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Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies
Business: (Globe Life), (the Company), refers to Globe Life Inc., an insurance holding company incorporated in Delaware in 1979, and Globe Life Inc. subsidiaries and affiliates. Globe Life Inc.'s direct or indirect primary subsidiaries are Globe Life And Accident Insurance Company, American Income Life Insurance Company, Liberty National Life Insurance Company, Family Heritage Life Insurance Company of America, and United American Insurance Company. The underwriting companies are owned by their ultimate corporate parent, Globe Life Inc. (Parent Company).

Globe Life provides a variety of life and supplemental health insurance products and annuities to a broad base of customers. The Company is organized into three reportable segments: life insurance, supplemental health insurance, and investments.

Globe Life markets its insurance products through a number of distribution channels, each of which sells the products of one or more of Globe Life's insurance segments. Our distribution channels consist of the following exclusive agencies: American Income Life Division (American Income), Liberty National Division (Liberty National) and Family Heritage Division (Family Heritage); an independent agency, United American Division (United American); and our Direct to Consumer Division (DTC).
Basis of Presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Globe Life have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), under guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. See further documentation in the significant accounting policies or the accompanying notes.
Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the results of Globe Life Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. When Globe Life acquires a subsidiary or a block of business, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Any excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of net assets is recorded as goodwill. Expenses incurred to effect the acquisition are charged to earnings as of the acquisition date. Upon acquisition, the accounts and results of operations are consolidated as of and subsequent to the acquisition date.

Investments: Globe Life classifies all of its fixed maturity investments as available for sale. Investments classified as available for sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reflected directly in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). Income from investments is recorded in "Net investment income" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains and losses from sales, maturities, or other redemptions of investments are recorded in "Realized gains (losses)". Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are determined on a specific identification basis. Interest income and prepayment fees are recognized when earned. Premiums and discounts are amortized using the effective yield method. When amortized cost of a callable debt security exceeds the first call price, the premium is amortized to the earliest call date. Otherwise, the period of amortization or accretion generally extends from the purchase date to the maturity date.

"Policy loans", which represent loans provided to policyholders using cash values as collateral, are carried at unpaid principal balances.
"Mortgage loans" or commercial mortgage loans, are a type of investment where the mortgage loan is shared among investors, are accounted for as financing receivables. The commercial mortgage loans are managed by third parties. The Company purchased the legal rights to interests in commercial mortgage loans which are secured by properties such as hotels, retail, multiple family, or offices. The commercial mortgage loans typically have a term of 3 years with the option to extend up to 2 years. The commercial mortgage loans are recorded at unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized origination fees and net of allowance for loan losses. Interest income, net of the amortization of origination fees, is recorded in "Net investment income" under the effective yield method. Our unfunded commitment balance to the commercial loan borrowers was $22 million as of December 31, 2024.

"Other long-term investments" include investment funds, equity securities, company-owned life insurance (COLI) and real estate. Investments in equity securities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value, net of taxes, reflected directly in "Realized gains (losses)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. COLI is reported at the cash surrender value; changes in the cash surrender value are recorded in net investment income. Investments in real estate are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life.

The investment funds consist of limited partnerships whereby the Company has a pro-rata share of ownership ranging from less than 1% to 20%. For each investment, the Company has elected the fair value option, but would have been otherwise accounted for as an equity method investment. The fair value option is assessed for each individual investment at the inception of the investment.

Each limited partnership investment is evaluated under applicable GAAP to determine if it is a variable interest entity (VIE) and would qualify for consolidation. Primary beneficiaries are required to consolidate VIEs. The investments are not consolidated because the Company has no power to control the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of these entities and therefore the Company is not the primary beneficiary of any of these interests. Globe Life's involvement is limited to its limited partnership interest in the entities. The Company has not provided any other financial support to the entities beyond its commitments to fund its limited partnership interests, and there are no arrangements or agreements with any of the interests to provide other financial support. The maximum loss exposure relative to these interests is limited to their carrying value and future commitments. The Company has approximately 2% of total assets in low-income housing tax credits and certain limited partnerships (investment funds) that qualify as unconsolidated VIEs.

