter of 2017 on a prospective basis.
Net Investment Gains (Losses). Net investment gains (losses) had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $87 million, primarily due to higher current period net losses on sales of U.S. Treasuries due to portfolio repositioning actions and higher current period net losses on commercial mortgage loans. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by higher current period net gains on real estate joint ventures and prior period net losses on disposals of other limited partnership interests.
Other Adjustments. Other adjustments to determine adjusted earnings had a favorable impact on comparative results of $83 million, primarily due to lower policyholder benefits and claims resulting from the adjustment for market performance related to participating products in our Run-off segment.
Pre-tax Adjusted Earnings. Pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, decreased $503 million (increased $778 million, net of income tax) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the prior period. Adjusted earnings are discussed in greater detail below.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $226 million, or 28% of net income (loss) available to shareholders before provision for income tax, compared to income tax expense of $653 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Our effective tax rates typically differ from the U.S. statutory rates primarily due to the impacts of the dividend received deductions and utilization of tax credits. The inclusion of the non-cash tax charge in connection with the Separation recognized in the prior period resulted in an effective tax rate percentage that is not meaningful for comparison purposes and accordingly has not been included.

73

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Available to Shareholders to Adjusted Earnings
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
Annuities
 
Life
 
Run-off
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
 
 
(In millions)
Net income (loss) available to shareholders
 
$
(196
)
 
$
46

 
$
(51
)
 
$
(70
)
 
$
(271
)
Add: Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
62

 
18

 
(125
)
 
(54
)
 
(99
)
Net income (loss) available to shareholders before provision for income tax
 
(134
)
 
64

 
(176
)
 
(124
)
 
(370
)
Less: GMLB Riders
 
(585
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(585
)
Less: Other derivative instruments
 
12

 
5

 
(77
)
 
—

 
(60
)
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
 
(48
)
 
(18
)
 
28

 
(4
)
 
(42
)
Less: Other adjustments
 
—

 
(1
)
 
7

 
(1
)
 
5

Pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
487

 
78

 
(134
)
 
(119
)
 
312

Less: Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
86

 
17

 
(29
)
 
(32
)
 
42

Adjusted earnings
 
$
401

 
$
61

 
$
(105
)
 
$
(87
)
 
$
270

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Annuities
 
Life
 
Run-off
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
 
 
(In millions)
Net income (loss) available to shareholders
 
$
(64
)
 
$
1

 
$
88

 
$
(968
)
 
$
(943
)
Add: Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
(94
)
 
(14
)
 
40

 
887

 
819

Net income (loss) available to shareholders before provision for income tax
 
(158
)
 
(13
)

128


(81
)
 
(124
)
Less: GMLB Riders
 
(641
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(641
)
Less: Other derivative instruments
 
(13
)
 
(9
)
 
(2
)
 
(6
)
 
(30
)
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
 
12

 
4

 
12

 
(7
)
 
21

Less: Other adjustments
 
(4
)
 
—

 
(1
)
 
27

 
22

Pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
488

 
(8
)
 
119

 
(95
)
 
504

Less: Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
133

 
(14
)
 
36

 
1,025

 
1,180

Adjusted earnings
 
$
355

 
$
6

 
$
83

 
$
(1,120
)
 
$
(676
)











74

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
Annuities
 
Life
 
Run-off
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
 
 
(In millions)
Net income (loss) available to shareholders
 
$
(245
)
 
$
132

 
$
(309
)
 
$
(155
)
 
$
(577
)
Add: Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
146

 
53

 
(241
)
 
(184
)
 
(226
)
Net income (loss) available to shareholders before provision for income tax
 
(99
)
 
185

 
(550
)
 
(339
)
 
(803
)
Less: GMLB Riders
 
(1,008
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,008
)
Less: Other derivative instruments
 
26

 
(8
)
 
(556
)
 
(1
)
 
(539
)
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
 
(144
)
 
(11
)
 
40

 
(6
)
 
(121
)
Less: Other adjustments
 
2

 
(1
)
 
45

 
—

 
46

Pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
1,025

 
205

 
(79
)
 
(332
)
 
819

Less: Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
177

 
41

 
(18
)
 
(87
)
 
113

Adjusted earnings
 
$
848

 
$
164

 
$
(61
)
 
$
(245
)
 
$
706

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Annuities
 
Life
 
Run-off
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
 
 
(In millions)
Net income (loss) available to shareholders
 
$
(329
)
 
$
4

 
$
162

 
$
(883
)
 
$
(1,046
)
Add: Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
(310
)
 
(12
)
 
76

 
899

 
653

Net income (loss) available to shareholders before provision for income tax
 
(639
)
 
(8
)
 
238

 
16

 
(393
)
Less: GMLB Riders
 
(1,507
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,507
)
Less: Other derivative instruments
 
(227
)
 
(3
)
 
(21
)
 
114

 
(137
)
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
 
3

 
(5
)
 
1

 
(33
)
 
(34
)
Less: Other adjustments
 
(19
)
 
—

 
(14
)
 
(4
)
 
(37
)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
1,111

 
—

 
272

 
(61
)
 
1,322

Less: Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
302

 
(11
)
 
88

 
1,015

 
1,394

Adjusted earnings
 
$
809

 
$
11

 
$
184

 
$
(1,076
)
 
$
(72
)

75

Consolidated Results for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 — Adjusted Earnings
The following table presents the components of adjusted earnings:
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In millions)
Fee income
$
1,014

 
$
1,050

 
$
3,040

 
$
3,052

Net investment spread
363

 
299

 
1,037

 
984

Insurance-related activities
(349
)
 
(292
)
 
(899
)
 
(739
)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
(53
)
 
86

 
(380
)
 
(189
)
Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization
(661
)
 
(639
)
 
(1,974
)
 
(1,786
)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
2

 
—

 
5

 
—

Pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
312

 
504

 
819

 
1,322

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
42

 
1,180

 
113

 
1,394

Adjusted earnings
$
270

 
$
(676
)
 
$
706

 
$
(72
)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. Adjusted earnings increased $946 million, due to lower income tax expenses and higher net investment spread. These increases were partially offset by (i) higher amortization of DAC and VOBA, (ii) higher costs from insurance-related activities and (iii) lower fee income.
Fee Income. Fee income decreased $36 million, primarily due to the unfavorable impacts from the AAR in our Life and Run-off segments, partially offset by the favorable impact of lower ceded fees in our Run-off segment.
Net Investment Spread. Net investment spread increased $64 million, primarily due to (i) repositioning a portion of our portfolio into higher yielding assets, (ii) higher interest rates and (iii) an increase in average invested assets resulting from positive net flows in the general account. This increase was partially offset by lower derivatives income driven by the termination of interest rate swaps.
Insurance-Related Activities. Net costs from insurance-related activities increased $57 million, primarily due to net unfavorable impacts from the recapture of reinsurance agreements in our Run-off and Life segments, as well as net unfavorable underwriting in our universal life with secondary guarantees (“ULSG”) business. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by lower reserves in our Annuity segment resulting from the AAR.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA. Amortization of DAC and VOBA had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $139 million as higher amortization in our Annuities segment was partially offset by lower amortization in our Life segment, both of which resulted from the AAR.
Other Expenses, Net of DAC Capitalization. Expenses increased $22 million, as higher expenses in Corporate & Other and our Annuities segment were partially offset by lower expenses in our Run-off segment.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $42 million, or 13% of pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, compared to $1.2 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2017. In 2018, our effective tax rate reflects the impact of the Tax Act, which lowered the U.S. statutory rate however reduced the tax benefit for the dividend received deductions. In the prior period, we recognized a $1.1 billion non-cash tax charge in connection with the Separation. We also recognized a tax benefit in the prior period of $39 million related to the dividend received deductions and tax credits, as well as a downward adjustment of reserves by $19 million. These adjustments resulted in an effective tax rate percentage that is not meaningful for comparison purposes and accordingly has not been included.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. Adjusted earnings increased $778 million, primarily due to lower income tax expenses and higher net investment spread. These favorable items were partially offset by (i) higher amortization of DAC and VOBA, (ii) higher expenses and (iii) higher costs from insurance-related activities.
Fee Income. Fee income was lower by $12 million, primarily due to decreases in our Annuities segment. Net decreases in our Life segment were mostly offset by increases in our Run-off segment and Corporate & Other.

76


Net Investment Spread. Net investment spread increased $53 million, primarily from the repositioning of the investment portfolio into higher yielding assets and higher average invested assets resulting from positive net flows in the general account. These increases were partially offset by lower derivatives income driven by the termination of interest rate swaps.
Insurance-Related Activities. Net costs from insurance-related activities increased $160 million, as increases in our Run-off segment were partially offset by decreased net costs in our Annuities and Life segments.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA. Amortization of DAC and VOBA had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $191 million as higher amortization in our Annuities segment was partially offset by lower amortization in our Life segment, both of which resulted from the AAR.
Other Expenses, Net of DAC Capitalization. Expenses increased $188 million, as higher expenses in Corporate & Other and our Annuities segment were partially offset by lower expenses in our Run-off segment.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $113 million, or 14% of pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, compared to $1.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. In 2018, our effective tax rate reflects the impact of the Tax Act, which lowered the U.S. statutory rate however reduced the tax benefit for the dividend received deductions. In the prior period, we recognized a $1.1 billion non-cash tax charge in connection with the Separation. We also recognized a tax benefit in the prior period of $117 million related to the dividend received deductions and tax credits, as well as a downward adjustment of reserves by $17 million. These adjustments resulted in an effective tax rate percentage that is not meaningful for comparison purposes and accordingly has not been included.

77

Segments and Corporate & Other Results for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 — Adjusted Earnings
Annuities
The following table presents the components of adjusted earnings for our Annuities segment:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In millions)
Fee income
 
$
715

 
$
719

 
$
2,166

 
$
2,178

Net investment spread
 
204

 
114

 
565

 
363

Insurance-related activities
 
17

 
(174
)
 
(157
)
 
(309
)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
 
(40
)
 
228

 
(307
)
 
22

Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization
 
(409
)
 
(399
)
 
(1,242
)
 
(1,143
)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings
 
487

 
488

 
1,025

 
1,111

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
86

 
133

 
177

 
302

Adjusted earnings
 
$
401

 
$
355

 
$
848

 
$
809

A significant portion of our adjusted earnings is driven by separate account balances related to our variable annuity business. Most directly, these balances determine asset-based fee income but they also impact DAC amortization and asset-based commissions. Separate account balances are driven by sales, market movements, withdrawals, surrenders, benefit payments, policy charges and transfers. Below is a rollforward of our variable annuities separate account balances. Variable annuities separate account balances decreased for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 driven by negative net flows and policy charges, partially offset by increases from equity market performance.
 
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
104,649

 
$
107,603

 
$
109,888

 
$
104,855

Deposits
 
340

 
272

 
994

 
964

Withdrawals, surrenders and contract benefits
 
(2,596
)
 
(2,221
)
 
(7,863
)
 
(7,096
)
Net flows
 
(2,256
)
 
(1,949
)
 
(6,869
)
 
(6,132
)
Investment performance
 
2,908

 
3,833

 
3,700

 
12,035

Policy charges
 
(667
)
 
(682
)
 
(1,971
)
 
(1,986
)
Net transfers from (to) general account
 
(59
)
 
(76
)
 
(173
)
 
(43
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
104,575

 
$
108,729

 
$
104,575

 
$
108,729

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average balance
 
$
105,208

 
$
108,121

 
$
106,869

 
$
106,918

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. Adjusted earnings increased $46 million, primarily driven by (i) lower net costs from insurance-related activities, (ii) higher net investment spread and (iii) lower income tax expense. These favorable items were partially offset by higher amortization of DAC and VOBA.
Fee Income. Fee income decreased slightly due to lower asset-based fees, consistent with the decrease in average separate account balances, largely offset by the impact from an unfavorable AAR adjustment to unearned revenue in the prior period.
Net Investment Spread. Net investment spread increased $90 million, primarily driven by (i) the net impact from the Portfolio Realignment, (ii) the repositioning of a portion of our portfolio into higher yielding assets, (iii) higher income on other limited partnership interests as a result of equity market performance and (iv) higher average invested assets resulting from positive net flows in the general account.

