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Investments and Derivative Instruments
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Investments and Derivative Instruments [Abstract]  
Investments and Derivative Instruments
4. Investments and Derivative Instruments
Significant Investment Accounting Policies
Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
The Company deems debt securities and certain equity securities with debt-like characteristics (collectively “debt securities”) to be other-than-temporarily impaired (“impaired”) if a security meets the following conditions: a) the Company intends to sell or it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before a recovery in value, or b) the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If the Company intends to sell or it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before a recovery in value, a charge is recorded in net realized capital losses equal to the difference between the fair value and amortized cost basis of the security. For those impaired debt securities which do not meet the first condition and for which the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis, the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and the fair value is separated into the portion representing a credit other-than-temporary impairment (“impairment”), which is recorded in net realized capital losses, and the remaining impairment, which is recorded in OCI. Generally, the Company determines a security’s credit impairment as the difference between its amortized cost basis and its best estimate of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s effective yield prior to impairment. The remaining non-credit impairment, which is recorded in OCI, is the difference between the security’s fair value and the Company’s best estimate of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s effective yield prior to the impairment, which typically represents current market liquidity and risk premiums. The previous amortized cost basis less the impairment recognized in net realized capital losses becomes the security’s new cost basis. The Company accretes the new cost basis to the estimated future cash flows over the expected remaining life of the security by prospectively adjusting the security’s yield, if necessary.
The Company’s evaluation of whether a credit impairment exists for debt securities includes but is not limited to, the following factors: (a) changes in the financial condition of the security’s underlying collateral, (b) whether the issuer is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments, (c) changes in the financial condition, credit rating and near-term prospects of the issuer, (d) the extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost of the security and (e) the payment structure of the security. The Company’s best estimate of expected future cash flows used to determine the credit loss amount is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third-party sources along with certain internal assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the security. The Company’s best estimate of future cash flows involves assumptions including, but not limited to, various performance indicators, such as historical and projected default and recovery rates, credit ratings, current and projected delinquency rates, and loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratios. In addition, for structured securities, the Company considers factors including, but not limited to, average cumulative collateral loss rates that vary by vintage year, commercial and residential property value declines that vary by property type and location and commercial real estate delinquency levels. These assumptions require the use of significant management judgment and include the probability of issuer default and estimates regarding timing and amount of expected recoveries which may include estimating the underlying collateral value. In addition, projections of expected future debt security cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the issuer and/or underlying collateral such as changes in the projections of the underlying property value estimates.
For equity securities where the decline in the fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, a charge is recorded in net realized capital losses equal to the difference between the fair value and cost basis of the security. The previous cost basis less the impairment becomes the security’s new cost basis. The Company asserts its intent and ability to retain those equity securities deemed to be temporarily impaired until the price recovers. Once identified, these securities are systematically restricted from trading unless approved by a committee of investment and accounting professionals (“Committee”). The Committee will only authorize the sale of these securities based on predefined criteria that relate to events that could not have been reasonably foreseen. Examples of the criteria include, but are not limited to, the deterioration in the issuer’s financial condition, security price declines, a change in regulatory requirements or a major business combination or major disposition.
The primary factors considered in evaluating whether an impairment exists for an equity security include, but are not limited to: (a) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost of the security, (b) changes in the financial condition, credit rating and near-term prospects of the issuer, (c) whether the issuer is current on contractually obligated payments and (d) the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery.
Mortgage Loan Valuation Allowances
The Company’s security monitoring process reviews mortgage loans on a quarterly basis to identify potential credit losses. Commercial mortgage loans are considered to be impaired when management estimates that, based upon current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Criteria used to determine if an impairment exists include, but are not limited to: current and projected macroeconomic factors, such as unemployment rates, and property-specific factors such as rental rates, occupancy levels, LTV ratios and debt service coverage ratios (“DSCR”). In addition, the Company considers historic, current and projected delinquency rates and property values. These assumptions require the use of significant management judgment and include the probability and timing of borrower default and loss severity estimates. In addition, projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the borrower and/or underlying collateral such as changes in the projections of the underlying property value estimates.
For mortgage loans that are deemed impaired, a valuation allowance is established for the difference between the carrying amount and the Company’s share of either (a) the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, (b) the loan’s observable market price or, most frequently, (c) the fair value of the collateral. A valuation allowance has been established for either individual loans or as a projected loss contingency for loans with an LTV ratio of 90% or greater and consideration of other credit quality factors, including DSCR. Changes in valuation allowances are recorded in net realized capital gains and losses. Interest income on impaired loans is accrued to the extent it is deemed collectable and the loans continue to perform under the original or restructured terms. Interest income ceases to accrue for loans when it is probable that the Company will not receive interest and principal payments according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, or if a loan is more than 60 days past due. Loans may resume accrual status when it is determined that sufficient collateral exists to satisfy the full amount of the loan and interest payments, as well as when it is probable cash will be received in the foreseeable future. Interest income on defaulted loans is recognized when received.
Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
(Before-tax)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
Gross gains on sales
  $ 172     $ 234     $ 201     $ 305  
Gross losses on sales
    (59 )     (54 )     (133 )     (115 )
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings
    (11 )     (89 )     (50 )     (226 )
Valuation allowance on mortgage loans
    27       (39 )     25       (111 )
Japanese fixed annuity contract hedges, net [1]
    6       27       (11 )     11  
Periodic net coupon settlements on credit derivatives/Japan
                (4 )     (4 )
Results of variable annuity hedge program
                               
GMWB derivatives, net
    (35 )     (405 )     28       (283 )
Macro hedge program
    (16 )     397       (330 )     233  
 
                       
Total results of variable annuity hedge program
    (51 )     (8 )     (302 )     (50 )
GMIB/GMAB/GMWB reinsurance
    (5 )     (671 )     336       (556 )
Coinsurance and modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts
    18       1,222       (496 )     843  
Other, net
    (41 )     (17 )     (56 )     (6 )
 