The limited partnership investments are reported at the Company's pro-rata share of the investment fund's net asset value or its equivalent (NAV), as a practical expedient for fair value. Changes in the NAV are recorded in net income and increase the carrying value on the balance sheet. The amount of change in NAV attributable to the net operating results of the fund is recorded in "Net investment income" with the remaining balance of the change reflected in "Realized gains (losses)." Distributions received from the funds reduce the carrying value. Our maximum exposure to loss is equal to the outstanding carrying value and future funding commitments. The Company had $239 million of capital called during the year from existing investment funds, reducing our unfunded commitments. Our unfunded commitments were $433 million as of December 31, 2024.

"Short-term investments" include investments in interest-bearing assets with original maturities of twelve months or less.
Fair Value Measurements, Investments in Securities: Globe Life measures the fair value of its "fixed maturities" based on a hierarchy consisting of three levels which indicate the quality of the fair value measurements as described below:
 
Level 1—fair values are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2—fair values are based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that can otherwise be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3—fair values are based on inputs that are considered unobservable where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability as of the measurement date. In this circumstance, the Company has to rely on values derived by independent brokers or internally-developed assumptions. Unobservable inputs are developed based on the best information available to the Company which may include the Company’s own data or bid and ask prices in the dealer market.

Certain investments, such as investment funds, that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share or its equivalent, as a practical expedient, have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The net asset value is provided by general partners or managers.

The great majority of Globe Life's "fixed maturities" are not actively traded and direct quotes are not generally available. Management therefore determines the fair values of these securities after consideration of data provided by third-party pricing services, independent broker/dealers, and other resources. At December 31, 2024, the Company's investments in fixed maturities were primarily composed of the following significant security types: corporate securities, state and municipal securities, U.S. government direct, guaranteed, and government-sponsored enterprises securities. The remaining security types represented approximately 1% of the total in the aggregate.

Approximately 98% of the fair value of "fixed maturities" reported at December 31, 2024 was determined using data provided by third-party pricing services. Prices provided by these services are not binding offers but are estimated exit values. Third-party pricing services use proprietary pricing models to determine security values by discounting cash flows using a market-adjusted spread to a benchmark yield.

For all asset classes within Globe Life's significant security types, third-party pricing services use a common valuation technique to model the price of the investments using observable market data. The foundation for these models consists of developing yield spreads based on multiple observable market inputs, including but not limited to: benchmark yield curves, actual trading activity, new issue yields, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, sector-specific data, economic data, and other inputs that are corroborated in the market. Pricing vendors monitor and review their pricing data continuously with current market and economic data feeds, augmented by ongoing communication within the dealer community.

Using the observable market inputs described above, spreads to an appropriate benchmark yield are further developed by the vendors for each security based on security-specific and/or sector-specific risk factors, such as a security’s terms and conditions (coupon, maturity, and call features), credit rating, sector, liquidity, collateral or other cash flow options, and other factors that could impact the risk of the security. Embedded repayment options, such as call and redemption features, are also taken into account in the pricing models. When the spread is determined, it is added to the security’s benchmark yield. The security's expected cash flows are discounted using this spread-adjusted yield, and the resulting present value of the discounted cash flows is the evaluated price.

When third-party vendor prices are not available, the Company attempts to obtain valuations from other sources, including but not limited to broker/dealers, broker quotes, and prices on comparable securities.
When valuations have been obtained for all securities in the portfolio, management reviews and analyzes the prices to ensure their reasonableness, taking into account available and observable information. The Company utilizes pricing from multiple pricing providers and applies a hierarchy of sources to determine price. When two or more valuations are available for a security and the variance between the prices is 10% or less, the close correlation suggests similar observable inputs were used in deriving the price, and the price is selected based on hierarchy of pricing providers. Securities valued in this manner are classified as Level 2. When the variance between two or more valuations for a security exceeds 10%, additional analysis is performed to evaluate the reasonableness of the fair value using the hierarchy and upon the evaluation company may elect to use the hierarchy of pricing providers or use additional resources such as broker quotes, prices on comparable securities, recent trades, and any other observable market data to corroborate the pricing provider. If fair value differences from pricing providers are determined to be unreasonable and additional pricing resources utilizing observable market data cannot corroborate the price within a reasonable tolerance, then the security will be classified as Level 3.