78

Insurance-Related Activities. Net costs from insurance-related activities decreased $191 million, primarily due to a $258 million favorable change from lower GMDB costs driven by a decrease in liability balances resulting from the AAR. This decrease was partially offset by $68 million from a less favorable adjustment to deferred sales inducements from the AAR in the current period than in the prior period.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA. Higher DAC and VOBA amortization had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $268 million, primarily due to less favorable changes from the AAR in the current period than the prior period.
Other Expenses, Net of DAC Capitalization. Expenses increased $10 million, primarily due to a favorable adjustment recognized in the prior period related to the reallocation of corporate branding costs to Corporate & Other as well as higher operating costs as a result of being a stand-alone company.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $86 million, or 18% of pre-tax adjusted earnings, compared to $133 million, or 27% of pre-tax adjusted earnings, for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Our effective tax rates in both periods differ from the U.S. statutory rates primarily due to the impacts of the dividend received deductions.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. Adjusted earnings increased $39 million, primarily due to higher net investment spread and lower costs of insurance-related activities, partially offset by higher amortization of DAC and VOBA and higher expenses.
Fee Income. Fee income decreased $12 million, primarily due to a favorable adjustment recognized in the prior period related to the recapture of certain ceded and assumed variable annuity reinsurance agreements as well as lower asset-based fees in the current period resulting from lower average separate account balances. These decreases were partially offset by lower unfavorable impacts from AAR adjustments to unearned revenue in the current period than in the prior period.
Net Investment Spread. Net investment spread increased $202 million, primarily due to higher net investment income driven by (i) the net impact from the Portfolio Realignment, (ii) the repositioning of a portion of our portfolio into higher yielding assets, (iii) higher income on other limited partnership interests as a result of equity market performance and (iv) higher average invested assets resulting from positive net flows in the general account. These increases were partially offset by lower income on derivatives as a result of the termination of certain interest rate swaps.
Insurance-Related Activities. Net costs from insurance-related activities decreased $152 million, primarily due to a $215 million favorable change from lower GMDB costs driven by a decrease in liability balances resulting from the AAR. This decrease was partially offset by a less favorable impact of $75 million from the AAR affecting deferred sales inducements.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA. Higher DAC and VOBA amortization had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $329 million, primarily due to less favorable changes from the AAR in the current period than the prior period.
Other Expenses, Net of DAC Capitalization. Expenses increased $99 million, primarily due to higher operating costs as a result of being a stand-alone company and an increase in pass-through variable annuity expenses, partially offset by the impact of expenses incurred in the prior period related to reinsurance recapture activity. With respect to the pass-through variable annuity expenses, we had an increase of $79 million driven by Separation related changes to arrangements with third parties impacting the recognition of pass-through investment management and revenue sharing fees, most of which is offset in fee income.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $177 million, or 17% of pre-tax adjusted earnings, compared to $302 million, or 27% of pre-tax adjusted earnings, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Our effective tax rates in both periods differ from the U.S. statutory rates primarily due to the impacts of the dividend received deductions.

79

Life
The following table presents the components of adjusted earnings for our Life segment:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In millions)
Fee income
 
$
79

 
$
136

 
$
259

 
$
313

Net investment spread
 
56

 
25

 
154

 
80

Insurance-related activities
 
13

 
25

 
51

 
4

Amortization of DAC and VOBA
 
(8
)
 
(138
)
 
(60
)
 
(190
)
Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization
 
(62
)
 
(56
)
 
(199
)
 
(207
)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings
 
78

 
(8
)
 
205

 
—

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
17

 
(14
)
 
41

 
(11
)
Adjusted earnings
 
$
61

 
$
6

 
$
164

 
$
11

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. Adjusted earnings increased $55 million, primarily due to lower amortization of DAC and VOBA and higher net investment spread, partially offset by lower fee income.
Fee Income. Fee income decreased $57 million, primarily from changes to assumptions regarding mortality and maintenance expenses in connection with the AAR.
Net Investment Spread. Net investment spread increased $31 million, primarily driven by an increase in income on fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans due to the Portfolio Realignment.
Insurance-Related Activities. Insurance-related activities had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $12 million, primarily due to net unfavorable underwriting experience as a result of reinsurance recapture activity.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA. Lower amortization of DAC and VOBA had a favorable impact on comparative results of $130 million, primarily from changes in assumptions regarding mortality and maintenance expenses in connection with the AAR.
Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization. Expenses increased $6 million primarily due to a favorable adjustment recognized in the prior period related to the reallocation of corporate branding costs to Corporate & Other.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $17 million, or 22% of adjusted earnings before provision for income tax, compared to a benefit of $14 million, or 175% of adjusted earnings before provision for income tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Our effective tax rates typically differ from the U.S. statutory rates primarily due to the impacts of the dividend received deductions.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. Adjusted earnings increased $153 million, primarily due to (i) lower amortization of DAC and VOBA, (ii) higher net investment spread and (iii) favorable changes in insurance-related activities. These increases were partially offset by lower fee income.
Fee Income. Fee income decreased $54 million, primarily from favorable impacts recognized in the prior period related to changes in assumptions regarding mortality and maintenance expenses in connection with the AAR. This decrease was partially offset by lower ceded fees resulting from the recapture of various reinsurance agreements in both 2017 and 2018.
Net Investment Spread. Net investment spread increased $74 million, primarily driven by the Portfolio Realignment, which led to an increase in income on fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans.
Insurance-Related Activities. Insurance-related activities had a favorable impact on comparative results of $47 million, primarily due to the ongoing impacts in the current period from the yearly renewable term reinsurance recapture (the “YRT Recapture”) which occurred in the prior period, partially offset by net unfavorable mortality in the current period.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA. Amortization of DAC and VOBA had a favorable impact on comparative results of $130 million, primarily due to favorable adjustments recognized in the current period, compared to unfavorable adjustments

80

recognized in the prior period, related to changes in assumptions regarding mortality and maintenance expenses in connection with the AAR.
Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization. Expenses decreased $8 million, primarily due to a charge recognized in the prior period for deferred marketing allowances and the exit in the current period of various transition services agreements with MetLife. These decreases were partially offset by the higher costs as a result of being a stand-alone company.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $41 million, or 20% of adjusted earnings before provision for income tax, compared to a benefit of $11 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Our effective tax rates typically differ from the U.S. statutory rates primarily due to the impacts of the dividend received deductions.
Run-off
The following table presents the components of adjusted earnings for our Run-off segment:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In millions)
Fee income
 
$
214

 
$
199

 
$
616

 
$
571

Net investment spread
 
87

 
125

 
280

 
382

Insurance-related activities
 
(389
)
 
(150
)
 
(820
)
 
(467
)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(6
)
Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization
 
(46
)
 
(55
)
 
(155
)
 
(208
)
Pre-tax adjusted earnings
 
(134
)
 
119

 
(79
)
 
272

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
(29
)
 
36

 
(18
)
 
88

Adjusted earnings
 
$
(105
)
 
$
83

 
$
(61
)
 
$
184

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. Adjusted earnings decreased $188 million, primarily due to higher net costs from insurance-related activities combined with lower net investment spread, partially offset by lower expenses and higher fee income.
Fee Income. Fee income increased $15 million, primarily due to lower ceded fees as a result of the recapture of various reinsurance agreements in 2017 and 2018. This increase was partially offset by the impact from favorable changes recognized in the prior period related to assumptions regarding mortality and maintenance expenses in connection with the AAR.
Net Investment Spread. Net investment spread decreased $38 million, primarily driven by the Portfolio Realignment and lower income on derivatives from the termination of certain interest rates swaps. These decreases were partially offset by higher income on other limited partnership interests resulting from an improvement in equity market performance.
Insurance-Related Activities. Net costs from insurance-related activities increased $239 million, primarily due to
•
$208 million unfavorable impact to life insurance reserves, mainly from the recapture of reinsurance agreements in the current period; and
•
$46 million net unfavorable change related to assumptions regarding long-term asset growth rates, premium persistency, mortality and maintenance expenses in connection with the AAR; partially offset by
•
$17 million favorable mortality experience driven by lower net benefit costs in the current year.
Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization. Expenses decreased $9 million, primarily due to lower costs related to reinsurance financing arrangements that were terminated in the second quarter of 2017.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $29 million, or 22% of pre-tax adjusted earnings, compared to income tax expense of $36 million, or 30% of pre-tax adjusted earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Our effective tax rates typically differ from the U.S. statutory rates primarily due to the impacts of the dividend received deductions.

81

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. Adjusted earnings decreased $245 million primarily due to higher net costs from insurance-related activities and lower net investment spread. These decreases were partially offset by (i) lower expenses, (ii) higher fee income and (iii) lower income taxes.
Fee Income. Fee income increased $45 million, primarily due to lower ceded fees as a result of the recapture of various reinsurance agreements in 2017 and 2018. This increase was partially offset by the impact from a favorable adjustment recognized in the prior period from changes to assumptions regarding mortality and maintenance expenses in connection with the AAR.
Net Investment Spread. Net investment spread decreased $102 million, primarily due to (i) the Portfolio Realignment, (ii) lower income on derivatives from the termination of certain interest rates swaps and (iii) lower income from our securities lending program, resulting from a reduction in program size and lower margins due to the impact of a flatter yield curve. These decreases were partially offset by higher income on other limited partnership interests driven by an improvement in equity market performance.
Insurance-Related Activities. Net costs from insurance-related activities increased $353 million, primarily due to:
•
$164 million unfavorable impact to life insurance reserves, mainly from the recapture of reinsurance treaties in the current period;
•
$132 million unfavorable mortality experience driven by higher net benefit costs in the current year; and
•
$46 million net unfavorable change related to assumptions regarding long-term asset growth rates, premium persistency, mortality and maintenance expenses in connection with the AAR.
Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization. Expenses decreased $53 million, primarily due to (i) lower costs related to reinsurance financing arrangements that were terminated in the second quarter of 2017, (ii) allocation changes between segments and (iii) lower commissions.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $18 million, or 23% of pre-tax adjusted earnings, compared to an income tax expense of $88 million, or 32% of pre-tax adjusted earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Our effective tax rates typically differ from the U.S. statutory rates primarily due to the impacts of the dividend received deductions.
Corporate & Other
The following table presents the components of adjusted earnings for Corporate & Other:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In millions)
Fee income
 
$
6

 
$
(4
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(10
)
Net investment spread
 
16

 
35

 
38

 
159

Insurance-related activities
 
10

 
7

 
27

 
33

Amortization of DAC and VOBA
 
(5
)
 
(4
)
 
(13
)
 
(15
)
Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization
 
(144
)
 
(129
)
 
(378
)
 
(228
)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
2

 
—

 
5

 
—

Pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(119
)
 
(95
)
 
(332
)
 
(61
)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
(32
)
 
1,025

 
(87
)
 
1,015

Adjusted earnings
 
$
(87
)
 
$
(1,120
)
 
$
(245
)
 
$
(1,076
)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. Adjusted earnings increased $1.0 billion, primarily due to a non-cash tax charge in connection with the Separation recognized in the prior period.
Fee Income. Fee income increased $10 million, primarily driven by a benefit in the current period related to Separation-related tax agreements with MetLife which was recognized in other revenue.
Net Investment Spread. Net investment spread decreased $19 million, primarily driven by the Portfolio Realignment.

82

Other Expenses, Net of DAC Capitalization. Expenses increased $15 million, primarily due to higher establishment costs related to planned technology and branding investments. These increases were partially offset by an additional charge recognized in the prior period from changes in the allocation of branding costs.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $32 million, or 27% of pre-tax adjusted earnings less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, compared to a income tax expense of $1.0 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2017. In the prior period we recognized a $1.1 billion non-cash tax charge in connection the Separation and an additional tax charge of $8 million related to tax credits, as well as a downward adjustment of reserves by $20 million. These adjustments resulted in an effective tax rate percentage that is not meaningful for comparison purposes and accordingly has not been included.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. Adjusted earnings increased $831 million, primarily due to a non-cash tax charge in connection with the Separation recognized in the prior period.
Fee Income. Fee income increased $9 million, primarily driven by a benefit in the current period related to Separation related tax agreements with MetLife which was recognized in other revenue.
Net Investment Spread. Net investment spread decreased $121 million, primarily driven by the Portfolio Realignment combined with lower income on derivatives from the termination of interest rate swaps.
Other Expenses, Net of DAC Capitalization. Expenses increased $150 million, primarily due to higher establishment costs related to planned technology and branding investments, as well as higher interest on debt which was issued in the second quarter of 2017. These increases were partially offset by a charge in the prior period related to the sale of MPCG to MassMutual and lower letter of credit fees.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $87 million, or 26% of pre-tax adjusted earnings less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, compared to income tax expense of $1.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Our effective tax rates typically differ from the U.S. statutory rates primarily due to the utilization of tax credits. In the prior period, we recognized a $1.1 billion non-cash tax charge in connection with the Separation and an additional tax charge of $20 million related to tax credits, as well as a downward adjustment of reserves by $17 million. These adjustments resulted in an effective tax rate percentage that is not meaningful for comparison purposes and accordingly has not been included.