                       
Net realized capital gains (losses)
  $ 56     $ 605     $ (490 )   $ 91  
 
                       
[1]  
Relates to derivative hedging instruments, excluding periodic net coupon settlements, and is net of the Japanese fixed annuity product liability adjustment for changes in the dollar/yen exchange spot rate, as well as Japan FVO securities.
Net realized capital gains and losses from investment sales, after deducting the life and pension policyholders’ share for certain products, are reported as a component of revenues and are determined on a specific identification basis. Gross gains and losses on sales and impairments previously reported as unrealized losses in AOCI were $102 and $18, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and $91 and ($36) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. Proceeds from sales of AFS securities totaled $5.7 billion and $9.9 billion, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and $10.2 billion and $12.6 billion, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses
The following table presents a roll-forward of the Company’s cumulative credit impairments on debt securities held.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
(Before-tax)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
Balance as of beginning of period
  $ (1,579 )   $ (1,763 )   $ (1,598 )   $ (1,632 )
Additions for credit impairments recognized on [1]:
                               
Securities not previously impaired
    (4 )     (39 )     (23 )     (142 )
Securities previously impaired
    (3 )     (46 )     (16 )     (79 )
Reductions for credit impairments previously recognized on:
                               
Securities that matured or were sold during the period
    74       112       122       113  
Securities due to an increase in expected cash flows
    2       11       5       15  
 
                       
Balance as of end of period
  $ (1,510 )   $ (1,725 )   $ (1,510 )   $ (1,725 )
 
                       
[1]  
These additions are included in the net OTTI losses recognized in earnings in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Available-for-Sale Securities
The following table presents the Company’s AFS securities by type.
                                                                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Cost or     Gross     Gross             Non-     Cost or     Gross     Gross             Non-  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair     Credit     Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair     Credit  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value     OTTI [1]     Cost     Gains     Losses     Value     OTTI [1]  
ABS
  $ 2,551     $ 43     $ (281 )   $ 2,313     $ (9 )   $ 2,395     $ 29     $ (356 )   $ 2,068     $ (1 )
CDOs
    2,152       1       (276 )     1,877       (48 )     2,278             (379 )     1,899       (59 )
CMBS
    4,606       151       (215 )     4,542       (18 )     5,283       146       (401 )     5,028       (15 )
Corporate [2]
    26,943       1,623       (428 )     28,111             25,934       1,545       (538 )     26,915       6  
Foreign govt./govt. agencies
    948       70       (5 )     1,013             963       48       (9 )     1,002        
Municipal
    1,224       21       (96 )     1,149             1,149       7       (124 )     1,032        
RMBS
    3,853       98       (380 )     3,571       (100 )     4,450       79       (411 )     4,118       (113 )
U.S. Treasuries
    2,489       10       (82 )     2,417             2,871       11       (110 )     2,772        
 
                                                           
Total fixed maturities, AFS
    44,766       2,017       (1,763 )     44,993       (175 )     45,323       1,865       (2,328 )     44,834       (182 )
Equity securities, AFS
    426       40       (34 )     432             320       61       (41 )     340        
 
                                                           
Total AFS securities
  $ 45,192     $ 2,057     $ (1,797 )   $ 45,425     $ (175 )   $ 45,643     $ 1,926     $ (2,369 )   $ 45,174     $ (182 )
 
                                                           
[1]  
Represents the amount of cumulative non-credit OTTI losses recognized in OCI on securities that also had credit impairments. These losses are included in gross unrealized losses as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
[2]  
Gross unrealized gains (losses) exclude the change in fair value of bifurcated embedded derivative features of certain securities. Subsequent changes in fair value are recorded in net realized capital gains (losses).
The following table presents the Company’s fixed maturities, AFS, by contractual maturity year.
                 
    June 30, 2011  
Contractual Maturity   Amortized Cost     Fair Value  
One year or less
  $ 1,826     $ 1,847  
Over one year through five years
    9,999       10,514  
Over five years through ten years
    7,654       8,035  
Over ten years
    12,125       12,294  
 
           
Subtotal
    31,604       32,690  
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
    13,162       12,303  
 
           
Total fixed maturities, AFS
  $ 44,766     $ 44,993  
 
           
Estimated maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to security call or prepayment provisions. Due to the potential for variability in payment speeds (i.e. prepayments or extensions), mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are not categorized by contractual maturity.
Security Unrealized Loss Aging
The following tables present the Company’s unrealized loss aging for AFS securities by type and length of time the security was in a continuous unrealized loss position.
                                                                         
    June 30, 2011  
    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or More     Total  
    Amortized     Fair     Unrealized     Amortized     Fair     Unrealized     Amortized     Fair     Unrealized  
    Cost     Value     Losses     Cost     Value     Losses     Cost     Value     Losses  
ABS
  $ 192     $ 185     $ (7 )   $ 1,145     $ 871     $ (274 )   $ 1,337     $ 1,056     $ (281 )
CDOs
    330       308       (22 )     1,804       1,550       (254 )     2,134       1,858       (276 )
CMBS
    849       811       (38 )     1,637       1,460       (177 )     2,486       2,271       (215 )
Corporate [1]
    3,795       3,665       (125 )     2,538       2,213       (303 )     6,333       5,878       (428 )
Foreign govt./govt. agencies
    109       108       (1 )     40       36       (4 )     149       144       (5 )
Municipal
    201       196       (5 )     616       525       (91 )     817       721       (96 )
RMBS
    516       499       (17 )     1,268       905       (363 )     1,784       1,404       (380 )
U.S. Treasuries
    1,003       954       (49 )     133       100       (33 )     1,136       1,054       (82 )
 
                                                     
Total fixed maturities
    6,995       6,726       (264 )     9,181       7,660       (1,499 )     16,176       14,386       (1,763 )
Equity securities
    169       166       (3 )     131       100       (31 )     300       266       (34 )
 
                                                     
Total securities in an unrealized loss
  $ 7,164     $ 6,892     $ (267 )   $ 9,312     $ 7,760     $ (1,530 )   $ 16,476     $ 14,652     $ (1,797 )
 
                                                     
                                                                         