Globe Life invests in private placement fixed maturities. Private placement fixed maturities are generally not an active market. Private placement valuations are based on observable inputs, such as the benchmark treasury rate, published sector indices, and/or publicly traded comparables and unobservable inputs such as an internally-developed credit ratings, public private spreads and/or private letter ratings assigned by the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. If observable inputs cannot be corroborated, the fair values are classified as Level 3. Refer to Note 4—Investments under the caption Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements.

The fair values for each class of security and by valuation hierarchy level are indicated in Note 4—Investments under the caption Fair value measurements, and Note 10—Postretirement Benefits under the caption Pension Assets.
 
Fair Value Measurements, Other Financial Instruments: Fair values for cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, short-term debt, receivables, and payables approximate carrying value. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1. Fair values of commercial mortgage loans are determined based upon expected cash flows discounted at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate and are classified as Level 3. The fair value of investments in limited partnerships that provide low-income housing tax credits is based on discounted projected cash flows and are classified as Level 3. Policy loans are an integral part of Globe Life's subsidiaries’ life insurance policies in force and their fair values cannot be valued separately from the insurance contracts. Investment funds are based on net asset value and are excluded from the fair value hierarchy.

The fair values of Globe Life's long and short-term debt issues are based on the same methodology as investments in fixed maturities. At December 31, 2024, observable inputs were available for these debt securities and as such were classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy. The fair value for each debt instrument as of December 31, 2024 is disclosed in Note 12—Debt.

As described in Note 10—Postretirement Benefits, Globe Life maintains a nonqualified supplemental retirement plan. Accordingly, the assets that support the liability for this plan are considered general assets of the Company. These assets consist of the cash value of company-owned life insurance policies (COLI) and exchange traded funds (ETFs). Fair values for the ETFs are derived from direct quotes and are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve (fixed maturities): At the onset of the evaluation, the Company individually assesses each fixed maturity, on a quarterly basis, to determine whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria are met, the Company will write down the fixed maturity's amortized cost basis to fair value through "Realized gains (losses)".

If neither of the aforementioned criteria are met, the Company will evaluate whether the decline in fair value has resulted from a credit event. The Company will evaluate many factors, as further described below, to determine the present value of the expected cash flows. A credit loss occurs when the present value of the expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis. This will result in the recording of an allowance for credit losses as a contra
asset account to the amortized cost basis with an offsetting provision for credit losses in "Realized gains (losses)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, the current expected credit loss (CECL) methodology includes a fair value floor where the allowance for credit loss for a security cannot exceed the difference between fair value and amortized cost. When it is determined that there is not a credit loss, the decline in fair value is recognized in Other Comprehensive Income.

All changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses recorded to the allowance for credit losses are management's best estimate of the uncollectibility of principal and interest of a fixed maturity.

The evaluation of Globe Life's securities for credit losses is a process that is undertaken at least quarterly and is overseen by a team of investment and accounting professionals. The process for making this determination is highly subjective and involves the careful consideration of many factors. The factors considered include, but are not limited to:
The Company’s lack of intent to sell the debt security before recovery;
Whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell prior to maturity;
The reason(s) for the credit related losses;
The financial condition of the issuer and the prospects for recovery in fair value of the security;
Expected future cash flows.

The relative weight given to each of these factors can change over time as facts and circumstances change. In many cases, management believes it is appropriate to give more consideration to prospective factors than to retrospective factors. Prospective factors that are given more weight include prospects for recovery, the Company’s ability and general intent to hold the security until anticipated recovery, and expected future cash flows.
 
Among the facts and information considered in the process are:

Financial statements of the issuer;
Changes in credit ratings of the issuer;
The value of underlying collateral;
News and information included in press releases issued by the issuer;
News and information reported in the media concerning the issuer;
News and information published by or otherwise provided by securities, economic, or research analysts;
The nature and amount of recent and expected future sources and uses of cash;
Default on a required payment;
Issuer bankruptcy filings.