83

GMLB Riders
The following table presents the overall impact to income (loss) available to shareholders before provision for income tax from the performance of GMLB Riders, which includes (i) changes in carrying value of the GAAP liabilities, (ii) the mark-to-market of hedges and reinsurance, (iii) fees, and (iv) associated DAC offsets:
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In millions)
Directly Written Liabilities (1)
$
(220
)
 
$
146

 
$
92

 
$
407

Assumed Reinsurance Liabilities
—

 
—

 
—

 
1

Total Liabilities
(220
)
 
146

 
92

 
408

Hedging Program (2)
(591
)
 
(787
)
 
(1,472
)
 
(2,595
)
Ceded Reinsurance
(17
)
 
(22
)
 
(61
)
 
(176
)
Total Hedging Program and Reinsurance
(608
)
 
(809
)
 
(1,533
)
 
(2,771
)
Directly Written Fees
222

 
227

 
641

 
647

Assumed Reinsurance Fees
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total Fees (3)
222

 
227

 
641

 
647

GMLB Riders before DAC Offsets
(606
)
 
(436
)
 
(800
)
 
(1,716
)
DAC Offsets
21

 
(205
)
 
(208
)
 
209

Total GMLB Riders
$
(585
)
 
$
(641
)
 
$
(1,008
)
 
$
(1,507
)
______________
(1)
Includes changes in fair value of the Shield Annuities embedded derivatives of ($462) million and ($531) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and ($142) million for both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017.
(2)
Certain hedges of GMIB insurance liabilities were historically reported in policyholder benefits and claims. Amounts reported in policyholder benefits and claims were ($57) million and ($324) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Consistent with the hedge strategy now focused on a statutory target, with less emphasis on matching GAAP liabilities, all hedge program amounts are recorded in net derivative gains (losses) beginning in 2018.
(3)
Excludes living benefit fees, included as a component of adjusted earnings, of $18 million and $53 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $18 million and $54 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Comparative results from GMLB Riders, before provision for income tax, were favorable by $56 million. Of this amount, an unfavorable change of $620 million was recorded in net derivative gains (losses).
GMLB Riders Liabilities. The change in the carrying value of GMLB Riders liabilities resulted in an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $366 million, primarily due to unfavorable changes from (i) an increase in reserves from the AAR recognized in the current period, compared to a decrease in the prior period, (ii) an unfavorable change in the fair value of our Shield Annuities embedded derivatives and (iii) a charge for non-performance risk, net of risk margins, in the current period. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by favorable changes in equity markets and interest rates.
GMLB Riders Hedging Program and Reinsurance. The change in the fair value of GMLB Riders hedging program and reinsurance had a favorable impact on comparative results of $201 million, primarily due to relative changes in equity markets and interest rates.
GMLB Riders Fees. Fees from GMLB Riders were unchanged.
DAC Offsets. DAC offsets, which are inversely related to the changes in certain components of GMLB Riders discussed above, resulted in a favorable impact on comparative results of $226 million.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Comparative results from GMLB Riders, before provision for income tax, were favorable by $499 million. Of this amount, a favorable change of $237 million was recorded in net derivative gains (losses).

84

GMLB Riders Liabilities. The change in the carrying value of GMLB Riders liabilities resulted in an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $316 million, primarily due to unfavorable changes from an increase in reserves from the AAR recognized in the current period, compared to a decrease in the prior period, as well as an unfavorable change in the fair value of our Shield Annuities embedded derivatives. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by favorable changes in equity markets and interest rates.
GMLB Riders Hedging Program and Reinsurance. The change in the fair value of GMLB Riders hedging program and reinsurance had a favorable impact on comparative results of $1.2 billion, primarily due to favorable changes from relative changes in equity markets and interest rates as well as a net charge recognized in the prior period in connection with the recapture of certain ceded and assumed variable annuity insurance agreements.
GMLB Riders Fees. Fees from GMLB Riders were largely unchanged.
DAC Offsets. DAC offsets, which are inversely related to the changes in certain components of GMLB Riders liabilities discussed above, resulted in an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $417 million.

85

Investments
Investment Risks
Our primary investment objective is to optimize risk-adjusted net investment income and risk-adjusted total return while appropriately matching assets and liabilities. In addition, the investment process is designed to ensure that the portfolio has an appropriate level of liquidity, quality and diversification.
We are exposed to the following primary sources of investment risks:
•
credit risk, relating to the uncertainty associated with the continued ability of a given obligor to make timely payments of principal and interest;
•
interest rate risk, relating to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in market interest rates. Changes in market interest rates will impact the net unrealized gain or loss position of our fixed income investment portfolio and the rates of return we receive on both new funds invested and reinvestment of existing funds;
•
market valuation risk, relating to the variability in the estimated fair value of investments associated with changes in market factors such as credit spreads and equity market levels. A widening of credit spreads will adversely impact the net unrealized gain (loss) position of the fixed income investment portfolio, will increase losses associated with credit-based non-qualifying derivatives where we assume credit exposure, and, if credit spreads widen significantly or for an extended period of time, will likely result in higher other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). Credit spread tightening will reduce net investment income associated with new purchases of fixed maturity securities and will favorably impact the net unrealized gain (loss) position of the fixed income investment portfolio;
•
liquidity risk, relating to the diminished ability to sell certain investments, in times of strained market conditions;
•
real estate risk, relating to commercial, agricultural and residential real estate, and stemming from factors, which include, but are not limited to, market conditions, including the demand and supply of leasable commercial space, creditworthiness of borrowers and their tenants and joint venture partners, capital markets volatility and inherent interest rate movements; and
•
currency risk, relating to the variability in currency exchange rates for foreign denominated investments.
We manage these risks through asset-type allocation and industry and issuer diversification. Risk limits are also used to promote diversification by asset sector, avoid concentrations in any single issuer and limit overall aggregate credit and equity risk exposure. Real estate risk is managed through geographic and property type and product type diversification. We manage interest rate risk as part of our Asset Liability Management (“ALM”) strategies. Product design, such as the use of market value adjustment features and surrender charges, is also utilized to manage interest rate risk. These strategies include maintaining an investment portfolio with diversified maturities that targets a weighted average duration that reflects the duration of our estimated liability cash flow profile. For certain of our liability portfolios, it is not possible to invest assets to the full liability duration, thereby creating some asset/liability mismatch. We also use certain derivatives in the management of currency, credit, interest rate, and equity market risks.
Current Environment
Our business and results of operations are materially affected by conditions in capital markets and the economy, generally. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Industry Trends and Uncertainties — Financial and Economic Environment” included in the 2017 Annual Report.
As a U.S. insurance company, we are affected by the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Board in the United States. The Federal Open Market Committee has increased the federal funds rate six times since the start of 2017. The Federal Reserve may take further actions to influence interest rates in the future, which may have an impact on the pricing levels of risk-bearing investments and may adversely impact the level of product sales. We are also affected by the monetary policy of central banks around the world due to the diversification of our investment portfolio.
Investment Portfolio Results
The following summary yield table presents the yield and net investment income for our investment portfolio for the periods indicated. As described below, this table reflects certain differences from the presentation of net investment income presented in the GAAP statement of operations. This summary yield table presentation is consistent with how we measure our investment performance for management purposes, and we believe it enhances understanding of our investment portfolio results.

86

 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
Yield%
(1)
 
Amount
 
Yield%
(1)
 
Amount
 
Yield% (1)
 
Amount
 
Yield% (1)
 
Amount
 
(Dollars in millions)
Investment income
4.67
 %
 
$
883

 
4.47
 %
 
$
806

 
4.62
 %
 
$
2,576

 
4.64
 %
 
$
2,511

Investment fees and expenses
(0.17
)
 
(31
)
 
(0.15
)
 
(26
)
 
(0.16
)
 
(87
)
 
(0.15
)
 
(81
)
Adjusted net investment income (2), (3)
4.50
 %
 
$
852

 
4.32
 %
 
$
780

 
4.46
 %
 
$
2,489

 
4.49
 %
 
$
2,430

______________ 
(1)
Yields are calculated as investment income as a percent of average quarterly asset carrying values. Investment income excludes realized gains and losses and reflects the adjustments presented in footnote (3) below to arrive at adjusted net investment income. Asset carrying values exclude unrealized gains (losses), collateral received in connection with our securities lending program, freestanding derivative assets, collateral received from derivative counterparties and the effects of consolidating certain VIEs under GAAP that are treated as CSEs.
(2)
Adjusted net investment income included in yield calculations includes investment hedge adjustments.
(3)
Adjusted net investment income presented in the yield table varies from the most directly comparable GAAP measure due to certain reclassifications and adjustments and excludes the effects of consolidating certain VIEs under GAAP that are treated as CSEs, as presented below.
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In millions)
Net investment income
$
853

 
$
761

 
$
2,476

 
$
2,309

Less: Investment hedge adjustments
(2
)
 
(18
)
 
(13
)
 
(121
)
Less: Incremental net investment income from CSEs
3

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

Adjusted net investment income — in the above yield table
$
852

 
$
780

 
$
2,489

 
$
2,430

See “— Results of Operations — Consolidated Results for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 — Adjusted Earnings” for an analysis of the period over period changes in net investment income.
Fixed Maturity Securities AFS and Equity Securities
The following table presents fixed maturity securities available-for-sale (“AFS”) and equity securities by type (public or private) held at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
% of
Total
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
% of
Total
 
(Dollars in millions)
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Publicly-traded
$
51,030

 
81.9
%
 
$
54,332

 
83.6
%
Privately-placed
11,249

 
18.1

 
10,659

 
16.4

Total fixed maturity securities
$
62,279

 
100.0
%
 
$
64,991

 
100.0
%
Percentage of cash and invested assets
74.6
%
 
 

 
77.2
%
 
 

Equity securities
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Publicly-traded
$
147

 
98.0
%
 
$
156

 
96.9
%
Privately-held
3

 
2.0

 
5

 
3.1

Total equity securities
$
150

 
100.0
%
 
$
161

 
100.0
%
Percentage of cash and invested assets
0.2
%
 
 

 
0.2
%
 
 


87

Valuation of Securities. We engage MetLife Investment Advisors, LLC, which was considered a related party investment manager until the completion of the MetLife Divestiture, to execute on our valuation controls and policies to determine the estimated fair value of our investments. See “— Introduction” for information regarding the MetLife Divestiture. The estimated fair value of publicly-traded securities is determined after considering one of three primary sources of information: quoted market prices in active markets, independent pricing services, or independent broker quotations. The estimated fair value of privately-placed securities is determined after considering one of three primary sources of information: market standard internal matrix pricing, market standard internal discounted cash flow techniques, or independent pricing services (after the independent pricing services’ use of available observable market data is determined). For publicly-traded securities, the number of quotations obtained varies by instrument and depends on the liquidity of the particular instrument. Generally, prices are obtained from multiple pricing services to cover all asset classes and obtain multiple prices for certain securities, but ultimately use the price with the highest placement in the fair value hierarchy. Independent pricing services that value these instruments use market standard valuation methodologies based on data about market transactions and inputs from multiple pricing sources that are market observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the types of market standard valuation methodologies utilized and key assumptions and observable inputs used in applying these standard valuation methodologies. When a price is not available in the active market or through an independent pricing service, the security is priced primarily using non-binding quotations from independent brokers who are knowledgeable about these securities. Independent non-binding broker quotations use inputs that may be difficult to corroborate with observable market data. As shown in the following section, less than 1% of our fixed maturity securities were valued using non-binding quotations from independent brokers at September 30, 2018.
The Company is responsible for monitoring and providing the oversight over the valuation controls and policies, including reviewing and approving new transaction types and markets, for ensuring that observable market prices and market-based parameters are used for valuation, wherever possible, and for determining that valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on our valuation controls and procedures including our formal process to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of estimated fair value.
We have reviewed the significance and observability of inputs used in the valuation methodologies to determine the appropriate fair value hierarchy level for each of our securities. Based on the results of this review and investment class analysis, each instrument is categorized as Level 1, 2 or 3 based on the lowest level significant input to its valuation. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the valuation techniques and inputs by level within the three-level fair value hierarchy by major classes of invested assets.
Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Securities AFS and Equity Securities
Fixed maturity securities AFS and equity securities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value pricing sources are as follows at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
Fixed Maturity
Securities
 
Equity
Securities
 
(Dollars in millions)
Level 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
$
4,072

 
6.5
%
 
$
15

 
10.0
%
Level 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent pricing sources
54,690

 
87.8

 
13

 
8.7

Internal matrix pricing or discounted cash flow techniques
598

 
1.0

 
—

 
—

Significant other observable inputs
55,288

 
88.8

 
13

 
8.7

Level 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent pricing sources
2,430

 
3.9

 
119

 
79.3

Internal matrix pricing or discounted cash flow techniques
346

 
0.6

 
3

 
2.0

Independent broker quotations
143

 
0.2

 
—

 
—

Significant unobservable inputs
2,919

 
4.7

 
122

 
81.3

Total estimated fair value
$
62,279

 
100.0
%
 
$
150

 
100.0
%

88

See Note 6 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the fixed maturity securities AFS and equity securities fair value hierarchy.
The composition of fair value pricing sources for and significant changes in Level 3 securities at September 30, 2018 are as follows:
•
The majority of the Level 3 fixed maturity securities AFS and equity securities were concentrated in three sectors: U.S. and foreign corporate securities and residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”).
•
Level 3 fixed maturity securities are priced principally through market standard valuation methodologies, independent pricing services and, to a much lesser extent, independent non-binding broker quotations using inputs that are not market observable or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 fixed maturity securities consist of less liquid securities with very limited trading activity or where less price transparency exists around the inputs to the valuation methodologies.
•
During the three months ended September 30, 2018, Level 3 fixed maturity securities decreased by $229 million, or 7%. The decrease was driven by net transfers out of Level 3 and a decrease in estimated fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”), partially offset by purchases in excess of sales.
•
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Level 3 fixed maturity securities decreased by $313 million, or 10%. The decrease was driven by net transfers out of Level 3 and a decrease in estimated fair value recognized in OCI, partially offset by purchases in excess of sales.
See Note 6 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a rollforward of the fair value measurements for fixed maturity securities and equity securities AFS measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs; transfers into and/or out of Level 3; and further information about the valuation techniques and inputs by level by major classes of invested assets that affect the amounts reported above.
Fixed Maturity Securities AFS
See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about fixed maturity securities AFS by sector, contractual maturities and continuous gross unrealized losses.
Fixed Maturity Securities Credit Quality — Ratings
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Investments — Fixed Maturity AFS and Equity Securities — Fixed Maturity Securities Credit Quality — Ratings” included in the 2017 Annual Report for a discussion of the credit quality ratings assigned by Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSRO”), credit quality designations assigned by and methodologies used by the Securities Valuation Office of the NAIC for fixed maturity securities and the revised methodologies adopted by the NAIC for certain RMBS, commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”).
The following table presents total fixed maturity securities by NRSRO rating and the applicable NAIC designation from the NAIC published comparison of NRSRO ratings to NAIC designations, except for certain Structured Securities, which are presented using the revised NAIC methodologies, as well as the percentage, based on estimated fair value that each NAIC designation is comprised of at:
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
NAIC
Designation
 
