Fair Value of Financial Instruments | Fair Value of Financial Instruments Our measurement of fair value is based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset, or non-performance risk, which may include our own credit risk. We estimate an exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability (“exit price”) in the principal market, or the most advantageous market for that asset or liability in the absence of a principal market as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or assume a liability (“entry price”). We categorize financial instruments carried at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the priority of inputs to the respective valuation technique. The three-level hierarchy for fair value measurement is defined as follows: Level 1 - Values are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets accessible at the measurement date. Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices from those willing to trade in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by market data for the term of the instrument. Such inputs include market interest rates and volatilities, spreads, and yield curves. Level 3 - Certain inputs are unobservable (supported by little or no market activity) and significant to the fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s best estimate of what hypothetical market participants would use to determine a transaction price for the asset or liability at the reporting date based on the best information available in the circumstances. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment. When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. Because certain securities trade in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information, the determination of fair value for these securities is inherently more difficult. In addition to the unobservable inputs, Level 3 fair value investments may include observable components, which are components that are actively quoted or can be validated to market-based sources. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments for which the disclosure of fair values is required, including financial assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis, with the exception of investment contracts, portions of other long-term investments and debt which are disclosed later within this footnote, was summarized according to the hierarchy previously described, as follows (in millions): March 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair Value Carrying Amount Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,026 $ — $ — $ 3,026 $ 3,026 Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: Asset-backed securities — 5,069 1,593 6,662 6,662 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 2,865 25 2,890 2,890 Corporates 36 13,182 1,246 14,464 14,464 Hybrids 161 791 — 952 952 Municipals — 1,376 41 1,417 1,417 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 320 487 807 807 U.S. Government 339 — — 339 339 Foreign Governments — 170 17 187 187 Equity securities 838 590 8 1,436 1,436 Preferred securities 480 812 1 1,293 1,293 Derivative investments 1 541 — 542 542 Short term investments 105 19 — 124 124 Other long-term investments — — 48 48 48 Total financial assets at fair value $ 4,986 $ 25,735 $ 3,466 $ 34,187 $ 34,187 Liabilities Fair value of future policy benefits — — — — — Derivatives: FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds — — 3,293 3,293 3,293 Reinsurance related embedded derivatives, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities — 75 — 75 75 Subscription agreements — 4 — 4 4 Preferred shares reimbursement feature embedded derivative — — 4 4 4 Total financial liabilities at fair value $ — $ 79 $ 3,297 $ 3,376 $ 3,376 December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair Value Carrying Amount Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,719 $ — $ — $ 2,719 $ 2,719 Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: Asset-backed securities — 4,916 1,350 6,266 6,266 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 2,803 26 2,829 2,829 Corporates 25 13,421 1,289 14,735 14,735 Hybrids 175 815 4 994 994 Municipals — 1,360 43 1,403 1,403 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 342 483 825 825 U.S. Government 342 — — 342 342 Foreign Governments — 176 17 193 193 Equity securities 791 — 5 796 796 Preferred securities 490 851 — 1,341 1,341 Subscription agreements (1) — 199 — 199 199 Derivative investments — 548 — 548 548 Short term investments 769 — — 769 769 Other long-term investments — — 50 50 50 Total financial assets at fair value $ 5,311 $ 25,431 $ 3,267 $ 34,009 $ 34,009 Liabilities Fair value of future policy benefits — — 5 5 5 Derivatives: FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds — — 3,404 3,404 3,404 Reinsurance related embedded derivatives, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities — 101 — 101 101 Total financial liabilities at fair value $ — $ 101 $ 3,409 $ 3,510 $ 3,510 (1) Included within equity securities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020. Valuation Methodologies Fixed Maturity Securities & Equity Securities We measure the fair value of our securities based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the security. The most appropriate valuation methodology is selected based on the specific characteristics of the fixed maturity or equity security, and we will then consistently apply the valuation methodology to measure the security’s fair value. Our fair value measurement is based on a market approach, which utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. Sources of inputs to the market approach include third-party pricing services, independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. We use observable and unobservable inputs in our valuation methodologies. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. In addition, market indicators and industry and economic events are monitored and further market data will be acquired when certain thresholds are met. For certain security types, additional inputs may be used, or some of the inputs described above may not be applicable. The significant input used in the fair value measurement of equity securities for which the market approach valuation technique is employed is yield for comparable securities. Increases or decreases in the yields would result in lower or higher, respectively, fair value measurements. For broker-quoted only securities, quotes from market makers or broker-dealers are obtained from sources recognized to be market participants. We believe the broker quotes are prices at which trades could be executed based on historical trades executed at broker-quoted or slightly higher prices. We analyze the third-party valuation methodologies and related inputs to perform assessments to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy. However, we did not adjust prices received from third parties as of March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020. Derivative Financial Instruments The fair value of call option is based upon valuation pricing models, which represents what we would expect to receive or pay at the balance sheet date if we canceled the options, entered into offsetting positions, or exercised the options. Fair values for these instruments are determined internally, based on industry accepted valuation pricing models which use market-observable inputs, including interest rates, yield curve volatilities, and other factors. The fair value of futures contracts represents the cumulative unsettled variation margin (open trade equity, net of cash settlements) which represents what we would expect to receive or pay at the balance sheet date if we canceled the contracts or entered into offsetting positions. These contracts are classified as Level 1. The fair value measurement of the FIA embedded derivatives included in contractholder funds is determined through a combination of market observable information and significant unobservable inputs using the option budget method. The market observable inputs are the market value of option and treasury rates. The significant unobservable inputs are the budgeted option cost (i.e., the expected cost to purchase call options in future periods to fund the equity indexed linked feature), surrender rates, mortality multiplier and non-performance spread. The mortality multiplier at March 31, 2021 was applied to the Annuity 2000 mortality tables. Increases or decreases in the market value of an option in isolation would result in a higher or lower, respectively, fair value measurement. Increases or decreases in treasury rates, mortality multiplier, surrender rates, or non-performance spread in isolation would result in a lower or higher fair value measurement, respectively. Generally, a change in any one unobservable input would not directly result in a change in any other unobservable input. The fair value of the reinsurance-related embedded derivative in the funds withheld reinsurance agreement with Kubera Insurance (SAC) Ltd. ("Kubera"), a third party insurer, is estimated based upon the fair value of the assets supporting the funds withheld from reinsurance liabilities. The fair value of the assets is based on a quoted market price of similar assets (Level 2), and therefore the fair value of the embedded derivative is based on market-observable inputs and classified as Level 2. See Note P Reinsurance in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for further discussion on F&G reinsurance agreements. Other long-term investments Fair value of the available-for-sale embedded derivative is based on an unobservable input, the net asset value of the fund at the balance sheet date. The embedded derivative is similar to