UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark one)
☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020.
or
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________________ to _______________________
Commission File Number: 1-11917
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. | |||||
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) | |||||
Iowa | 42-1411715 | ||||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||
5400 University Avenue, | West Des Moines, | Iowa | 50266-5997 | ||
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||
(515) | 225-5400 | ||||
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Class A Common Stock, without par value | FFG | New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)
Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: | ||
Title of each class | Outstanding at May 4, 2020 | |
Class A Common Stock, without par value | 24,630,677 | |
Class B Common Stock, without par value | 11,413 |
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FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
Item 1. | Financial Statements (Unaudited) | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||
Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity | ||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | ||
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | |
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | |
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | |
PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION | |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | |
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | |
Item 6. | Exhibits | |
SIGNATURES |
1
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||
Assets | |||||||
Investments: | |||||||
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost 2020 - $7,115,265, 2019 - $7,015,269; and allowance for credit losses 2020 - $12,146, 2019 - $0) | $ | 7,617,165 | $ | 7,702,628 | |||
Equity securities at fair value (cost: 2020 - $96,882, 2019 - $95,269) | 88,610 | 100,228 | |||||
Mortgage loans (net of allowance for credit losses 2020 - $3,279, 2019 - $0) | 988,854 | 1,011,678 | |||||
Real estate | 955 | 955 | |||||
Policy loans | 202,227 | 201,589 | |||||
Short-term investments | 29,580 | 11,865 | |||||
Other investments | 41,777 | 62,680 | |||||
Total investments | 8,969,168 | 9,091,623 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 17,524 | 17,277 | |||||
Securities and indebtedness of related parties | 77,641 | 74,791 | |||||
Accrued investment income | 77,263 | 72,332 | |||||
Amounts receivable from affiliates | 3,916 | 4,357 | |||||
Reinsurance recoverable | 105,438 | 107,498 | |||||
Deferred acquisition costs | 337,972 | 289,456 | |||||
Value of insurance in force acquired | 2,829 | 2,624 | |||||
Current income taxes recoverable | 7,570 | 6,427 | |||||
Other assets | 168,045 | 167,940 | |||||
Assets held in separate accounts | 525,582 | 645,881 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 10,292,948 | $ | 10,480,206 |
2
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | |||||||
Liabilities: | |||||||
Future policy benefits: | |||||||
Interest sensitive products | $ | 5,646,263 | $ | 5,548,212 | |||
Traditional life insurance and accident and health products | 1,856,580 | 1,845,337 | |||||
Other policy claims and benefits | 47,713 | 46,883 | |||||
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies | 293,016 | 296,915 | |||||
Advance premiums and other deposits | 254,523 | 253,458 | |||||
Amounts payable to affiliates | 1,015 | 1,218 | |||||
Short-term debt | 10,000 | — | |||||
Long-term debt | 97,000 | 97,000 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 119,093 | 152,373 | |||||
Other liabilities | 107,841 | 107,013 | |||||
Liabilities related to separate accounts | 525,582 | 645,881 | |||||
Total liabilities | 8,958,626 | 8,994,290 | |||||
Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity: | |||||||
Preferred stock, without par value, at liquidation value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 5,000,000 Series B shares | 3,000 | 3,000 | |||||
Class A common stock, without par value - authorized 88,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 24,630,777 shares in 2020 and 24,652,802 shares in 2019 | 152,754 | 152,661 | |||||
Class B common stock, without par value - authorized 1,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 11,413 shares in 2020 and 2019 | 72 | 72 | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 258,422 | 354,764 | |||||
Retained earnings | 920,032 | 975,260 | |||||
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity | 1,334,280 | 1,485,757 | |||||
Noncontrolling interest | 42 | 159 | |||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 1,334,322 | 1,485,916 | |||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 10,292,948 | $ | 10,480,206 |
See accompanying notes.
3
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
Revenues: | |||||||
Interest sensitive product charges | $ | 31,720 | $ | 31,266 | |||
Traditional life insurance premiums | 49,308 | 49,392 | |||||
Net investment income | 74,917 | 109,640 | |||||
Net realized capital gains (losses) | (13,401 | ) | 10,157 | ||||
Change in allowance for credit losses on investments | (12,261 | ) | — | ||||
Other-than-temporary impairment losses | — | (869 | ) | ||||
Other income | 4,980 | 3,970 | |||||
Total revenues | 135,263 | 203,556 | |||||
Benefits and expenses: | |||||||
Interest sensitive product benefits | 44,351 | 70,596 | |||||
Traditional life insurance benefits | 46,208 | 46,675 | |||||
Policyholder dividends | 2,529 | 2,534 | |||||
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses | 39,421 | 36,189 | |||||
Interest expense | 1,213 | 1,212 | |||||
Other expenses | 7,421 | 6,250 | |||||
Total benefits and expenses | 141,143 | 163,456 | |||||
(5,880 | ) | 40,100 | |||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 3,081 | (6,276 | ) | ||||
Equity income, net of related income taxes | 228 | 220 | |||||
Net income (loss) | (2,571 | ) | 34,044 | ||||
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | 56 | (1 | ) | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. | $ | (2,515 | ) | $ | 34,043 | ||
Earnings (loss) per common share | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | 1.37 | ||
Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | 1.37 |
See accompanying notes.
4
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (2,571 | ) | $ | 34,044 | ||
Other comprehensive income (loss) (1) | |||||||
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses | (96,589 | ) | 97,640 | ||||
Change in underfunded status of postretirement benefit plans | 247 | 208 | |||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (96,342 | ) | 97,848 | ||||
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (98,913 | ) | 131,892 | ||||
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | 56 | (1 | ) | ||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) applicable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. | $ | (98,857 | ) | $ | 131,891 |
(1) | Other comprehensive income (loss) is recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities. |
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
FBL Financial Group, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Series B Preferred Stock | Class A and Class B Common Stock | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Retained Earnings | Non- controlling Interest | Total Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2019 | $ | 3,000 | $ | 152,724 | $ | 91,318 | $ | 937,097 | $ | 120 | $ | 1,184,259 | |||||||||||
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle related to leases | — | — | — | 595 | — | 595 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income - three months ended March 31, 2019 | — | — | — | 34,043 | 1 | 34,044 | |||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | — | — | 97,848 | — | — | 97,848 | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | 202 | — | — | — | 202 | |||||||||||||||||
Purchase of common stock | — | (410 | ) | — | (4,167 | ) | — | (4,577 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Dividends on preferred stock | — | — | — | (38 | ) | — | (38 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Dividends on common stock | — | — | — | (48,812 | ) | — | (48,812 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2019 | $ | 3,000 | $ | 152,516 | $ | 189,166 | $ | 918,718 | $ | 121 | $ | 1,263,521 | |||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2020 | $ | 3,000 | $ | 152,733 | $ | 354,764 | $ | 975,260 | $ | 159 | $ | 1,485,916 | |||||||||||
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle related to current expected credit loss | — | — | — | (2,685 | ) | — | (2,685 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net loss - three months ended March 31, 2020 | — | — | — | (2,515 | ) | (56 | ) | (2,571 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | (96,342 | ) | — | — | (96,342 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | 245 | — | — | — | 245 | |||||||||||||||||
Purchase of common stock | — | (152 | ) | — | (657 | ) | — | (809 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Dividends on preferred stock | — | — | — | (38 | ) | — | (38 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Dividends on common stock | — | — | — | (49,333 | ) | — | (49,333 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Disbursements related to noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | — | (61 | ) | (61 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2020 | $ | 3,000 | $ | 152,826 | $ | 258,422 | $ | 920,032 | $ | 42 | $ | 1,334,322 |
See accompanying notes.
5
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
Operating activities | |||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (2,571 | ) | $ | 34,044 | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||
Interest credited to account balances | 40,980 | 38,531 | |||||
Charges for mortality, surrenders and administration | (33,127 | ) | (31,201 | ) | |||
Net realized (gains) losses on investments | 25,662 | (9,288 | ) | ||||
Change in fair value of derivatives | 1,567 | (29 | ) | ||||
Increase in liabilities for life insurance and other future policy benefits | 21,183 | 17,507 | |||||
Deferral of acquisition costs | (9,155 | ) | (11,739 | ) | |||
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force | 9,597 | 7,774 | |||||
Change in reinsurance recoverable | 688 | (805 | ) | ||||
Provision for deferred income taxes | (6,958 | ) | 1,822 | ||||
Other | (20,186 | ) | (1,923 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 27,680 | 44,693 | |||||
Investing activities | |||||||
Sales, maturities or repayments: | |||||||
Fixed maturities - available for sale | 120,845 | 128,274 | |||||
Equity securities | 699 | — | |||||
Mortgage loans | 35,295 | 24,603 | |||||
Derivative instruments | 9,451 | 2,121 | |||||
Policy loans | 9,913 | 9,095 | |||||
Securities and indebtedness of related parties | 841 | 1,133 | |||||
Other investments | 1,333 | 1,210 | |||||
Acquisitions: | |||||||
Fixed maturities - available for sale | (203,333 | ) | (128,578 | ) | |||
Equity securities | (2,149 | ) | (11,069 | ) | |||
Mortgage loans | (15,750 | ) | (5,650 | ) | |||
Derivative instruments | (5,804 | ) | (4,432 | ) | |||
Policy loans | (10,551 | ) | (10,959 | ) | |||
Securities and indebtedness of related parties | (3,990 | ) | (4,710 | ) | |||
Other long-term investments | (6,100 | ) | (975 | ) | |||
Short-term investments, net change | (17,715 | ) | 4,198 | ||||
Purchases and disposals of property and equipment, net | (1,763 | ) | (4,049 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (88,778 | ) | 212 |
6
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
Financing activities | |||||||
Contract holder account deposits | $ | 271,542 | $ | 135,844 | |||
Contract holder account withdrawals | (170,003 | ) | (143,456 | ) | |||
Dividends paid | (49,371 | ) | (48,850 | ) | |||
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt | 10,000 | 4,000 | |||||
Issuance or repurchase of common stock, net | (762 | ) | (5,421 | ) | |||
Other financing activities | (61 | ) | — | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 61,345 | (57,883 | ) | ||||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 247 | (12,978 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 17,277 | 19,035 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 17,524 | $ | 6,057 | |||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information | |||||||
Cash (paid) received during the period for: | |||||||
Interest | $ | (1,213 | ) | $ | (1,213 | ) | |
Income taxes | (1,915 | ) | — |
See accompanying notes.