NRSRO Rating
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
% of
Total
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
% of
Total
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
1
 
Aaa/Aa/A
 
$
40,732

 
$
1,451

 
$
42,183

 
67.7
%
 
$
42,098

 
$
3,631

 
$
45,729

 
70.4
%
2
 
Baa
 
17,062

 
135

 
17,197

 
27.6

 
15,137

 
1,113

 
16,250

 
25.0

Subtotal investment grade
 
57,794

 
1,586

 
59,380

 
95.3

 
57,235

 
4,744

 
61,979

 
95.4

3
 
Ba
 
2,029

 
1

 
2,030

 
3.3

 
2,102

 
63

 
2,165

 
3.3

4
 
B
 
850

 
(6
)
 
844

 
1.4

 
799

 
15

 
814

 
1.3

5
 
Caa and lower
 
32

 
(7
)
 
25

 
—

 
31

 
(2
)
 
29

 
—

6
 
In or near default
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
6

 
(2
)
 
4

 
—

Subtotal below investment grade
 
2,911

 
(12
)
 
2,899

 
4.7

 
2,938

 
74

 
3,012

 
4.6

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
60,705

 
$
1,574

 
$
62,279

 
100.0
%
 
$
60,173

 
$
4,818

 
$
64,991

 
100.0
%

89

The following tables present total fixed maturity securities, based on estimated fair value, by sector classification and by NRSRO rating and the applicable NAIC designations from the NAIC published comparison of NRSRO ratings to NAIC designations, except for certain Structured Securities, which are presented using the NAIC methodologies as described above:
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities — by Sector & Credit Quality Rating
NAIC Designation
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
Total
Estimated
Fair Value
NRSRO Rating
 
Aaa/Aa/A
 
Baa
 
Ba
 
B
 
Caa and
Lower
 
In or Near
Default
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. corporate
 
$
10,494

 
$
11,260

 
$
1,416

 
$
746

 
$
19

 
$
—

 
$
23,935

U.S. government and agency
 
10,770

 
180

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
10,950

RMBS
 
8,185

 
101

 
67

 
15

 
6

 
—

 
8,374

Foreign corporate
 
2,055

 
4,750

 
388

 
55

 
—

 
—

 
7,248

State and political subdivision
 
3,966

 
100

 
3

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4,069

CMBS
 
4,288

 
2

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4,290

ABS
 
1,750

 
214

 
43

 
2

 
—

 
—

 
2,009

Foreign government
 
675

 
590

 
113

 
26

 
—

 
—

 
1,404

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
42,183

 
$
17,197

 
$
2,030

 
$
844

 
$
25

 
$
—

 
$
62,279

Percentage of total
 
67.7
%
 
27.6
%
 
3.3
%
 
1.4
%
 
—
%
 
—
%
 
100.0
%
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. corporate
 
$
10,263

 
$
10,548

 
$
1,408

 
$
714

 
$
23

 
$
1

 
$
22,957

U.S. government and agency
 
16,111

 
181

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
16,292

RMBS
 
7,830

 
27

 
102

 
12

 
6

 
—

 
7,977

Foreign corporate
 
1,835

 
4,657

 
483

 
48

 
—

 
—

 
7,023

State and political subdivision
 
4,105

 
70

 
3

 
—

 
—

 
3

 
4,181

CMBS
 
3,423

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,423

ABS
 
1,538

 
258

 
33

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,829

Foreign government
 
624

 
509

 
136

 
40

 
—

 
—

 
1,309

Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
45,729

 
$
16,250

 
$
2,165

 
$
814

 
$
29

 
$
4

 
$
64,991

Percentage of total
 
70.4
%
 
25.0
%
 
3.3
%
 
1.3
%
 
—
%
 
—
%
 
100.0
%

90

U.S. and Foreign Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities
We maintain a diversified portfolio of corporate fixed maturity securities across industries and issuers. This portfolio does not have any exposure to any single issuer in excess of 1% of total investments and the top ten holdings in aggregate comprise 2% of total investments at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The tables below present our U.S. and foreign corporate securities holdings by industry at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
% of
Total
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
% of
Total
 
(Dollars in millions)
Industrial
$
9,648

 
30.9
%
 
$
9,459

 
31.5
%
Consumer
7,424

 
23.8

 
7,213

 
24.1

Finance
6,440

 
20.7

 
5,834

 
19.4

Utility
4,561

 
14.6

 
4,333

 
14.5

Communications
2,297

 
7.4

 
2,338

 
7.8

Other
813

 
2.6

 
803

 
2.7

Total
$
31,183

 
100.0
%
 
$
29,980

 
100.0
%
Structured Securities
We held $14.7 billion and $13.2 billion of Structured Securities, at estimated fair value, at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, as presented in the RMBS, CMBS and ABS sections below.
RMBS
The following table presents our RMBS holdings at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
% of
Total
 
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
% of
Total
 
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)
 
(Dollars in millions)
By security type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
$
4,812

 
57.5
%
 
$
99

 
$
4,623

 
58.0
%
 
$
219

Pass-through securities
3,562

 
42.5

 
(98
)
 
3,354

 
42.0

 
9

Total RMBS
$
8,374

 
100.0
%
 
$
1

 
$
7,977

 
100.0
%
 
$
228

By risk profile:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
$
6,037

 
72.1
%
 
$
(170
)
 
$
5,439

 
68.1
%
 
$
46

Prime
366

 
4.4

 
14

 
333

 
4.2

 
22

Alt-A
1,057

 
12.6

 
99

 
1,185

 
14.9

 
93

Sub-prime
914

 
10.9

 
58

 
1,020

 
12.8

 
67

Total RMBS
$
8,374

 
100.0
%
 
$
1

 
$
7,977

 
100.0
%
 
$
228

Ratings profile:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rated Aaa/AAA
$
6,356

 
75.9
%
 
 
 
$
5,553

 
69.6
%
 
 
Designated NAIC 1
$
8,185

 
97.7
%
 
 
 
$
7,830

 
98.2
%
 
 
Historically, we have managed our exposure to sub-prime RMBS holdings by focusing primarily on senior tranche securities, stress testing the portfolio with severe loss assumptions and closely monitoring the performance of the portfolio. Our sub-prime RMBS portfolio consists predominantly of securities that were purchased after 2012 at significant discounts to par value and discounts to the expected principal recovery value of these securities. The vast majority of these securities are investment grade under the NAIC designations (e.g., NAIC 1 and NAIC 2). The estimated fair value of our sub-prime RMBS holdings purchased since 2012 was $878 million and $976 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, with unrealized gains (losses) of $56 million and $65 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

91

CMBS
Our CMBS holdings are diversified by vintage year. The following tables present our CMBS holdings by rating agency rating and by vintage year at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
Aaa
 
Aa
 
A
 
Baa
 
Below
Investment
Grade
 
Total
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
(Dollars in millions)
2003 — 2010
$
28

 
$
30

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1

 
$
28

 
$
31

2011
262

 
261

 
11

 
11

 
33

 
31

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
306

 
303

2012
62

 
62

 
101

 
99

 
99

 
97

 
3

 
3

 
—

 
—

 
265

 
261

2013
102

 
102

 
122

 
120

 
73

 
72

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
297

 
294

2014
214

 
211

 
261

 
256

 
44

 
43

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
519

 
510

2015
846

 
822

 
162

 
158

 
29

 
29

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,037

 
1,009

2016
448

 
432

 
50

 
48

 
28

 
26

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
526

 
506

2017
569

 
553

 
51

 
49

 
13

 
13

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
633

 
615

2018
728

 
719

 
38

 
38

 
4

 
4

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
770

 
761

Total
$
3,259

 
$
3,192

 
$
796

 
$
779

 
$
323

 
$
315

 
$
3

 
$
3

 
$
—

 
$
1

 
$
4,381

 
$
4,290

Ratings Distribution
 
 
74.4
%
 
 
 
18.2
%
 
 
 
7.3
%
 
 
 
0.1
%
 
 
 
—
%
 
 
 
100.0
%
 
December 31, 2017
 
Aaa
 
Aa
 
A
 
Baa
 
Below
Investment
Grade
 
Total
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
(Dollars in millions)
2003 — 2010
$
28

 
$
31

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
—

 
$
1

 
$
29

 
$
33

2011
270

 
274

 
11

 
11

 
32

 
32

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
313

 
317

2012
88

 
90

 
111

 
112

 
102

 
103

 
2

 
3

 
—

 
—

 
303

 
308

2013
102

 
106

 
143

 
144

 
73

 
73

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
318

 
323

2014
215

 
220

 
285

 
289

 
44

 
45

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
544

 
554

2015
840

 
848

 
184

 
186

 
29

 
30

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,053

 
1,064

2016
430

 
431

 
51

 
49

 
28

 
27

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
509

 
507

2017
251

 
251

 
53

 
53

 
13

 
13

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
317

 
317

Total
$
2,224

 
$
2,251

 
$
838

 
$
844

 
$
321

 
$
323

 
$
3

 
$
4

 
$
—

 
$
1

 
$
3,386

 
$
3,423

Ratings Distribution
 
 
65.8
%
 
 
 
24.7
%
 
 
 
9.4
%
 
 
 
0.1
%
 
 
 
—
%
 
 
 
100.0
%
The tables above reflect rating agency ratings assigned by NRSROs, including Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Global Rating (“S&P”), Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) and Morningstar. CMBS designated NAIC 1 were 100.0% of total CMBS at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

92

ABS
Our ABS are diversified both by collateral type and by issuer. The following table presents our ABS holdings at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
% of
Total
 
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
% of
Total
 
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 
(Dollars in millions)
By collateral type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateralized obligations
$
1,085

 
54.0
%
 
$
1

 
$
819

 
44.8
%
 
$
8

Consumer loans
199

 
9.9

 
—

 
262

 
14.3

 
3

Automobile loans
182

 
9.1

 
(1
)
 
189

 
10.3

 
—

Student loans
188

 
9.4

 
4

 
169

 
9.3

 
4

Credit card loans
1

 
—

 
—

 
101

 
5.5

 
—

Other loans
354

 
17.6

 
(1
)
 
289

 
15.8

 
4

Total
$
2,009

 
100.0
%
 
$
3

 
$
1,829

 
100.0
%
 
$
19

Ratings profile:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rated Aaa/AAA
$
824

 
41.0
%
 
 
 
$
637

 
34.8
%
 
 
Designated NAIC 1
$
1,750

 
87.1
%
 
 
 
$
1,538

 
84.1
%
 
 
Evaluation of Fixed Maturity Securities AFS for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired Fixed Maturity Securities AFS
See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about the evaluation of fixed maturity securities AFS and equity securities for OTTI and evaluation of temporarily impaired AFS securities.
OTTI Losses on Fixed Maturity Securities AFS Recognized in Earnings
See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about OTTI losses and gross gains and gross losses on AFS securities sold.
Overview of Fixed Maturity Security OTTI Losses Recognized in Earnings
There were no impairments of fixed maturity securities for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018. Impairments of fixed maturity securities were $0 and $1 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.
Future Impairments
Future OTTI will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance (including changes in the present value of future cash flows expected to be collected), and changes in credit ratings, collateral valuation, interest rates and credit spreads, as well as a change in our intention to hold or sell a security that is in an unrealized loss position. If economic fundamentals deteriorate or if there are adverse changes in the above factors, OTTI may be incurred in upcoming periods.
Securities Lending
We participate in a securities lending program whereby securities are loaned to third parties, primarily brokerage firms and commercial banks. We obtain collateral, usually cash, in an amount generally equal to 102% of the estimated fair value of the securities loaned, which is obtained at the inception of a loan and maintained at a level greater than or equal to 100% for the duration of the loan. We monitor the estimated fair value of the securities loaned on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained as necessary throughout the duration of the loan. Securities loaned under such transactions may be sold or repledged by the transferee. We are liable to return to our counterparties the cash collateral under our control. Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or repledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected in the financial statements. These transactions are treated as financing arrangements and the associated cash collateral liability is recorded at the amount of the cash received.
See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — The Company — Liquidity and Capital Uses — Securities Lending” and Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding our securities lending program.