a call option on the net asset value of the fund with a strike price of zero since Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("FGL Insurance") will not be required to make any additional payments at maturity of the fund-linked note in order to receive the net asset value of the fund on the maturity date. A Black-Scholes model determines the net asset value of the fund as the fair value of the call option regardless of the values used for the other inputs to the option pricing model. The net asset value of the fund is provided by the fund manager at the end of each calendar month and represents the value an investor would receive if it withdrew its investment on the balance sheet date. Therefore, the key unobservable input used in the Black-Scholes model is the value of the fund. As the value of the fund increases or decreases, the fair value of the embedded derivative will increase or decrease. See further discussion on the available-for-sale embedded derivative in Note E Derivative Financial Instruments . The fair value of the credit-linked note is based on a weighted average of a broker quote and a discounted cash flow analysis. The discounted cash flow approach is based on the expected portfolio cash flows and amortization schedule reflecting investment expectations, adjusted for assumptions on the portfolio's default and recovery rates, and the note's discount rate. The fair value of the note is provided by the fund manager at the end of each quarter. Subscription Agreements for Forward Purchases of Equity of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies Our subscription agreements are accounted for at fair value pursuant to ASC Topic 321, Investments - Equity Securities and considered to be a Level 2 fair value measurement. Fair value is determined using observable inputs including stock prices, volatility assumptions and a discount for the lack of marketability determined using a combination of the Finnerty Model, Asian Put and Synthetic Forward considerations. The selected discount for the lack of marketability was determined as 3.0%. Quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs used for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of financial instruments carried at fair value as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are as follows: Fair Value at Valuation Technique Unobservable Input(s) Range (Weighted average) March 31, 2021 (in millions) March 31, 2021 Assets Asset-backed securities $ 1,430 Broker-quoted Offered quotes 48.67% - 115.83% 92.15% Asset-backed securities 163 Third-Party Valuation Offered quotes 0.00% - 104.73% 78.18% Commercial mortgage-backed securities 25 Broker-quoted Offered quotes 128.77% - 128.77% 128.77% Corporates 385 Broker-quoted Offered quotes 91.56% - 110.78% 102.28% Corporates 17 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 44.00% - 100.00% 79.02% Corporates 844 Third-Party Valuation Offered quotes 85.23% - 122.88% 105.67% Municipals 41 Third-Party Valuation Offered quotes 126.62% - 126.62% 126.62% Residential mortgage-backed securities 487 Broker-quoted Offered quotes 0.00% - 115.50% 115.50% Foreign governments 17 Third-Party Valuation Offered quotes 107.19% - 109.61% 107.95% Preferred securities 1 Income-Approach Yield —% Equity securities 2 Black Scholes model Risk Free Rate 0.50% - 0.50% (0.50%) Strike Price $1.50 - $1.50 ($1.50) Volatility 109.66% - 109.66% (109.66%) Dividend Yield 0.00% - 0.00% (0.00%) Equity securities 2 Broker Quoted Offered quotes Equity securities 4 Discounted Cash Flow Discount rate 10.60% - 10.60% (10.60%) Market Comparable Company Analysis EBITDA multiple 6.6 x - 6.6 x (6.6 x ) Other long-term assets: Available-for-sale embedded derivative 29 Third-Party Valuation Market value of fund 100.00% Credit Linked Note 19 Broker-quoted Offered quotes 100.00% Total financial assets at fair value $ 3,466 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 4 Discounted cash flow Non-performance spread 0.50% Derivatives: FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds 3,293 Discounted cash flow Market value of option 0.00% - 70.30% 3.76% Swap rates 0.01% - 2.41% 1.21% Mortality multiplier 100.00% - 100.00% 100.00% Surrender rates 0.25% - 55.00% 5.32% Partial withdrawals 2.00% - 3.50% 2.60% Non-performance spread 0.75% - 0.75% 0.75% Option cost 0.05% - 15.94% 2.26% Total financial liabilities at fair value $ 3,297 Fair Value at Valuation Technique Unobservable Input(s) Range (Weighted average) December 31, 2020 (in millions) December 31, 2020 Assets Asset-backed securities $ 1,175 Broker-quoted Offered quotes 85% - 126.15% 103.96% Asset-backed securities 175 Third-Party Valuation Offered quotes 0.00% - 107.25% 79.87% Commercial mortgage-backed securities 26 Broker-quoted Offered quotes 131.59% - 131.59% 131.59% Corporates 388 Broker-quoted Offered quotes 75.20% - 114.68% 103.36% Corporates 901 Third-Party