7
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
March 31, 2020
1. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Our financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations.
Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020, especially when considering the risks and uncertainties associated with the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") and the impact it may have on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We encourage you to refer to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for a complete description of our material accounting policies. Also included in the Form 10-K is a description of areas of judgments and estimates and other information necessary to understand our financial position and results of operations. Our estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known about the impact of COVID-19. Our results of operations and financial condition may also be impacted by evolving regulatory, legislative and accounting interpretations and guidance.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Description | Date of adoption | Effect on our consolidated financial statements or other significant matters |
Standards adopted: | ||
Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued a new lease accounting standard, which, for most lessees, results in a gross-up of the balance sheet. Under the new standard, lessees recognize the leased assets on the balance sheet and recognize a corresponding liability for the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The new standard requires the application of judgment and estimates. Also, there are accounting policy elections that may be taken both at transition and for the accounting post-transition, including whether to adopt a short-term lease recognition exemption. | January 1, 2019 | Upon adoption using the modified retrospective approach, a cumulative effect adjustment of $0.6 million was recorded to retained earnings, representing the elimination of a deferred gain on a sale-leaseback transaction, and both other assets and other liabilities increased by $7.2 million. We elected the practical expedients provided for under the guidance but did not use hindsight in determining lease term. We have no finance leases and have elected to treat leases with terms of twelve months or less as short-term leases. |
8
Description | Date of adoption | Effect on our consolidated financial statements or other significant matters |
Standards adopted: | ||
Financial instruments - credit impairment In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance amending the accounting for the credit impairment of certain financial instruments. Under the new guidance, credit losses are estimated using an expected loss model under which an allowance for credit losses is established and reflected as a charge to earnings. The allowance is based on the probability of loss over the life of the instrument, considering historical, current and forecast information. The new guidance differs significantly from the incurred loss model used historically, and results in the earlier recognition of credit losses. The new guidance may increase the volatility of earnings to the extent the assumptions used in estimating the allowance are revised as changes in the allowance will be reflected in earnings. Our available-for-sale fixed maturities will continue to apply the incurred loss model; however, such losses will also be in the form of an allowance for credit losses rather than an adjustment to the cost basis of the security. The new guidance permits entities to recognize improvements in credit loss estimates on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities by reducing the allowance account immediately through earnings. | January 1, 2020 | Upon adoption using the modified retrospective approach, a cumulative effect adjustment of $2.7 million after offsets was recorded to retained earnings as of the first reporting period in which the new guidance was effective. The cumulative effect adjustment arose from the establishment of an allowance for credit losses on our mortgage loan investments totaling $3.1 million and reinsurance recoverable totaling $0.9 million, before offsets. See the discussion that follows for further information. Application of this guidance resulted in a decrease to net income of $0.1 million (less than $0.01 per basic and diluted share) for the quarter ended March 31, 2020. Prior periods were not restated. |
Standards not yet adopted: | ||
Targeted improvements: long-duration contracts In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance that will change the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts. The new guidance impacts several facets of the accounting for such contracts including the accounting for future policy benefits associated with traditional non-participating and limited payment insurance contracts as well as for guaranteed minimum benefits and the amortization model used for deferred acquisition costs. Disclosures as well as presentation of financial results will also change under the new guidance. | January 1, 2022 | We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements but expect the impact to the timing of profit emergence for the impacted insurance contracts to be significant. Adoption of certain portions of the guidance may be applied on a modified retrospective basis and others on a full retrospective basis. |
Allowance for Credit Losses
As discussed above, effective January 1, 2020 we were required to apply new accounting guidance for the treatment of potential credit losses within certain financial instruments. Our accounting policies and practices as they pertain to the financial instruments impacted by this new guidance are as follows:
Fixed Maturities
When the fair value of a fixed maturity security is below its amortized cost, an impairment has occurred. To the extent we decide to sell the security or are required to sell the security prior to its recovery of fair value, a charge is taken to realized investment losses as reported within the Consolidated Statement of Operations, and the amortized cost basis of the security is adjusted for the loss. Under the accounting guidance we followed in 2019 and prior periods, to the extent we had no plan or requirement to sell an impaired security, but believed the impairment was other-than-temporary, we similarly recorded a charge to realized investment losses and the amortized cost basis of the security was adjusted for the loss. Beginning in 2020, to the extent an unrealized loss is due to credit, an allowance for credit loss is recognized within the Consolidated Statement of Operations. While fixed maturities are reported net of the allowance for credit losses in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, the allowance is not considered an adjustment to the amortized cost of the security. Accordingly the allowance may increase or decrease over the life of the security based on changes in the assumptions used to determine the allowance, with such changes reported as “Change in the allowance for credit losses on investments” within the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Fixed maturity securities are written-off to realized investment losses if we determine that no additional payments of principal or interest will be received. The factors considered in determining whether an allowance for credit losses is required are consistent with those considered in determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment loss had occurred under the accounting guidance we followed during 2019 and prior periods as discussed in Item 8 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. We have elected the policy to exclude accrued interest receivable from our allowance calculation since uncollectible accrued interest will continue to be evaluated for collectability and written off as warranted.
9
Mortgage Loans
The allowance for credit losses on our mortgage loan investments is based on an estimate of credit losses that may occur over the life of the loans, which differs from the accounting guidance applied in 2019 and prior periods, which was based on incurred losses of individual loans. In determining the allowance, we segregate our mortgage loans with a similar risk profile based on an internal loan rating. Loss factors based on the potential frequency and severity of credit losses at different points in time of the portfolio life are applied to future cash flows to estimate the allowance for credit losses. In determining the loss factors, we consider the potential severity and likelihood of loss based on our historical loan loss experience along with that of other similar organizations as well as economic forecasts. We have elected the policy to exclude accrued interest receivable from our allowance calculation since uncollectible accrued interest will continue to be evaluated for collectability and written off as warranted. Mortgage loans are reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheet net of the allowance for credit losses. Changes in the allowance are reported within the Consolidated Statement of Operations as “Changes in allowance for credit losses on investments.” See Note 2 for further information.
Reinsurance Recoverable
The allowance for credit losses on our reinsurance recoverable is based on an estimate of credit losses that may occur over the life of the underlying ceded insurance business, which differs from the accounting guidance applied in 2019 and prior periods, which was based on incurred losses. We develop loss factors which are applied to the amounts due from each reinsurer which considers the potential severity and likelihood of loss based on the relative risk profile of each reinsurer, our internal loss history and those of other organizations, along with economic forecasts. We also consider other sources of information regarding individual reinsurers, as applicable, including amounts past-due according to the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Reinsurance recoverable assets are reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheet net of the allowance for credit losses. Amounts deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance. Changes in the allowance are reported within the Consolidated Statement of Operations as “Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses.”
Allowance on Reinsurance Recoverables | |||
Three months ended March 31, 2020 | |||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||
Beginning balance of the allowance for credit losses | $ | 868 | |
Change in allowance for credit losses | 7 | ||
Ending balance of the allowance for credit losses | $ | 875 |
No reinsurance recoverables were considered past due as of March 31, 2020.
Income Taxes
Income taxes for interim reporting periods are generally recognized based on an estimated annual effective tax rate which is computed based on earnings forecasts for the year. During the first quarter of 2020, the spread of COVID-19 negatively impacted the U.S. economy, causing unusual market volatility which has impacted our first quarter earnings. At this time, we are unable to forecast our 2020 earnings primarily due to uncertainty regarding COVID-19’s potential impact on future investment credit losses. Accordingly, for purposes of estimating tax expense for the first quarter of 2020, we are applying an estimated year-to-date effective tax rate, which is based on estimated taxable earnings incurred through the end of the quarter. We expect to return to an estimated annual effective tax rate at such time as earnings can be reasonably forecast.