93

Mortgage Loans
Our mortgage loans are principally collateralized by commercial, agricultural and residential properties. Mortgage loans and the related valuation allowances are summarized as follows at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of
Total
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
% of
Recorded
Investment
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of
Total
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
% of
Recorded
Investment
 
(Dollars in millions)
Commercial
$
8,405

 
64.7
%
 
$
42

 
0.5
%
 
$
7,260

 
68.0
%
 
$
36

 
0.5
%
Agricultural
2,767

 
21.3
%
 
8

 
0.3
%
 
2,276

 
21.3
%
 
7

 
0.3
%
Residential
1,824

 
14.0
%
 
6

 
0.3
%
 
1,138

 
10.7
%
 
4

 
0.4
%
Total
$
12,996

 
100.0
%
 
$
56

 
0.4
%
 
$
10,674

 
100.0
%
 
$
47

 
0.4
%
The information presented in the tables herein exclude mortgage loans where we elected the fair value option (“FVO”). Such amounts are presented in Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
We diversify our mortgage loan portfolio by both geographic region and property type to reduce the risk of concentration. Of our commercial and agricultural mortgage loan portfolios, at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 96% and 97%, respectively, were collateralized by properties located in the U.S. and the remainder was collateralized by properties located outside of the U.S. The carrying value as a percentage of total commercial and agricultural mortgage loans for the top three states in the U.S. is as follows at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
State
 
 
 
California
25
%
 
24
%
New York
14
%
 
15
%
Texas
8
%
 
9
%
Additionally, we manage risk when originating commercial and agricultural mortgage loans by generally lending up to 75% of the estimated fair value of the underlying real estate collateral.
We manage our residential mortgage loan portfolio in a similar manner to reduce risk of concentration. All residential mortgage loans were collateralized by properties located in the U.S. at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The carrying value as a percentage of total residential mortgage loans for the top three states in the U.S. is as follows at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
State
 
 
 
California
36
%
 
32
%
Florida
10
%
 
13
%
New York
6
%
 
8
%

94

Commercial Mortgage Loans by Geographic Region and Property Type. Commercial mortgage loans are the largest component of the mortgage loan invested asset class. The tables below present the diversification across geographic regions and property types of commercial mortgage loans at:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
(Dollars in millions)
Region
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pacific
$
2,440

 
29.0
%
 
$
1,955

 
26.9
%
Middle Atlantic
1,858

 
22.1

 
1,699

 
23.4

South Atlantic
1,279

 
15.2

 
1,190

 
16.4

West South Central
862

 
10.3

 
777

 
10.7

East North Central
497

 
5.9

 
489

 
6.7

Mountain
400

 
4.8

 
266

 
3.7

International
395

 
4.7

 
323

 
4.5

New England
335

 
4.0

 
220

 
3.0

West North Central
128

 
1.5

 
130

 
1.8

East South Central
48

 
0.6

 
48

 
0.7

Multi-Region and Other
163

 
1.9

 
163

 
2.2

Total recorded investment
8,405

 
100.0
%
 
7,260

 
100.0
%
Less: valuation allowances
42

 
 
 
36

 
 
Carrying value, net of valuation allowances
$
8,363

 
 
 
$
7,224

 
 
Property Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office
$
3,748

 
44.6
%
 
$
3,246

 
44.7
%
Retail
2,011

 
23.9

 
1,933

 
26.7

Apartment
1,439

 
17.1

 
968

 
13.3

Hotel
748

 
8.9

 
683

 
9.4

Industrial
414

 
4.9

 
385

 
5.3

Other
45

 
0.6

 
45

 
0.6

Total recorded investment
8,405

 
100.0
%
 
7,260

 
100.0
%
Less: valuation allowances
42

 
 
 
36

 
 
Carrying value, net of valuation allowances
$
8,363

 
 
 
$
7,224

 
 
Mortgage Loan Credit Quality — Monitoring Process. We monitor our mortgage loan investments on an ongoing basis, including a review of loans that are current, past due, restructured and under foreclosure. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information on mortgage loans by credit quality indicator, past due and nonaccrual mortgage loans, as well as impaired mortgage loans.
We review our commercial mortgage loans on an ongoing basis. These reviews may include an analysis of the property financial statements and rent roll, lease rollover analysis, property inspections, market analysis, estimated valuations of the underlying collateral, loan-to-value ratios, debt service coverage ratios and tenant creditworthiness. The monitoring process focuses on higher risk loans, which include those that are classified as restructured, delinquent or in foreclosure, as well as loans with higher loan-to-value ratios and lower debt service coverage ratios. The monitoring process for agricultural mortgage loans is generally similar, with a focus on higher risk loans, such as loans with higher loan-to-value ratios, including reviews on a geographic and sector basis. We review our residential mortgage loans on an ongoing basis. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report for information on our evaluation of residential mortgage loans and related valuation allowance methodology.
Loan-to-value ratios and debt service coverage ratios are common measures in the assessment of the quality of commercial mortgage loans. Loan-to-value ratios are a common measure in the assessment of the quality of agricultural mortgage loans. Loan-

95

to-value ratios compare the amount of the loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral. A loan-to-value ratio greater than 100% indicates that the loan amount is greater than the collateral value. A loan-to-value ratio of less than 100% indicates an excess of collateral value over the loan amount. Generally, the higher the loan-to-value ratio, the higher the risk of experiencing a credit loss. The debt service coverage ratio compares a property’s net operating income to amounts needed to service the principal and interest due under the loan. Generally, the lower the debt service coverage ratio, the higher the risk of experiencing a credit loss. For our commercial mortgage loans, our average loan-to-value ratio was 52% and 51% at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and our average debt service coverage ratio was 2.3x at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The debt service coverage ratio, as well as the values utilized in calculating the ratio, is updated annually on a rolling basis, with a portion of the portfolio updated each quarter. In addition, the loan-to-value ratio is routinely updated for all but the lowest risk loans as part of our ongoing review of our commercial mortgage loan portfolio. For our agricultural mortgage loans, our average loan-to-value ratio was 46% and 43% at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The values utilized in calculating the agricultural mortgage loan loan-to-value ratio are developed in connection with the ongoing review of the agricultural loan portfolio and are routinely updated.
Mortgage Loan Valuation Allowances. Our valuation allowances are established both on a loan specific basis for those loans considered impaired where a property specific or market specific risk has been identified that could likely result in a future loss, as well as for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics where a property specific or market specific risk has not been identified, but for which we expect to incur a loss. Accordingly, a valuation allowance is provided to absorb these estimated probable credit losses.
The determination of the amount of valuation allowances is based upon our periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with our loan portfolios. Such evaluations and assessments are based upon several factors, including our experience for loan losses, defaults and loss severity, and loss expectations for loans with similar risk characteristics. These evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available, which can cause the valuation allowances to increase or decrease over time as such evaluations are revised. Negative credit migration, including an actual or expected increase in the level of problem loans, will result in an increase in the valuation allowance. Positive credit migration, including an actual or expected decrease in the level of problem loans, will result in a decrease in the valuation allowance.
See Notes 4 and 6 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about how valuation allowances are established and monitored, activity in and balances of the valuation allowance, and the estimated fair value of impaired mortgage loans and related impairments included within net investment gains (losses) at and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.
Real Estate Joint Ventures
Real estate joint ventures is comprised of joint ventures with interests in single property income-producing real estate, and to a lesser extent joint ventures with interests in multi-property projects with varying strategies ranging from the development of properties to the operation of income-producing properties, as well as a runoff portfolio of real estate private equity funds.
The estimated fair value of the real estate joint ventures and wholly owned real estate investment portfolios was $558 million and $594 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Other Limited Partnership Interests
Other limited partnership interests are comprised of private equity funds and hedge funds. The carrying value of other limited partnership interests was $1.8 billion and $1.7 billion at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, which included $102 million and $104 million of hedge funds at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Cash distributions on these investments are generated from investment gains, operating income from the underlying investments of the funds and liquidation of the underlying investments of the funds. We estimate that the underlying investments of the funds will be liquidated over the next 10 to 20 years.

96

Other Invested Assets
The following table presents the carrying value of our other invested assets by type at:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Carrying
Value
 
% of
Total
 
Carrying
Value
 
% of
Total
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values
$
1,856

 
88.4
%
 
$
2,254

 
89.9
%
 
Tax credit and renewable energy partnerships
99

 
4.7

 
103

 
4.1

 
FHLB Stock (1)
64

 
3.1

 
71

 
2.8

 
Leveraged leases, net of non-recourse debt
66

 
3.1

 
66

 
2.6

 
Other
14

 
0.7

 
13

 
0.6

 
Total
$
2,099

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,507

 
100.0
%
__________________
(1)
The Company reclassified Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock in prior periods from equity securities to other invested assets.
Derivatives
Derivative Risks
We are exposed to various risks relating to our ongoing business operations, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, credit and equity market. We use a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivatives. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for:
•
A comprehensive description of the nature of our derivatives, including the strategies for which derivatives are used in managing various risks.
•
Information about the gross notional amount, estimated fair value, and primary underlying risk exposure of our derivatives by type of hedge designation, excluding embedded derivatives, held at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
•
The statement of operations effects of derivatives in cash flow, fair value, or nonqualifying hedge relationships for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.
See “Business — Segments and Corporate & Other — Annuities,” “Business — Risk Management Strategies — ULSG Market Risk Exposure Management” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of Operations — Actuarial Assumption Review” included in the 2017 Annual Report for more information about our use of derivatives by major hedge programs.
Fair Value Hierarchy
See Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value hierarchy.
The valuation of Level 3 derivatives involves the use of significant unobservable inputs and generally requires a higher degree of management judgment or estimation than the valuations of Level 1 and Level 2 derivatives. Although Level 3 inputs are unobservable, management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments and are considered appropriate given the circumstances. The use of different inputs or methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair value of Level 3 derivatives and could materially affect net income.
Derivatives categorized as Level 3 at September 30, 2018 include: credit default swaps priced using unobservable credit spreads, or that are priced through independent broker quotations; equity variance swaps with unobservable volatility inputs; foreign currency swaps with certain unobservable inputs and equity index options with unobservable correlation inputs. The estimated fair value of our derivatives priced through independent broker quotations were less than 1% and 1% at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
See Note 6 of the Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a rollforward of the fair value measurements for derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs.

97

Credit Risk
See Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about how we manage credit risk related to derivatives and for the estimated fair value of our net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral.
Our policy is not to offset the fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. This policy applies to the recognition of derivatives in the balance sheets, and does not affect our legal right of offset.
Credit Derivatives
The following tables present the gross notional amount and estimated fair value of credit default swaps at:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Credit Default Swaps
 
Gross Notional Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Gross Notional
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
(In millions)
Purchased
 
$
86

 
$
2

 
$
65

 
$
(1
)
Written
 
1,894

 
32

 
1,900

 
40

Total
 
$
1,980

 
$
34

 
$
1,965

 
$
39

The maximum amount at risk related to our written credit default swaps is equal to the corresponding gross notional amount. In a replication transaction, we pair an asset on our balance sheet with a written credit default swap to synthetically replicate a corporate bond, a core asset holding of life insurance companies. Replications are entered into in accordance with the guidelines approved by state insurance regulators and the NAIC and are an important tool in managing the overall corporate credit risk within the Company. In order to match our long-dated insurance liabilities, we seek to buy long-dated corporate bonds. In some instances, these may not be readily available in the market, or they may be issued by corporations to which we already have significant corporate credit exposure. For example, by purchasing Treasury bonds (or other high-quality assets) and associating them with written credit default swaps on the desired corporate credit name, we, can replicate the desired bond exposures and meet our ALM needs.
Embedded Derivatives
See Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about the nonperformance risk adjustment included in the valuation of guaranteed minimum benefits accounted for as embedded derivatives.
See Note 6 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about embedded derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding fair value hierarchy.
See Note 6 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a rollforward of the fair value measurements for embedded derivatives measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs.
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates — Derivatives” included in the 2017 Annual Report for further information on the estimates and assumptions that affect embedded derivatives.