Valuation Offered quotes 88.42% - 125.83% 109.47% Hybrids 4 Third-Party Valuation Offered quotes 112.06% - 112.06% 112.06% Municipals 43 Third-Party Valuation Offered quotes 133.53% - 133.53% 133.53% Residential mortgage-backed securities 483 Broker-quoted Offered quotes 112.58% - 112.58% 112.58% Foreign governments 17 Third-Party Valuation Offered quotes 107.87% - 113.80% 109.72% Equity securities 1 Income-Approach Yield —% Equity securities 1 Black Scholes model Risk Free Rate 0.29% - 0.29% (0.29%) Strike Price $1.50 - $1.50 ($1.50) Volatility 1.00% - 1.00% (1.00%) Dividend Yield 0.00% - 0.00% (0.00%) Equity securities 3 Discounted Cash Flow Discount rate 10.60% - 10.60% (10.60%) Market Comparable Company Analysis EBITDA multiple 6.6x - 6.6x (6.6x) Other long-term assets: Available-for-sale embedded derivative 27 Third-Party Valuation Market value of fund 100.00% Credit Linked Note 23 Broker-quoted Offered quotes 100.00% Total financial assets at fair value $ 3,267 Liabilities Future policy benefits 5 Discounted cash flow Non-performance spread 0.00% Risk margin to reflect uncertainty 0.50% Derivatives: FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds 3,404 Discounted cash flow Market value of option 0.00% - 67.65% 2.25% Treasury rates 0.08% - 1.65% 0.87% Mortality multiplier 100.00% - 100.00% 100.00% Surrender rates 0.25% - 55.00% 5.24% Partial withdrawals 2.00% - 3.50% 2.58% Non-performance spread 0.74% - 0.74% 0.74% Option cost 0.05% - 16.61% 2.25% Total financial liabilities at fair value $ 3,409 The following tables summarize changes to the Company’s financial instruments carried at fair value and classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. This summary excludes any impact of amortization of VOBA, DAC and DSI. The gains and losses below may include changes in fair value due in part to observable inputs that are a component of the valuation methodology. Three months ended March 31, 2021 (in millions) Balance at Beginning Total Gains (Losses) Purchases Sales Settlements Net transfer In (Out) of Balance at End of Change in Unrealized Incl in OCI Included in Included in Assets Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: Asset-backed securities $ 1,350 $ — $ (23) $ 358 $ — $ (92) $ — $ 1,593 $ (4) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 26 — (1) — — — — 25 1 Corporates 1,289 6 (39) 40 (5) (31) (14) 1,246 19 Hybrids 4 — — — — (4) — — — Municipals 43 — (2) — — — — 41 4 Residential mortgage-backed securities 483 — 12 5 — (13) — 487 27 Foreign Governments 17 — — — — — — 17 2 Equity and preferred securities 5 1 — 3 — — — 9 — Other long-term assets: Available-for-sale embedded derivative 27 2 — — — — — 29 — Credit linked note 23 — (4) — — — — 19 — Total assets at Level 3 fair value $ 3,267 $ 9 $ (57) $ 406 $ (5) $ (140) $ (14) $ 3,466 $ 49 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 5 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (1) $ — $ 4 $ — FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds 3,404 (111) — — — — — 3,293 — Total liabilities at Level 3 fair value $ 3,409 $ (111) $ — $ — $ — $ (1) $ — $ 3,297 $ — (a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were exclusively to Level 2. Three months ended March 31, 2020 (in millions) Balance at Beginning Total Gains (Losses) Purchases Sales Settlements Net transfer In (Out) of Balance at End of Change in Unrealized Incl in OCI Included in Included in Assets Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: Corporates $ 17 $ (3) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 14 $ — Equity securities 1 — — — — — — 1 — Other invested assets: Other long-term investment 120 (61) — — — — (59) — — Total assets at Level 3 fair value $ 138 $ (64) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (59) $ 15 $ — Valuation Methodologies and Associated Inputs for Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value The following discussion outlines the methodologies and assumptions used to determine the fair value of our financial instruments not carried at fair value. Considerable judgment is required to develop these assumptions used to measure fair value. Accordingly, the estimates shown are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a one-time, current market exchange of all of our financial instruments. Mortgage Loans The fair value of mortgage loans is established using a discounted cash flow method based on internal credit rating, maturity and future income. This yield-based approach is sourced from our third-party vendor. The internal ratings for mortgages in good standing are based on property type, location, market conditions, occupancy, debt service coverage, loan-to-value, quality of tenancy, borrower, and payment record. