Signficant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Unum Group and its subsidiaries (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Such accounting principles differ from statutory accounting principles (see Note 16). Intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein.

Fixed Maturity Securities

Fixed Maturity Securities: Fixed maturity securities include long-term bonds and redeemable preferred stocks. Our fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value. Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities, except for amounts related to impairment and credit losses recognized in earnings, are reported as a component of other comprehensive income. These amounts are net of income tax and valuation adjustments to deferred acquisition costs and reserves for future policy and contract benefits which would have been recorded had the related unrealized gain or loss on these securities been realized.

Interest income is recorded as part of net investment income when earned, using an effective yield method giving effect to amortization of premium and accretion of discount. Included within fixed maturity securities are mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.  We recognize investment income on these securities using a constant effective yield based on projected prepayments of the underlying loans and the estimated economic life of the securities.  Actual prepayment experience is reviewed periodically, and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between prepayments originally projected and the actual prepayments received and currently projected.  The effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis, and the adjustment is reflected in net investment income. For fixed maturity securities on which collection of investment income is uncertain, we discontinue the accrual of investment income and recognize investment income when interest and dividends are received. Payment terms specified for fixed maturity securities may include a prepayment penalty for unscheduled payoff of the investment.  Prepayment penalties are recognized as investment income when received.

In determining when a decline in fair value below amortized cost of a fixed maturity security is a credit loss, we evaluate available information, both positive and negative, in reaching our conclusions. In particular, we consider the strength of the issuer's balance sheet, its debt obligations and near-term funding requirements, cash flow and liquidity, the profitability of its core businesses, the availability of marketable assets which could be sold to increase liquidity, its industry fundamentals and regulatory environment, and its access to capital markets. Although all available and applicable factors are considered in our analysis, our expectation of recovering the entire amortized cost basis of the security, whether we intend to sell the security, whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, and whether the security is current on principal and interest payments are the most critical factors in determining whether impairments represent credit losses. The significance of the decline in value is also an important factor, but we generally do not record an impairment loss based solely on this factor, since often other more relevant factors will impact our evaluation of a security.

For securities with a decline in fair value below amortized costs which we intend to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery in value, the amortized cost of the investment is written down to fair value through earnings, and an impairment loss is recognized in the current period. For securities that we believe are impaired and which we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell before recovery in value, we calculate an allowance for credit losses recognized in earnings which generally represents the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the present value of our best estimate of cash flows expected to be collected, discounted using the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition and limited by the difference between amortized cost and fair value of the security. For fixed maturity securities for which we have recognized an allowance for credit loss through earnings, if through subsequent evaluation there is a significant increase in expected cash flows, the allowance is reduced and is recognized as a reduction to credit losses in the current period. See Notes 2 and 3.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage Loans: Mortgage loans are generally held for investment and are carried at amortized cost less an allowance for expected credit losses. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan's contractual interest rate. Prepayment penalties are recognized as investment income when received. For mortgage loans on which collection of interest income is uncertain, we discontinue the accrual of interest and recognize it in the period when an interest payment is received. We typically do not resume the accrual of interest on mortgage loans on nonaccrual status until there are significant improvements in the underlying financial condition of the borrower. We consider a loan to be delinquent if full payment is not received in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan.

We evaluate each of our mortgage loans individually for impairment and assign an internal credit quality rating based on a comprehensive rating system used to evaluate the credit risk of the loan. Although all available and applicable factors are considered in our analysis, loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios are the most critical factors in determining impairment. We estimate an allowance for credit losses that we expect to incur over the life of our mortgage loans using a probability of default method. For each loan, we estimate the probability that the loan will default before its maturity (probability of default) and the amount of the loss if the loan defaults (loss given default). These two factors result in an expected loss percentage that is applied to the amortized cost of each loan to determine the expected credit loss. As we are the original underwriter of the mortgage loans, the amortized cost generally equals the principal amount of the loan. We measure losses on defaults of our mortgage loans as the excess amortized cost of the mortgage loan over the fair value of the underlying collateral in the event that we foreclose on the loan or over the expected future cash flows of the loan if we retain the mortgage loan until payoff. We do not purchase mortgage loans with existing credit impairments.