98

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
Credit and Committed Facilities
In April 2018, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company entered into a committed repurchase facility (the “Repurchase Facility”) with a financial institution, pursuant to which Brighthouse Life Insurance Company may enter into repurchase transactions in an aggregate amount up to $2.0 billion, in respect of certain eligible securities. The Repurchase Facility has a term of three years, beginning on July 31, 2018 and ending on July 31, 2021.
We maintain a $2.0 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), as well as a $600 million unsecured delayed draw term loan facility (the “2017 Term Loan Facility”). At September 30, 2018, there were no drawdowns under the Revolving Credit Facility and there was $600 million outstanding under the 2017 Term Loan Facility, resulting in unused commitments totaling $2.0 billion in comparison to the maximum capacity of $2.6 billion under these facilities. For the classification of expenses on such credit and committed facilities and the nature of the associated liability for letters of credit issued and drawdowns on these credit and committed facilities, see Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report.
Our reinsurance subsidiary, BRCD, was formed to manage our capital and risk exposures and to support our various operations, through the use of affiliated reinsurance arrangements and related reserve financing. BRCD has a $10.0 billion reinsurance financing arrangement with a pool of highly rated third-party reinsurers. This financing arrangement consists of credit-linked notes that each have a term of 20 years. At September 30, 2018, there were no drawdowns on such notes and there was $9.7 billion of funding available under this financing arrangement.
Collateral for Securities Lending, Repurchase Programs and Derivatives
We have a securities lending program for the purpose of enhancing the total return on our investment portfolio. Periodically we receive non-cash collateral for securities lending from counterparties, which cannot be sold or repledged, and which is not recorded on our balance sheets. The amount of this collateral was $0 million and $29 million at estimated fair value at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as “— Investments — Securities Lending” for discussion of our securities lending program, the classification of revenues and expenses, and the nature of the secured financing arrangement and associated liability.
We enter into derivatives to manage various risks relating to our ongoing business operations. We have non-cash collateral from counterparties for derivatives, which can be sold or repledged subject to certain constraints, and which has not been recorded on our balance sheets. The amount of this non-cash collateral was $155 million and $368 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the earned income on and the gross notional amount, estimated fair value of assets and liabilities and primary underlying risk exposure of our derivatives.
Guarantees
See “Guarantees” in Note 11 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other
Additionally, we enter into commitments in the normal course of business for the purpose of enhancing the total return on our investment portfolio: mortgage loan commitments and commitments to fund partnerships, bank credit facilities and private corporate bond investments. See “Net Investment Income” and “Net Investment Gains (Losses)” in Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the investment income, investment expense, gains and losses from such investments. See also “— Investments — Fixed Maturity AFS and Equity Securities” and “— Investments — Mortgage Loans” for information on our investments in fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans. See “— Investments — Real Estate Joint Ventures” and “— Investments — Other Limited Partnership Interests” for information on our partnership investments.
Other than the commitments disclosed in Note 11 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, there are no other material obligations or liabilities arising from the commitments to fund mortgage loans, partnerships, bank credit facilities, and private corporate bond investments. For further information on commitments to fund partnership investments, mortgage loans, bank credit facilities and private corporate bond investments, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — The Company — Contractual Obligations” included in the 2017 Annual Report.

99

Policyholder Liabilities
We establish, and carry as liabilities, actuarially determined amounts that are calculated to meet policy obligations or to provide for future annuity payments. Amounts for actuarial liabilities are computed and reported in the financial statements in conformity with GAAP. For more details on Policyholder Liabilities, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Policyholder Liabilities” included in the 2017 Annual Report. Except as otherwise discussed below, there have been no material changes to our actuarial liabilities.
Future Policy Benefits
We establish liabilities for amounts payable under insurance policies. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. A discussion of future policy benefits by segment (as well as Corporate & Other) can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Policyholder Liabilities” included in the 2017 Annual Report.
Policyholder Account Balances
Policyholder account balances (“PABs”) are generally equal to the account value, which includes accrued interest credited, but excludes the impact of any applicable charge that may be incurred upon surrender. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. A discussion of PABs by segment (as well as Corporate & Other) can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Policyholder Liabilities” included in the 2017 Annual Report.
Variable Annuity Guarantees
We issue certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits that provide the policyholder a minimum return based on their initial deposit (i.e., the Benefit Base) less withdrawals. In some cases, the Benefit Base may be increased by additional deposits, bonus amounts, accruals or optional market value step-ups. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. See also “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Market Risk - Fair Value Exposures — Interest Rates” and “Business — Segments and Corporate & Other — Annuities — Current Products — Variable Annuities” included in the 2017 Annual Report for additional information.
Select information that management considers relevant to understanding our variable annuity risk management strategy has been included below.
Net Amount at Risk
The net amount at risk (“NAR”) for the GMDB is the amount of death benefit in excess of the account value (if any) at the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim we would incur if death claims were made on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death.
The NAR for the GMWB and GMAB is the amount of guaranteed benefits in excess of the account values (if any) at the balance sheet date. The NAR assumes utilization of benefits by all contract holders at the balance sheet date. For the GMWB benefits, only a small portion of the Benefit Base is available for withdrawal on an annual basis. For the GMAB, the NAR would not be available until the GMAB maturity date.
The NAR for the GMWB with lifetime payments (“GMWB4L”) is the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream based on current annuity rates, equal to the lifetime amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. For contracts where the GMWB4L provides for a guaranteed cumulative dollar amount of payments, the NAR is based on the purchase of a lifetime with period certain income stream where the period certain ensures payment of this cumulative dollar amount. The NAR represents our potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contract holders were to begin lifetime withdrawals on the balance sheet date regardless of age. Only a small portion of the Benefit Base is available for withdrawal on an annual basis.
The NAR for the GMIB is the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents our potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contract holders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the guaranteed amount under the contracts may not be annuitized until after the waiting period of the contract.

100

A detailed description of NAR by type of guaranteed minimum benefit can be found in “Business — Segments and Corporate & Other — Annuities — Net Amount at Risk” included in the 2017 Annual Report.
The account values and NAR of contract owners by type of guaranteed minimum benefit for variable annuity contracts are summarized below at:
 
September 30, 2018 (1)
 
December 31, 2017 (1)
 
Account Value
 
Death Benefit NAR (1)
 
Living Benefit NAR (1)
 
% of Account Value In-the-Money (2)
 
Account Value
 
Death Benefit NAR (1)
 
Living Benefit NAR (1)
 
% of Account Value In-the-Money (2)
 
(Dollars in millions)
GMIB
$
43,932

 
$
2,129

 
$
2,517

 
23.5
%
 
$
46,585

 
$
1,796

 
$
2,641

 
25.0
%
GMIB Max w/ Enhanced DB
12,208

 
2,599

 
4

 
0.4
%
 
13,035

 
1,850

 
1

 
0.1
%
GMIB Max w/o Enhanced DB
7,054

 
8

 
1

 
0.1
%
 
7,490

 
3

 
—

 
<0.1%

GMWB4L (FlexChoiceSM)
2,865

 
4

 
—

 
.7
%
 
2,351

 
—

 
1

 
1.0
%
GMAB
677

 
2

 
2

 
4.0
%
 
695

 
2

 
1

 
0.3
%
GMWB
3,110

 
47

 
13

 
5.8
%
 
3,355

 
46

 
13

 
2.0
%
GMWB4L
16,842

 
77

 
194

 
8.6
%
 
18,026

 
73

 
267

 
13.5
%
EDB Only
3,841

 
591

 
—

 
N/A

 
4,020

 
453

 
—

 
N/A

GMDB Only (Other than EDB)
19,084

 
1,014

 
—

 
N/A

 
19,587

 
1,038

 
—

 
N/A

Total
$
109,613

 
$
6,471

 
$
2,731

 
 
 
$
115,144

 
$
5,261

 
$
2,924

 
 
__________
(1)
The “Death Benefit NAR” and “Living Benefit NAR” are not additive at the contract level.
(2)
In-the-Money is defined as any contract with a living benefit NAR in excess of zero.
Reserves
Under GAAP, certain of our variable annuity guarantee features are accounted for as insurance liabilities and recorded on the balance sheet in future policy benefits with changes reported in policyholder benefits and claims. These liabilities are accounted for using long term assumptions of equity and bond market returns and the level of interest rates. Therefore, these liabilities, valued at $4.4 billion at September 30, 2018, are less sensitive than derivative instruments to periodic changes to equity and fixed income market returns and the level of interest rates. Guarantees accounted for in this manner include GMDBs, as well as the life contingent portion of GMIBs and certain GMWBs. All other variable annuity guarantee features are accounted for as embedded derivatives and recorded on the balance sheet in PABs with changes reported in net derivative gains (losses). These liabilities, valued at $396 million at September 30, 2018, are accounted for at fair value. Guarantees accounted for in this manner include GMABs, GMWBs and the non-life contingent portions of GMIBs. In some cases, a guarantee will have multiple features or options that require separate accounting such that the guarantee is not fully accounted for under only one of the accounting models (known as “split accounting”). Additionally, the index protection and accumulation features of Shield Annuities are accounted for as embedded derivatives, recorded on the balance sheet in PABs with changes reported in net derivative gains (losses) and valued at $1.3 billion at September 30, 2018. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” included in the 2017 Annual Report.

101

The table below presents the GAAP variable annuity reserve balances by guarantee type and accounting model at:
 
Reserves
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Future Policy Benefits
 
Policyholder Account Balances
 
Total Reserves
 
Future Policy Benefits
 
Policyholder Account Balances
 
Total Reserves
 
(In millions)
GMDB
$
1,227

 
$
—

 
$
1,227

 
$
1,163

 
$
—

 
$
1,163

GMIB
2,405

 
989

 
3,394

 
2,310

 
1,416

 
3,726

GMIB Max
473

 
(399
)
 
74

 
399

 
(243
)
 
156

GMAB
—

 
(23
)
 
(23
)
 
—

 
(15
)
 
(15
)
GMWB
—

 
6

 
6

 
—

 
18

 
18

GMWB4L
269

 
(136
)
 
133

 
277

 
30

 
307

GMWB4L (FlexChoiceSM)
—

 
(41
)
 
(41
)
 
—

 
5

 
5

Total
$
4,374

 
$
396

 
$
4,770

 
$
4,149

 
$
1,211

 
$
5,360

Derivatives Hedging Variable Annuity Guarantees
The table below presents the gross notional amount and estimated fair value of the derivatives in our variable annuity hedging program at:
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Primary Underlying Risk Exposure
 
Instrument Type
 
Gross Notional Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Gross Notional Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
Interest Rate
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
12,361

 
$
513

 
$
246

 
$
14,586

 
$
899

 
$
378

 
 
Interest rate futures
 
54

 
—

 
—

 
282

 
1

 
—

 
 
Interest rate options
 
7,150

 
11

 
14

 
20,800

 
68

 
27

Equity Market
 
Equity futures
 
2,215

 
1

 
1

 
2,713

 
15

 
—

 
 
Equity index options
 
49,140

 
847

 
1,653

 
47,066

 
793

 
1,663

 
 
Equity variance swaps
 
9,713

 
143

 
445

 
8,998

 
128

 
430

 
 
Equity total return swaps
 
2,516

 
1

 
63

 
1,767

 
—

 
79

 
 
Total
 
$
83,149

 
$
1,516

 
$
2,422

 
$
96,212

 
$
1,904

 
$
2,577

Period to period changes in the estimated fair value of these hedges affect our net income, as well as stockholders’ equity and these effects can be material in any given period. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — Our variable annuity exposure management strategy may not be effective, may result in net income volatility and may negatively affect our statutory capital” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates,” both included in the 2017 Annual Report.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity refers to our ability to generate adequate cash flows from our normal operations to meet the cash requirements of our operating, investing and financing activities. Capital refers to our long-term financial resources available to support our business operations and contribute to future growth. Our ability to generate and maintain sufficient liquidity and capital depends on the profitability of our businesses, timing of cash flows from investments and products, general economic conditions and access to our credit facilities, repurchase facility and reinsurance financing arrangement, as well as access to the capital markets and the alternate sources of liquidity and capital described herein.

102

Parent Company
Liquidity
In evaluating liquidity, it is important to distinguish the cash flow needs of the parent company, Brighthouse Financial, Inc., from the cash flow needs of the combined group of companies. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. is largely dependent on cash flows from its insurance subsidiaries to meet its obligations. The principal sources of funds available to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. include dividends and returns of capital from its insurance subsidiaries, as well as its own cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. Such funds are paid to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. by BH Holdings, its direct wholly-owned holding company subsidiary. These sources of funds may also be supplemented by alternate sources of liquidity either directly or indirectly through our insurance subsidiaries. For example, we have established internal liquidity facilities to provide liquidity within and across our regulated and non-regulated entities to support our businesses.
Liquid Assets and Short-term Liquidity
An integral part of our liquidity management includes managing our levels of liquid assets and short-term liquidity. Our non-insurance company liquid assets and short-term liquidity are generated primarily through borrowings, as well as through dividends and returns of capital from our insurance subsidiaries, offset by payments for certain services provided from our insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries, which include, but are not limited to, executive oversight, treasury, finance, legal, human resources, tax planning, internal audit, financial reporting, information technology, distribution services and investor relations. Insurance subsidiary dividends are subject to local insurance regulatory requirements, as discussed in “— The Company — Capital — Restrictions on Dividends and Returns of Capital from Insurance Company Subsidiaries.”
Liquid assets and short-term liquidity were made available from the issuance of $375 million of junior subordinated debentures in September 2018 and $3.0 billion of senior notes in June 2017, as well as from drawdowns under the 2017 Term Loan Facility in the third quarter of 2017. In addition, any undrawn capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility, as well as under our collateralized financing arrangements, are potential sources of liquidity. In order to manage our capital more efficiently, we have established internal liquidity facilities to provide liquidity within and across our combined group of companies. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, total obligations outstanding under these internal liquidity facilities were $3 million and $136 million, respectively.
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and certain of its non-insurance subsidiaries had liquid assets of $603 million and $656 million, respectively, of which $534 million and $563 million, respectively, was held by Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Liquid assets include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and publicly-traded securities, excluding assets that are pledged or otherwise committed. Assets pledged or otherwise committed include amounts received in connection with derivatives and collateralized financing arrangements.
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and certain of its non-insurance subsidiaries had short-term liquidity of $371 million and $419 million, respectively. Short-term liquidity includes cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, excluding assets that are pledged or otherwise committed, including amounts received in connection with securities lending, repurchase agreements, derivatives and secured borrowings.
Capital
We expect to maintain adequate liquidity at Brighthouse Financial, Inc., a debt-to-capital ratio of approximately 25% and a funding of $2.0 billion to $3.0 billion of assets in excess of CTE95 to support our variable annuity contracts during normal markets. We monitor our financial leverage ratio based on an average of our key leverage calculations of A.M. Best, Fitch Ratings, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. At September 30, 2018, we had in excess of $600 million of assets above CTE98 to support our variable annuity contracts. We do not expect that our ability to maintain adequate liquidity will be materially affected by the Tax Act, or by the NAIC’s current reform activities related to the statutory framework for variable annuities. See “— Industry Trends — Variable Annuity Capital Reform.”
We may opportunistically look to pursue additional financing over time to reach our targeted debt-to-capital ratio of 25% and to refinance borrowings outstanding under the 2017 Term Loan Facility. Such financing may include the incurrence of term loans or the issuance of debt, equity or hybrid securities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to complete any such financing transactions on terms and conditions favorable to us or at all.
We do not currently pay regular cash dividends on our common stock. Any future declaration and payment of dividends or other distributions of capital will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and depend on and be subject to our financial conditions, results of operations, earnings, cash needs, regulatory and other constraints, capital requirements (including capital requirements of our subsidiaries), contractual restrictions and any other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant in