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our mortgage loans are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Policy Loans (included within Other long-term investments) Fair values for policy loans are estimated from a discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar credit risk. Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. Company Owned Life Insurance Company owned life insurance (COLI) is a life insurance program used to finance certain employee benefit expenses. The fair value of COLI is based on net realizable value, which is generally cash surrender value. COLI is classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Other Invested Assets (included within Other long-term investments) The fair value of the bank loan is estimated using a discounted cash flow method with the discount rate based on weighted average cost of capital ("WACC"). This yield-based approach is sourced from a third-party vendor and the WACC establishes a market participant discount rate by determining the hypothetical capital structure for the asset should it be underwritten as of each period end. Other invested assets are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Investment Contracts Investment contracts include deferred annuities, FIAs, indexed universal life policies ("IULs") and immediate annuities. The fair value of deferred annuity, FIA, and IUL contracts is based on their cash surrender value (i.e. the cost the Company would incur to extinguish the liability) as these contracts are generally issued without an annuitization date. The fair value of immediate annuities contracts is derived by calculating a new fair value interest rate using the updated yield curve and treasury spreads as of the respective reporting date. The Company is not required to, and has not, estimated the fair value of the liabilities under contracts that involve significant mortality or morbidity risks, as these liabilities fall within the definition of insurance contracts that are exceptions from financial instruments that require disclosures of fair value. Other FHLB common stock, Accounts receivable and Notes receivable are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. FHLB common stock is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Accounts receivable and Notes receivable are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Debt The fair value of debt is based on quoted market prices of other debt with similar characteristics. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our outstanding debt are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The following tables provide the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments that are carried on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at amounts other than fair value, summarized according to the fair value hierarchy previously described. March 31, 2021 (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated Fair Value Carrying Amount Assets FHLB common stock $ — $ 64 $ — $ 64 $ 64 Commercial mortgage loans — — 1,197 1,197 1,206 Residential mortgage loans — — 1,154 1,154 1,168 Policy loans — — 34 34 34 Other invested assets — — 26 26 26 Company-owned life insurance — — 309 309 309 Trade and notes receivables, net of allowance — — 425 425 425 Total $ — $ 64 $ 3,145 $ 3,209 $ 3,232 Liabilities Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds $ — $ — $ 22,880 $ 22,880 $ 26,244 Debt — 2,796 — 2,796 2,663 Total $ — $ 2,796 $ 22,880 $ 25,676 $ 28,907 December 31, 2020 (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated Fair Value Carrying Amount Assets FHLB common stock $ — $ 66 $ — $ 66 $ 66 Commercial mortgage loans — — 926 926 903 Residential mortgage loans — — 1,123 1,123 1,128 Policy loans — — 33 33 33 Other invested assets — — 28 28 28 Company-owned life insurance — — 305 305 305 Trade and notes receivables, net of allowance — — 437 437 437 Total $ — $ 66 $ 2,852 $ 2,918 $ 2,900 Liabilities Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds $ — $ — $ 21,719 $ 21,719 $ 25,199 Debt — 2,896 — 2,896 2,662 Total $ — $ 2,896 $ 21,719 $ 24,615 $ 27,861 The following table includes assets that have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy as the value of these investments are measured using the equity method of accounting or the net asset value ("NAV") per share practical expedient (in millions): Carrying Value After Measurement March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (equity method of accounting) $ 143 $ 146 Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (NAV) $ 1,281 1,148 For investments for which NAV is used as a practical expedient for fair value, we do not have any significant restrictions in our ability to liquidate their positions in these investments, other than obtaining general partner approval, nor do we believe it is probable a price less than NAV would be received in the event of a liquidation. Equity method investments are reported on a lag of up to three months for investee information not received timely. |