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Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRONOUNCEMENTS
The following table includes the Company’s significant accounting policies with references to the notes providing additional information on such policies and critical accounting estimates related to such policies.
Insurance Related Activities
Premium and Fee Revenue and Receivable Recognition
Premium and Fee Revenue
Life and health premiums are recognized as revenue when due from the insured and are reported net of amounts retroceded. Benefits and expenses are reported net of amounts retroceded and are associated with earned premiums so that profits are recognized over the life of the related contract. This association is accomplished through the provision for future policy benefits and the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. Other revenue includes items such as certain treaty recapture fees related to short duration products, fees associated with financial reinsurance and policy changes on interest-sensitive and investment-type products that the Company reinsures. Any fees that are collected in advance of the period benefited are deferred and recognized over the period benefited.
The Company reinsures medical, disability, life and other products for fixed period of short-duration, typically one to three years. Premiums for short-duration products are recognized over the coverage period in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided.
For certain reinsurance transactions involving the reinsurance of in force blocks of business, the ceding company pays a premium equal to the initial required reserve (future policy benefit). In such transactions, for income statement presentation, the Company nets the expense associated with the establishment of the reserve against the premiums from the transaction.
Premiums related to pension risk transfer transactions are recognized when due, and partially offset by an increase in the liability for future policy benefits.
Revenues for interest-sensitive and investment-type products consist of investment income, policy charges for the cost of insurance, policy administration, and surrender charges that have been assessed against policy account balances during the period. Interest-sensitive contract liabilities for these products represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expenses include claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances and interest credited to policy account balances. Interest is credited to policyholder account balances according to terms of the policies or contracts.
For each of its reinsurance contracts, the Company must determine if the contract provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk, in accordance with GAAP. The Company must review all contractual features, particularly those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the Company is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims. If the Company determines that a contract does not expose it to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company records the contract on a deposit method of accounting with any net amount receivable reflected as an asset within premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances, and any net amount payable reflected as a liability within other reinsurance balances. Fees earned on the contracts are reflected as other revenues, rather than premiums.
Premium Receivable
Premiums are accrued when due and in accordance with information received from the ceding company. When the Company enters into a new reinsurance agreement, it accrues premium based on the terms of the reinsurance treaty. Similarly, when a
ceding company fails to report information on a timely basis, the Company records accruals based on the terms of the reinsurance treaty as well as historical experience. Other management estimates include adjustments for increased in force on existing treaties, lapsed premiums given historical experience, the financial health of specific ceding companies, collateral value and the legal right of offset on related amounts (i.e., allowances and claims) owed to the ceding company. Under the legal right of offset provisions in its reinsurance treaties, the Company can withhold payments for allowances and claims from unpaid premiums. Based on its review of these factors and historical experience, the Company did not believe a provision for doubtful accounts was necessary as of December 31, 2024 or 2023.
Future Policy Benefits
Utilizing the net premium model, a liability for future policy benefits for life, pension risk transfer transactions, and long-term health business is established to meet the estimated future benefits to be paid on assumed life and health reinsurance in force less the present value of estimated future new premiums to be collected. The liability is estimated using the Company’s mortality, morbidity, and persistency assumptions that reflect the Company’s historical experience, industry data, cedant specific experience, and discount rates based on the current yields of upper-medium grade fixed income instruments. These assumptions vary with the characteristics of the reinsurance contract, the year the risk was assumed, age of the insured and other appropriate factors. The Company reviews actual and anticipated experience compared to the assumptions used to establish policy benefits on a quarterly basis and will update those assumptions if evidence suggests that they should be revised. The Company completed its annual review and any necessary updates of cash flow assumptions used to calculate the liability for future policy benefits during the third quarter of 2024 and 2023. Updates may occur in other quarters if information becomes available during the quarter that indicates an assumption update is necessary.
Liabilities for future benefits for annuities in the payout phase have been established in an amount adequate to meet the estimated future obligations on policies in force using expected mortality, discount rates and other assumptions. These assumptions vary with the characteristics of the plan of insurance, year of issue, age of insured, and other appropriate factors. The mortality assumptions are based on the Company’s historical experience, industry data and cedant specific experience.