The expected cash flows are determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company. Inputs used to derive expected cash flows generally include expected default rates, current levels of subordination, and estimated recovery rate. The discount rate utilized in the discounted cash flows is the effective interest rate, which is the rate of return implicit in the asset at acquisition.
Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve (mortgage loans): The Company evaluates the performance and credit quality of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio at least on a quarterly basis, or as needed, by utilizing common metrics such as loan-to-value or debt-service ratios as well as covenants, local market conditions, borrower quality, and underlying collateral. The fair value of the underlying collateral is based on a third-party appraisal of the property at origination of the loan. The fair value is assessed on an annual basis or more frequently when a loan is materially underperforming, 30 days delinquent, or in technical default. The Company determines the probability of estimated losses for the performing commercial mortgage loan portfolio on a pool basis each quarter and records an allowance. The allowance for credit losses is based on estimates, historical experience, probability of loss, value of the underlying collateral, and macro factors that affect the collectability of the loan.

If management determines that foreclosure of a particular property is probable, or determines the loan is collateral dependent, the company may elect the practical expedient. for an individual mortgage loan to estimate the expected credit losses, which are based on the fair value of the property less amortized cost, adjusted for selling and other associated costs. See Note 4—Investments for current activity.
 
Cash: "Cash" consists of balances on hand and on deposit in banks and financial institutions.

Accrued investment income: "Accrued investment income" consists of interest income or dividends earned on the investment portfolio, but which are yet to be received as of the balance sheet date. The Company will write off accrued investment income that is deemed to be uncollectible related to the fixed maturities.

"Accrued investment income" also consists of interest income earned on the commercial mortgage loan portfolio, but which is yet to be received as of the balance sheet date. Accrued investment income will be placed in non-accrual status at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent or otherwise deemed to be uncollectible by management. Accrued investment income that is deemed to be uncollectible will be written off. As of December 31, 2024, the accrued interest receivable for commercial mortgage loans was $4.2 million. Mortgage loans generally pay interest monthly, therefore accrued interest is typically for a period of less than 30 days.

As a practical expedient, the Company excludes the accrued investment income from the amortized cost basis of the investment and separately reports it in another financial statement line item, "Accrued investment income." Accordingly, the amount will be excluded from disclosures within Note 4—Investments.

Other Receivables: Agent debit balances primarily represent commissions advanced to insurance agents, a common industry practice. Generally, commissions are paid to an agent when due over the life of a policy as premiums are paid. However, some agents may qualify to have their commissions (primarily first-year commissions) paid in advance of when the commissions are earned. To the extent an advance is made, we will generally advance up to 65% of first year commissions. This creates an agent debit balance which is classified within “Other receivables”. These balances are repaid to the Company over time, generally one year, as the premiums associated with the advanced commissions are collected by the Company and a portion of the agents' commissions on such premiums are retained in order to repay the balances. If an agent has an agent debit balance with the Company, commissions earned by that agent are generally first applied to reduce the amounts owed to the Company. Any excess will be paid to the agent in cash. The balances were $542 million at December 31, 2024 and $501 million at December 31, 2023. When an agent sells a policy, commissions are advanced to the agent, and the collection of the advance is made as long as the policy stays in force. While there is a susceptibility to loss should an agent terminate or excessive policy lapses occur, the ability of the Company to continue to collect an agent's commission streams over time from prior sales of policies reduces the Company's exposure to loss.

Commissions are earned by the agent over the contract period as long as premium is paid by the policyholder and the policy stays in force. As the commissions are earned by the agent and commission expense is incurred by the Company the agent debit balance is reduced. The portion of commission expense incurred related to non-level commissions is deferred and recorded as “Deferred acquisition cost.” The portion of level commission is recognized as an expense within “Commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs.”
The Company has a very low inherent risk with regard to the collection of agent debit balances and views these balances as recoverable since they are, in aggregate, less than the estimated present value of future commissions discounted at a conservative rate which includes assumptions for lapses and mortality. The Company’s security, or collateral, is in the form of future commission streams collected over the life of the policies sold by the respective agents, which ultimately revert to the Company in the event an agent is terminated. The Company evaluated the agent debit balances on a pool basis to determine the allowance for credit losses, as the loans have similar characteristics. A provision for credit losses will be recorded in "Realized gains (losses)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the asset balance will be reflected in agent debit balances, net of allowance for credit losses ("Other receivables"). As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the allowance for credit losses was $1.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