    December 31, 2010  
    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or More     Total  
    Amortized     Fair     Unrealized     Amortized     Fair     Unrealized     Amortized     Fair     Unrealized  
    Cost     Value     Losses     Cost     Value     Losses     Cost     Value     Losses  
ABS
  $ 237     $ 226     $ (11 )   $ 1,226     $ 881     $ (345 )   $ 1,463     $ 1,107     $ (356 )
CDOs
    316       288       (28 )     1,934       1,583       (351 )     2,250       1,871       (379 )
CMBS
    374       355       (19 )     2,532       2,150       (382 )     2,906       2,505       (401 )
Corporate [1]
    3,726       3,591       (130 )     2,777       2,348       (408 )     6,503       5,939       (538 )
Foreign govt./govt. agencies
    250       246       (4 )     40       35       (5 )     290       281       (9 )
Municipal
    415       399       (16 )     575       467       (108 )     990       866       (124 )
RMBS
    1,187       1,155       (32 )     1,379       1,000       (379 )     2,566       2,155       (411 )
U.S. Treasuries
    1,142       1,073       (69 )     158       117       (41 )     1,300       1,190       (110 )
 
                                                     
Total fixed maturities
    7,647       7,333       (309 )     10,621       8,581       (2,019 )     18,268       15,914       (2,328 )
Equity securities
    18       17       (1 )     148       108       (40 )     166       125       (41 )
 
                                                     
Total securities in an unrealized loss
  $ 7,665     $ 7,350     $ (310 )   $ 10,769     $ 8,689     $ (2,059 )   $ 18,434     $ 16,039     $ (2,369 )
 
                                                     
[1]  
Unrealized losses exclude the fair value of bifurcated embedded derivative features of certain securities. Subsequent changes in fair value are recorded in net realized capital gains (losses).
As of June 30, 2011, AFS securities in an unrealized loss position, comprised of 1,667 securities, largely related to commercial real estate, corporate securities primarily within the financial services sector and RMBS which have experienced price deterioration. As of June 30, 2011, 80% of securities in a gross unrealized loss position were depressed less than 20% of cost or amortized cost. The improvement in unrealized losses during 2011 was primarily attributable to declining interest rates and credit spread tightening.
Most of the securities depressed for twelve months or more relate to structured securities primarily within commercial and residential real estate, including structured securities that have a floating-rate coupon referenced to a market index such as LIBOR. Also included are financial services securities that have a floating-rate coupon and/or long-dated maturities. Current market spreads continue to be significantly wider for these securities as compared to spreads at the security’s respective purchase date, largely due to the economic and market uncertainties regarding future performance of commercial and residential real estate. Deteriorations in valuation are also the result of substantial declines in certain market indexes. The Company reviewed these securities as part of its impairment analysis and where a credit impairment has not been recorded, the Company’s best estimate is that expected future cash flows are sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of the security. Furthermore, the Company neither has an intention to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell these securities.
Mortgage Loans
                                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Amortized     Valuation     Carrying     Amortized     Valuation     Carrying  
    Cost [1]     Allowance     Value     Cost [1]     Allowance     Value  
Commercial
  $ 3,820     $ (33 )   $ 3,787     $ 3,306       (62 )     3,244  
 
                                   
Total mortgage loans
  $ 3,820     $ (33 )   $ 3,787     $ 3,306     $ (62 )   $ 3,244  
 
                                   
[1]  
Amortized cost represents carrying value prior to valuation allowances, if any.
As of June 30, 2011, the carrying value of mortgage loans associated with the valuation allowance was $554. Included in the table above, are mortgage loans held-for-sale with a carrying value and valuation allowance of $64 and $4, respectively, as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The carrying value of these loans is included in mortgage loans in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table presents the activity within the Company’s valuation allowance for mortgage loans. These loans have been evaluated both individually and collectively for impairment. Loans evaluated collectively for impairment are immaterial.
                 
    2011     2010  
Balance as of January 1
  $ (62 )   $ (260 )
(Additions)/Reversals
    25       (111 )
Deductions
    4       283  
 
           
Balance as of June 30
  $ (33 )   $ (88 )
 
           
The current weighted-average LTV ratio of the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio was 70% as of June 30, 2011, while the weighted-average LTV ratio at origination of these loans was 64%. LTV ratios compare the loan amount to the value of the underlying property collateralizing the loan. The loan values are updated no less than annually through property level reviews of the portfolio. Factors considered in the property valuation include, but are not limited to, actual and expected property cash flows, geographic market data and capitalization rates. DSCRs compare a property’s net operating income to the borrower’s principal and interest payments. The current weighted average DSCR of the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio was 1.95x as of June 30, 2011. The Company did not hold any commercial mortgage loans greater than 60 days past due.
The following table presents the carrying value of the Company’s commercial mortgage loans by LTV and DSCR.
                                 
Commercial Mortgage Loans Credit Quality
June 30, 2011
 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
            Avg. Debt-             Avg. Debt-  
    Carrying     Service     Carrying     Service  
Loan-to-value   Value     Coverage Ratio     Value     Coverage Ratio  
Greater than 80%
  $ 709       1.67 x   $ 961       1.67 x
65% - 80%
    1,790       1.76 x     1,366       2.11 x
Less than 65%
    1,288       2.38 x     917       2.44 x
 
                       
Total commercial mortgage loans
  $ 3,787       1.95 x   $ 3,244       2.07 x
 
                       
The following tables present the carrying value of the Company’s mortgage loans by region and property type.
                                 
Mortgage Loans by Region  
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Carrying     Percent of     Carrying     Percent of  
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
East North Central
  $ 50       1.3 %   $ 51       1.6 %
Middle Atlantic
    404       10.7 %     344       10.6 %
Mountain
    62       1.6 %     49       1.5 %
New England
    203       5.4 %     188       5.8 %
Pacific
    993       26.2 %     898       27.7 %
South Atlantic
    715       18.9 %     679       20.9 %
West North Central
    19       0.5 %     19       0.6 %
West South Central
    115       3.0 %     117       3.6 %
Other [1]
    1,226       32.4 %     899       27.7 %
 
                       
Total mortgage loans
  $ 3,787       100.0 %   $ 3,244       100.0 %
 
                       
[1]  
Primarily represents loans collateralized by multiple properties in various regions.
                                 