A deferred profit liability is established when the insurance benefit extends beyond the period in which premiums are collected, and the gross premium exceeds the net premium. The deferred profit liability is amortized in proportion to insurance in force for traditional life insurance and expected future benefits for annuity contracts. The deferred profit liability is included in the liabilities for future policy benefits, and the amortization of the deferred profit liability is recognized as a reduction in claims and other policy benefits.
For the purpose of calculating the liability for future policy benefits, the Company’s reinsurance contracts for its Traditional business are grouped into annual cohorts based on the effective date of the reinsurance contract. The annual groupings are further disaggregated based on:
How the reinsurance contracts are priced and managed;
Geographical locations;
Underlying currency of the contract;
Ceding company and other factors.
Given the unique risks and highly customized nature of the Company’s financial solutions business, reinsurance contracts for the Financial Solutions business and pension risk transfer transactions are not aggregated with other contracts for the purpose of calculating the liability for future policy benefits.
Each quarter, the Company updates its estimate of cash flows expected over the entire life of a group of contracts using actual historical experience and current future cash flow assumptions. These updated cash flows, discounted using the original contract issuance discount rates, are used to calculate the revised net premium ratio, as of the beginning of the current reporting period. The present value of these updated cash flows is compared to the carrying amount of the liability as of that same date, before updating cash flow assumptions, to determine the current period change in the liability’s estimate. This current period change in the liability is a component of the liability remeasurement gain or loss. In subsequent periods, the revised net premium ratio is used to measure the liability for future policy benefits, subject to future revisions. The Company also reviews actual and anticipated experience compared to the assumptions used to establish the liability for future policy benefits on a quarterly basis. If evidence suggests that the assumptions should be revised, the cumulative effect of the change is reflected in future policy benefits remeasurement (gains) losses in the current period. The Company has elected to lock-in claims expense assumptions at contract inception and those assumptions are not subsequently reviewed or updated.
The discount rates used to measure the liability are based on upper-medium grade fixed-income instruments (A rated credit) with similar tenor to the expected liability cash flows. The discount rate assumption is updated quarterly and used to remeasure the liability at the reporting date, with the resulting change reflected in other comprehensive income (loss). For unobservable
discount rates, the Company uses estimates consistent with fair value guidance, maximizing the use of relevant, observable market prices and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.
The Company utilizes the discount rate curve at contract inception for purposes of interest accretion and updating the net premium ratio. Interest accretion is recognized in claims and other policy benefits on the consolidated statements of income. The locked-in discount curve at contract inception for contracts entered into after January 1, 2021, is based on the average upper-medium grade fixed-income instrument yields during the first calendar year of the reinsurance contract. The locked-in discount rates at contract inception for contracts that were effective prior to January 1, 2021, are based on estimates of expected investment yields.
Included in the liability for future policy benefits are unpaid claims related to long-duration contracts and an accrual for incurred but not reported losses (“IBNR”). The Company’s IBNR accrual related to long-duration contracts is determined using case-basis estimates and lag studies of past experience. The time lag from the date of the claim or death to when the ceding company reports the claim to the Company can vary significantly by ceding company, business segment and product type. Incurred but not reported claims are estimates on an undiscounted basis, using actuarial estimates of historical claims expense, adjusted for current trends and conditions. These estimates are continually reviewed, and the ultimate liability may vary significantly from the amount recognized. Claims payable for incurred but not reported losses for long-duration contracts are included in the liability for future policy benefits on the consolidated balance sheets.
Interest-Sensitive Contract Liabilities and Policyholder Account Balances
Liabilities for future benefits on interest-sensitive life and investment-type contract liabilities are carried at the accumulated contract holder values without reduction for potential surrender or withdrawal charges. The Company reinsures asset-intensive products, including annuities and corporate-owned life insurance. The investment portfolios for these products are segregated for management purposes within the general account of the respective legal entity. The liabilities under asset-intensive insurance contracts or reinsurance contracts reinsured on a coinsurance basis are included in interest-sensitive contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Asset-intensive contracts principally include individual fixed annuities in the accumulation phase, single premium immediate annuities with no significant life contingency, equity-indexed annuities, individual variable annuities, corporate-owned life and interest-sensitive whole life insurance contracts. Interest-sensitive contract liabilities are equal to (i) policy account values, which consist of an accumulation of gross premium payments; (ii) credited interest less expenses, mortality charges, and withdrawals; and (iii) fair value adjustments relating to business combinations. Liabilities for immediate annuities are calculated as the present value of the expected cash flows, with the locked-in discount rate determined such that there is no gain or loss at inception.