Deferred Acquisition Costs: Certain costs of acquiring new insurance business are deferred and recorded as an asset. These costs are capitalized on a grouped contract basis and amortized over the expected term of the related contracts, and are essential for the acquisition of new insurance business. Deferred acquisition costs (DAC) are directly related to the successful issuance of an insurance contract, and primarily include sales commissions, policy issue costs, direct to consumer advertising costs, and underwriting costs. Additionally, DAC includes the value of business acquired (VOBA), which are the costs of acquiring blocks of insurance from other companies or through the acquisition of other companies. These costs represent the difference between the fair value of the contractual insurance assets acquired and liabilities assumed, compared against the assets and liabilities for insurance contracts that the company issues or holds measured in accordance with GAAP.

DAC is amortized on a constant-level basis over the expected term of the grouped contracts, with the related expense included in amortization of deferred acquisition costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The in-force metric used to compute the DAC amortization rate is annualized premium in force. The assumptions used to amortize acquisition costs include mortality, morbidity, and lapses. These assumptions are reviewed at least annually and revised in conjunction with any change in the future policy benefit assumptions. The effect of changes in the assumptions are recognized over the remaining expected contract term as a revision of future amortization amounts.

VOBA is amortized on a basis that is consistent with DAC, as described above, and is subject to periodic recoverability and loss recognition testing to determine if there is a premium deficiency. These tests evaluate whether the present value of future contract-related cash flows will support the capitalized VOBA asset. These cash flows consist primarily of premium income, less benefits and expenses. The present value of these cash flows, less the liability for future policy benefits, is then compared with the unamortized balance. In the event the estimated present value of net cash flows is less, the deficiency would be recognized by a charge to earnings and either a reduction of unamortized acquisition costs or an increase in the liability for future policy benefits. Refer to Note 7—DAC.

Advertising Costs: Costs related to advertising are generally charged to expense as incurred. However, certain Direct to Consumer advertising costs are capitalized when there is a reliable and demonstrated relationship between total costs and future benefits that is a direct result of incurring these costs. Advertising costs consist primarily of internet advertising costs and the production and distribution costs of direct mail advertising materials, and when capitalized are included as a component of DAC. Additionally, they are amortized in the same manner as other DAC. Advertising costs charged to earnings and included in commissions, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs were $15.7 million, $19.2 million, and $9.4 million in 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Unamortized capitalized advertising costs included within DAC were $1.6 billion at December 31, 2024 and $1.6 billion at December 31, 2023.