In estimating the probability of default, we consider historical experience, current market conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts about the future market conditions. We utilize our historical loan experience in combination with a large third-party industry database for a period of time that aligns with the average life of our loans based on the maturity dates of the loans and prepayment experience. Our model utilizes an industry database of the historical loss experience based on our actual portfolio characteristics such as loan-to-value, debt service coverage, collateral type, geography, and late payment history. In addition, because we actively manage our portfolio, we may extend the term of a loan in certain situations and will accordingly extend the maturity date in the estimate of probability of default. In estimating the loss given default, we primarily consider the type and value of collateral and secondarily the expected liquidation costs and time to recovery.

The primary market factors that we consider in our forecast of future market conditions are gross domestic product, unemployment rates, interest rates, inflation, commercial real estate values, household formation, and retail sales. We also forecast certain loan specific factors such as growth in the fair value and net operating income of collateral by property type. We include our estimate of these factors over a two-year period and for the remainder of the loans’ estimated lives, adjusted for estimated prepayments. Past the two-year forecast period, we revert to the historical assumptions ratably by the end of the fifth year of the loan after which we utilize only historical assumptions.

We utilize various scenarios to estimate our allowance for expected losses ranging from a base case scenario that reflects normal market conditions to a severe case scenario that reflects adverse market conditions. We will adjust our allowance each period to utilize the scenario or weighting of the scenarios that best reflects our view of current market conditions. Additions and reductions to our allowance for credit losses on mortgage loans are reported as a component of net realized investment gains and losses. See Note 3.

Policy Loans

Policy Loans: Policy loans are presented at unpaid balances directly related to policyholders. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan's contractual interest rate. Included in policy loans are $3,390.6 million and $3,490.6 million of policy loans ceded to reinsurers at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Investments

Other Long-term Investments: Other long-term investments are comprised primarily of tax credit partnerships, private equity partnerships, and real estate.

Tax credit partnerships in which we have invested were formed for the purpose of investing in the construction and rehabilitation of low-income housing.  Because the partnerships are structured such that there is no return of principal, the primary sources of investment return from our tax credit partnerships are tax credits and tax benefits derived from passive losses on the investments, both of which may exhibit variability over the life of the investment.  These partnerships are accounted for using either the proportional or the effective yield method, depending primarily on whether the tax credits are guaranteed through a letter of

credit, a tax indemnity agreement, or another similar arrangement. Tax credits received from these partnerships are reported in our consolidated statements of income as either a reduction of premium tax or a reduction of income tax. The amortization of the principal amount invested in these partnerships is reported as a component of either premium tax or income tax.

Our investments in private equity partnerships are passive in nature and represent funds that are primarily invested in private credit, private equity, and real assets. We account for our investments in these partnerships using either the equity method or at fair value through net income depending on the level of ownership and the degree of our influence over partnership operating and financial policies. For investments in partnerships accounted for under the equity method, we report our investments at our share of the partnership's net asset value (NAV) and record our portion of partnership earnings as a component of net investment income. For investments in partnerships accounted for at fair value through net income, we also report our investments at our share of the partnership's NAV as a practical expedient for fair value with increases or decreases recorded as a component of net investment income. Distributions received from the funds arise from income generated by the underlying investments as well as the liquidation of the underlying investments and there is generally not a public market for these investments.

Investment real estate is primarily comprised of property held for the production of income and property held for sale. Property held for the production of income is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any write-downs to fair value for impairment losses. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. A review for impairment is made whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value of the property exceeds the expected undiscounted cash flows generated from the property, at which point the carrying value is written down to an estimated fair value. Real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value less estimated selling costs and is not further depreciated once classified as such.

See Notes 2 and 3 for further discussion of our other long-term investments.

Short-term Investments: Short-term investments are carried at cost. Short-term investments include investments maturing within one year of purchase, such as corporate commercial paper and U.S. Treasury bills, bank term deposits, and other cash accounts and cash equivalents earning interest.

Cash and Bank Deposits

Cash and Bank Deposits: Cash and bank deposits include cash on hand and non-interest bearing cash and deposit accounts.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments: Derivative financial instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) are recognized as either other long-term investments or other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets and are reported at fair value. The accounting for a derivative depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship, and further, on the type of hedging relationship. To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging transaction, we formally document the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as the designation of the hedge as either a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge. Included in this documentation is how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risk(s) related to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific forecasted transactions as well as a description of the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument's effectiveness.