Mortgage Loans by Property Type  
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Carrying     Percent of     Carrying     Percent of  
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
Commercial
                               
Agricultural
  $ 130       3.4 %   $ 177       5.5 %
Industrial
    1,151       30.4 %     833       25.7 %
Lodging
    115       3.0 %     123       3.8 %
Multifamily
    684       18.1 %     479       14.8 %
Office
    740       19.5 %     796       24.5 %
Retail
    754       20.0 %     556       17.1 %
Other
    213       5.6 %     280       8.6 %
 
                       
Total mortgage loans
  $ 3,787       100.0 %   $ 3,244       100.0 %
 
                       
Variable Interest Entities
The Company is involved with various special purpose entities and other entities that are deemed to be VIEs primarily as a collateral manager and as an investor through normal investment activities, as well as a means of accessing capital. A VIE is an entity that either has investors that lack certain essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest or lacks sufficient funds to finance its own activities without financial support provided by other entities.
The Company performs ongoing qualitative assessments of its VIEs to determine whether the Company has a controlling financial interest in the VIE and therefore is the primary beneficiary. The Company is deemed to have a controlling financial interest when it has both the ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Based on the Company’s assessment, if it determines it is the primary beneficiary, the Company consolidates the VIE in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated VIEs
The following table presents the carrying value of assets and liabilities, and the maximum exposure to loss relating to the VIEs for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Creditors have no recourse against the Company in the event of default by these VIEs nor does the Company have any implied or unfunded commitments to these VIEs. The Company’s financial or other support provided to these VIEs is limited to its investment management services and original investment.
                                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
                    Maximum                     Maximum  
    Total     Total     Exposure     Total     Total     Exposure  
    Assets     Liabilities [1]     to Loss [2]     Assets     Liabilities [1]     to Loss [2]  
CDOs [3]
  $ 510     $ 444     $ 42     $ 729     $ 416     $ 265  
Limited partnerships
    7       3       4       14       6       8  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 517     $ 447     $ 46     $ 743     $ 422     $ 273  
 
                                   
[1]  
Included in other liabilities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
[2]  
The maximum exposure to loss represents the maximum loss amount that the Company could recognize as a reduction in net investment income or as a realized capital loss and is the cost basis of the Company’s investment.
 
[3]  
Total assets included in fixed maturities, AFS, and fixed maturities, FVO, in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
CDOs represent structured investment vehicles for which the Company has a controlling financial interest as it provides collateral management services, earns a fee for those services and also holds investments in the securities issued by these vehicles. Limited partnerships represent a hedge fund for which the Company holds a majority interest in the fund as an investment.
Non-Consolidated VIEs
The Company does not hold any investments issued by VIEs for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
In addition, the Company, through normal investment activities, makes passive investments in structured securities issued by VIEs for which the Company is not the manager which are included in ABS, CDOs, CMBS and RMBS in the Available-for-Sale Securities table and fixed maturities, FVO, in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company has not provided financial or other support with respect to these investments other than its original investment. For these investments, the Company determined it is not the primary beneficiary due to the relative size of the Company’s investment in comparison to the principal amount of the structured securities issued by the VIEs, the level of credit subordination which reduces the Company’s obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits and the Company’s inability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIEs. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss on these investments is limited to the amount of the Company’s investment.
Derivative Instruments
The Company utilizes a variety of over-the-counter and exchange traded derivative instruments as a part of its overall risk management strategy, as well as to enter into replication transactions. Derivative instruments are used to manage risk associated with interest rate, equity market, credit spread, issuer default, price, and currency exchange rate risk or volatility. Replication transactions are used as an economical means to synthetically replicate the characteristics and performance of assets that would otherwise be permissible investments under the Company’s investment policies. The Company also purchases and issues financial instruments and products that either are accounted for as free-standing derivatives, such as certain reinsurance contracts, or may contain features that are deemed to be embedded derivative instruments, such as the GMWB rider included with certain variable annuity products.
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate swaps are primarily used to convert interest receipts on floating-rate fixed maturity securities or interest payments on floating-rate guaranteed investment contracts to fixed rates. These derivatives are predominantly used to better match cash receipts from assets with cash disbursements required to fund liabilities.
The Company also enters into forward starting swap agreements to hedge the interest rate exposure related to the purchase of fixed-rate securities. These derivatives are primarily structured to hedge interest rate risk inherent in the assumptions used to price certain liabilities.
Foreign currency swaps
Foreign currency swaps are used to convert foreign currency-denominated cash flows related to certain investment receipts and liability payments to U.S. dollars in order to minimize cash flow fluctuations due to changes in currency rates.
Fair value hedges
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate swaps are used to hedge the changes in fair value of certain fixed rate liabilities and fixed maturity securities due to fluctuations in interest rates.
Foreign currency swaps
Foreign currency swaps are used to hedge the changes in fair value of certain foreign currency-denominated fixed rate liabilities due to changes in foreign currency rates by swapping the fixed foreign payments to floating rate U.S. dollar denominated payments.
Non-qualifying strategies
Interest rate swaps, swaptions, caps, floors, and futures
The Company uses interest rate swaps, swaptions, caps, floors, and futures to manage duration between assets and liabilities in certain investment portfolios. In addition, the Company enters into interest rate swaps to terminate existing swaps, thereby offsetting the changes in value of the original swap. As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the notional amount of interest rate swaps in offsetting relationships was $4.6 billion and $4.7 billion, respectively.
Foreign currency swaps and forwards
The Company enters into foreign currency swaps and forwards to convert the foreign currency exposures of certain foreign currency-denominated fixed maturity investments to U.S. dollars.
Japan 3Win foreign currency swaps
Prior to the second quarter of 2009, The Company offered certain variable annuity products with a GMIB rider through a wholly-owned Japanese subsidiary. The GMIB rider is reinsured to a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, which invests in U.S. dollar denominated assets to support the liability. The U.S. subsidiary entered into pay U.S. dollar, receive yen forward contracts to hedge the currency and interest rate exposure between the U.S. dollar denominated assets and the yen denominated fixed liability reinsurance payments.
Japanese fixed annuity hedging instruments
Prior to the second quarter of 2009, The Company offered a yen denominated fixed annuity product through a wholly-owned Japanese subsidiary and reinsured to a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary. The U.S. subsidiary invests in U.S. dollar denominated securities to support the yen denominated fixed liability payments and entered into currency rate swaps to hedge the foreign currency exchange rate and yen interest rate exposures that exist as a result of U.S. dollar assets backing the yen denominated liability.
Japanese variable annuity hedging instruments
The Company enters into foreign currency forward and option contracts to hedge the foreign currency risk associated with certain Japanese variable annuity liabilities reinsured from a wholly-owned Japanese subsidiary. Foreign currency risk may arise for some segments of the business where assets backing the liabilities are denominated in U.S. dollars while the liabilities are denominated in yen. Foreign currency risk may also arise when certain variable annuity policyholder accounts are invested in various currencies while the related guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”) and GMIB guarantees are effectively yen-denominated.
The Company’s net notional amount relating to Japanese variable annuity hedging instruments as of June 30, 2011 was $1.7 billion, which consisted of $2.6 billion of long positions offset by short positions of $937. The Company’s net notional amount relating to Japanese variable annuity hedging instruments as of December 31, 2010 was $1.7 billion which consisted of $1.7 billion of long positions only.
Credit derivatives that purchase credit protection
Credit default swaps are used to purchase credit protection on an individual entity or referenced index to economically hedge against default risk and credit-related changes in value on fixed maturity securities. These contracts require the Company to pay a periodic fee in exchange for compensation from the counterparty should the referenced security issuers experience a credit event, as defined in the contract.
Credit derivatives that assume credit risk
Credit default swaps are used to assume credit risk related to an individual entity, referenced index, or asset pool, as a part of replication transactions. These contracts entitle the Company to receive a periodic fee in exchange for an obligation to compensate the derivative counterparty should the referenced security issuers experience a credit event, as defined in the contract. The Company is also exposed to credit risk due to credit derivatives embedded within certain fixed maturity securities. These securities are primarily comprised of structured securities that contain credit derivatives that reference a standard index of corporate securities or particular securities.
Credit derivatives in offsetting positions
The Company enters into credit default swaps to terminate existing credit default swaps, thereby offsetting the changes in value of the original swap going forward.
Equity index swaps and options
The Company offers certain equity indexed products, which may contain an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation. The Company enters into S&P index swaps and options to economically hedge the equity volatility risk associated with these embedded derivatives.
GMWB product derivatives
The Company offers certain variable annuity products with a GMWB rider in the U.S. and formerly in the U.K. and Japan. The GMWB is a bifurcated embedded derivative that provides the policyholder with a guaranteed remaining balance (“GRB”) if the account value is reduced to zero through a combination of market declines and withdrawals. The GRB is generally equal to premiums less withdrawals. Certain contract provisions can increase the GRB at contractholder election or after the passage of time. The notional value of the embedded derivative is the GRB.
GMWB reinsurance contracts
The Company has entered into reinsurance arrangements to offset a portion of its risk exposure to the GMWB for the remaining lives of covered variable annuity contracts. Reinsurance contracts covering GMWB are accounted for as free-standing derivatives. The notional amount of the reinsurance contracts is the GRB amount.
GMWB hedging instruments
The Company enters into derivative contracts to partially hedge exposure associated with a portion of the GMWB liabilities that are not reinsured. These derivative contracts include customized swaps, interest rate swaps and futures, and equity swaps, options, and futures, on certain indices including the S&P 500 index, EAFE index, and NASDAQ index.
The following table represents notional and fair value for GMWB hedging instruments.
                                 