10
2. Investment Operations
Fixed Maturity Securities
Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities by Investment Category | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains (1) | Gross Unrealized Losses (1) | Allowance for Credit Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturities: | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | 3,460,539 | $ | 312,121 | $ | (103,191 | ) | $ | (12,146 | ) | $ | 3,657,323 | |||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | 624,574 | 44,124 | (14,931 | ) | — | 653,767 | |||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed | 977,147 | 167,839 | (3,344 | ) | — | 1,141,642 | |||||||||||||
Other asset-backed | 742,954 | 4,191 | (48,205 | ) | — | 698,940 | |||||||||||||
United States Government and agencies | 10,829 | 3,375 | — | — | 14,204 | ||||||||||||||
States and political subdivisions | 1,299,222 | 152,500 | (433 | ) | — | 1,451,289 | |||||||||||||
Total fixed maturities | $ | 7,115,265 | $ | 684,150 | $ | (170,104 | ) | $ | (12,146 | ) | $ | 7,617,165 |
December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains (1) | Gross Unrealized Losses (1) | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Fixed maturities: | |||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | 3,376,432 | $ | 418,049 | $ | (15,531 | ) | $ | 3,778,950 | ||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | 626,663 | 47,654 | (1,929 | ) | 672,388 | ||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed | 969,453 | 77,433 | (1,413 | ) | 1,045,473 | ||||||||||
Other asset-backed | 697,390 | 19,745 | (2,614 | ) | 714,521 | ||||||||||
United States Government and agencies | 12,417 | 1,711 | (5 | ) | 14,123 | ||||||||||
States and political subdivisions | 1,332,914 | 145,125 | (866 | ) | 1,477,173 | ||||||||||
Total fixed maturities | $ | 7,015,269 | $ | 709,717 | $ | (22,358 | ) | $ | 7,702,628 |
(1) | Includes $0.5 million and $2.5 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, of net unrealized gains on impaired fixed maturities related to changes in fair value subsequent to the impairment date, which are included in AOCI. |
The amount of accrued interest excluded from the amortized cost basis of fixed maturities and included in accrued investment income on the balance sheet totaled $72.4 million at March 31, 2020. Any fixed maturity delinquent on contractual payments over 90 days past due is placed on non-accrual status. If the fixed maturity is placed on non-accrual status the prior accrued interest income is reversed off through net investment income. Interest income received on non-performing fixed maturities is generally recognized on a cash basis. Once fixed maturities are classified as non-accrual, the resumption of the interest accrual would commence only after all past due interest has been collected. There are currently no fixed maturities in non-accrual status.
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Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date | |||||||
March 31, 2020 | |||||||
Amortized Cost | Fair Value | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Due in one year or less | $ | 83,447 | $ | 83,726 | |||
Due after one year through five years | 571,783 | 572,846 | |||||
Due after five years through ten years | 786,392 | 817,847 | |||||
Due after ten years | 3,328,968 | 3,648,397 | |||||
4,770,590 | 5,122,816 | ||||||
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed | 2,344,675 | 2,494,349 | |||||
Total fixed maturities | $ | 7,115,265 | $ | 7,617,165 |
Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Fixed maturities not due at a single maturity date have been included in the above table in the year of final contractual maturity.
Net Unrealized Gains on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | |||||||
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Net unrealized appreciation on: | |||||||
Fixed maturities - available for sale | $ | 514,046 | $ | 687,359 | |||
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of: | |||||||
Deferred acquisition costs | (152,526 | ) | (200,227 | ) | |||
Value of insurance in force acquired | (11,747 | ) | (12,498 | ) | |||
Unearned revenue reserve | 17,362 | 18,025 | |||||
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities | (27,382 | ) | (30,642 | ) | |||
Provision for deferred income taxes | (71,348 | ) | (97,023 | ) | |||
Net unrealized investment gains | $ | 268,405 | $ | 364,994 |
Net unrealized investment gains exclude the allowance for credit losses.
Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time without an Allowance for Credit Losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less than one year | One year or more | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Description of Securities | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses (1) | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses (1) | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses (1) | Percent of Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | 797,924 | $ | (83,568 | ) | $ | 39,182 | $ | (19,623 | ) | $ | 837,106 | $ | (103,191 | ) | 60.7 | % | ||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | 283,851 | (13,927 | ) | 4,956 | (1,004 | ) | 288,807 | (14,931 | ) | 8.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed | 27,094 | (3,344 | ) | — | — | 27,094 | (3,344 | ) | 2.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed | 494,386 | (35,401 | ) | 81,185 | (12,804 | ) | 575,571 | (48,205 | ) | 28.3 | |||||||||||||||||
States and political subdivisions | 8,389 | (56 | ) | 2,602 | (377 | ) | 10,991 | (433 | ) | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturities | $ | 1,611,644 | $ | (136,296 | ) | $ | 127,925 | $ | (33,808 | ) | $ | 1,739,569 | $ | (170,104 | ) | 100.0 | % |
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Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less than one year | One year or more | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Description of Securities | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses (1) | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses (1) | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses (1) | Percent of Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate | $ | 114,520 | $ | (2,476 | ) | $ | 84,719 | $ | (13,055 | ) | $ | 199,239 | $ | (15,531 | ) | 69.5 | % | ||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | 68,743 | (1,435 | ) | 6,941 | (494 | ) | 75,684 | (1,929 | ) | 8.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed | 46,537 | (1,266 | ) | 2,610 | (147 | ) | 49,147 | (1,413 | ) | 6.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed | 112,462 | (519 | ) | 102,439 | (2,095 | ) | 214,901 | (2,614 | ) | 11.7 | |||||||||||||||||
United States Government and agencies | — | — | 2,494 | (5 | ) | 2,494 | (5 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||
States and political subdivisions | 19,367 | (379 | ) | 5,936 | (487 | ) | 25,303 | (866 | ) | 3.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturities | $ | 361,629 | $ | (6,075 | ) | $ | 205,139 | $ | (16,283 | ) | $ | 566,768 | $ | (22,358 | ) | 100.0 | % |
(1) | Non-credit losses reported in AOCI are included with gross unrealized losses resulting in total gross unrealized losses for fixed maturities, available-for-sale being reported in the table. |
Fixed maturities in the above tables include 566 securities from 407 issuers at March 31, 2020 and 189 securities from 145 issuers at December 31, 2019. Unrealized losses increased during the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily due to wider credit spreads. We do not consider securities declines in fair value below amortized cost to be due to a credit loss when the market decline is attributable to factors such as interest rate movements, market volatility, liquidity or spread widening when recovery of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security is anticipated. Based on our intent not to sell or our belief that we will not be required to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis, we do not consider these investments to have a credit loss, and they do not require a loss allowance established at March 31, 2020. The following summarizes the more significant unrealized losses of fixed maturity securities by investment category as of March 31, 2020.
Corporate securities: The largest unrealized losses were in the energy sector ($208.0 million fair value and $55.4 million unrealized loss) and in the consumer non-cyclical sector ($100.5 million fair value and $11.4 million unrealized loss). The majority of losses were attributable to credit spread widening across the energy sector associated with sharp declines in crude oil prices. The price of crude oil has decreased from $61.06 per barrel at December 31, 2019 to $20.48 per barrel at March 31, 2020. Energy-related companies have been negatively impacted by the rapid decline in oil prices due to a decrease in demand and an increase in supply, which has pressured revenues and margins. Spreads widened during the quarter somewhat recovering towards the end of the quarter as the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank has taken a number of actions to stabilize the markets. This includes the establishment of two additional facilities to provide credit to large employers - the Primary Market Corporate Credit Facility (PMCCF) for new bond and loan issuance and the Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility (SMCCF) to provide liquidity for outstanding investment-grade corporate bonds (with a target of maturities 5 years and less).
Residential mortgage-backed securities: The unrealized losses on residential mortgage-backed securities were primarily due to price declines on legacy and newer issue bonds. The legacy bonds are still at an unrealized gain overall, but many individual securities are now at an unrealized loss that were previously at a gain. We purchased many of these investments at a discount to their face amount and the contractual cash flows of these investments are based on mortgages and other assets backing the securities. The newer issue residential mortgage-backed securities are comprised of bonds issued during and after 2013 with strong underwriting and collateral characteristics. The majority of losses were attributable to credit spread widening across the asset class, partially offset by lower U.S. Treasury rates. The wider spreads at quarter end were caused by market uncertainty and reduced trading from economic contractions due to the COVID-19 virus.
Commercial mortgage-backed securities: The unrealized losses on commercial mortgage-backed securities were primarily due to spread widening, partially offset by lower U.S. Treasury rate during the quarter. The wider spreads were caused by market uncertainty from economic contractions due to the COVID-19 virus. The contractual cash flows of these investments are based on mortgages backing the securities.
Other asset-backed securities: The unrealized losses on asset-backed securities (ABS) were primarily due to concerns regarding COVID-19 and the resulting impact on consumer and commercial loans. Spreads widened during the quarter somewhat recovering towards the end of the quarter as the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank has taken a number of actions to stabilize the markets. This includes establishment of a Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF) to facilitate the issuance of ABS
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collateralized by student loans, auto loans, credit card loans, loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and certain other assets. The majority of our ABS have a sequential-pay structure that increases credit support as the pool amortizes. The average life of our portfolio is 3.6 years, down from 5.4 years at purchase. Average credit support for the portfolio has increased from 11 percent at time of purchase to 18 percent as of March 31, 2020. The portfolio is rated nearly 70 percent NAIC-1. The unrealized losses on collateralized loan obligations (CLO) are due to concerns regarding COVID-19 and the resulting impact on leveraged loans.