A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk(s) of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship, using qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative methods include comparison of critical terms of the derivative to the hedged item. Quantitative methods include regression or other statistical analysis of changes in fair value or cash flows associated with the hedge relationship.

Changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a fair value hedge and changes in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged are recognized in earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss during the period of change in fair value.  For gains or losses on the derivative instrument that are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, those gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income or loss and amortized into earnings in the same income statement line as the related hedged item. The gain or loss on the termination of a fair value hedge is recognized in earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss during the period in which the termination occurs. When interest rate swaps are used in hedge accounting relationships, periodic settlements are recorded in the same income statement line as the related settlements of the hedged items.

Changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge are reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings and reported on the same income statement line item as the hedged item and in the same period or periods during which the hedged item affects earnings. The gain or loss on the termination of an effective cash flow hedge is reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings and reported on the same income statement line item as the hedged item and in the same period or periods during which the hedged item affects earnings.

Gains or losses on the termination of ineffective fair value or cash flow hedges are reported in earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss. In the event a hedged item is disposed of or the anticipated transaction being hedged is no longer likely to occur, we will terminate the related derivative and recognize the gain or loss on termination in current earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss. In the event a hedged item is disposed of subsequent to the termination of the hedging transaction, we reclassify any remaining gain or loss on the hedge out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings as a component of the same income statement line item wherein we report the gain or loss on disposition of the hedged item.

For a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument, changes in the fair value of the derivative, together with the payment of periodic fees, if applicable, are recognized in earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss during the period of change in fair value.

Cash flow activity from the settlement of derivative contracts is reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows as a component of proceeds from sales and maturities of other investments.

In our consolidated balance sheets, we do not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral arising from those master netting agreements. See Notes 2, 3, and 4.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement: Certain assets and liabilities are reported at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets and in our notes to our consolidated financial statements. We define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Therefore, fair value represents an exit price, not an entry price. The exit price objective applies regardless of our intent and/or ability to sell the asset or transfer the liability at the measurement date. Assets or liabilities with readily available actively quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in active markets generally have more pricing observability and less judgment utilized in measuring fair value. When actively quoted prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities, or other observable inputs. If observable inputs are not available, unobservable inputs and/or adjustments to observable inputs requiring management judgment are used to determine fair value. We categorize our assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value into a three-level hierarchy, based on the significance of the inputs. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to inputs which are unadjusted and represent quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). See Note 2.

Realized Investment Gains and Losses

Realized Investment Gains and Losses: Realized investment gains and losses are reported as a component of revenue in the consolidated statements of income and are based upon specific identification of the investments sold. See Note 3.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Premiums Receivable

Allowance for Credit Losses on Premiums Receivable: We establish an allowance for credit losses on premiums receivable, which is deducted from the gross amount of our receivable balance, to present the net amount we expect to collect on this asset. The allowance is forward-looking in nature and is calculated based on considerations regarding both historical events and future expectations. Periodic changes in the allowance are recorded through earnings.

The allowance on our premiums receivable is primarily determined using an aging analysis as well as historical lapse and delinquency rates by line of business, adjusted for key factors that may impact our future expectation of premium receipts such as changes in customer demographics, business practices, economic conditions, and product offerings. We write off premiums receivable amounts when determined to be uncollectible, which is based on various factors, including the aging of premiums receivable past the due date and specific communication with customers. At January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020, the allowance for expected credit losses on premium receivables was $23.8 million and $38.8 million, respectively, on gross premium receivables of $543.0 million and $525.8 million, respectively. The allowance at January 1, 2020 includes amounts

that were previously established at December 31, 2019. The allowance increased $15.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to the uncertainty of collectability resulting from the impacts of COVID-19, partially offset by premium due write-offs and a decrease in the premium due balance. The primary factors considered in establishing the additional allowance were the recent increase in unemployment levels and the general uncertainty around the financial condition of some of our customers.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Deferred Acquisition Costs: Incremental direct costs associated with the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts have been deferred. Such costs include commissions, other agency compensation, certain selection and policy issue expenses, and certain field expenses. Acquisition costs that do not vary with the production of new business, such as commissions on group products which are generally level throughout the life of the policy, are excluded from deferral. Deferred acquisition costs are subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy issue and loss recognition testing in subsequent years.