    Notional Amount     Fair Value  
    June 30,     December 31,     June 30,     December 31,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
Customized swaps
  $ 9,615     $ 10,113     $ 175     $ 209  
Equity swaps, options, and futures
    5,239       4,943       372       391  
Interest rate swaps and futures
    2,752       2,800       (118 )     (133 )
 
                       
Total
  $ 17,606     $ 17,856     $ 429     $ 467  
 
                       
Macro hedge program
The Company utilizes equity options, equity futures contracts, currency forwards, and currency options to partially hedge against a decline in the equity markets or changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the resulting statutory surplus and capital impact primarily arising from GMDB, GMIB and GMWB obligations. The Company also enters into foreign currency denominated interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate exposure related to the potential annuitization of certain benefit obligations issued in Japan.
The following table represents notional and fair value for the macro hedge program.
                                 
    Notional Amount     Fair Value  
    June 30,     December 31,     June 30,     December 31,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
Long equity options, swaps and futures
  $ 8,650     $ 13,332     $ 231     $ 205  
Short equity options, swaps and futures
    2,116       1,168       23        
Long currency forward contracts
    196       1,791       (4 )     64  
Short currency forward contracts
    2,778       1,441       56       29  
Foreign interest rate swaps
    737             8        
Cross-currency equity options
    121       1,000       4       3  
Long currency options
    2,155       3,075       139       67  
Short currency options
    465       2,221       (8 )     (5 )
 
                       
Total
  $ 17,218     $ 24,028     $ 449     $ 363  
 
                       
The Company’s net notional amount relating to the macro hedge program as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $6.5 billion and $14.4 billion, respectively, which consisted of $11.9 billion and $19.2 billion, respectively, of long positions offset by $5.4 billion and $4.8 billion, respectively, of short positions.
GMAB, GMWB and GMIB reinsurance contracts
The Company reinsured the GMAB, GMWB, and GMIB embedded derivatives for host variable annuity contracts written by HLIKK. The reinsurance contracts are accounted for as free-standing derivative contracts. The notional amount of the reinsurance contracts is the yen denominated GRB balance value converted at the period-end yen to U.S. dollar foreign spot exchange rate. For further information on this transaction, refer to Note 10 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Coinsurance and modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts
During 2009, a subsidiary entered into a coinsurance with funds withheld and modified coinsurance reinsurance agreement with an affiliated captive reinsurer, which creates an embedded derivative. In addition, provisions of this agreement include reinsurance to cede a portion of direct written U.S. GMWB riders, which is accounted for as an embedded derivative. Additional provisions of this agreement cede variable annuity contract GMAB, GMWB and GMIB riders reinsured by the Company that have been assumed from HLIKK and is accounted for as a free-standing derivative. For further information on this transaction, refer to Note 10 of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
Derivative Balance Sheet Classification
The table below summarizes the balance sheet classification of the Company’s derivative related fair value amounts, as well as the gross asset and liability fair value amounts. The fair value amounts presented do not include income accruals or cash collateral held amounts, which are netted with derivative fair value amounts to determine balance sheet presentation. Derivatives in the Company’s separate accounts are not included because the associated gains and losses accrue directly to policyholders. The Company’s derivative instruments are held for risk management purposes, unless otherwise noted in the table below. The notional amount of derivative contracts represents the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated and is presented in the table to quantify the volume of the Company’s derivative activity. Notional amounts are not necessarily reflective of credit risk.
                                                                 