103

making such a determination. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will pay any dividends or make other distributions on our common stock, or as to the amount of any such dividends or distribution of capital.
See “— The Company — Capital” for a discussion of how we manage our capital for the combined group of companies. See also “— The Company — Primary Uses of Liquidity and Capital — Common Stock Repurchases” for information regarding our common stock repurchase program.
The Company
Sources and Uses of Liquidity and Capital
Our principal sources of liquidity are insurance premiums and annuity considerations, net investment income and proceeds from the maturity and sale of investments. The primary uses of these funds are investing activities, payments of policyholder benefits, commissions and operational expenses, contract maturities, withdrawals and surrenders.
The following table presents a summary of the primary sources and uses of liquidity and capital:
 
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In millions)
Sources:
 
 
 
Operating activities, net
$
1,496

 
$
2,030

Changes in policyholder account balances, net
2,505

 
1,195

Long-term debt issued
375

 
3,589

Cash received from MetLife, Inc. in connection with shareholder’s net investment
—

 
293

Total sources
4,376

 
7,107

Uses:
 
 
 
Investing activities, net
3,469

 
2,554

Changes in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions, net
126

 
2,747

Long-term debt repaid (1)
9

 
10

Collateral financing arrangements repaid
—

 
2,797

Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases
42

 
—

Distribution to MetLife, Inc.
—

 
1,798

Cash paid to MetLife, Inc. in connection with shareholder’s net investment
—

 
668

Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net
386

 
37

Other, net
57

 
26

Total uses
4,089

 
10,637

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
287

 
$
(3,530
)
______________ 
(1)
Represents long-term debt repayments related to CSEs.
Cash Flows from Operations. The principal cash inflows from our insurance activities come from insurance premiums, annuity considerations and net investment income. The principal cash outflows are the result of various life insurance and annuity products, operating expenses and income tax, as well as interest expense. A primary liquidity concern with respect to these cash flows is the risk of early contract holder and policyholder withdrawal.
Cash Flows from Investments. The principal cash inflows from our investment activities come from repayments of principal, proceeds from maturities and sales of investments, as well as settlements of freestanding derivatives. The principal cash outflows relate to purchases of investments and settlements of freestanding derivatives. We typically can have a net cash outflow from investing activities because cash inflows from insurance operations are reinvested in accordance with our ALM discipline to fund insurance liabilities. We closely monitor and manage these risks through our comprehensive investment risk management process. The primary liquidity concerns with respect to these cash flows are the risk of default by debtors and market disruption.
Cash Flows from Financing, The Company. The principal cash inflows from our financing activities come from issuances of debt, deposits of funds associated with PABs and lending of securities. The principal cash outflows come from repayments

104

of debt, withdrawals associated with PABs and the return of securities on loan. The primary liquidity concerns with respect to these cash flows are market disruption and the risk of early contract holder and policyholder withdrawal.
Cash Flows from Financing, Parent Company. The principal cash inflows from parent company financing activities come from issuance of debt and dividends from subsidiaries. The principal cash outflows from parent company financing activities relate to interest expense on and repayments of debt, and payment of dividends on and repurchases of common or preferred stock.
Liquidity
Liquidity Management
Based upon our capitalization, expectations regarding maintaining our ratings, business mix and funding sources available to us, we believe we have sufficient liquidity to meet business requirements under current market conditions and certain stress scenarios. We continuously monitor and adjust our liquidity and capital plans in light of market conditions, as well as changing needs and opportunities.
We determine our liquidity needs based on a rolling 12-month forecast by portfolio of invested assets which we monitor daily. We adjust the general account asset and derivatives mix and general account asset maturities based on this rolling 12-month forecast. To support this forecast, we conduct cash flow and stress testing, which include various scenarios of the potential increase to post or return collateral, reduction to new business sales, and risk of early contract holder and policyholder withdrawals, and lapses and surrenders of existing policies and contracts. We include provisions limiting withdrawal rights on many of our products. Certain of these provisions prevent the customer from making withdrawals prior to the maturity date of the product. In the event of significant cash requirements beyond anticipated liquidity needs, we have various alternatives available depending on market conditions and the amount and timing of the liquidity need. These potential available alternative sources of liquidity include cash flows from operations, sales of liquid assets, internal liquidity facilities, collateralized financing arrangements and any undrawn capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Consolidated Liquid Assets and Short-term Liquidity
Consolidated liquid assets were $33.9 billion and $38.3 billion at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Consolidated short-term liquidity was $1.8 billion and $1.6 billion at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Capital
We manage our capital position to maintain our financial strength and credit ratings. Our capital position will be supported by our ability to generate cash flows within our insurance companies, our ability to effectively manage the risk of our businesses, and our expected ability to borrow funds and raise additional capital to meet operating and growth needs in the event of adverse market and economic conditions.
Capital Management
Our Board of Directors and senior management are directly involved in the governance of the capital management process, including proposed changes to the annual capital plan and capital targets. In connection with the Separation, we undertook various capitalization activities. For example, we have eliminated intercompany financing arrangements with or guaranteed by MetLife. We are targeting a debt-to-total capitalization ratio commensurate with our parent company credit ratings and our insurance subsidiaries’ financial strength ratings.
See “— Primary Uses of Liquidity and Capital — Common Stock Repurchases” for information regarding our common stock repurchase program.
Statutory Capital
Our insurance companies have statutory surplus above the level needed to meet current regulatory requirements.
At the date of the most recent annual statutory financial statements filed with insurance regulators, the total adjusted capital of each of these insurance subsidiaries subject to these requirements was in excess of each of those RBC levels.
Restrictions on Dividends and Returns of Capital from Insurance Subsidiaries
Our business is primarily conducted through our insurance subsidiaries. The insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends and other distributions imposed by the regulators of their respective state domiciles. For more information, see “Business — Regulation — Insurance Regulation — Holding Company Regulation” in our 2017 Annual Report.

105

Any requested payment of dividends by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and NELICO to BH Holdings, or by BHNY to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, in excess of the 2018 limit on the permitted payment of dividends without approval would be considered an extraordinary dividend and would require prior approval from the Delaware Department of Insurance or the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, and the NYDFS, respectively. Statutory accounting practices, as prescribed by insurance regulators of various states in which we conduct business, differ in certain respects from accounting principles used in financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP. The significant differences relate to the treatment of DAC, certain deferred income tax, required investment liabilities, statutory reserve calculation assumptions and surplus notes.
The table below sets forth the dividends permitted to be paid in 2018 by our insurance subsidiaries without insurance regulatory approval and the respective dividends paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Company
 
Paid 
 
Permitted without Approval (1)
 
 
(In millions)
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
 
$
—

 
$
84

New England Life Insurance Company
 
$
—

 
$
65

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY (2)
 
$
—

 
$
21

______________ 
(1)
Reflects dividend amounts that may be paid during 2018 without prior regulatory approval. However, because dividend tests may be based on dividends previously paid over rolling 12-month periods, if paid before a specified date during 2018, some or all of such dividends may require regulatory approval.
(2)
Dividends are not anticipated to be paid by BHNY in 2018.
Brighthouse Financial, Inc. received a $52 million cash distribution from BH Holdings during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. There were no cash distributions or returns of capital paid by our non-insurance subsidiaries for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Rating Agencies
Rating agencies use an “outlook statement” of “positive,” “stable,” ‘‘negative’’ or “developing” to indicate a medium- or long-term trend in credit fundamentals which, if continued, may lead to a rating change. A rating may have a “stable” outlook to indicate that the rating is not expected to change; however, a “stable” rating does not preclude a rating agency from changing a rating at any time, without notice. Certain rating agencies assign rating modifiers such as “CreditWatch” or “under review” to indicate their opinion regarding the potential direction of a rating. These ratings modifiers are generally assigned in connection with certain events such as potential mergers, acquisitions, dispositions or material changes in a company’s results, in order for the rating agency to perform its analysis to fully determine the rating implications of the event.
Information about financial strength ratings and credit ratings can be found in the 2017 Annual Report, as well as on the respective websites of the rating agencies.
Rating agencies may continue to review and adjust our ratings. A downgrade in the credit ratings of Brighthouse Financial, Inc., the parent company, would likely impact us in many ways, including the cost and availability of financing for Brighthouse Financial, Inc., and its subsidiaries. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Downgrades in our financial strength ratings could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations in many ways, including:
•
reducing new sales of insurance products and annuity products;
•
adversely affecting our relationships with independent sales intermediaries;
•
increasing the number or amount of policy surrenders and withdrawals by contract holders and policyholders;
•
requiring us to reduce prices for many of our products and services to remain competitive;
•
providing termination rights for the benefit of our derivative instrument counterparties;
•
triggering termination and recapture rights under certain of our ceded reinsurance agreements;
•
adversely affecting our ability to obtain reinsurance at reasonable prices, if at all;
•
requiring us to post additional collateral under certain of our financing and derivative transactions; and

106

•
subjecting us to potentially increased regulatory scrutiny.
Additionally, downgrades in the credit ratings of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. or financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries would likely impact us in the following ways:
•
impact our ability to generate cash flows from the sale of funding agreements and other capital market products we offer; and
•
impact the cost and availability of financing for Brighthouse.
Primary Sources of Liquidity and Capital
Liquidity is provided by a variety of funding sources, including funding agreements. Capital is provided by a variety of funding sources, including long-term debt, credit facilities and reserve financing facilities. The diversity of our funding sources enhances our funding flexibility, limits dependence on any one market or source of funds and generally lowers the cost of funds. In addition to our senior note and junior subordinated debenture issuances, credit facilities, repurchase facility and reinsurance financing arrangement, our other funding sources include or have included:
Federal Home Loan Bank Funding Agreements, Reported in Policyholder Account Balances
In July 2018, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company became a member of FHLB of Atlanta. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company was previously a member of FHLB of Pittsburgh. At September 30, 2018, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company had obligations outstanding with certain regional banks in the FHLB system. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, there were no issuances, and we repaid $0 and $50 million, respectively, under funding agreements with such regional FHLBs. At both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, total obligations outstanding under these funding agreements were $595 million. Activity related to these funding agreements is reported in the Run-off segment.
Special Purpose Entity Funding Agreements, Reported in Policyholder Account Balances
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company issued fixed and floating rate funding agreements which are denominated in either U.S. dollars or foreign currencies, to certain special purpose entities that have issued either debt securities or commercial paper for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreements. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, there were no issuances and we repaid $6 million during both periods, under such funding agreements. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, total obligations outstanding under these funding agreements were $136 million and $141 million, respectively. Activity related to these funding agreements is reported in the Run-off segment.
Outstanding Debt
The following table summarizes our outstanding debt at:
 
 
Interest Rate
 
Maturity
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
Senior notes (1)
 
3.700%
 
2027
 
$
1,490

 
$
1,489

Senior notes (1)
 
4.700%
 
2047
 
1,477

 
1,477

Term loan
 
LIBOR plus 1.5%
 
2019
 
600

 
600

Junior subordinated debentures (1)
 
6.250%
 
2058
 
361

 
—

Other long-term debt (2)
 
7.028%
 
2030
 
35

 
35

Total long-term debt (3)
 
 
 
 
 
$
3,963

 
$
3,601

_________
(1)
Includes unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discount totaling $46 million and $34 million for senior notes due 2027 and 2047 and junior subordinated debentures due 2058 on a combined basis at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(2)
Represents non-recourse debt for which creditors have no access, subject to customary exceptions, to the general assets of the Company other than recourse to certain investment companies.
(3)
Excludes $3 million and $11 million of long-term debt related to CSEs at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding CSEs.