The CLO market will also benefit from the programs that the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank is providing to the market. Our CLO portfolio is higher quality, with all of the securities rated NAIC-1. Internal stress testing has indicated that the weighted average constant default rate (CDR) of our portfolio without suffering loss is 17%. The CDR is the constant default rate (annually) that a CLO must suffer before our tranche takes its first dollar loss.
State, municipal and other governments: The unrealized losses on state, municipal and other government securities were primarily due to general spread widening relative to spreads at which we acquired the bonds.
An allowance for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 includes an energy sector bond and two financial sector bonds experiencing ongoing weakness in operating performance. These securities were also impacted by the recent market stresses discussed above. The allowance was established as the difference between the fair value of the securities and their amortized cost and was considered to be entirely credit related.
Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities Allowance for Credit Losses | |||
Three months ended March 31, 2020 | |||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||
Corporate securities: | |||
Beginning balance of the allowance for credit losses | $ | — | |
Additions to the allowance for credit losses on securities for which credit losses were not previously recorded | 12,146 | ||
Ending balance of the allowance for credit losses | $ | 12,146 |
Mortgage Loans
Our mortgage loan portfolio consists of commercial mortgage loans that we have originated. Our lending policies require that the loans be collateralized by the value of the related property, establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and require diversification by geographic location and collateral type. We originate loans with an initial loan-to-value ratio that provides sufficient collateral to absorb losses should we be required to foreclose and take possession of the collateral.
The amount of accrued interest excluded from the cost basis of the mortgage loans and included in accrued investment income on the balance sheet totaled $3.7 million at March 31, 2020. Any loan delinquent on contractual payments is considered non-performing. Mortgage loans are placed on non-accrual status if the loan is over 90 days past due. If the loan is placed on non-accrual status the prior accrued interest income is reversed off through net investment income. Interest income received on non-performing loans is generally recognized on a cash basis. Once mortgage loans are classified as non-accrual loans, the resumption of the interest accrual would commence only after all past due interest has been collected or the mortgage loan has been restructured such that the collection of interest is considered likely. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were no non-performing loans over 30 days past due on contractual payments. At March 31, 2020, we had committed to provide additional funding for mortgage loans totaling $6.0 million. These commitments arose in the normal course of business at terms that are comparable to similar investments.
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Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type | ||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||
Collateral Type | Amortized Cost | Percent of Total | Amortized Cost | Percent of Total | ||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||
Office | $ | 407,723 | 41.1 | % | $ | 417,746 | 41.3 | % | ||||||
Retail | 333,975 | 33.7 | 345,870 | 34.2 | ||||||||||
Industrial | 232,748 | 23.4 | 235,274 | 23.2 | ||||||||||
Apartment | 9,005 | 0.9 | — | — | ||||||||||
Other | 8,682 | 0.9 | 12,788 | 1.3 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 992,133 | 100.0 | % | $ | 1,011,678 | 100.0 | % |
Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States | ||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||
Region of the United States | Amortized Cost | Percent of Total | Amortized Cost | Percent of Total | ||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||
South Atlantic | $ | 275,752 | 27.8 | % | $ | 288,299 | 28.5 | % | ||||||
Pacific | 168,456 | 17.0 | 164,996 | 16.3 | ||||||||||
East North Central | 126,112 | 12.7 | 117,053 | 11.6 | ||||||||||
West North Central | 101,559 | 10.2 | 108,942 | 10.8 | ||||||||||
Mountain | 95,827 | 9.7 | 96,857 | 9.6 | ||||||||||
East South Central | 80,523 | 8.1 | 81,275 | 8.0 | ||||||||||
West South Central | 67,059 | 6.8 | 76,650 | 7.6 | ||||||||||
Middle Atlantic | 45,337 | 4.6 | 45,687 | 4.5 | ||||||||||
New England | 31,508 | 3.1 | 31,919 | 3.1 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 992,133 | 100.0 | % | $ | 1,011,678 | 100.0 | % |
Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio | ||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||
Loan-to-Value Ratio | Amortized Cost | Percent of Total | Amortized Cost | Percent of Total | ||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||
0% - 50% | $ | 430,798 | 43.4 | % | $ | 412,973 | 40.8 | % | ||||||
51% - 60% | 322,097 | 32.5 | 310,869 | 30.7 | ||||||||||
61% - 70% | 209,801 | 21.1 | 256,280 | 25.4 | ||||||||||
71% - 80% | 29,437 | 3.0 | 31,556 | 3.1 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 992,133 | 100.0 | % | $ | 1,011,678 | 100.0 | % |
The loan-to-value ratio is determined using the most recent appraised value. Appraisals are updated periodically when there is indication of a possible significant collateral decline or there are loan modifications or refinance requests.
Mortgage loans are rated internally to provide a current qualitative rating of each loan. We review the capital structure, collateral strength, physical occupancy, financial stability of the operating income stream, debt service coverage ratio, outstanding loan balance to estimated value of the collateral, property improvements and the financial strength of the borrower when determining the internal loan rating. Loans of high quality, low risk and with little concern of default or extension risk are rated an A; loans of moderate quality and moderate risk are rated a B; loans of low quality and high risk are rated a C, and loans for which there is concern of credit default are rated a W.
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Mortgage Loans by Internal Rating and Year of Origination | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 & prior | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Internal Rating | Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A | $ | 15,750 | $ | 69,026 | $ | 127,394 | $ | 198,421 | $ | 142,996 | $ | 407,362 | $ | 960,949 | ||||||||||||||
B | — | — | — | — | — | 5,403 | 5,403 | |||||||||||||||||||||
C | — | — | — | — | — | 21,501 | 21,501 | |||||||||||||||||||||
W | — | — | — | — | — | 4,280 | 4,280 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 15,750 | $ | 69,026 | $ | 127,394 | $ | 198,421 | $ | 142,996 | $ | 438,546 | $ | 992,133 |
December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 & prior | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Internal Rating | Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A | $ | 69,319 | $ | 128,334 | $ | 200,283 | $ | 144,311 | $ | 119,724 | $ | 316,079 | $ | 978,050 | ||||||||||||||
B | — | — | — | — | — | 7,512 | 7,512 | |||||||||||||||||||||
C | — | — | — | — | — | 21,812 | 21,812 | |||||||||||||||||||||
W | — | — | — | — | — | 4,304 | 4,304 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 69,319 | $ | 128,334 | $ | 200,283 | $ | 144,311 | $ | 119,724 | $ | 349,707 | $ | 1,011,678 |
Our allowance for credit losses on mortgage loans was estimated by incorporating historical information, current conditions as well as conditions for a reasonable and supportable forecast that includes an estimated recessionary period. The loans are segmented by an internal risk rating as well as geographic region with an estimated loss ratio applied against each segment. For the years after our reasonable and supportable forecast period we graded the expected loss ratio over the estimated remaining recessionary period to our actual loss history. During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, we increased our recession probability factor for our reasonable and supportable forecast period, which caused our allowance to increase. However, the decrease in our mortgage loan principal balance from December 31, 2019 to March 31, 2020 partially offset the increase in our allowance resulting in a small increase to our allowance, during the first quarter 2020. Amounts on mortgage loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged off and removed from the valuation allowance.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Mortgage Loans | |||
Three months ended March 31, 2020 | |||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||
Beginning balance of the allowance for credit losses | $ | 3,164 | |
Current period provision for expected credit losses | 115 | ||
Ending balance of the allowance for credit losses | $ | 3,279 |
Mortgage Loan Modifications
Our commercial mortgage loan portfolio can include loans that have been modified. We assess loan modifications on a loan-by-loan basis to evaluate whether a troubled debt restructuring has occurred. Generally, the types of concessions include reduction of the contractual interest rate to a below-market rate, extension of the maturity date and/or a reduction of accrued interest. The amount, timing and extent of the concession granted is considered in determining if an impairment loss is needed for the restructuring. There were no loan modifications during the three months ended March 31, 2020 or March 31, 2019.
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Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Realized gains (losses) on investments | |||||||
Fixed maturities: | |||||||
Gross gains | $ | 12 | $ | 2,994 | |||
Gross losses | (159 | ) | — | ||||
Mortgage loans | — | 2,778 | |||||
Other | (9 | ) | (4 | ) | |||
(156 | ) | 5,768 | |||||
Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities held at the end of the period | (13,231 | ) | 4,419 | ||||
Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities sold during the period | (14 | ) | (30 | ) | |||
Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities | (13,245 | ) | 4,389 | ||||
Net realized gains (losses) | (13,401 | ) | 10,157 | ||||
Credit losses recognized in earnings: | |||||||
Other-than-temporary impairment losses | — | (869 | ) | ||||
Fixed maturity allowance for credit losses | (12,146 | ) | — | ||||
Mortgage loan allowance for credit losses | (115 | ) | — | ||||
Net realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income | $ | (25,662 | ) | $ | 9,288 |
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities totaled $5.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and $6.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined based on specific identification.
