Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the accounts of its subsidiaries over which it exercises control and are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates are required to account for items and matters such as, but not limited to, the valuation of investments and derivatives in the absence of quoted market values, impairment of investments, accounting for derivative financial instruments, valuation of DAC, valuation of policy benefit liabilities, valuation of employee benefits plan obligation and the valuation of deferred tax assets or liabilities, net, and valuation of contingent consideration. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Investments

Investments are reported as follows:

1. The Company classifies the majority of its fixed maturity investments as available-for-sale which are recorded at fair value with the related net unrealized gain or loss, net of policyholder related amounts and deferred taxes, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). Included in fixed maturities are perpetual debt investments which primarily consist of junior subordinated debt instruments that have no stated maturity date but pay fixed or floating interest in perpetuity. Also included in AOCI is net unrealized gain or loss resulting from foreign currency translations of fixed maturity investments denominated in foreign currencies.

Premiums and discounts are recognized as a component of net investment income using the effective interest method, realized gains and losses are included in net realized investment gains (losses) and declines in value determined to be other-than-temporary are included in total other-than-temporary losses.

The Company also classifies certain fixed maturity investments as held for trading. Assets in the held for trading category are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported in net investment income.

The recognition of income on certain investments (e.g. loan-backed securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities) is dependent upon market conditions, which may result in prepayments and changes in amounts to be earned. Prepayments on all mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are monitored monthly and amortization of the premium and/or the accretion of the discount associated with the purchase of such securities are adjusted by such prepayments.

The Company recognizes the acquisition of its public fixed maturity investments on a trade date basis.

2. Mortgage loans on real estate consist of domestic commercial collateralized loans and are carried at their unpaid principal balances adjusted for any unamortized premiums or discounts, origination fees and mortgage provision allowances. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance for all loans, except for loans on non-accrual status. Premiums, discounts and origination fees are amortized to net investment income using the effective interest method. Prepayment penalty fees are recognized in other realized investment gains upon receipt.

The Company actively manages its mortgage loan portfolio by completing ongoing comprehensive analysis of factors such as debt service coverage ratios, loan-to-value ratios, payment status, default or legal status, annual collateral property evaluations and general market conditions. On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews the above primary credit quality indicators in its internal risk assessment of loan impairment and credit loss. Management’s risk assessment process is subjective and includes the categorization of all loans, based on the above mentioned credit quality indicators, into one of the following categories:


•	Performing - generally indicates the loan has standard market risk and is within its original underwriting guidelines.


•	Non-performing - generally indicates there is a potential for loss due to the deterioration of financial/monetary default indicators or potential foreclosure. Due to the potential for loss, these loans are evaluated for impairment.

The adequacy of the Company’s mortgage provision allowance is reviewed quarterly. The determination of the calculation and the adequacy of the mortgage provision allowance and mortgage impairments involve judgments that incorporate qualitative and quantitative Company and industry mortgage performance data. Management’s periodic evaluation and assessment of the adequacy of the mortgage provision allowance and the need for mortgage impairments is based on known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the fair value of the underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, loss experience and other relevant factors. Loans included in the non-performing category and other loans with certain substandard credit quality indicators are individually reviewed to determine if a specific impairment is required. Risk is mitigated through first position collateralization, guarantees, loan covenants and borrower reporting requirements. Since the Company does not originate or hold uncollateralized mortgages, loans are generally not deemed fully uncollectable. Generally, unrecoverable amounts are written off during the final stage of the foreclosure process.

Loan balances are considered past due when payment has not been received based on contractually agreed upon terms. The accrual of interest is discontinued when concerns exist regarding the realization of loan principal or interest. The Company resumes interest accrual on loans when a loan returns to current status or under new terms when loans are restructured or modified.

On a quarterly basis, any loans with terms that were modified during that period are reviewed to determine if the loan modifications constitute a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). In evaluating whether a loan modification constitutes a TDR, it must be determined that the modification is a significant concession and the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties.

Limited partnership and other corporation interests are accounted for using either the cost or equity method of accounting. The Company uses the cost method on investments where it has a minor equity interest and no significant influence over the entity’s operations. The Company uses the equity method when it has a partnership interest that is considered more than minor, although the Company has no significant influence over the entity’s operations. Also included in limited partnership interests are limited partnerships established for the purpose of investing in low-income housing that qualify for federal and state tax credits. These interests are carried at amortized cost as determined using the effective yield method.