    Net Derivatives     Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
    Notional Amount     Fair Value     Fair Value     Fair Value  
    Jun. 30,     Dec. 31,     Jun. 30,     Dec. 31,     Jun. 30,     Dec. 31,     Jun. 30,     Dec. 31,  
Hedge Designation/ Derivative Type   2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
Cash flow hedges
                                                               
Interest rate swaps
  $ 7,479     $ 7,652     $ 175     $ 144     $ 192     $ 182     $ (17 )   $ (38 )
Foreign currency swaps
    240       255       (1 )           16       18       (17 )     (18 )
 
                                               
Total cash flow hedges
    7,719       7,907       174       144       208       200       (34 )     (56 )
 
                                               
Fair value hedges
                                                               
Interest rate swaps
    1,223       1,079       (57 )     (47 )     1       4       (58 )     (51 )
Foreign currency swaps
    677       677       14       (12 )     95       71       (81 )     (83 )
 
                                               
Total fair value hedges
    1,900       1,756       (43 )     (59 )     96       75       (139 )     (134 )
 
                                               
Non-qualifying strategies
                                                               
Interest rate contracts
                                                               
Interest rate swaps, swaptions, caps, floors, and futures
    5,344       5,490       (240 )     (255 )     151       121       (391 )     (376 )
Foreign exchange contracts
                                                               
Foreign currency swaps and forwards
    196       196       (20 )     (14 )                 (20 )     (14 )
Japan 3Win foreign currency swaps
    2,285       2,285       152       177       152       177              
Japanese fixed annuity hedging instruments
    2,137       2,119       487       608       494       608       (7 )      
Japanese variable annuity hedging instruments
    3,526       1,720       10       73       61       74       (51 )     (1 )
Credit contracts
                                                               
Credit derivatives that purchase credit protection
    940       1,730       (5 )     (5 )     10       18       (15 )     (23 )
Credit derivatives that assume credit risk [1]
    1,755       2,035       (384 )     (376 )     4       7       (388 )     (383 )
Credit derivatives in offsetting positions
    5,247       5,175       (53 )     (57 )     70       60       (123 )     (117 )
Equity contracts
                                                               
Equity index swaps and options
    191       188       (8 )     (10 )     6       5       (14 )     (15 )
Variable annuity hedge program
                                                               
GMWB product derivatives [2]
    39,143       42,278       (1,433 )     (1,625 )                 (1,433 )     (1,625 )
GMWB reinsurance contracts
    7,886       8,767       237       280       237       280              
GMWB hedging instruments
    17,606       17,856       429       467       575       647       (146 )     (180 )
Macro hedge program
    17,218       24,028       449       363       464       372       (15 )     (9 )
Other
                                                               
GMAB, GMWB, and GMIB reinsurance contracts
    21,061       21,423       (2,350 )     (2,633 )                 (2,350 )     (2,633 )
Coinsurance and modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts
    50,106       51,934       1,431       1,722       2,059       2,342       (628 )     (620 )
 
                                               
Total non-qualifying strategies
    174,641       187,224       (1,298 )     (1,285 )     4,283       4,711       (5,581 )     (5,996 )
 
                                               
Total cash flow hedges, fair value hedges, and non-qualifying strategies
  $ 184,260     $ 196,887     $ (1,167 )   $ (1,200 )   $ 4,587     $ 4,986     $ (5,754 )   $ (6,186 )
 
                                               
Balance Sheet Location
                                                               
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale
  $ 416     $ 441     $ (27 )   $ (26 )   $     $     $ (27 )   $ (26 )
Other investments
    21,899       51,633       756       1,453       1,066       2,021       (310 )     (568 )
Other liabilities
    43,655       20,318       233       (357 )     1,225       343       (992 )     (700 )
Consumer notes
    39       39       (4 )     (5 )                 (4 )     (5 )
Reinsurance recoverables
    55,879       58,834       1,668       2,002       2,296       2,622       (628 )     (620 )
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable
    62,372       65,622       (3,793 )     (4,267 )                 (3,793 )     (4,267 )
 
                                               
Total derivatives
  $ 184,260     $ 196,887     $ (1,167 )   $ (1,200 )   $ 4,587     $ 4,986     $ (5,754 )   $ (6,186 )
 
                                               
[1]  
The derivative instruments related to this strategy are held for other investment purposes.
 
[2]  
These derivatives are embedded within liabilities and are not held for risk management purposes.
Change in Notional Amount
The net decrease in notional amount of derivatives since December 31, 2010, was primarily due to the following:
 
The notional amount related to the macro hedge program declined $6.8 billion primarily due to the expiration of certain currency and equity index options. This notional was not replaced given the Company had appropriate levels of market risk coverage for both equity and foreign exchange rate risk.
 
The GMWB product derivative notional declined $3.1 billion primarily as a result of policyholder lapses and withdrawals.
 
The notional amount related to the coinsurance and modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts declined $1.8 billion primarily due to policyholder lapses and withdrawals.
Change in Fair Value
The change in the total fair value of derivative instruments since December 31, 2010, was primarily related to the following:
 
The increase in the combined GMWB hedging program, which includes the GMWB product, reinsurance, and hedging derivatives, was primarily a result of lower implied market volatility and outperformance of the underlying actively managed funds as compared to their respective indices.
 