Deferred acquisition costs related to non-interest sensitive policies are amortized in proportion to the premium income we expect to receive over the lives of the policies. Deferred acquisition costs related to interest sensitive policies are amortized over the lives of the policies in relation to the present value of estimated gross profits from surrender charges, mortality margins, investment returns, and expense margins. Deviations from projections result in a change to the rate of amortization in the period during which such events occur. Generally, the amortization periods for these policies approximate the estimated lives of the policies.

For certain products, policyholders can elect to modify product benefits, features, rights, or coverages by exchanging a contract for a new contract or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. These transactions are known as internal replacement transactions. Internal replacement transactions wherein the modification does not substantially change the policy are accounted for as continuations of the replaced contracts. Unamortized deferred acquisition costs from the original policy continue to be amortized over the expected life of the new policy, and the costs of replacing the policy are accounted for as policy maintenance costs and expensed as incurred. Internal replacement transactions, principally on group contracts, that result in a policy that is substantially changed are accounted for as an extinguishment of the original policy and the issuance of a new policy. Unamortized deferred acquisition costs on the original policy that was replaced are immediately expensed, and the costs of acquiring the new policy are capitalized and amortized in accordance with our accounting policies for deferred acquisition costs.

Loss recognition testing is performed on an annual basis, or more frequently if appropriate, using best estimate assumptions as to future experience as of the date of the test. Insurance contracts are grouped for each major product line within a segment when we perform the loss recognition tests. If loss recognition testing indicates that deferred acquisition costs are not recoverable, the deficiency is charged to expense.

Goodwill

Goodwill: Goodwill is the excess of the amount paid to acquire a business over the fair value of the net assets acquired. We review the carrying amount of goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount might not be recoverable. Goodwill impairment testing compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill.  If the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit in an amount not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment is reported at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life. The accumulated depreciation for property and equipment was $1,239.9 million and $1,195.3 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Value of Business Acquired

Value of Business Acquired: Value of business acquired represents the present value of future profits recorded in connection with the acquisition of a block of insurance policies. The asset is amortized based upon expected future premium income for non-interest sensitive insurance policies and estimated future gross profits from surrender charges, mortality margins, investment returns, and expense margins for interest sensitive insurance policies. The value of business acquired, which is included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets, was $83.8 million and $88.7 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The accumulated amortization for value of business acquired was $153.7 million and $144.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The amortization of value of business acquired, which is included in other expenses in the consolidated statements of income, was $6.1 million, $7.1 million, and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. We periodically review the carrying amount of value of business acquired using the same methods used to evaluate deferred acquisition costs.

Policy and Contract Benefits

Policy and Contract Benefits: Policy and contract benefits represent amounts paid and expected to be paid based on reported losses and estimates of incurred but not reported losses for non-interest sensitive life and accident and health products. For interest sensitive products, benefits are the amounts paid and expected to be paid on insured claims in excess of the policyholders' policy fund balances.

Reserves for Policy and Contract Benefits

Reserves for Policy and Contract Benefits: Policy reserves represent future policy and contract benefits for claims not yet incurred. Policy reserves for non-interest sensitive life and accident and health products are determined using the net level premium method. The reserves are calculated based upon assumptions as to interest, persistency, morbidity, and mortality that were appropriate at the date of issue. Discount rate assumptions are based on actual and expected net investment returns. Persistency assumptions are based on our actual historical experience adjusted for future expectations. Claim incidence and claim resolution rate assumptions related to morbidity and mortality are based on actual experience or industry standards adjusted as appropriate to reflect our actual experience and future expectations. The assumptions vary by plan, year of issue, and policy duration and include a provision for adverse deviation.

Policy reserves for group single premium annuities are developed on a net single premium method. The reserves are calculated based on assumptions as to interest, mortality, and retirement that were appropriate at the date of issue. Mortality assumptions are based upon industry standards adjusted as appropriate to reflect our actual experience and future expectations. The assumptions vary by year of issue.