In the normal course of its activities, the Company is involved with other entities that are considered variable interest entities (“VIE”). An entity would be determined to be a primary beneficiary, and thus consolidated when the entity has both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. When the Company becomes involved with a VIE and when the nature of the Company’s involvement with the entity changes, in order to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the entity, it evaluates:


•	The structure and purpose of the entity;


•	The risks and rewards created by and shared through the entity and;


•	The entity’s participants’ ability to direct the activities, receive its benefits and absorb its losses.

The Company performs ongoing qualitative analyses of its involvement with VIEs to determine if consolidation is required.

4. Policy loans are carried at their unpaid balances. Interest income on policy loans is recognized in net investment income at the contract interest rate when earned. Policy loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the associated insurance policy.

5. Short-term investments include securities purchased with investment intent and with initial maturities of one year or less and are generally carried at fair value which is approximated from amortized cost.

6. The Company participates in a securities lending program in which the Company lends fixed maturity securities that are held as part of its general account investment portfolio to third parties. The Company does not enter into these types of transactions for liquidity purposes, but rather for yield enhancement on its investment portfolio. The borrower can return and the Company can request the loaned securities at any time. The Company maintains ownership of the securities at all times and is entitled to receive from the borrower any payments for interest received on such securities during the loan term. Securities lending transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings. The securities lending agent indemnifies the Company against borrower risk, meaning that the lending agent agrees contractually to replace securities not returned due to a borrower default. The Company generally requires initial collateral in an amount greater than or equal to 102% of the fair value of domestic securities loaned and 105% of foreign securities loaned. Such collateral is used to replace the securities loaned in event of default by the borrower. Acceptable collateral is generally defined as government securities, letters of credit and/or cash collateral. Some cash collateral may be invested in short-term repurchase agreements which are also collateralized by U.S. Government or U.S. Government Agency securities. Non-cash collateral is not recognized as the Company does not have effective control.

7. The Company’s other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) accounting policy requires that a decline in the value of a security below its cost or amortized cost basis be assessed to determine if the decline is other-than-temporary. The assessment of whether an OTTI has occurred on fixed maturity investments where management does not intend to sell the fixed maturity investment and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the fixed maturity investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis, is based upon management’s case-by-case evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in fair value of each individual security. Management considers a wide range of factors, as described below, regarding the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in its estimated fair value and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery.

Considerations used by the Company in the impairment evaluation process include, but are not limited to, the following:


•	The extent to which estimated fair value is below cost;


•	Whether the decline in fair value is attributable to specific adverse conditions affecting a particular instrument, its issuer, an industry or geographic area;


•	The length of time for which the estimated fair value has been below cost;


•	Downgrade of a fixed maturity investment by a credit rating agency;


•	Deterioration of the financial condition of the issuer;


•	The payment structure of the fixed maturity investment and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments in the future; and


•	Whether dividends have been reduced or eliminated or scheduled interest payments have not been made.

If either (a) management has the intent to sell a fixed maturity investment or (b) it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell a fixed maturity investment before its anticipated recovery, a charge is recorded in net realized investment losses equal to the difference between the fair value and cost or amortized cost basis of the security. If management does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the fixed maturity investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis, but the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected (discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the fixed maturity investment prior to impairment) is less than the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity investment (referred to as the credit loss portion), an OTTI is considered to have occurred. In this instance, total OTTI is bifurcated into two components: the amount related to the credit loss, which is recognized in current period earnings; and the amount attributed to other factors (referred to as the non-credit portion), which is recognized as a separate component in AOCI. The expected cash flows utilized during the impairment evaluation process are determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company including default rates, credit ratings, collateral characteristics and current levels of subordination. After the recognition of an OTTI, a fixed maturity investment is accounted for as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI, with an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings. The difference between the new amortized cost basis and the future cash flows is accreted into net investment income. The Company continues to estimate the present value of cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the security.

Fair Value

Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis into a three-level hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis have been categorized based upon the following fair value hierarchy:


•	Level 1 inputs utilize observable, quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include certain money market funds.

•

Level 2 inputs utilize other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. The fair values for some Level 2 securities are obtained from pricing services. The inputs used by the pricing services are reviewed at least quarterly or when the pricing vendor issues updates to its pricing methodology. For fixed maturity securities and separate account assets and liabilities, inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, evaluated bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. Additional inputs utilized for assets and liabilities classified as Level 2 are:


•	Asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations - new issue data, monthly payment information, collateral performance and third party real estate analysis.


•	U.S. states and their subdivisions - material event notices.


•	Short-term investments - valued based on amortized cost due to their short term nature and high credit quality of the issuers.


•	Derivative instruments - trading activity, swap curves, credit spreads, currency volatility, net present value of cash flows and news sources.


•	Separate account assets and liabilities - various index data and news sources, amortized cost (which approximates fair value), trading activity, swap curves, credit spreads, recovery rates, restructuring, net present value of cash flows and quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.