Variable Interest Entities
We evaluate our variable interest entity (VIE) investees to determine whether the level of our direct ownership interest, our rights to manage operations, or our obligation to provide ongoing financial support are such that we are the primary beneficiary of the entity, and would therefore be required to consolidate it for financial reporting purposes. After determining that we have a variable interest, we review our involvement in the VIE to determine whether we have both the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, and the obligation to absorb losses or the rights to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the VIE. This analysis includes a review of the purpose and design of the VIE as well as the role that we played in the formation of the entity and how that role could impact our ability to control the VIE. We also review the activities and decisions considered significant to the economic performance of the VIE and assess what power we have in directing those activities and decisions. Finally, we review the agreements in place to determine if there are any guarantees that would affect our maximum exposure to loss.
We have reviewed the circumstances surrounding our investments in VIEs, which consist of (i) limited partnerships or limited liability companies accounted for under the equity method included in securities and indebtedness of related parties and (ii) non-guaranteed federal low income housing tax credit (LIHTC) investments included in other assets. In addition, we have reviewed the ownership interests in our VIEs and determined that we do not hold direct majority ownership or have other contractual rights (such as kick out rights) that give us effective control over these entities resulting in us having both the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the VIE. The maximum loss exposure relative to our VIEs is limited to the carrying value and any unfunded commitments that exist for each particular VIE. We also have not provided additional support or other guarantees that were not previously contractually required (financial or otherwise) to any of the VIEs as of March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. Based on this analysis, none of our VIEs were required to be consolidated at March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019.
17
LIHTC investments take the form of limited partnerships or limited liability companies, which in turn invest in a number of low income housing projects. We use the proportional amortization method of accounting for these investments. The proportional amortization method amortizes the cost of the investment over the period in which the investor expects to receive tax credits and other tax benefits, and the resulting amortization is recognized along with the tax benefit as a component of federal income tax expense on our consolidated statements of operations.
VIE Investments by Category | |||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||
Carrying Value | Maximum Exposure to Loss | Carrying Value | Maximum Exposure to Loss | ||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
LIHTC investments | $ | 40,018 | $ | 40,945 | $ | 42,907 | $ | 43,834 | |||||||
Investment companies | 55,522 | 107,523 | 53,388 | 103,125 | |||||||||||
Real estate limited partnerships | 10,075 | 15,379 | 9,565 | 15,527 | |||||||||||
Other | 491 | 491 | 492 | 492 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 106,106 | $ | 164,338 | $ | 106,352 | $ | 162,978 |
In addition, we make passive investments in the normal course of business in structured securities issued by VIEs for which we are not the investment manager. These structured securities include all of the residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities included in our fixed maturity securities. Our maximum exposure to loss on these securities is limited to our carrying value of the investment. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of these structured securities because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities’ economic performance.
Derivative Instruments
Our primary derivative exposure relates to purchased call options, which provide an economic hedge against the embedded derivatives in our indexed products. We also have embedded derivatives within our modified coinsurance agreements as well as an interest-only fixed maturity investment. We do not apply hedge accounting to any of our derivative positions, and they are held at fair value.
Derivatives Instruments by Type | |||||||
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Assets | |||||||
Freestanding derivatives: | |||||||
Call options (reported in other investments) | $ | 5,661 | $ | 31,469 | |||
Embedded derivatives: | |||||||
Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable - assumed) | 1,507 | 2,327 | |||||
Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable - ceded) | 149 | — | |||||
Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) | 349 | 385 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 7,666 | $ | 34,181 | |||
Liabilities | |||||||
Embedded derivatives: | |||||||
Indexed products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) | $ | 61,071 | $ | 76,346 | |||
Modified coinsurance (reported in other liabilities) | 86 | 254 | |||||
Total liabilities | $ | 61,157 | $ | 76,600 |
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Derivative Income (Loss) | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Freestanding derivatives: | |||||||
Call options | $ | (22,163 | ) | $ | 8,685 | ||
Embedded derivatives: | |||||||
Modified coinsurance | (504 | ) | 633 | ||||
Interest-only security | 24 | 47 | |||||
Indexed products | 21,076 | (9,336 | ) | ||||
Total income (loss) from derivatives | $ | (1,567 | ) | $ | 29 |
Derivative income is reported in net investment income except for the change in fair value of the embedded derivatives on our indexed products, which is reported in interest sensitive product benefits.
We are exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance of the derivative counterparties. This credit risk is minimized by purchasing such agreements from financial institutions with high credit ratings (currently rated A or better by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations). We have also entered into credit support agreements with the counterparties requiring them to post collateral when net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds that vary by counterparty. The net amount of such exposure is essentially the market value less collateral held for such agreements with each counterparty. The call options are supported by securities collateral received of $6.7 million at March 31, 2020, which is held in a separate custodial account. Subject to certain constraints, we are permitted to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but do not have legal rights to the collateral; accordingly, it has not been recorded on our balance sheet. We have elected to present our derivative receivables netted with the obligation to return cash collateral received on our balance sheet in other investments. We received cash collateral of $3.5 million included in cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2020. At March 31, 2020, none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. As of March 31, 2020, our net derivative exposure recorded on the balance sheet without the off balance sheet collateral was $5.7 million.
3. Fair Values
Fair value is based on an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As not all financial instruments are actively traded, various valuation methods may be used to estimate fair value. These methods rely on observable market data, or, if observable market data is not available, the best information available. Significant judgment may be required to interpret the data and select the assumptions used in the valuation estimates, particularly when observable market data is not available.
In the discussion that follows, we have ranked our financial instruments by the level of judgment used in the determination of the fair values presented above. The levels are defined as follows:
• | Level 1 - Fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
• | Level 2 - Fair values are based on inputs, other than quoted prices from active markets, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. |
• | Level 3 - Fair values are based on significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. |
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument’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 financial instrument. From time to time there may be movements between levels as inputs become more or less observable, which may depend on several factors including the activity of the market for the specific security, the activity of the market for similar securities, the level of risk spreads and the source from which we obtain the information.
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The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Fixed maturities:
Level 1 fixed maturities consist of U.S. Treasury issues that are actively traded, allowing us to use current market prices as an estimate of their fair value.
Level 2 fixed maturities consist of corporate, mortgage- and asset-backed, United States Government agencies, state and political subdivisions and private placement corporate securities with observable market data, and in some circumstances recent trade activity. When quoted prices of identical assets in active markets are not available, we obtain prices from third-party pricing vendors. We have regular interaction with these vendors to ensure we understand their pricing methodologies and to confirm they are utilizing observable market information. Their methodologies vary by asset class and include inputs such as estimated cash flows, benchmark yields, reported trades, credit quality, industry events and economic events. Fixed maturities with validated prices from pricing services, which includes the majority of our public fixed maturities in all asset classes, are generally reflected in Level 2.
Also included in Level 2 are private placement corporate bonds with no quoted market prices available, for which an internal model using substantially all observable inputs or a matrix pricing valuation approach is used. In the matrix approach, securities are grouped into pricing categories that vary by sector, rating and average life. Each pricing category is assigned a risk spread based on studies of observable public market data. The expected cash flows of the security are then discounted back at the current Treasury curve plus the appropriate risk spread.
Level 3 fixed maturities include corporate, mortgage- and asset-backed and private placement corporate securities for which there is little or no current market data available. We use external pricing sources, or if prices are not available, we will estimate fair value internally. Fair values of private corporate investments in Level 3 are determined by reference to the public market, private transactions or valuations for comparable companies or assets in the relevant asset class when such amounts are available. For other securities for which an exit price based on relevant observable inputs is not obtained, the fair value is determined using a matrix calculation. Fair values estimated using matrix pricing methods rely on an estimate of credit spreads to a risk-free U.S. Treasury yield. Selecting the credit spread requires judgment based on an understanding of the security and may include a market liquidity premium. Our selection of comparable companies as well as the level of spread requires significant judgment. Increases in spreads used in our matrix models, or those used to value comparable companies, will result in a decrease in discounted cash flows used, and accordingly in the estimated fair value of the security.
We obtain fixed maturity fair values from a variety of external independent pricing services, including brokers, with access to observable data including recent trade information, if available. In certain circumstances in which an external price is not available for a Level 3 security, we will internally estimate its fair value. Our process for evaluation and selection of the fair values includes:
• | We follow a “pricing waterfall” policy, which establishes the pricing source preference for a particular security or security type. The order of preference is based on our evaluation of the valuation methods used, the source’s knowledge of the instrument and the reliability of the prices we have received from the source in the past. Our valuation policy dictates that fair values are initially sought from third-party pricing services. If our review of the prices received from our preferred source indicates an inaccurate price, we will use an alternative source within the waterfall and document the decision. In the event that fair values are not available from one of our external pricing services or upon review of the fair values provided it is determined that they may not be reflective of market conditions, those securities are submitted to brokers familiar with the security to obtain non-binding price quotes. Broker quotes tend to be used in limited circumstances such as for newly issued, private placement corporate bonds and other instruments that are not widely traded. For those securities for which an externally provided fair value is not available, we use cash flow modeling techniques to estimate fair value. |
• | We evaluate third-party pricing source estimation methodologies to assess whether they will provide a fair value that approximates a market exit price. |
• | We perform an overall analysis of portfolio fair value movement against general movements in interest rates and spreads. |
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• | We compare period-to-period price trends to detect unexpected price fluctuations based on our knowledge of the market and the particular instrument. As fluctuations are noted, we will perform further research that may include discussions with the original pricing source or other external sources to ensure we agree with the valuation. |
• | We compare prices between different pricing sources for unusual disparity. |
• | We meet at least quarterly with our Investment Committee, the group that oversees our valuation process, to discuss valuation practices and observations during the pricing process. |
Equity securities:
Level 1 equity securities consist of mutual funds and common stocks that are actively traded, allowing us to use current market prices as an estimate of their fair value.