Under an internal reinsurance agreement with an affiliate, the increase in fair value associated with the GMAB, GMWB, and GMIB reinsurance contracts along with a portion of the GMWB related derivatives are ceded to the affiliated reinsurer and result in an offsetting fair value of the coinsurance and modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts.
Cash Flow Hedges
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of OCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current period earnings. No components of each derivative’s gain or loss were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
The following table presents the components of the gain or loss on derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges:
                                                                     
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships  
                                        Gain Recognized in Income on  
        Gain Recognized in OCI on     Derivative  
        Derivative (Effective Portion)     (Ineffective Portion)  
        Three Months     Six Months     Three Months     Six Months  
        Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
        June 30,     June 30,     June 30,     June 30,  
        2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
Interest rate swaps
  Net realized capital gains   $ 101     $ 208     $ 42     $ 285     $     $ 1     $     $ 1  
Foreign currency swaps
  Net realized capital gains     1             2       4                          
 
                                                   
Total
      $ 102     $ 208     $ 44     $ 289     $     $ 1     $     $ 1  
 
                                                   
                                     
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships  
        Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income  
        (Effective Portion)  
        Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
        June 30,     June 30,  
        2011     2010     2011     2010  
Interest rate swaps
  Net realized capital gains   $ 1     $ 1     $ 2     $ 1  
Interest rate swaps
  Net investment income     20       12       39       19  
Foreign currency swaps
  Net realized capital gains (losses)     3       (11 )     11       (16 )
Foreign currency swaps
  Net investment income                        
 
                           
Total
      $ 24     $ 2     $ 52     $ 4  
 
                           
As of June 30, 2011, the before-tax deferred net gains on derivative instruments recorded in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are $65. This expectation is based on the anticipated interest payments on hedged investments in fixed maturity securities that will occur over the next twelve months, at which time the Company will recognize the deferred net gains (losses) as an adjustment to interest income over the term of the investment cash flows. The maximum term over which the Company is hedging its exposure to the variability of future cash flows (for forecasted transactions, excluding interest payments on existing variable-rate financial instruments) is approximately two years.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company had no net reclassifications from AOCI to earnings resulting from the discontinuance of cash-flow hedges due to forecasted transactions that were no longer probable of occurring. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company had less than $1 of net reclassifications from AOCI to earnings resulting from the discontinuance of cash-flow hedges due to forecasted transactions that were no longer probable of occurring.
Fair Value Hedges
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings. The Company includes the gain or loss on the derivative in the same line item as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item. No components of each derivative’s gain or loss were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
The Company recognized in income gains (losses) representing the ineffective portion of fair value hedges as follows:
                                                                 
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships  
    Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income [1]  
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
            Hedge             Hedge             Hedge             Hedge  
    Derivative     Item     Derivative     Item     Derivative     Item     Derivative     Item  
Interest rate swaps
                                                               
Net realized capital gains (losses)
  $ (26 )   $ 25     $ (40 )   $ 37     $ (15 )   $ 14     $ (52 )   $ 47  
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
                (7 )     8                   (2 )     3  
Foreign currency swaps
                                                               
Net realized capital gains (losses)
    22       (22 )     (11 )     11       36       (36 )     (40 )     40  
Benefits, losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (1 )     1                   (9 )     9       (1 )     1  
 
                                               
Total
  $ (5 )   $ 4     $ (58 )   $ 56     $ 12     $ (13 )   $ (95 )   $ 91  
 
                                               
[1]  
The amounts presented do not include the periodic net coupon settlements of the derivative or the coupon income (expense) related to the hedged item. The net of the amounts presented represents the ineffective portion of the hedge.
Non-qualifying Strategies
For non-qualifying strategies, including embedded derivatives that are required to be bifurcated from their host contracts and accounted for as derivatives, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized currently in earnings within net realized capital gains or losses. The following table presents the gain or loss recognized in income on non-qualifying strategies:
                                 
Non-qualifying Strategies
Gain (Loss) Recognized within Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses)
 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
Interest rate contracts
                               
Interest rate swaps, swaptions, caps, floors, futures, and forwards
  $ 3     $ (4 )   $ 7     $ (4 )
Foreign exchange contracts
                               
Foreign currency swaps and forwards
    (4 )     13       (7 )     16  
Japan 3Win related foreign currency swaps [1]
    33       65       (25 )     9  
Japanese fixed annuity hedging instruments [2]
    57       160       (5 )     141  
Japanese variable annuity hedging instruments
    6       32       (56 )     45  
Credit contracts
                               
Credit derivatives that purchase credit protection
    (1 )     26       (13 )     25  
Credit derivatives that assume credit risk
    (12 )     (45 )     3       (13 )
Equity contracts
                               
Equity index swaps, options, and futures
    2       4       2       5  
Variable annuity hedge program
                               
GMWB product derivatives
    (82 )     (1,476 )     273       (1,130 )
GMWB reinsurance contracts
    4       246       (61 )     185  
GMWB hedging instruments
    43       825       (184 )     662  
Macro hedge program
    (16 )     397       (330 )     233  
Other
                               
GMAB, GMWB, and GMIB reinsurance contracts
    (5 )     (671 )     336       (556 )
Coinsurance and modified coinsurance reinsurance contracts
    18       1,222       (496 )     843  
 
                       
Total
  $ 46     $ 794     $ (556 )   $ 461  
 
                       
[1]  
The associated liability is adjusted for changes in spot rates through realized capital gains and was $(49) and $(103) for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $(7) and $(96) for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
[2]  
The associated liability is adjusted for changes in spot rates through realized capital gains and was $(63) and $(126) for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $(10) and $(119) for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the net realized capital gain (loss) related to derivatives used in non-qualifying strategies was primarily comprised of the following:
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2011 the net gain related to the Japanese fixed annuity hedging instruments is primarily due to the U.S. dollar weakening in comparison to the Japanese yen.
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2011 the net gain associated with GMAB, GMWB, and GMIB product reinsurance contracts, which are reinsured to an affiliated captive reinsurer, is primarily due to an increase in Japan equity markets and a decrease in Japan currency volatility.
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2011 the net loss on the coinsurance and modified coinsurance reinsurance agreement, which is accounted for as a derivative instrument primarily offsets the net loss on GMAB, GMWB, and GMIB reinsurance contracts. For a discussion related to the reinsurance agreement refer to Note 10 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on this transaction.
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2011 the net loss associated with the macro hedge program is primarily due to foreign currency movements and a higher equity market valuation.
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2011 the net loss associated with the Japan variable annuity hedging instruments is primarily due to the Japanese yen currency movements in comparison to the euro and the U.S. dollar.
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2011 the loss related to the combined GMWB hedging program, which includes the GMWB product, reinsurance, and hedging derivatives is primarily a result of a general decrease in long-term interest rates. For the six months ended June 30, 2011 the gain related to the combined GMWB hedging program is primarily due to a lower implied market volatility and outperformance of the underlying actively managed funds as compared to their respective indices.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, the net realized capital gain (loss) related to derivatives used in non-qualifying strategies was primarily due to the following:
 
The net gain associated with the macro hedge program was primarily due to lower equity market valuation and appreciation of the Japanese yen.
 