•	Common collective trusts - the net asset value based on the underlying trust investments.

•

Level 3 inputs are unobservable and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In general, the prices of Level 3 securities are obtained from single broker quotes and internal pricing models. If the broker’s inputs are largely unobservable, the valuation is classified as a Level 3. Broker quotes are validated through an internal analyst review process, which includes validation through known market conditions and other relevant data, as noted below. Internal models are usually cash flow based utilizing characteristics of the underlying collateral of the security such as default rate and other relevant data. Inputs utilized for securities classified as Level 3 are as follows:


•	Corporate debt securities - unadjusted single broker quotes which may be in an illiquid market or otherwise deemed unobservable.


•	Asset-backed securities - internal models utilizing asset-backed securities index spreads.


•	Separate account assets - single broker quotes which may be in an illiquid market or otherwise deemed unobservable or net asset value per share of the underlying investments.


•	Defined benefit plan limited partnership investments - capital account or net asset value adjusted for other relevant information.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

Overall, transfers between levels are attributable to a change in the observability of inputs. Assets and liabilities are transferred to a lower level in the hierarchy when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This may occur when market activity decreases and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred to a higher level in the hierarchy when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity including recent trades, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable. All transfers between levels are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period in which the transfer occurred.

The policies and procedures utilized to review, account for and report on the value and level of the Company’s securities were determined and implemented by the Finance division. The Investments division is responsible for the processes related to security purchases and sales and provides valuation and leveling input to the Finance division when necessary. Both divisions within the Company have worked in conjunction to establish thorough pricing, review, approval, accounting and reporting policies and procedures around the securities valuation process.

Internal pricing models may be used to value certain Level 3 securities. Internal model input assumptions may include: prepayment speeds, constant default rates and the Asset Backed Securities Index (“ABX Index”) spread adjusted by an internally calculated liquidity premium with the primary inputs being the constant default rate and the internally adjusted ABX Index spread. These models are recalibrated monthly by adjusting the inputs based on current public security market conditions and a monthly comparison to pricing vendor evaluations is performed and analyzed.

In some instances, securities are priced using external broker quotes. In most cases, when broker quotes are used as pricing inputs, more than one broker quote is obtained. External broker quotes are reviewed internally by comparing the quotes to similar securities in the public market and/or to vendor pricing, if available. Additionally, external broker quotes are compared to market reported trade activity to ascertain whether the price is reasonable, reflective of the current market prices and takes into account the characteristics of the Company’s securities.

Cash

Cash includes only amounts in demand deposit accounts.

Book overdrafts occur when checks have been issued by the Company, but have not been presented to the Company’s disbursement bank accounts for payment. These bank accounts allow the Company to delay funding of the issued checks until they are presented for payment. This delay in funding results in a temporary source of financing. The activity related to book overdrafts is included in the financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Internal use software

Purchased software costs, as well as certain internal and external costs incurred to develop internal use computer software during the application development stage, are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the software’s estimated useful life, ranging from five to seven years.

Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired

DAC and VOBA

The Company incurs costs in connection with the acquisition of new and renewal insurance business. Costs that vary directly with and relate to the successful production of new business are deferred as DAC. These costs consist primarily of commissions, costs associated with the Company’s sales representatives and policy issuance and underwriting expenses related to the production of successfully acquired new business. A success factor is derived from actual contracts issued by the Company from requests for proposals or applications received and applied to the deferrable costs. The recoverability of such costs is dependent upon the future profitability of the related business. Recoverability testing is performed for current issue year products to determine if gross revenues are sufficient to cover DAC and expenses. At least annually, loss recognition testing is performed on aggregated blocks of business to adjust the DAC balance.

VOBA represents the estimated fair value of insurance or annuity contracts acquired either directly through the acquisition of another insurance company or through the acquisition of insurance or annuity contracts through assumption reinsurance transactions.

DAC and VOBA associated with the annuity products and flexible premium universal life insurance products are being amortized over the life of the contracts in proportion to the emergence of gross profits. Retrospective adjustments of these amounts are made when the Company revises its estimates of current or future gross profits on an annual basis. DAC and VOBA associated with traditional life insurance are amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to premium revenues recognized. DAC and VOBA, for applicable products, are adjusted for the impact of unrealized gains or losses on investments as if these gains or losses had been realized, with corresponding credits or charges included in AOCI.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with an acquisition. It is considered an indefinite lived asset and therefore is not amortized. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that there may be justification for conducting an interim test. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value, the excess is recognized as an impairment and recorded as a charge against net income in the period in which the impairment is identified.