Level 2 equity securities consist of non-redeemable preferred stock. Estimated fair value for the non-redeemable preferred stock is obtained from external pricing sources using a matrix pricing approach.
Level 3 equity securities consist of non-redeemable preferred stock for which fair value estimates are based on the value of comparable securities that are actively traded. Increases in spreads used to value comparable companies, will result in a decrease in discounted cash flows used, and accordingly in the estimated fair value of the security.
In the case that external pricing services are used for certain Level 1 and Level 2 equity securities, our review process is consistent with the process used to determine the fair value of fixed maturities discussed above.
Other investments:
Level 2 other investments measured at fair value include call options with fair values based on counterparty market prices adjusted for a credit component of the counterparty, net of collateral received.
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments:
Level 1 cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are highly liquid instruments for which historical cost approximates fair value.
Reinsurance recoverable:
Level 2 reinsurance recoverable includes embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts under which we cede or assume business. Fair values of these embedded derivatives are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying fixed maturities, which are valued consistent with the discussion of fixed maturities above.
Assets held in separate accounts:
Level 1 assets held in separate accounts consist of mutual funds that are actively traded, allowing us to use current market prices as an estimate of their fair value.
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives:
Indexed product contracts include embedded derivatives that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These embedded derivatives are a Level 3 measurement. The fair value of the embedded derivatives is based on the discounted excess of projected account values (including a risk margin) over projected guaranteed account values. The key unobservable inputs required in the projection of future values that require management judgment include the risk margin as well as our credit risk. Should the risk margin increase or the credit risk decrease, the discounted cash flows and the estimated fair value of the obligation will increase.
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Other liabilities:
Level 2 other liabilities include the embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts under which we cede business. Fair values for the embedded derivatives are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying fixed maturities.
Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels | |||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||
Fixed maturities: | |||||||||||||||
Corporate securities | $ | — | $ | 3,647,867 | $ | 9,456 | $ | 3,657,323 | |||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | — | 653,767 | — | 653,767 | |||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | — | 1,134,437 | 7,205 | 1,141,642 | |||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities | — | 694,208 | 4,732 | 698,940 | |||||||||||
United States Government and agencies | 3,344 | 10,860 | — | 14,204 | |||||||||||
States and political subdivisions | — | 1,451,289 | — | 1,451,289 | |||||||||||
Total fixed maturities | 3,344 | 7,592,428 | 21,393 | 7,617,165 | |||||||||||
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | — | 61,011 | 6,858 | 67,869 | |||||||||||
Common stocks (1) | 11,740 | — | — | 11,740 | |||||||||||
Other investments | — | 5,661 | — | 5,661 | |||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | 47,104 | — | — | 47,104 | |||||||||||
Reinsurance recoverable | — | 1,655 | — | 1,655 | |||||||||||
Assets held in separate accounts | 525,582 | — | — | 525,582 | |||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 587,770 | $ | 7,660,755 | $ | 28,251 | $ | 8,276,776 | |||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 61,071 | $ | 61,071 | |||||||
Other liabilities | — | 86 | — | 86 | |||||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | — | $ | 86 | $ | 61,071 | $ | 61,157 |
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Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||
Fixed maturities: | |||||||||||||||
Corporate securities | $ | — | $ | 3,772,362 | $ | 6,588 | $ | 3,778,950 | |||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | — | 672,388 | — | 672,388 | |||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | — | 1,032,693 | 12,780 | 1,045,473 | |||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities | — | 704,766 | 9,755 | 714,521 | |||||||||||
United States Government and agencies | 4,821 | 9,302 | — | 14,123 | |||||||||||
States and political subdivisions | — | 1,477,173 | — | 1,477,173 | |||||||||||
Total fixed maturities | 4,821 | 7,668,684 | 29,123 | 7,702,628 | |||||||||||
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | — | 67,873 | 6,927 | 74,800 | |||||||||||
Common stocks (1) | 17,027 | — | — | 17,027 | |||||||||||
Other investments | — | 31,469 | — | 31,469 | |||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | 29,142 | — | — | 29,142 | |||||||||||
Reinsurance recoverable | — | 2,327 | — | 2,327 | |||||||||||
Assets held in separate accounts | 645,881 | — | — | 645,881 | |||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 696,871 | $ | 7,770,353 | $ | 36,050 | $ | 8,503,274 | |||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 76,346 | $ | 76,346 | |||||||
Other liabilities | — | 254 | — | 254 | |||||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | — | $ | 254 | $ | 76,346 | $ | 76,600 |
(1) | A private equity fund with a fair value estimate of $9.0 million at March 31, 2020 and $8.4 million at December 31, 2019 using net asset value per share as a practical expedient, has not been classified in the fair value hierarchy above in accordance with fair value reporting guidance. This fund invests in senior secured middle market loans and had unfunded commitments totaling $1.1 million at March 31, 2020 and $1.7 million at December 31, 2019. The investment is not currently eligible for redemption. |
Level 3 Assets by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis | |||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||
Third-party vendors | Priced internally | Fair Value | |||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||
Corporate securities | $ | 6,983 | $ | 2,473 | $ | 9,456 | |||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 7,205 | — | 7,205 | ||||||||
Other asset-backed securities | 4,732 | — | 4,732 | ||||||||
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | — | 6,858 | 6,858 | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | 18,920 | $ | 9,331 | $ | 28,251 | |||||
Percent of total | 67.0 | % | 33.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
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Level 3 Assets by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis | |||||||||||
December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||
Third-party vendors | Priced internally | Fair Value | |||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||
Corporate securities | $ | — | $ | 6,588 | $ | 6,588 | |||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 12,780 | — | 12,780 | ||||||||
Other asset-backed securities | 8,000 | 1,755 | 9,755 | ||||||||
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | — | 6,927 | 6,927 | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | 20,780 | $ | 15,270 | $ | 36,050 | |||||
Percent of total | 57.6 | % | 42.4 | % | 100.0 | % |
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis | |||||||||
March 31, 2020 | |||||||||
Fair Value | Valuation Technique | Unobservable Input | Range (Weighted Average) | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||
Assets | |||||||||
Corporate securities | $ | 9,456 | Discounted cash flow | Credit spread | 2.00% - 10.75% (7.03%) | ||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 7,205 | Discounted cash flow | Credit spread | 3.01% - 4.54% (3.93%) | |||||
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | 6,858 | Discounted cash flow | Credit spread | 6.06% (6.06%) | |||||
Total assets | $ | 23,519 | |||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives | $ | 61,071 | Discounted cash flow | Credit risk Risk margin | 2.25% - 2.85% (2.50%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) |
December 31, 2019 | |||||||||
Fair Value | Valuation Technique | Unobservable Input | Range (Weighted Average) | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||
Assets | |||||||||
Corporate securities | $ | 6,588 | Discounted cash flow | Credit spread | 2.11% - 5.85% (4.33%) | ||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 12,780 | Discounted cash flow | Credit spread | 1.18% - 2.22% (1.92%) | |||||
Other asset-backed securities | 6,000 | Discounted cash flow | Credit spread | 2.15% - 2.30% (2.23%) | |||||
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | 6,927 | Discounted cash flow | Credit spread | 2.72% (2.72%) | |||||
Total assets | $ | 32,295 | |||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives | $ | 76,346 | Discounted cash flow | Credit risk Risk margin | 0.40% - 1.35% (0.80%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) |
The tables above exclude certain securities with the fair value based on non-binding broker quotes for which we could not reasonably obtain the quantitative unobservable inputs.