Goodwill: The excess cost of a business acquired over the fair value of net assets acquired is reported as goodwill. In accordance with the guidance, goodwill is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis, or whenever potential impairment triggers occur. Impairment testing involves the performance of a qualitative analysis, which involves assessing current events and circumstances to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. In the event the fair value is less than the carrying value, further testing is required to determine the amount of impairment, if any. If there is an impairment in the goodwill of any reporting unit,
it is written down and charged to earnings in the period of the test. Globe Life tests its goodwill annually as of June 30th for each of the years 2022 through 2024. The Company's goodwill was not impaired in any of those periods. The Company completed the acquisition of Evry Health during 2024 resulting in an increase in goodwill of $8.7 million.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Interests: Globe Life invests in limited partnerships that provide low-income housing tax credits and other related federal income tax benefits to the Company. Globe Life holds passive interests in limited partnerships that provide investment returns through the provision of tax benefits (principally from the transfer of federal or state tax credits related to federal low-income housing). These investments are considered to be VIEs and do not qualify for consolidation. The carrying value of the Company's investment in these entities was $270 million and $267 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and was included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2024, Globe Life was obligated under future commitments of $76 million, which are recorded in "Other liabilities." For guaranteed investments acquired prior to January 1, 2015, the Company utilizes the effective-yield method of amortization, while the proportional method of amortization is utilized for all non-guaranteed and guaranteed investments acquired on or after January 1, 2015. All net amortization expense and income tax benefits are recorded in "Income tax benefit (expense)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment, included in “Other assets,” is reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recorded primarily on the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets which range from three to fifteen years for equipment and software, and fifteen to forty years for buildings and improvements. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred. Impairments, if any, are recorded when certain events and circumstances become evident that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount. Original cost of property and equipment was $527 million at December 31, 2024 and $455 million at December 31, 2023. Accumulated depreciation was $242 million at the end of 2024 and $215 million at the end of 2023. Depreciation expense was $27 million in 2024, $21 million in 2023, and $21 million in 2022. Internally generated software costs are expensed as incurred in the preliminary project phase and post-implementation phase, and are capitalized during the application development stage. Additionally, implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract are capitalized. See below for a breakout of the net balance by asset class for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year Ended December 31,
20242023
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation:
Company occupied real estate$36,656 $32,566 
Data processing equipment219,614 198,150 
Transportation equipment26,346 7,405 
Furniture and equipment1,656 1,776 
Total property and equipment, net of depreciation
$284,272 $239,897 

Future Policy Benefits: The liability for future policy benefits for traditional and limited-payment long duration life and health products comprises approximately 93% of the total liability for future policy benefits. The liability is determined each reporting period based on the net level premium method. This method requires the liability for future policy benefits be calculated as the present value of estimated future policyholder benefits and the related termination expenses, less the present value of estimated future net premiums to be collected from policyholders. Net level premiums reflect a recomputed net premium ratio using actual experience since the issue date or January 1, 2021, the Transition Date(1), and expected future experience. The liability is accrued as premium revenue is recognized and adjusted for differences between actual and expected experience. Long-duration insurance contracts issued by the Company are grouped into cohorts based on the contract issue year, distribution channel, legal entity, and product type.
Both the present value of expected future benefit payments and the present value of expected future net premiums are based primarily on assumptions of discount rates, mortality, morbidity, and lapses. Each quarter, the Company remeasures its liability for future policy benefits using current discount rates with the effect of the change recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, a component of shareholders’ equity. In addition, the Company recognizes a liability remeasurement gain or loss within the Consolidated Statements of Operations using original discount rates, and relating to actual experience under the net premium calculation, as compared to the prior reporting period assumptions.

The Company regularly reviews its cash flow assumptions (mortality, morbidity, and lapses) used to calculate the change in the liability for future policy benefits. These cash flow assumptions are updated as necessary in the third quarter of every year, or more frequently if suggested by experience. If cash flow assumptions are changed, the net premium ratio is recalculated from the original issue date, or the Transition Date, using actual experience and projected future cash flows. When the expected future net premiums exceed the expected future gross premiums (capping), or the present value of future policyholder benefits exceeds the present value of expected future gross premiums (flooring), the liability for future policy benefits is adjusted with changes recognized in policyholder benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The cash flow assumptions do not include an adjustment for adverse deviation. Mortality tables used for individual life insurance include various industry tables and reflect modifications based on Company experience. Morbidity assumptions for individual health are based on Company experience and industry data. Lapse assumptions are based on Company experience.

The liability for future policy benefits is discounted as noted above, using a current upper-medium grade fixed-income instrument yield that reflects the duration characteristics of the liability for future policy benefits. The methodology for determining current discount rates consists of constructing a discount rate curve intended to be reflective of the currency and tenor of the insurance liability cash flows. The methodology is designed to prioritize observable inputs based on market data available in the local debt markets denominated in the same currency as the policies. For the discount rates applicable to tenors for which the single-A debt market is not liquid or there is little or no observable market data, the Company will use estimation techniques consistent with the fair value guidance in ASC 820. We further accrete interest as a component of policyholder benefits using the original discount rate that is locked-in during the year of contract issuance. The original discount rates (or the locked-in discount rates) are used for interest accretion purposes and for the determination of net premiums, whereas the current discount rates are used for purposes of valuing the liability.