Equity-indexed annuity contracts reinsured by the Company allow the contract holder to elect an interest rate return or an equity market component where interest credited is based on the performance of common stock market indices, such as the S&P 500 Index®, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, or the NASDAQ. The equity market option is considered an embedded derivative, similar to a call option, which is reflected at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets in interest-sensitive contract liabilities. The fair value of embedded derivatives is computed based on a projection of future equity option costs using a budget methodology, discounted back to the balance sheet date using current market indicators of volatility and interest rates. Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are included as a component of interest credited on the consolidated statements of income (loss).
The Company reviews its estimates of actuarial liabilities for interest-sensitive contract liabilities and compares them with its actual experience. Differences between actual experience and the assumptions used in pricing these guarantees and benefits and in the establishment of the related liabilities result in variances in profit and could result in losses. The effects of changes in such estimated liabilities are included in the results of operations in the period in which the changes occur.
Unpaid Claims and Claim Expense – Short-Duration Contracts
The Company provides reinsurance of medical, disability, life and other products for a fixed period of short-duration, typically one to three years. Under the short-duration insurance accounting model, claims or benefits are recognized when insured events occur, based on the ultimate cost to settle the claim, and are adjusted to reflect changes in estimates during the life of the contract. The estimated cost to settle the claim is based on actuarial assumptions for similar claims. The Company also establishes an incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) liability based on historical reporting patterns.
Market Risk Benefits
Market risk benefits are contracts or contract features that both provide protection to the contract holder from other-than-nominal capital market risk and expose the Company to other-than-nominal capital market risk. Market risk benefits are measured at fair value using an option-based valuation model based on current net amounts at risk, market data, Company experience, and other factors. Changes in fair value are recognized in net income each period with the exception of the portion of the change in fair value due to a change in the liability’s instrument-specific credit risk, which is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
Market risk benefits include the following contract features on certain annuity products that provide minimum guarantees to policyholders:
Guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) provide the contract holder, after a specified period of time determined at the time of issuance of the variable annuity contract, with a minimum level of income (annuity) payments. Under the reinsurance treaty, the Company makes a payment to the ceding company equal to the GMIB net amount-at-risk at the time of annuitization.
Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) guarantee the contract holder a return of their purchase payment via partial withdrawals, even if the account value is reduced to zero, provided that the contract holder’s cumulative withdrawals in a contract year do not exceed a certain limit. The initial guaranteed withdrawal amount is equal to the initial benefit base as defined in the contract (typically, the initial purchase payments plus applicable bonus amounts).
Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) provide the contract holder, after a specified period of time determined at the time of issuance of the variable annuity contract, with a minimum accumulation of their purchase payments even if the account value is reduced to zero. The initial guaranteed accumulation amount is equal to the initial benefit base as defined in the contract (typically, the initial purchase payments plus applicable bonus amounts).
Guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) provides the beneficiary a guaranteed minimum amount upon the death of the contract holder, regardless of the account balance.
The fair values of the GMIB, GMWB, GMDB and GMAB contract features are reflected in market risk benefits and are calculated based on actuarial and capital market assumptions related to the projected cash flows, including benefits and related contract charges over the lives of the contracts. These projected cash flows incorporate expectations concerning policyholder behavior, such as lapses, withdrawals and benefit selections, and capital market assumptions such as interest rates and equity market volatilities. In measuring the fair value of GMIBs, GMWBs, GMABs and GMDBs, the Company attributes a portion of the fees collected from the policyholder equal to the present value of expected future guaranteed minimum income, withdrawal and accumulation and death benefits (at inception). The changes in fair value are reported in market risk benefits remeasurement (gains) losses. Any additional fees represent “excess” fees and are reported in other revenues. These variable annuity guaranteed living and death benefits may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining equity markets or falling interest rate markets, causing an increase in market risk benefit liabilities.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Costs of acquiring new business, which vary with and are directly related to the production of new business, have been deferred to the extent that such costs are deemed recoverable from future premiums or gross profits. Such costs include commissions and allowances as well as certain costs of policy issuance and underwriting. Non-commission costs related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts may be deferred only if they meet the following criteria:
Incremental direct costs of a successful contract acquisition
Portions of employees’ salaries and benefits directly related to time spent performing specified acquisition activities for a contract that has been acquired or renewed
Other costs directly related to the specified acquisition or renewal activities that would not have been incurred had that acquisition contract transaction not occurred
DAC related to traditional life and interest-sensitive contracts are grouped by contract type and issue year into cohorts for consistency with the groupings used in estimating the associated liability. DAC is amortized on a constant level basis for the grouped contracts over the expected term of the related contracts to approximate straight-line amortization. The constant level basis used is based on the number of policies or policy face amount of the risk assumed in the reinsurance contract. The constant level bases used for amortization are projected using mortality and actuarial assumptions for policyholder behavior that are based on the Company’s experience, industry data and other factors and are consistent with those used for the liability for future policy benefits. Changes in assumptions are reflected in DAC amortization prospectively, and actual experience relating to number of policies reinsured will likely differ from the experience previously estimated.