Policy reserves for interest sensitive products are principally policyholder account values.

Policy reserves require ongoing loss recognition testing. We perform loss recognition tests on our policy reserves annually, or more frequently if appropriate, using best estimate assumptions as of the date of the test, without a provision for adverse deviation. We group the policy reserves for each major product line within a segment when we perform the loss recognition tests. If the policy reserves determined using these best estimate assumptions are higher than our existing policy reserves net of any deferred acquisition cost balance, the existing policy reserves are increased or deferred acquisition costs are reduced to immediately recognize the deficiency. This becomes the new basis for policy reserves going forward, subject to future loss recognition testing.

Claim reserves represent future policy and contract benefits for claims that have been incurred or are estimated to have been incurred but not yet reported to us. Our claim reserves relate primarily to disability and long-term care policies and are calculated based on assumptions as to interest and claim resolution rates that are currently appropriate. Claim resolution rate assumptions are based on our actual experience. The interest rate assumptions used for discounting claim reserves are based on projected portfolio yield rates, after consideration for defaults and investment expenses, for the assets supporting the liabilities for the various product lines. Unlike policy reserves for which assumptions are generally established and locked in at the time of policy issuance, claim reserves are subject to revision as current claim experience and projections of future factors affecting claim experience change. Claim reserves do not include a provision for adverse deviation. See Note 6.

Policyholders' Funds

Policyholders Funds: Policyholders' funds represent customer deposits plus interest credited at contract rates. We control interest rate risk by investing in quality assets which have an aggregate duration that closely matches the expected duration of the liabilities.

Income Tax

Income Tax: Deferred taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred taxes have been measured using enacted statutory income tax rates and laws that are currently in effect. We record adjustments to our deferred taxes resulting from tax rate changes through income as of the date of enactment. We record deferred tax assets for tax positions taken in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions based on our assessment of whether a position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based solely on its technical merits.  A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that an amount will not be realized. We follow an aggregate portfolio approach to release disproportionate tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income upon disposal of an entire business segment's portfolio. See Note 7.

Short-term and Long-term Debt

Short-term and Long-term Debt: Debt is generally carried at the unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized discount or premium and deferred debt issuance costs. Short-term debt consists of debt due within the next twelve months, including that portion of debt otherwise classified as long-term. The amortization of the original issue discount or premium as well as deferred debt issuance costs are recognized as a component of interest expense over the period the debt is expected to be outstanding. The carrying amount of long-term debt that is part of a fair value hedge program includes an adjustment to reflect the effect of the change in fair value attributable to the risk being hedged. Net interest settlements for fair value hedges on our long-term debt are recognized as a component of interest expense. See Note 8.

Right-of-Use Asset (ROU) and Lease Liability

Right-of-Use Asset (ROU) and Lease Liability: ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for a specified lease term and are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet. Lease liabilities represent the present value of lease payments that we are obligated to pay arising from a lease and are included in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception through a formal process that evaluates our right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. We account for the lease and non-lease components of our building leases separately and have elected to use the available practical expedient to account for the lease and non-lease components of our equipment leases as a single component. All of our leases are classified as operating. For each operating lease, we calculate a lease liability at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term and a corresponding ROU asset, adjusted for lease incentives. We do not recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities that arise from short-term leases for any class of underlying asset.

We consider the likelihood of renewal in determining the lease terms for the calculation of the ROU asset and lease liability. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate of interest, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We use the implicit rate of interest when readily determinable.

Operating lease cost is calculated on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in other expenses in our consolidated statements of income. We amortize the ROU asset over the lease term on a pattern determined by the difference between the straight-line lease liability expense and the accretion of the imputed interest calculated on the lease liability. See Note 15.

Separation of Lease and Nonlease Components

We account for the lease and non-lease components of our building leases separately and have elected to use the available practical expedient to account for the lease and non-lease components of our equipment leases as a single component.

Short-term Leases

We do not recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities that arise from short-term leases for any class of underlying asset.