The liability for future policy benefits for annuity and interest sensitive life-type products is represented by policy account value. For limited-payment contracts, a deferred profit liability is also recorded, with changes recognized in income over the life of the contract in proportion to the amount of insurance in force. Refer to Note 6—Policy Liabilities.

Reinsurance: In the normal course of business, Globe Life insurance subsidiaries will enter into reinsurance agreements to limit their exposure to the risk of loss as well as enhance their capital position. To qualify for reinsurance accounting in accordance with applicable guidance, the assuming company (reinsurer) must have the “reasonable possibility” that it may realize a “significant loss.” In instances where the ceding company does not transfer significant insurance risk to the reinsurer, deposit accounting is utilized. Any risk charges payable related to reinsurance agreements where deposit accounting is applicable are recorded as an Other Liability. Any balances due to the Company under the terms of the reinsurance agreement are recorded as a reinsurance recoverable within Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any ceding commission due to the Company under the terms of the reinsurance agreement are recorded in income over the remaining life of the ceding contracts.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company entered into a coinsurance agreement to cede a majority of its annuity business to a third-party insurer. The annuity reserves ceded totaled $462 million. The pre-tax ceding commission under the agreement was approximately $50 million and will be recognized into income over the remaining life of the ceded contracts. Amounts paid to the reinsurer upon entering into the coinsurance agreement were $413 million, which are reflected as a cash outflow within financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The underlying policies ceded are deposit-type contracts and the coinsurance agreement transfers only timing risk to the reinsurer. Net amounts paid to the reinsurer and reimbursements for losses after inception of the
coinsurance agreement are reported as financing activities within "Net receipts (payments) from deposit-type products". Under the terms of the agreement, the assuming company will be required to maintain assets in trust at 105% of reserves. The Company's annuity business comprises less than 1% of revenue and is not core to the Company's business, therefore we have adjusted our segment reporting to reflect the annuity business as a reconciling item to income before taxes in the segment reporting in this Form 10-K. Prior periods presented have been recast for comparability.

Unearned and Advanced Premium: Premium collected from both life and health policies that have not been earned and recognized in accordance with applicable GAAP. Refer to Recognition of Premium Revenue below.

Policy Claims and Other Benefits Payable: Globe Life establishes a liability for known policy benefits payable and an estimate of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported to the Company. Globe Life makes an estimate of unreported claims after careful evaluation of all information available to the Company. This estimate is based on prior experience and is reviewed quarterly. However, there is no certainty the stated liability for claims and other benefits, including the estimate of unsubmitted claims, will be Globe Life's ultimate obligation. For more information, see Note 8—Liability for Unpaid Claims.

Current and Deferred Income Taxes: Current and deferred income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement book values and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Postretirement Benefits: Globe Life accounts for its postretirement defined benefit plans by recognizing the funded status of those plans on its Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with accounting guidance. Periodic gains and losses attributable to changes in plan assets and liabilities that are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs are recognized as components of other comprehensive income, net of tax. The supplemental executive retirement plan is accounted for consistent with the qualified noncontributory pension plan. The assets are included in a Rabbi Trust and recorded in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. More information concerning the accounting and disclosures for postretirement benefits is found in Note 10—Postretirement Benefits.

Treasury Stock: Globe Life accounts for purchases of treasury stock on the cost method. Issuance of treasury stock is accounted for using the weighted-average cost method. More information is found in Note 13—Shareholders' Equity.

Recognition of Premium Revenue: Premium income for traditional long-duration life and health insurance products is recognized evenly over the contract period and when due from the policyholder. Premiums for short-duration health contracts are recognized as revenue over the contract period in proportion to the insurance protection provided. Premiums for universal life-type and annuity contracts are added to the policy account value, and revenues for such products are recognized as charges to the policy account value for mortality, administration, and surrenders (retrospective deposit method). Life premium includes policy charges of $12.3 million, $12.9 million, and $13.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Other premium consists of annuity policy charges in each year. For limited-payment life insurance products, the profits are recognized over the contract period.