Eligible deferred policy acquisition costs related to short-duration contracts are capitalized and amortized in proportion to premium.
Amortization of DAC is included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses.
Reinsurance Ceded Receivables
The Company generally reports retrocession activity on a gross basis. Amounts paid or deemed to have been paid for reinsurance are reflected in reinsurance ceded receivables and other. Reinsurance ceded receivables related to long-duration
contracts are estimated using mortality, morbidity and persistency assumptions that are similar to the liability for future policy benefits ceded. The discount rate used to measure the ceded receivable is based on the current yields of an upper-medium grade fixed income instrument. Similar to the liability for future policy benefits, ceded receivables for traditional business are grouped into annual cohorts based on the effective date of the reinsurance contract. Given the unique risks and highly customizable nature of the financial solutions business and pension risk transfer transactions, they are not aggregated with other reinsurance contracts for the purposes of calculating the ceded receivable.
Investments
Fixed Maturity Securities
Fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value and are so classified based upon the possibility that such securities could be sold prior to maturity if that action enables the Company to execute its investment philosophy and appropriately match investment results to operating and liquidity needs.
Unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale, less applicable deferred income taxes, are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”).
Investment income is recognized as it accrues or is legally due. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are included in investment related gains (losses), net, as are changes in allowance for credit losses and impairments. The cost of investments sold is primarily determined based upon the specific identification method.
Equity Securities
Equity securities are carried at fair value and realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in investment related gains (losses), net.
Mortgage Loans
Mortgage loans are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of any unamortized premium or discount, unamortized balance of loan origination fees and expenses, and allowance for credit losses. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the mortgage loan based on its contractual interest rate. Amortization of premiums, discounts, and loan origination fees are recorded using the effective yield method. The Company accrues interest on loans until it is probable the Company will not receive interest, or the loan is 90 days past due. Interest income, amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts, amortization of loan origination fees and prepayment fees are reported in net investment income.
Policy Loans
Policy loans are reported at the unpaid principal balance. Interest income on such loans is recorded as earned using the contractually agreed-upon interest rate. These policy loans present no credit risk because the amount of the loan cannot exceed the obligation due the ceding company upon the death of the insured or surrender of the underlying policy.
Funds Withheld at Interest
Funds withheld at interest represent amounts contractually withheld by ceding companies in accordance with reinsurance agreements. For agreements written on a modified coinsurance (“modco”) basis and agreements written on a coinsurance funds withheld basis, assets that support the net statutory reserves or as defined in the treaty, are withheld and legally owned by the ceding company. Interest, recorded in net investment income, accrues to these assets at calculated rates as defined by the treaty terms. Changes in the value of the equity options held within the funds withheld portfolio associated with equity-indexed annuity treaties are reflected in net investment income.
Limited Partnerships and Real Estate Joint Ventures
Limited partnerships and real estate joint ventures, in which the Company has more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations, are reported using the equity method of accounting. Contributions paid by the Company increase carrying value and distributions received by the Company reduce carrying value. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings in net investment income on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period.
Limited partnerships, in which the Company has a minor ownership interest in or virtually no influence over the investee’s operations, are primarily carried at estimated fair value. If a readily determinable fair value is not available, the Company uses the net asset value ("NAV") per share. Changes in estimated fair value are included in investment related gains (losses), net. Certain other limited partnerships are carried at cost less impairment.
Short-Term Investments
Short-term investments represent investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of acquisition and are stated at estimated fair value or amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value. Interest on short-term investments is recorded in net investment income.