Treasury Stock and Retirement of Common Stock

Treasury Stock and Retirement of Common Stock: Treasury stock is reflected as a reduction of stockholders' equity at cost. When shares are retired, the par value is removed from common stock, and the excess of the repurchase price over par is allocated between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings. See Note 10.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition: Our non-interest sensitive life and accident and health products are long-duration contracts, and premium income is recognized as revenue when due from policyholders. If the contracts are experience rated, the estimated ultimate premium is recognized as revenue over the period of the contract. The estimated ultimate premium, which is revised to reflect current experience, is based on estimated claim costs, expenses, and profit margins.

For interest sensitive products, the amounts collected from policyholders are considered deposits, and only the deductions during the period for cost of insurance, policy administration, and surrenders are included in revenue. Policyholders' funds represent funds deposited by contract holders and are not included in revenue.

Revenue from Service Fees

Fees from our leave management services and administrative-services only (ASO) business are reported as other income when services are rendered.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance: We routinely enter into reinsurance agreements with other insurance companies to spread risk and thereby limit losses from large exposures. For each of our reinsurance agreements, we determine if the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. If we determine that a reinsurance agreement does not expose the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, we record the agreement using the deposit method of accounting.  

Reinsurance activity is accounted for on a basis consistent with the terms of the reinsurance contracts and the accounting used for the original policies issued. Premium income and benefits and change in reserves for future benefits are presented in our consolidated statements of income net of reinsurance ceded. Ceded liabilities for policy and contract benefits, future policy and contract benefits, and unearned premiums are reported on a gross basis in our consolidated balance sheets, as are ceded policy loans. Our reinsurance recoverable includes the balances due from reinsurers under the terms of the reinsurance agreements for these ceded balances as well as settlement amounts currently due.

Where applicable, gains or costs recognized on reinsurance transactions are generally deferred and amortized into earnings based upon expected future premium income for non-interest sensitive insurance policies and estimated future gross profits for interest sensitive insurance policies. Gains or costs recognized on reinsurance transactions for non-interest sensitive products for which we no longer receive premiums are generally deferred and amortized into earnings based upon expected claim reserve patterns. The cost of reinsurance included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020 was $813.0 million. The deferred gain on reinsurance included in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was $5.6 million and $8.5 million, respectively.

Under ceded reinsurance agreements wherein we are not relieved of our legal liability to our policyholders, if the assuming reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations, we remain contingently liable. We evaluate the financial condition of reinsurers and monitor concentration of credit risk to minimize this exposure. We may also require assets in trust, letters of credit, or other acceptable collateral to support our reinsurance recoverable balances. We estimate an allowance for expected credit losses for our reinsurance recoverable balance using a probability of default approach which incorporates key inputs and assumptions regarding historical insurer liquidation rates, counterparty credit ratings, and collateral received. Liquidation rates are derived from rating agency studies covering domestic insurers and are based on historical liquidation trends according to their respective credit ratings. When calculating our allowance, we apply these liquidation rates to the net amount of our credit exposure, which considers collateral arrangements such as letters of credit and trust accounts. We evaluate the factors used to determine our allowance on a quarterly basis to consider material changes in our assumptions and make adjustments accordingly. At January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020, the allowance for expected credit losses on reinsurance recoverables was $1.8 million and $11.7 million, respectively. The allowance increased $9.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to an increase in the reinsurance recoverable balance, changes in certain counterparty credit ratings, and changes in our assumptions about the recoverability of receivables from certain counterparties. See Note 12.

Premium Tax Expense

Premium Tax Expense: Premium tax expense is included in other expenses in the consolidated statements of income. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, premium tax expense was $175.5 million, $170.1 million, and $155.8 million, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation: The cost of stock-based compensation is generally measured based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The Black-Scholes options valuation model is used for estimating the fair value of stock options, and the Monte-Carlo valuation model is used for estimating the fair value of performance units. Restricted stock units and stock success units are valued based on the fair value of common stock at the grant date. Stock-based awards are expensed over the requisite service period, or for performance units over the requisite service period, or remaining service period, if and when it becomes probable that the performance conditions will be satisfied, with an offsetting increase to additional paid-in capital in stockholders' equity. Forfeitures of stock-based awards are recognized as they occur. See Note 11.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share: We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Earnings per share assuming dilution is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period plus the shares representing the dilutive effect of stock-based awards. In computing earnings per share assuming dilution, only potential common shares resulting from stock-based awards that are dilutive (those that reduce earnings per share) are included. We use the treasury stock method to account for the effect of outstanding stock options and nonvested stock awards on the computation of earnings per share assuming dilution. See Note 10.