Commission, premium taxes, and non-deferred acquisition costs: Commissions represent commission-related amounts that are not deferred. Premium taxes are taxes incurred on premiums written within a state jurisdiction. Non-deferred acquisition costs relate to expenses incurred in the selling or issuing of business which are non-deferrable.
202420232022
Commissions$317,576 $295,877 $285,477 
Premium taxes96,790 91,021 86,278 
Non-deferred acquisition costs186,387 172,269 134,267 
Total$600,753 $559,167 $506,022 
Stock-Based Compensation: Globe Life accounts for stock-based compensation by recognizing an expense in the consolidated financial statements based on the “fair value method.” The fair value method requires that a fair value be assigned to a stock option or other stock grant on its grant date and that this value be amortized over the grantees’ service period.

The fair value method requires the use of an option valuation model to value employee stock options. Globe Life has elected to use the Black-Scholes valuation model for option expensing.

A summary of assumptions for options granted in each of the three years 2022 through 2024 is as follows:
202420232022
Volatility factor22.0 %23.0 %22.3 %
Dividend yield0.7 %0.7 %0.8 %
Expected term (in years)5.105.105.12
Risk-free rate4.3 %4.1 %1.9 %

The expected term is generally derived from Company experience. However, expected terms are determined based on the simplified method as permitted under the ASC 718, Stock Compensation, topic when Company experience is insufficient. On April 26, 2018, the shareholders approved the Globe Life Inc. 2018 Incentive Plan, formerly the Torchmark Corporation 2018 Incentive Plan (the "2018 Incentive Plan"). The 2018 Incentive Plan replaced all previous plans. The 2018 Incentive Plan allows for option grants for employees with a seven-year contractual term which vest over three years in addition to ten-year grants which vest over five years as permitted by the previous plans. Director grants vest over six months. Volatility and risk-free interest rates are assumed over a period of time consistent with the expected term of the option. Volatility is measured on a historical basis. Monthly data points are utilized to derive volatility for periods three years and longer. Expected dividend yield is based on current dividend yield held constant over the expected term. Once the fair value of an option has been determined, it is amortized on a straight-line basis over the employee’s service period for that grant (from the grant date to the date the grant is fully vested). Expenses for restricted stock and restricted stock units are based on the grant date fair value allocated on a straight-line basis over the service period. Performance share expense is recognized based on management’s estimate of the probability of meeting the metrics identified in the performance share award agreement, assigned to each service period as these estimates develop.
 
Stock-based compensation expense is included in “Other operating expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Globe Life management views all stock-based compensation expense as part of insurance administration expense and, therefore, presents as such in its segment analysis. More information concerning the Company's segments is provided in Note 15—Business Segments.
Earnings per Share: Globe Life presents basic and diluted earnings per common share (EPS) on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations for income from operations. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by adding to shares outstanding the additional net effect of potentially dilutive securities or contracts, such as stock options, which could be exercised or converted into common shares. For more information on earnings per share, see Note 13—Shareholders' Equity
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Current Year: ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions, adds disclosure requirements
specific to equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions. The disclosures clarify the nature of the contractual sale as well as the duration of the restriction and the circumstances that could cause a lapse in the restriction.

This standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning on January 1, 2024 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, adds disclosure requirements to segment expenses, improving the financial reporting of the entity’s overall performance and assessment of future cash flows. The disclosures required more detailed information related to the entity’s reportable segments.

This standard is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning on January 1, 2024 and for interim periods beginning on January 1, 2025, and was implemented on a retrospective basis. Refer to Note 15—Business Segments for further discussion of the Company's segments.
Accounting Pronouncements Yet to be Adopted: ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, adds disclosure requirements to disaggregate information related to the effective tax rate reconciliation and information on income taxes paid. The disclosures will enhance the assessment of the entity’s operations and related tax risks.

This standard is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning on January 1, 2025, and will be implemented on a prospective basis. The Company does not expect the standard will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, adds disclosure requirements to disaggregate information related to an entity's income statement. The disclosures will allow for enhanced transparency of an entity's expenses.

This standard is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning on January 1, 2027. The Company is evaluating the standard.