The net gain on the Japanese fixed annuity hedging instruments was primarily due to the U.S. dollar weakening in comparison to the Japanese yen.
 
The net gain for the three months ended June 30, 2010, related to the Japan 3 Win hedging derivatives was primarily due to the U.S. dollar weakening in comparison to the Japanese yen, partially offset by the decrease in long-term interest rates.
 
The net loss on derivatives associated with GMAB, GMWB, and GMIB product reinsurance contracts, which are reinsured to an affiliated captive reinsurer, was primarily due to a decline in the Japan equity markets, a decrease in Japan interest rates, and an increase in Japan equity market volatility, partially offset by the impact of credit standing.
 
The loss related to the combined GMWB hedging program which includes the GMWB product, reinsurance, and hedging derivatives was primarily driven by higher implied market volatility and a general decrease in long-term interest rates.
 
The net gain on the coinsurance and modified coinsurance reinsurance agreement, which is accounted for as a derivative instrument, primarily offsets the net loss on the GMAB, GMWB, and GMIB reinsurance contracts as well as a portion of the GMWB product derivatives.
For a discussion related to the reinsurance agreement refer to Note 10 “Transactions with Affiliates” for more information on this transaction.
Credit Risk Assumed through Credit Derivatives
The Company enters into credit default swaps that assume credit risk of a single entity, referenced index, or asset pool in order to synthetically replicate investment transactions. The Company will receive periodic payments based on an agreed upon rate and notional amount and will only make a payment if there is a credit event. A credit event payment will typically be equal to the notional value of the swap contract less the value of the referenced security issuer’s debt obligation after the occurrence of the credit event. A credit event is generally defined as a default on contractually obligated interest or principal payments or bankruptcy of the referenced entity. The credit default swaps in which the Company assumes credit risk primarily reference investment grade single corporate issuers and baskets, which include trades ranging from baskets of up to five corporate issuers to standard and customized diversified portfolios of corporate issuers. The diversified portfolios of corporate issuers are established within sector concentration limits and are typically divided into tranches that possess different credit ratings.
The following tables present the notional amount, fair value, weighted average years to maturity, underlying referenced credit obligation type and average credit ratings, and offsetting notional amounts and fair value for credit derivatives in which the Company is assuming credit risk as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
                                             
As of June 30, 2011  
                        Underlying Referenced            
                    Weighted   Credit Obligation(s) [1]            
                    Average       Average   Offsetting        
Credit Derivative type by derivative   Notional     Fair     Years to       Credit   Notional     Offsetting  
risk exposure   Amount [2]     Value     Maturity   Type   Rating   Amount [3]     Fair Value [3]  
Single name credit default swaps
                                           
Investment grade risk exposure
  $ 1,029     $ (1 )   3 years   Corporate Credit/ Foreign Gov.   A+   $ 936     $ (42 )
Below investment grade risk exposure
    130       (4 )   3 years   Corporate Credit   B+     114       (6 )
Basket credit default swaps [4]
                                           
Investment grade risk exposure
    2,065       1     3 years   Corporate Credit   BBB+     1,221       (9 )
Investment grade risk exposure
    353       (42 )   6 years   CMBS Credit   A-     353       42  
Below investment grade risk exposure
    477       (349 )   4 years   Corporate Credit   BBB+            
Embedded credit derivatives
                                           
Investment grade risk exposure
    25       24     3 years   Corporate Credit   BBB-            
Below investment grade risk exposure
    300       262     6 years   Corporate Credit   BB+            
 
                             
Total
  $ 4,379     $ (109 )               $ 2,624     $ (15 )
 
                             
                                             
As of December 31, 2010  
                        Underlying Referenced            
                    Weighted   Credit Obligation(s) [1]            
                    Average       Average   Offsetting        
Credit Derivative type by derivative   Notional     Fair     Years to       Credit   Notional     Offsetting  
risk exposure   Amount [2]     Value     Maturity   Type   Rating   Amount [3]     Fair Value [3]  
Single name credit default swaps
                                           
Investment grade risk exposure
  $ 1,038     $ (6 )   3 years   Corporate Credit/Foreign Gov.   A+   $ 945     $ (36 )
Below investment grade risk exposure
    151       (6 )   3 years   Corporate Credit   BB-     135       (11 )
Basket credit default swaps [4]
                                           
Investment grade risk exposure
    2,064       (7 )   4 years   Corporate Credit   BBB+     1,155       (7 )
Investment grade risk exposure
    352       (32 )   6 years   CMBS Credit   A-     352       32  
Below investment grade risk exposure
    667       (334 )   4 years   Corporate Credit   BBB+            
Embedded credit derivatives
                                           
Investment grade risk exposure
    25       25     4 years   Corporate Credit   BBB-            
Below investment grade risk exposure
    325       286     6 years   Corporate Credit   BB            
 
                                   
Total
  $ 4,622     $ (74 )               $ 2,587     $ (22 )
 
                                   
[1]  
The average credit ratings are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.
 
[2]  
Notional amount is equal to the maximum potential future loss amount. There is no specific collateral related to these contracts or recourse provisions included in the contracts to offset losses.
 
[3]  
The Company has entered into offsetting credit default swaps to terminate certain existing credit default swaps, thereby offsetting the future changes in value of, or losses paid related to, the original swap.
 
[4]  
Includes $2.4 billion and $2.6 billion as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, of standard market indices of diversified portfolios of corporate issuers referenced through credit default swaps. These swaps are subsequently valued based upon the observable standard market index. Also includes $478 and $467 as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, of customized diversified portfolios of corporate issuers referenced through credit default swaps.