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Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value - Recurring Basis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2019 | Purchases | Disposals | Included in net income | Included in other compre-hensive income | Transfers into Level 3 | Transfers out of Level 3 (1) | Amort-ization included in net income | Balance, March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate securities | $ | 6,588 | $ | 6,983 | $ | (352 | ) | $ | — | $ | (154 | ) | $ | — | $ | (3,609 | ) | $ | — | $ | 9,456 | ||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 12,780 | — | (98 | ) | — | (920 | ) | — | (4,556 | ) | — | 7,206 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities | 9,755 | 3,054 | (49 | ) | — | (27 | ) | — | (8,000 | ) | (1 | ) | 4,732 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | 6,927 | — | — | — | (70 | ) | — | — | — | 6,857 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 36,050 | $ | 10,037 | $ | (499 | ) | $ | — | $ | (1,171 | ) | $ | — | $ | (16,165 | ) | $ | (1 | ) | $ | 28,251 | |||||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives | $ | 76,346 | $ | 4,891 | $ | (997 | ) | $ | (19,169 | ) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 61,071 |
March 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2018 | Purchases | Disposals | Included in net income | Included in other compre-hensive income | Transfers into Level 3 | Transfers out of Level 3 (1) | Amort-ization included in net income | Balance, March 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate securities | $ | 22,011 | $ | 6,000 | $ | (1,262 | ) | $ | — | $ | 212 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (8 | ) | $ | 26,953 | |||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 67,940 | — | (92 | ) | — | 195 | — | (59,918 | ) | — | 8,125 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities | 3,601 | 5,000 | (83 | ) | — | (869 | ) | — | — | — | 7,649 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-redeemable preferred stocks | 6,862 | — | — | — | 267 | — | — | — | 7,129 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 100,414 | $ | 11,000 | $ | (1,437 | ) | $ | — | $ | (195 | ) | $ | — | $ | (59,918 | ) | $ | (8 | ) | $ | 49,856 | |||||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Future policy benefits - indexed product embedded derivatives | $ | 40,028 | $ | 3,479 | $ | (1,169 | ) | $ | 9,553 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 51,891 |
(1) | Transfers out of Level 3 include those assets that we are now able to obtain pricing from a third-party pricing vendor that uses observable inputs. The fair values of newly issued securities often require additional estimation until a market is created, which is generally within a few months after issuance. Once a market is created, as was the case for the majority of the security transfers out of the Level 3 category above, Level 2 valuation sources become available. |
The Company has other financial assets and financial liabilities that are not carried at fair value but for which fair value disclosure is required. The following table presents the carrying value, fair value and fair value hierarchy level of these financial assets and financial liabilities.
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Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Fair Value | Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,006,459 | $ | 1,006,459 | $ | 988,854 | |||||||||
Policy loans | — | — | 285,733 | 285,733 | 202,227 | ||||||||||||||
Other investments | — | 34,301 | 2,271 | 36,572 | 36,116 | ||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | — | $ | 34,301 | $ | 1,294,463 | $ | 1,328,764 | $ | 1,227,197 | |||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Future policy benefits | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 4,379,568 | $ | 4,379,568 | $ | 4,373,739 | |||||||||
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies | — | — | 297,351 | 297,351 | 293,016 | ||||||||||||||
Advance premiums and other deposits | — | — | 245,971 | 245,971 | 245,971 | ||||||||||||||
Short-term debt | — | — | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | — | — | 67,822 | 67,822 | 97,000 | ||||||||||||||
Liabilities related to separate accounts | — | — | 524,537 | 524,537 | 525,582 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 5,525,249 | $ | 5,525,249 | $ | 5,545,308 |
December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Fair Value | Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,059,073 | $ | 1,059,073 | $ | 1,011,678 | |||||||||
Policy loans | — | — | 256,787 | 256,787 | 201,589 | ||||||||||||||
Other investments | — | 29,534 | 2,215 | 31,749 | 31,211 | ||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | — | $ | 29,534 | $ | 1,318,075 | $ | 1,347,609 | $ | 1,244,478 | |||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Future policy benefits | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 4,381,863 | $ | 4,381,863 | $ | 4,270,073 | |||||||||
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies | — | — | 309,601 | 309,601 | 296,915 | ||||||||||||||
Advance premiums and other deposits | — | — | 245,480 | 245,480 | 245,480 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | — | — | 84,438 | 84,438 | 97,000 | ||||||||||||||
Liabilities related to separate accounts | — | — | 644,691 | 644,691 | 645,881 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 5,666,073 | $ | 5,666,073 | $ | 5,555,349 |
Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, generally mortgage loans or real estate that have been deemed to be impaired during the reporting period. There were no mortgage loans or real estate impaired to fair value during the three months ended March 31, 2020 or March 31, 2019.
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4. Defined Benefit Plan
We participate with affiliates and an unaffiliated organization in defined benefit pension plans, including a multiemployer plan. Our share of net periodic pension cost for the plans is recorded as expense in our consolidated statements of operations.
Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Multiemployer Plan | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Service cost | $ | 1,304 | $ | 1,137 | |||
Interest cost | 3,142 | 3,318 | |||||
Expected return on assets | (5,262 | ) | (4,707 | ) | |||
Amortization of actuarial loss | 2,789 | 2,229 | |||||
Net periodic pension cost | $ | 1,973 | $ | 1,977 | |||
FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs | $ | 629 | $ | 633 |
Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined - Other Plans | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Service cost | $ | 79 | $ | 117 | |||
Interest cost | 220 | 248 | |||||
Amortization of actuarial loss | 317 | 266 | |||||
Net periodic pension cost | $ | 616 | $ | 631 | |||
FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension costs | $ | 392 | $ | 362 |
5. Credit Arrangements
Short-term debt as of March 31, 2020, consists of a $10.0 million short-term advance, collateralized by fixed maturity securities, payable to Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB). The advance was taken on March 23, 2020, and matures on June 23, 2020, with an interest rate of 0.48%.
6. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
In the normal course of business, we may be involved in litigation in which damages are alleged that are substantially in excess of contractual policy benefits or certain other agreements. We are not aware of any claims threatened or pending against FBL Financial Group, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries for which a material loss is reasonably possible.
Commitments for Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments
At March 31, 2020, we have unfunded investment commitments to limited partnerships and limited liability companies of $58.2 million and privately placed corporate securities commitments of $5.8 million.
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7. Stockholders’ Equity
Share Repurchases
We periodically repurchase our Class A common stock under programs approved by our Board of Directors. These repurchase programs authorize us to make repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, with the timing and terms of the purchases to be determined by management based on market conditions. Under these programs, we repurchased 24,525 shares of stock for $0.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 66,475 shares of stock for $4.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019. Completion of this program is dependent on market conditions and other factors. There is no guarantee as to the exact timing of any repurchases or the number of shares that we will repurchase. The share repurchase program may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice. At March 31, 2020, $35.5 million remains available for repurchase under the active repurchase program.
Dividends | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
Class A and B common stock: | |||||||
Cash dividends per common share | $ | 0.50 | $ | 0.48 | |||
Special cash dividend per common share | 1.50 | 1.50 | |||||
Total common stock dividends per share | $ | 2.00 | $ | 1.98 | |||
Series B preferred stock dividends per share | $ | 0.0075 | $ | 0.0075 |
Special cash dividends paid to our Class A and Class B common shareholders totaled $37.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019.
Reconciliation of Outstanding Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | Class B | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Dollars | Shares | Dollars | Shares | Dollars | |||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2019 | 24,707,402 | $ | 152,652 | 11,413 | $ | 72 | 24,718,815 | $ | 152,724 | |||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | 202 | — | — | — | 202 | ||||||||||||||
Purchase of common stock | (66,475 | ) | (410 | ) | — | — | (66,475 | ) | (410 | ) | ||||||||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2019 | 24,640,927 | $ | 152,444 | 11,413 | $ | 72 | 24,652,340 | $ | 152,516 | |||||||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2020 | 24,652,802 | $ | 152,661 | 11,413 | $ | 72 | 24,664,215 | $ | 152,733 | |||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 2,500 | 245 | — | — | 2,500 | 245 | ||||||||||||||
Purchase of common stock | (24,525 | ) | (152 | ) | — | — | (24,525 | ) | (152 | ) | ||||||||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2020 | 24,630,777 | $ | 152,754 | 11,413 | $ | 72 | 24,642,190 | $ | 152,826 |
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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax and Other Offsets | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale (1) | Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit Plans | ||||||||||||||
Without Non-Credit Impairment Losses | With Non-Credit Impairment Losses | Total | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2019 | $ | 96,921 | $ | 3,133 | $ | (8,736 | ) | $ | 91,318 | ||||||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 99,871 | 29 | — | 99,900 | |||||||||||
Reclassification adjustments | (2,260 | ) | — | 208 | (2,052 | ) | |||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2019 | $ | 194,532 | $ | 3,162 | $ | (8,528 | ) | $ | 189,166 | ||||||
Balance at January 1, 2020 | $ | 363,020 | $ | 1,974 | $ | (10,230 | ) | $ | 354,764 | ||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (104,594 | ) | (1,550 | ) | — | (106,144 | ) | ||||||||
Reclassification adjustments | 9,555 | — | 247 | 9,802 | |||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2020 | $ | 267,981 | $ | 424 | $ | (9,983 | ) | $ | 258,422 |
(1) | Includes the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further information. |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments | |||||||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale (1) | Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit Plans | ||||||||||||||
Without Non-Credit Impairment Losses | With Non-Credit Impairment Losses | Total | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Realized capital losses on sales of fixed maturity securities | $ | 147 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 147 | |||||||
Change in allowance for credit losses on fixed maturity securities | 12,146 | — | — | 12,146 | |||||||||||
Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities | (198 | ) | — | — | (198 | ) | |||||||||
Other expenses - net actuarial loss | — | — | 313 | 313 | |||||||||||
Reclassifications before income taxes | 12,095 | — | 313 | 12,408 | |||||||||||
Income taxes | (2,540 | ) | — | (66 | ) | (2,606 | ) | ||||||||
Reclassification adjustments | $ | 9,555 | $ | — | $ | 247 | $ | 9,802 |
Three months ended March 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturities Available-for-Sale (1) | Underfunded Status of Postretirement Benefit Plans | ||||||||||||||
Without Non-Credit Impairment Losses | With Non-Credit Impairment Losses | Total | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Realized capital gains on sales of fixed maturities | $ | (2,994 | ) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (2,994 | ) | |||||
Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities | 133 | — | — | 133 | |||||||||||
Other expenses - net actuarial loss | — | — | 263 | 263 | |||||||||||
Reclassifications before income taxes | (2,861 | ) | — | 263 | (2,598 | ) | |||||||||
Income taxes | 601 | — | (55 | ) | 546 | ||||||||||
Reclassification adjustments | $ | (2,260 | ) | $ | — | $ | 208 | $ | (2,052 | ) |
(1) | See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further information. |
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8. Earnings per Share
Computation of Earnings per Common Share
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||
Numerator: | |||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. | $ | (2,515 | ) | $ | 34,043 | ||
Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock | 38 | 38 | |||||
Income (loss) available to common stockholders | $ | (2,553 | ) | $ | 34,005 | ||
Denominator: | |||||||
Weighted average shares - basic | 24,762,820 | 24,765,277 | |||||
Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation | — | 11,176 | |||||
Weighted average shares - diluted | 24,762,820 | 24,776,453 | |||||
Earnings (loss) per common share | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | 1.37 | ||
Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | 1.37 |
There were no antidilutive stock options outstanding in any of the periods presented.