Other Invested Assets
In addition to derivative contracts discussed below, other invested assets include Federal Home Loan Bank common stock, unit-linked investments, lifetime mortgages, and real estate held for investment. FHLB common stock is carried at cost. The fair value option (“FVO”) was elected for contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities that do not qualify for presentation and reporting as separate accounts. Changes in estimated fair value of unit-linked investments are included in net investment income.
Lifetime mortgages are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of any unamortized premium or discount, unamortized balance of loan origination fees and expenses, and allowance for credit losses. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the lifetime mortgage based on its contractual interest rate.
Real estate held for investment, including related improvements, is carried at cost less accumulate depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the property. The Company’s real estate held for investment is primarily acquired upon foreclosure of mortgage loans and is recorded at estimated fair value at the time of foreclosure. The carrying value of real estate held for investment is adjusted for impairments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Such impairment adjustments are recorded in investment related gains (losses), net.
Securities Lending and Repurchase/Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The Company participates in securities lending programs whereby securities, which are not reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, are borrowed from third parties. The borrowed securities are used to provide collateral under affiliated reinsurance transactions. The Company is generally required to maintain a minimum of 100% to 110% of the fair value, or par value under certain programs, of the borrowed securities as collateral. The collateral generally consists of securities pledged to the third parties or rights to reinsurance treaty cash flows. If cash flows from the reinsurance treaties are insufficient to maintain the minimum collateral requirement, the Company may substitute cash or securities to meet the requirement.
The Company participates in a securities lending program whereby securities, reflected as investments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, are loaned to a third party. In return, the Company receives securities from the third party, with an estimated fair value generally equal to 105% of the securities lent. The securities received as collateral are not reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
The Company participates in repurchase/reverse repurchase programs whereby securities, reflected as investments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, are sold to third parties. In return, the Company purchases securities from the third parties. Under the agreements the Company’s value of the securities sold is generally equal to 100% to 108% of the estimated fair value of the securities purchased. The securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements are not reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Securities sold under such transactions may be sold or re-pledged by the transferee.
The Company participates in repurchase programs, whereby securities, reflected as investments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are sold to a third party. Under these agreements, the Company receives cash in an amount generally equal to 72% to 100% of the estimated fair value of the securities sold at the inception of the transaction, with a simultaneous agreement to repurchase such securities at a future date or on demand in an amount equal to the cash initially received plus interest. The Company monitors the ratio of the cash held to the estimated fair value of the securities sold throughout the duration of the transaction and additional cash or securities are provided or obtained as necessary. Securities sold under such transactions may be sold or re-pledged by the transferee. The obligation to repurchase bonds is reflected in other liabilities.
Allowance for Credit Losses and Impairments
Fixed Maturity Securities
The Company identifies fixed maturity securities that could result in a credit loss by monitoring market events that could impact issuers’ credit ratings, business climates, management changes, litigation, government actions and other similar factors. The Company also monitors late payments, pricing levels, rating agency actions, key financial ratios, financial statements, revenue forecasts and cash flow projections as indicators of credit issues.
The Company reviews all securities to determine whether a decline in fair value below amortized cost has resulted from a credit loss and whether an allowance for credit loss should be recognized. In making this determination, the Company considers relevant facts and circumstances including: (1) the reasons for the decline in fair value; (2) the issuer’s financial position and
access to capital; and (3) the Company’s intent to sell a security or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost that, in some cases, may extend to maturity.
If the Company intends to sell a security or it is more likely than not that it would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, less any recorded credit loss, it recognizes an impairment loss in investment related gains (losses), net for the difference between amortized cost and fair value.
Credit impairments and changes in the allowance for credit losses on fixed maturity securities are reflected in investment related gains (losses), net, while non-credit impairment losses are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”).
The Company estimates the amount of the credit loss component of a fixed maturity security impairment as the difference between amortized cost and the present value of the expected cash flows of the security. The Company excludes accrued interest from the amortized cost and the present value of the expected cash flows of the security. The present value is determined using the best estimate cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit to the security at the date of purchase or the current yield to accrete an asset-backed or floating rate security. The techniques and assumptions for establishing the best estimate cash flows vary depending on the type of security. The asset-backed securities’ cash flow estimates are based on security-specific facts and circumstances that may include collateral characteristics, expectations of delinquency and default rates, loss severity and prepayment speeds and structural support, including subordination and guarantees.