Other intangible assets represent the estimated fair value of the portion of the purchase price that was allocated to the value of customer relationships and non-competition intangible asset in various acquisitions. These intangible assets have been assigned values using various methodologies, including present value of projected future cash flows, analysis of similar transactions that have occurred or could be expected to occur in the market and replacement or reproduction cost. The initial valuations of these intangible assets were supported by an independent valuation study commissioned by the Company. Other identified intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which initially ranged from two to 18 years (weighted average 15 years), primarily based on the cash flows generated by these assets.

Separate accounts

Separate account assets and related liabilities are carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company issues variable annuity contracts and variable universal life contracts through separate accounts for which investment income and investment gains and losses accrue directly to, and investment risk is borne by, the contract holder and therefore, are not included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.

Revenues to the Company from the separate accounts consist of contract maintenance fees, investment management fees, administrative fees and mortality and expense risk charges.

The Company’s separate accounts invest in shares of Great-West Funds, Inc. (“Great-West Funds”) and Putnam Funds, open-end management investment companies, which are affiliates of the Company, and shares of other non-affiliated mutual funds and government and corporate bonds.

Life insurance and annuity future benefits

Future policy benefits liabilities

Life insurance and annuity future benefits liabilities with life contingencies in the amounts of $15,349,322 and $14,296,153 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are computed on the basis of assumed investment yield, mortality, morbidity and expenses, including a margin for adverse deviation. These future policy benefits are calculated as the present value of future benefits (including dividends) and expenses less the present value of future net premiums. The assumptions used in calculating the future policy benefits generally vary by plan, year of issue and policy duration. Additionally, these future policy benefits are established for claims that have been incurred but not reported based on factors derived from past experience.

Reinsurance ceded

In the normal course of its business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding risks to other insurance enterprises under excess coverage, quota share, yearly renewable term, coinsurance and modified coinsurance contracts. For each of its reinsurance agreements, the Company determines if the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. If the Company determines that a reinsurance agreement does not provide indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk, the Company records the agreement using the deposit method of accounting. The Company reviews all contractual features, particularly those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the reinsurer is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims.

Policy benefits and policy and contract claims ceded to other insurance companies are carried as a reinsurance receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Premiums, fee income and policyholder benefits are reported net of reinsurance ceded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The cost of reinsurance related to long duration contracts is accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies.

The Company strives to cede risks to highly rated, well-capitalized reinsurers. The Company monitors and evaluates the financial condition of reinsurers to minimize exposure to credit risk.

Policy and contract claims

Policy and contract claims include provisions for claims incurred but not reported and claims in the process of settlement. The provision for claims incurred but not reported is valued based primarily on the Company’s prior experience. Claims in the process of settlement are valued in accordance with the terms of the related policies and contracts.

Participating business

The Company has participating policies in which the policyholder shares in the Company’s earnings through policyholder dividends that reflect the difference between the assumptions used in the premium charged and the actual experience on those policies. The amount of dividends to be paid is determined by the Board of Directors.

Net investment income

Revenue recognition

Life insurance premiums are recognized when due in premiums. Annuity contract premiums with life contingencies are recognized as received. Revenues for annuity and other contracts without significant life contingencies consist of contract charges for the cost of insurance and contract administration and surrender fees that have been assessed against the contract account balance during the period and are recognized when earned in fee income. Fees from assets under management, assets under administration, shareholder servicing, mortality and expense risk charges, administration and record-keeping services and investment advisory services are recognized when due in fee income.

Income taxes

Income taxes are recorded using the asset and liability method in which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in either the Company’s consolidated financial statements or consolidated tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, all expected future events, other than enactments or changes in the tax laws or rules, are considered. A valuation allowance is provided to the extent that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be realized. The effect on deferred taxes from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Share-based compensation

Lifeco maintains the Great-West Lifeco Inc. Stock Option Plan (the “Lifeco plan”) that is accounted for as an equity award that provides for the granting of options on its common shares to certain of its officers and employees and those of its subsidiaries, including the Company. The Lifeco plan provides for granting of options with varying terms and vesting requirements with vesting commencing on the first anniversary of the grant, exercisable within 10 years from the date of grant. The Company uses the fair value method to recognize the cost of share-based employee compensation under the Lifeco plan.

The Company maintains a Performance Share Unit Plan (“PSU plan”) that is accounted for as a liability award for senior executives of the Company. Under the PSU plan, performance share units are granted to certain senior executives of the Company, having a value equal to the participants’ deferred incentive compensation for the period. The performance share units generally vest in their entirety at the end of the three years performance period based on continued service. The Company uses the fair value method to recognize the cost of share-based employee compensation under the PSU plan.