Translation of Foreign Curency

Translation of Foreign Currency: Revenues and expenses of our foreign operations are translated at average exchange rates. Assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange on the balance sheet dates. The translation gain or loss is generally reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income tax. We do not provide for deferred taxes to the extent unremitted foreign earnings are deemed permanently invested.

Accounting for Participating Individual Life Insurance

Accounting for Participating Individual Life Insurance: Participating policies issued by one of our subsidiaries prior to its 1986 conversion from a mutual to a stock life insurance company will remain participating as long as the policies remain in-force. A Participation Fund Account (PFA) was established for the benefit of all such individual participating life and annuity policies and contracts. The assets of the PFA provide for the benefit, dividend, and certain expense obligations of the participating individual life insurance policies and annuity contracts. The assets of the PFA were $319.8 million and $311.2 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Accounting Updates Outstanding

Accounting Updates Outstanding:

ASC	Description	Date of Adoption	Effect on Financial Statements
ASC 740 "Income Taxes"	The amendments in this update simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions in the guidance related to the following: 1. losses in continuing operations when there is income in other items, 2. foreign subsidiaries becoming equity method investments and vice versa, and 3. year-to-date interim period losses exceeding anticipated loss for the year. The amendments also simplify the accounting for income taxes related to the following: 1. franchise taxes partially based on income, 2. step up in the tax basis of goodwill, 3. allocation of tax expense to entities not subject to tax, 4. enacted changes in tax law or rates in interim periods, and 5. employee stock ownership programs and investments in qualified affordable housing projects accounted for using the equity method.	January 1, 2021	The adoption of this update will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
ASC 848 "Reference Rate Reform"	The amendments in this update provide optional guidance, for a limited period of time, to ease the potential burden in accounting for and recognizing the effects of reference rate reform on financial reporting. The guidance allows for various practical expedients and exceptions when applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. Specifically, the guidance provides certain practical expedients for contract modifications, fair value hedges, and cash flow hedges and also provides certain exceptions related to changes in the critical terms of a hedging relationship. The guidance also allows for a one-time election to sell or transfer debt securities that were both classified as held-to-maturity prior to January 1, 2020 and reference a rate affected by the reform.	Adoption is permitted as of the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020 (the issuance date of the update), or any date thereafter, through December 31, 2022, at which point the guidance will sunset.	We have not yet determined the impact on our financial position or results of operations if we elect to adopt this guidance.

ASC	Description	Date of Adoption	Effect on Financial Statements
ASC 944 "Financial Services - Insurance"	This update significantly amends the accounting and disclosure requirements for long-duration insurance contracts. These changes include a requirement to review, and if necessary, update cash flow assumptions used to measure the liability for future policy benefits for traditional and limited-payment contracts at least annually, with changes recognized in earnings. In addition, an entity will be required to update the discount rate assumption at each reporting date using a yield that is reflective of an upper-medium grade fixed-income instrument, with changes recognized in other comprehensive income. These changes result in the elimination of the provision for risk of adverse deviation and premium deficiency (or loss recognition) testing. The update also requires that an entity measure all market risk benefits associated with deposit contracts at fair value, with changes recognized in earnings except for the portion attributable to a change in the instrument-specific credit risk, which is to be recognized in other comprehensive income. This update also simplifies the amortization of deferred acquisition costs by requiring amortization on a constant level basis over the expected term of the related contracts. Deferred acquisition costs are required to be written off for unexpected contract terminations but are no longer subject to an impairment test. Significant additional disclosures will also be required, which include disaggregated rollforwards of certain liability balances and the disclosure of qualitative and quantitative information about expected cash flows, estimates, and assumptions. The application of this guidance will vary based upon the specific requirements of the update but will generally result in either a modified retrospective or full retrospective approach with changes applied as of the beginning of the earliest period presented. Early adoption is permitted.	January 1, 2023	We are currently evaluating the impact of the update and expect that the adoption may have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations. The update will also significantly expand our disclosures.