The Company writes off uncollectible fixed maturity securities when (1) it has sufficient information to determine that the issuer of the security is insolvent or (2) it has received notice that the issuer of the security has filed for bankruptcy, and the collectability of the asset is expected to be adversely impacted by the bankruptcy.
Mortgage Loans
Allowance for credit losses on mortgage loans are computed on an expected loss basis using a model that utilizes probability of default and loss given default methods over the lifetime of the loan. Within the reasonable and supportable forecast period (i.e., typically two years), the allowance for credit losses for mortgage loans is established based on several pool-level loan assumptions, defaults and loss severity, loss expectations for loans with similar risk characteristics and industry statistics. These evaluations are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. The evaluation also includes the impact of expected changes in future macro-economic conditions. The Company reverts to historical loss information for periods beyond which it believes it is able to develop or obtain reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions. When individual loans no longer have similar credit risk characteristics of the commercial mortgage loan pool, they are removed from the pool and are evaluated individually for an allowance.
Any interest accrued or received on the net carrying amount of the impaired loan is included in net investment income or applied to the principal of the loan, depending on the assessment of the collectability of the loan. Mortgage loans deemed to be uncollectible or that have been foreclosed are recorded against the allowance for credit losses and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for credit losses. Changes in allowance for credit losses are reported in investment related gains (losses), net.
The Company may grant a loan modification related to a borrower’s ongoing financial difficulties. Generally, the types of concessions include reduction of the contractual interest rate, extension of the maturity date at an interest rate lower than current market interest rates and/or a reduction of accrued interest. The Company considers the amount, timing and extent of the concession granted in determining any changes in allowance for credit losses recorded in connection with the modification. Through the continuous monitoring process, the Company may have recorded a specific allowance for credit loss prior to when the mortgage loan is modified. Accordingly, the carrying value (after specific allowance for credit loss) before and after modification may not change significantly or may increase if the expected recovery is higher than the pre-modification recovery assessment.
Limited Partnerships and Real Estate Joint Ventures
The Company considers its limited partnership investments that are carried at cost for impairment when the carrying value of these investments exceeds the fair value. The Company takes into consideration the severity and duration of this excess when deciding if the investment is impaired. For equity method investments (including real estate joint ventures), the Company considers financial and other information provided by the investee, other known information and inherent risks in the underlying investments, as well as future capital commitments, in determining whether an impairment has occurred. When it is determined a limited partnership investment has had a loss in value that is other than temporary, an impairment is recognized. Such an impairment is reported in investment related gains (losses), net.
Derivative Instruments
Overview
The Company utilizes a variety of derivative instruments including swaps, options, forwards and futures, primarily to manage or hedge interest rate risk, credit risk, inflation risk, foreign currency risk, market volatility and various other market risks associated with its business. The Company does not invest in derivatives for speculative purposes. It is the Company’s policy to enter into derivative contracts primarily with highly rated parties. See Note 12 “Derivative Instruments” for additional detail on the Company’s derivative positions.
Accounting and Financial Statement Presentation of Derivatives
Derivatives are carried on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets primarily in other invested assets or other liabilities, at fair value. Certain derivatives are subject to master netting provisions and reported as a net asset or liability. On the date a derivative contract is executed, the Company designates the derivative as (1) a fair value hedge, (2) a cash flow hedge, (3) a net investment hedge in a foreign operation or (4) free standing derivatives held for other risk management purposes, which primarily involve managing asset or liability risks associated with the Company’s reinsurance treaties that do not qualify for hedge accounting.
Changes in the fair value of free standing derivative instruments, which do not receive accounting hedge treatment, are primarily reflected in investment related gains (losses), net.
Hedge Documentation and Hedge Effectiveness
To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge as either: (i) a fair value hedge; (ii) a cash flow hedge; or (iii) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. In this documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship.
Under a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the hedging derivative are reported within the same line item in the consolidated statements of income as changes in the fair value of the hedged item related to the designated risk being hedged. The fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported within the consolidated statements of income to match the location of the hedged item.
Under a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the hedging derivative measured as effective are reported within AOCI and the deferred gains or losses on the derivative are reclassified into the consolidated statements of income when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. The fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported within investment income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item.