107

Junior Subordinated Debentures
On September 12, 2018, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. issued $375 million of junior subordinated debentures (the “debentures”) due September 2058, which bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.250%, payable quarterly, subject to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s right to defer interest payments in accordance with the terms of the debentures. The debentures are unsecured obligations and are subordinate and junior in right of payment to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s senior indebtedness.
Credit Facilities
At September 30, 2018, there were no drawdowns under the Revolving Credit Facility and there was $600 million outstanding under the 2017 Term Loan Facility, resulting in unused commitments totaling $2.0 billion in comparison to the maximum capacity of $2.6 billion under these facilities.
Repurchase Facility
In April 2018, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company entered into a committed repurchase facility (the “Repurchase Facility”) with a financial institution, pursuant to which Brighthouse Life Insurance Company may enter into repurchase transactions in an aggregate amount up to $2.0 billion, in respect of certain eligible securities. The Repurchase Facility has a term of three years, beginning on July 31, 2018 and ending on July 31, 2021. Under the Repurchase Facility, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company may sell securities at a purchase price based on the market value of the securities less an applicable margin, with a concurrent agreement to repurchase such securities at a predetermined future date (ranging from two weeks to three months) and at a price which represents the original purchase price plus interest. At September 30, 2018, there were no drawdowns under the Repurchase Facility.
Reinsurance Financing Arrangement
Our reinsurance subsidiary, BRCD, was formed to manage our capital and risk exposures and to support our term and ULSG businesses, through the use of affiliated reinsurance arrangements and related reserve financing. BRCD has a $10.0 billion financing arrangement with a pool of highly rated third-party reinsurers. This financing arrangement consists of credit-linked notes that each have a term of 20 years. At September 30, 2018, there were no drawdowns on such notes and there was $9.7 billion of funding available under this financing arrangement.
BRCD is capitalized with cash and invested assets, including funds withheld (“Minimum Initial Target Assets”) at a level that is sufficient to satisfy its future cash obligations assuming a permanent level yield curve, consistent with NAIC cash flow testing scenarios. BRCD utilizes a financing program to cover the difference between full required statutory assets (i.e., XXX/AXXX reserves plus target risk margin appropriate to meet capital needs) and Minimum Initial Target Assets. An admitted deferred tax asset, if any, would also serve to reduce the amount of funding required under this financing program.
Historically, the assets for the BRCD cash flow testing were aggregated and not allocated to products. As we finalize the movement of our ULSG business from the Life segment to the Run-off segment, we plan to focus more on product level allocations and therefore anticipate that our Minimum Initial Target Assets by product will change. This will have no impact on BRCD in total but could reduce our total ULSG asset requirement target.
Debt and Facility Covenants
The Company’s debt instruments and committed facilities contain certain administrative, reporting and legal covenants. Additionally, the 2017 Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility contain financial covenants, including requirements to maintain a specified minimum consolidated net worth and to maintain a ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization not in excess of a specified percentage, and limitations on the dollar amount of indebtedness that may be incurred by our subsidiaries, which could restrict our operations and use of funds. The Company is not aware of any non-compliance with these financial covenants at September 30, 2018.
Primary Uses of Liquidity and Capital
In addition to the general description of liquidity and capital uses in “— Sources and Uses of Liquidity and Capital,” the following additional information is provided regarding our primary uses of liquidity and capital:
Common Stock Repurchases
On August 5, 2018, Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200 million of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common stock. Repurchases made under such authorization may be made through open market purchases, pursuant to 10b5-1plans, or pursuant to accelerated stock repurchase plans from time to time at management’s discretion in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had repurchased 982,057 shares of its common stock through open market purchases for $42 million.

108

Insurance Liabilities
Liabilities arising from our insurance activities primarily relate to benefit payments under various life insurance products and annuity products, as well as payments for policy surrenders, withdrawals and loans. Surrender or lapse behavior differs somewhat by product, but tends to occur in the normal course of business. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, general account surrenders and withdrawals totaled $1.8 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively, of which $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, were attributable to products within the Annuities segment.
Pledged Collateral
We pledge collateral to, and have collateral pledged to us by, counterparties in connection with our derivatives. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, counterparties were obligated to return cash collateral pledged by us of $0 and $44 million, respectively. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we were obligated to return cash collateral pledged to us by counterparties of $297 million and $379 million, respectively. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about pledged collateral.
We also pledge collateral from time to time in connection with funding agreements.
Securities Lending
We have a securities lending program whereby securities are loaned to third parties, primarily brokerage firms and commercial banks. We obtain collateral, usually cash, from the borrower, which must be returned to the borrower when the loaned securities are returned to us. Under our securities lending program, we were liable for cash collateral under our control of $3.7 billion and $3.8 billion at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Of these amounts, $1.3 billion and $1.6 billion at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, were on open, meaning that the related loaned security could be returned to us on the next business day requiring the immediate return of cash collateral we hold. The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at September 30, 2018 was $1.3 billion, all of which were U.S. government and agency securities which, if put to us, could be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirement. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Litigation
Putative or certified class action litigation and other litigation, and claims and assessments against us, in addition to those discussed elsewhere herein and those otherwise provided for in the financial statements, have arisen in the course of our business, including, but not limited to, in connection with our activities as an insurer, employer, investor, investment advisor, and taxpayer. 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. See Note 11 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
We establish liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. For material matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible but not probable, no accrual is made but we disclose the nature of the contingency and an aggregate estimate of the reasonably possible range of loss in excess of amounts accrued, when such an estimate can be made. It is not possible to predict or determine the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to herein, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material adverse effect upon our financial position, based on information currently known by us, in our opinion, the outcome of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on our combined net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

109

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and other oral or written statements that we make from time to time may contain information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. We have tried, wherever possible, to identify such statements using words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “intend,” “goal,” “target,” “forecast,” “objective,” “continue,” “aim,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning, or that are tied to future periods, in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include, without limitation, statements relating to future actions, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operating and financial results, as well as statements regarding the expected benefits of the Separation and the recapitalization actions.
Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining the actual future results of Brighthouse. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these risks and factors, they include, among others:
•differences between actual experience and actuarial assumptions and the effectiveness of our actuarial models;
•
higher risk management costs and exposure to increased counterparty risk due to guarantees within certain of our products;
•
the effectiveness of our exposure management strategy and the impact of such strategy on net income volatility and negative effects on our statutory capital;
•
the additional reserves we will be required to hold against our variable annuities as a result of actuarial guidelines;
•
a sustained period of low equity market prices and interest rates that are lower than those we assumed when we issued our variable annuity products;
•
our degree of leverage due to indebtedness incurred in connection with the Separation;
•
the effect adverse capital and credit market conditions may have on our ability to meet liquidity needs and our access to capital;
•
the impact of changes in regulation and in supervisory and enforcement policies on our insurance business or other operations;
•
the effectiveness of our risk management policies and procedures;
•
the availability of reinsurance and the ability of our counterparties to our reinsurance or indemnification arrangements to perform their obligations thereunder;
•
heightened competition, including with respect to service, product features, scale, price, actual or perceived financial strength, claims-paying ratings, credit ratings, e-business capabilities and name recognition;
•
changes in accounting standards, practices and/or policies applicable to us;
•
the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to us, and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders;
•
our ability to market and distribute our products through distribution channels;
•
the impact of the Separation on our business and profitability due to MetLife’s strong brand and reputation, the increased costs related to replacing arrangements with MetLife with those of third parties and incremental costs as a public company;
•
any failure of third parties to provide services we need, any failure of the practices and procedures of these third parties and any inability to obtain information or assistance we need from third parties, including MetLife;
•
whether the operational, strategic and other benefits of the Separation can be achieved, and our ability to implement our business strategy;
•
whether all or any portion of the Separation tax consequences are not as expected, leading to material additional taxes or material adverse consequences to tax attributes that impact us;

110

•
the uncertainty of the outcome of any disputes with MetLife over tax-related or other matters and agreements including the potential of outcomes adverse to us that could cause us to owe MetLife material tax reimbursements or payments or disagreements regarding MetLife’s or our obligations under our other agreements;
•
the impact on our business structure, profitability, cost of capital and flexibility due to restrictions we have agreed to that preserve the tax-free treatment of certain parts of the Separation;
•
the potential material negative tax impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and other potential future tax legislation that could decrease the value of our tax attributes, lead to increased RBC requirements and cause other cash expenses, such as reserves, to increase materially and make some of our products less attractive to consumers;
•
whether the Distribution will qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes and potential indemnification to MetLife if the Distribution does not so qualify;
•
our ability to attract and retain key personnel; and
•
other factors described in our 2017 Annual Report, our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and from time to time in documents that we file with the SEC.
For the reasons described above, we caution you against relying on any forward-looking statements, which should also be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements included and the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in our 2017 Annual Report, our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, particularly in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” and included elsewhere herein, as well as in our subsequent filings with the SEC. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as otherwise may be required by law. Please consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in reports to the SEC.
Corporate Information
We announce financial and other information about Brighthouse to our investors through the Brighthouse Investor Relations web page at www.brighthousefinancial.com, as well as SEC filings, news releases, public conference calls and webcasts. Brighthouse encourages investors to visit the Investor Relations web page from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted. The information found on our website is not incorporated by reference in this report or in any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our website are intended to be inactive textual references only.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We regularly analyze our market risk exposure to interest rate, equity market price, credit and foreign currency exchange rate risks. As a result of that analysis, we have determined that the estimated fair values of certain assets and liabilities are significantly exposed to changes in interest rates, and to a lesser extent, to changes in equity market prices and foreign currency exchange rates. We have exposure to market risk through our insurance and annuity operations and general account investment activities. For purposes of this discussion, “market risk” is defined as changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates, equity market prices, credit spreads and foreign currency exchange rates. We may have additional financial impacts other than changes in fair value, which are beyond the scope of this discussion. A description of our market risk exposures may be found under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the 2017 Annual Report. There have been no material changes to our market risk exposures from the market risk exposures previously disclosed in the 2017 Annual Report.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2018.
MetLife continues to provide certain services to the Company on a transitional basis through services agreements. The Company continues to change business processes and implement systems, establish and implement third-party arrangements as a standalone entity, and identify, document and evaluate controls to ensure controls over our financial reporting are effective. We consider these to be a material change in our internal control over financial reporting.
Other than as noted above, there were no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

111

Part II — Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The following should be read in conjunction with (i) Part I, Item 3 of the 2017 Annual Report and Note 15 to the Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report; (ii) Part II, Item 1 of the First Quarter Form 10-Q; (iii) Part II, Item 1 of the Second Quarter Form 10-Q; and (iv) Note 11 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I of this report.
Group Annuity Class Action
Edward Roycroft v. Brighthouse Financial, Inc., et al. (U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, filed June 18, 2018). Edward Roycroft filed a purported class action against Brighthouse Financial, Inc., MetLife, Inc., and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. The complaint alleges plaintiff is a beneficiary of a Martindale-Hubbell group annuity contract and did not receive payments plaintiff claims he was entitled to upon his retirement in 1999. Plaintiff seeks to represent a class of all beneficiaries who were due annuity benefits pursuant to group annuity contracts and whose annuity benefits were released from reserves. Plaintiff’s causes of action are for conversion, unjust enrichment, an accounting and for a constructive trust. Plaintiff seeks damages, attorneys’ fees, declaratory and injunctive relief and other equitable remedies. In September 2018, plaintiff dismissed Brighthouse Financial, Inc. from the action without prejudice.
In addition to the matter discussed above, various litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.
It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
We discuss in the 2017 Annual Report and our other filings with the SEC, including our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, various risks that may materially affect our business. In addition, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Industry Trends” for regulatory and other updates, as well as “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included in this report, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. There have otherwise been no other material changes to our risk factors from the risk factors previously disclosed in the 2017 Annual Report, as amended or supplemented by such information in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Purchases of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock made by or on behalf of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. or its affiliates during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 are set forth below:
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
July 1 — July 31, 2018
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
—

August 1 — August 31, 2018
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
200,000,000

September 1 — September 30, 2018
 
982,057

 
$
42.64

 
982,057

 
$
158,122,941

Total
 
982,057

 
 
 
982,057

 
 
__________
(1)
On August 5, 2018, Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200 million of common stock. For more information on common stock repurchases, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

112

Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — The Company — Primary Uses of Liquidity and Capital — Common Stock Repurchases” and Note 8 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

113

Item 6. Exhibits
(Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts: In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits herein, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement; (iii) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates may be found elsewhere herein and Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov.)
Exhibit
No.
 
Description
4.1
 
4.1.2
 
4.2
 
10.1*#
 
31.1*
 
31.2*
 
32.1*
 
32.2*
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
* Filed herewith.
# Denotes management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements.

114

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.

BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL, INC.
 
 
 
By:
 
 
/s/ Anant Bhalla
 
Name:
 
Anant Bhalla
 
Title:
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Authorized Signatory and Principal Financial Officer)
Date: November 6, 2018



115