In a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, changes in the fair value of the hedging derivative that are measured as effective are reported within AOCI consistent with the translation adjustment for the hedged net investment in the foreign operation.
The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument.
When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective, the derivative continues to be carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in investment related gains (losses), net. The carrying value of the hedged asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction occurrence is still probable, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the consolidated statements of income when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.
When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in investment related gains (losses), net.
Deferred gains and losses of a derivative recorded in OCI pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in investment related gains (losses), net.
In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as investment related gains (losses), net.
Embedded Derivatives
The Company reinsures certain insurance products that contain terms that are deemed to be embedded derivatives. The Company assesses reinsurance contract terms to identify embedded derivatives, which are required to be bifurcated under the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging. If the contract is not reported for in its entirety at fair value and it is determined that the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, and that a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for separately.
Reinsurance treaties written on a modco or funds withheld basis are subject to the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging related to embedded derivatives. The Company’s funds withheld at interest assets and liabilities are associated with its reinsurance treaties structured on a modco or funds withheld basis, the majority of which were subject to the general accounting principles for Derivatives and Hedging related to embedded derivatives. The valuation of embedded derivatives is sensitive to the investment credit spread environment. Changes in investment credit spreads are also affected by the application of a credit valuation adjustment (“CVA”). The fair value calculation of an embedded derivative in an asset position utilizes a CVA based on the ceding company’s retrocessionaire’s credit risk. Conversely, the fair value calculation of an embedded derivative in a liability position utilizes a CVA based on the Company’s credit risk. Generally, an increase in investment credit spreads, ignoring changes in the CVA, will have a negative impact on the fair value of the embedded derivative (decrease in income). The fair value of the embedded derivative assets and liabilities are included in the funds withheld at interest and funds withheld payable, respectively. The embedded derivatives are included in funds withheld at interest and funds withheld payable on the consolidated balance sheets, and the change in the fair value of the embedded derivatives is recorded in investment related gains (losses), net.
The Company has entered into various financial reinsurance treaties on a funds withheld and modco basis. These treaties do not transfer significant insurance risk and are recorded on a deposit method of accounting with the Company earning a net fee. As a result of the experience refund provisions contained in these treaties, the value of the embedded derivatives in these contracts is currently considered immaterial. The Company monitors the performance of these treaties on a quarterly basis. Significant adverse performance or losses on these treaties may result in a loss associated with the embedded derivative.
Fair Value Measurements
General accounting principles for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value, establish a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value and enhance disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. In compliance with these principles, the Company has categorized its assets and liabilities, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three level hierarchy or separately for assets measured using the NAV. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), the second highest priority to quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).
If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability.
See Note 13 – “Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities” for further details on the Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.
Income Taxes
The U.S. consolidated tax return includes the operations of RGA and all eligible subsidiaries. The Company’s foreign subsidiaries are taxed under applicable local statutes.
The Company provides for federal, state and foreign income taxes currently payable, as well as those deferred due to temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts and are recognized in net income or in certain cases in other comprehensive income (loss). The Company’s accounting for income taxes represents management’s best estimate of various events and transactions considering the laws enacted as of the reporting date.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured by applying the relevant jurisdictions’ enacted tax rate for the period in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse to the temporary difference change for that period. The Company will establish a valuation allowance if management determines, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that
deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The Company has deferred tax assets including those related to foreign tax credits, net operating, and capital losses. The Company has projected its ability to utilize its deferred tax assets and established a valuation allowance on the portion of the deferred tax assets the Company believes more likely than not will not be realized.
Significant judgment is required in determining whether valuation allowances should be established as well as the amount of such allowances. When making such a determination, consideration is given to, among other things, the following:
(i)taxable income in prior carryback years;
(ii)future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;
(iii)future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; and
(iv)tax planning strategies.
Any such changes could significantly affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements in the year these changes occur.
It is the Company’s policy to account for global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) as a period cost.
The Company reports uncertain tax positions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In order to recognize the benefit of an uncertain tax position, the position must meet the more likely than not criteria of being sustained. Unrecognized tax benefits due to tax uncertainties that do not meet the more likely than not criteria are included within income tax liabilities and are expensed in the period that such determination is made. The Company classifies interest related to tax uncertainties as interest expense whereas penalties related to tax uncertainties are classified as a component of income tax.
See Note 14 – “Income Tax” for further discussion.
Other Accounting Policies
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
Other Reinsurance Balances
The Company assumes and retrocedes financial reinsurance contracts that do not expose it to a reasonable possibility of loss from insurance risk. These contracts are reported as deposits and are included in other reinsurance assets/liabilities. The amount of revenue reported in other revenues on these contracts represents fees and the cost of insurance under the terms of the reinsurance agreement. Assets and liabilities are reported on a net or gross basis, depending on the specific details within each treaty. Reinsurance agreements reported on a net basis, where a legal right of offset exists, are generally included in other reinsurance balances on the consolidated balance sheets. Balances resulting from the assumption and/or subsequent transfer of benefits and obligations resulting from cash flows related to variable annuities have also been classified as other reinsurance balance assets and/or liabilities. Other reinsurance assets are included in premiums receivable and other reinsurance balances while other reinsurance liabilities are included in other reinsurance balances.
Acquired Intangibles
Value of Distribution Agreements and Customer Relationships Acquired
Value of distribution agreements (“VODA”) is reported in other assets and represents the present value of future profits associated with the expected future business derived from the distribution agreements. Value of customer relationships acquired (“VOCRA”) is also reported in other assets and represents the present value of the expected future profits associated with the expected future business acquired through existing customers of the acquired company or business. VODA is amortized over a useful life of 15 years and VOCRA is also amortized over a 15 year period in proportion to expected revenues generated, with amortization included in policy acquisition costs and other insurance expenses. Each year the Company reviews VODA and VOCRA to determine the recoverability of these balances. VODA and VOCRA totaled approximately $0 million and $6 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Other Acquired Intangible Assets
Other acquired intangibles are reported in other assets and primarily represent intangibles and licenses acquired through the Company’s acquisition of service and technology oriented companies in an effort to both support its clients and generate new future revenue streams. Other acquired intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of 10 to 15 years, with amortization included in other operating expenses. Each year the Company reviews other acquired intangibles to determine the recoverability of these balances. Other acquired intangibles totaled approximately $8 million and $11 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Property, Equipment, Leasehold Improvements and Computer Software
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, which are included in other assets, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as appropriate. The estimated life is generally 40 years for company occupied real estate property, from one to seven years for leasehold improvements, and from three to seven years for all other property and equipment. The property, equipment and leasehold improvements totaled $325 million and $279 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Computer software, which is included in other assets, is stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. 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. Amortization of software costs is recorded on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three to ten years. Carrying values are reviewed at least annually for indicators of impairment in value. Unamortized computer software costs were $125 million and $137 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Operating Joint Ventures
The Company has made investments in certain joint ventures that are strategic in nature and made other than for the sole purpose of generating investment income. These investments are reported under the equity method of accounting and are included in other assets. The Company’s share of earnings from these joint ventures is reported in other revenues on the consolidated statements of income. The Company’s investments in operating joint ventures do not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition, and as a result no additional disclosures have been presented.
Funds Withheld Payable
The Company has entered into reinsurance agreements under which it records a funds withheld payable that contains an embedded derivative. The fair value of the embedded derivative is estimated based on the fair value of the assets withheld that support the funds withheld payable. The change in the fair value of the embedded derivative is included in investment related gains (losses), net and investment income earned on the withheld assets is included in other insurance expenses.
Other Liabilities
Other liabilities primarily include investments in transit, separate accounts, employee benefits, cash collateral received on derivative positions, and derivatives in a liability position.
Foreign Currency Translation
Assets, liabilities and results of foreign operations are recorded based on the functional currency of each foreign operation. The determination of the functional currency is based on economic facts and circumstances pertaining to each foreign operation. The Company’s material functional currencies are the U.S. dollar, Canadian dollar, British pound, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, Korean won, Euro and South African rand. The translation of the functional currency into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using weighted-average exchange rates during each year. Gains or losses, net of applicable deferred income taxes, resulting from such translation are included in accumulated currency translation adjustments, in AOCI until the underlying functional currency operation is sold or substantially liquidated.
Equity Based Compensation
The Company expenses the fair value of stock awards included in its incentive compensation plans. The fair value of the award is expensed over the performance or service period, which generally corresponds to the vesting period, and is recognized as an increase to additional paid-in-capital in stockholders’ equity, and stock based compensation expense is reflected in other operating expenses.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effects assuming the exercise or issuance of stock awards.