9. Segment Information
We analyze operations by reviewing financial information regarding our primary products that are aggregated into the Annuity and Life Insurance product segments. Our Corporate and Other segment consists of less significant business activities.
Our chief operating decision makers use pre-tax adjusted operating income to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Pre-tax adjusted operating income consists of pre-tax net income adjusted to exclude realized gains and losses on investments including the change in fair value of equity securities, the change in allowances for credit losses on investments, and the change in fair value of derivatives as the impact of these items can fluctuate greatly from period to period. These fluctuations make it difficult to analyze core operating trends. In addition, for derivatives not designated as hedges, there is a mismatch between the valuation of the asset and liability when deriving net income (loss). Specifically, call options relating to our indexed annuity business are one-year assets while the embedded derivatives in the indexed contracts represent the rights of the contract holder to receive index credits over the entire period the indexed products are expected to be in force. Adjustments to pre-tax net income are net of amortization of unearned revenue reserves and deferred acquisition costs, as well as changes in interest sensitive product reserves. While not applicable for the periods reported herein, in determining pre-tax adjusted operating income we will also remove the impact of settlements or judgments arising from lawsuits, net of any recoveries from third parties, the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles and discontinued operations.
Segment results are reported net of inter-segment transactions.
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Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Pre-tax adjusted operating income: | |||||||
Annuity | $ | 12,019 | $ | 15,662 | |||
Life Insurance | 10,267 | 10,092 | |||||
Corporate and Other | 219 | 4,319 | |||||
Total pre-tax adjusted operating income | 22,505 | 30,073 | |||||
Adjustments to pre-tax adjusted operating income: | |||||||
Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) | (25,458 | ) | 9,152 | ||||
Change in fair value of derivatives (1) | (2,582 | ) | 1,153 | ||||
Pre-tax net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. | (5,535 | ) | 40,378 | ||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 3,081 | (6,276 | ) | ||||
Tax on equity income | (61 | ) | (59 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. | $ | (2,515 | ) | $ | 34,043 | ||
Adjusted operating revenues: | |||||||
Annuity | $ | 54,654 | $ | 52,682 | |||
Life Insurance | 107,215 | 107,258 | |||||
Corporate and Other | 24,040 | 23,128 | |||||
185,909 | 183,068 | ||||||
Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) | (25,666 | ) | 9,289 | ||||
Change in fair value of derivatives (1) | (24,980 | ) | 11,199 | ||||
Consolidated revenues | $ | 135,263 | $ | 203,556 |
(1) | Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired and interest sensitive policy reserves attributable to these items. |
Interest expense is attributable to the Corporate and Other segment. Expenditures for long-lived assets were not significant during the periods presented above. Goodwill at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was allocated among the segments as follows: Annuity ($3.9 million) and Life Insurance ($6.1 million).
Equity income related to securities and indebtedness of related parties is attributable to the Life Insurance and Corporate and Other segments. The following chart provides the related equity income by segment.
Equity Income by Operating Segment | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Pre-tax equity income: | |||||||
Life Insurance | $ | 375 | $ | 370 | |||
Corporate and Other | (86 | ) | (91 | ) | |||
Total pre-tax equity income | 289 | 279 | |||||
Income taxes | (61 | ) | (59 | ) | |||
Equity income, net of related income taxes | $ | 228 | $ | 220 |
Premiums collected, which is not a measure used in financial statements prepared according to GAAP, includes premiums received on life insurance policies and deposits on annuities and universal life-type products. Premiums collected is a common life insurance industry measure of agent productivity. Net premiums collected totaled $154.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and $160.7 million for the same period in 2019.
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Under GAAP, premiums on whole life and term life policies are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period and reported in the Life Insurance segment. The following chart provides a reconciliation of life insurance premiums collected to those reported in the GAAP financial statements.
Reconciliation of Traditional Life Insurance Premiums, Net of Reinsurance | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected | $ | 82,635 | $ | 78,001 | |||
Premiums collected on interest sensitive products | (31,996 | ) | (28,379 | ) | |||
Traditional life insurance premiums collected | 50,639 | 49,622 | |||||
Change in due premiums and other | (1,331 | ) | (230 | ) | |||
Traditional life insurance premiums as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations | $ | 49,308 | $ | 49,392 |
There is no comparable GAAP financial measure for premiums collected on annuities and universal life-type products. GAAP revenues for those interest sensitive and variable products consist of various policy charges and fees assessed on those contracts, as summarized in the chart below.
Interest Sensitive Product Charges by Segment | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Annuity | |||||||
Rider and other product charges | $ | 1,530 | $ | 1,263 | |||
Surrender charges | 356 | 304 | |||||
Total | 1,886 | 1,567 | |||||
Life Insurance | |||||||
Administration charges | 5,443 | 4,667 | |||||
Cost of insurance charges | 13,379 | 12,633 | |||||
Surrender charges | 705 | 621 | |||||
Amortization of policy initiation fees | 852 | 1,067 | |||||
Total | 20,379 | 18,988 | |||||
Corporate and Other | |||||||
Administration charges | 1,184 | 1,236 | |||||
Cost of insurance charges | 7,160 | 7,202 | |||||
Surrender charges | 32 | 24 | |||||
Separate account charges | 2,031 | 1,936 | |||||
Amortization of policy initiation fees | 549 | 7 | |||||
Total | 10,956 | 10,405 | |||||
Impact of net realized gains/losses on investments and change in fair value of derivatives on amortization of unearned revenue reserves | (1,501 | ) | 306 | ||||
Interest sensitive product charges as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations | $ | 31,720 | $ | 31,266 |
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This section includes a summary of FBL Financial Group, Inc.’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition and where appropriate, factors that management believes may affect future performance. Unless noted otherwise, all references to FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company) include all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including insurance subsidiaries Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company (Farm Bureau Life) and Greenfields Life Insurance Company (Greenfields Life). Please read this discussion in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes. In addition, we encourage you to refer to our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for a complete description of our significant accounting policies and estimates. Familiarity with this information is important in understanding our financial position and results of operations.
This Form 10-Q includes statements relating to anticipated financial performance, business prospects, new products and similar matters. These statements and others, which include words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend” and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. A variety of factors could cause our actual results and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements. See Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and Part II within this report for additional information on the risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development and results of our business.
Overview
We operate predominantly in the life insurance industry through our principal subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life. Farm Bureau Life markets individual life insurance policies and annuity contracts to Farm Bureau members and other individuals and businesses in the Midwestern and Western sections of the United States through an exclusive agency force. Other subsidiaries provide external wealth management services as well as investment management and other support services to our affiliated insurance companies. In addition, we manage two Farm Bureau-affiliated property-casualty companies.
We analyze operations by reviewing financial information regarding our primary products that are aggregated in Annuity and Life Insurance product segments. In addition, our Corporate and Other segment includes our wealth management business, various support operations, corporate capital and other product lines that are not currently underwritten by the Company. We analyze our segment results based on pre-tax adjusted operating income, which excludes the impact of certain items that are included in pre-tax net income. Pre-tax adjusted operating income is the same basis used for segment reporting under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). We also analyze operations using adjusted operating income on a post-tax basis. Adjusted operating income on a post-tax basis is not a measure used in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, but is a common life insurance industry measure of performance. We have included a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP measure herein. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding how we define our segments and pre-tax adjusted operating income.
We also include within our analysis “premiums collected,” another measure that is not used in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, but is a common life insurance industry measure of agent productivity. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding this measure and its relationship to GAAP revenues.
Impact of COVID-19 and Recent Business Environment
The COVID-19 pandemic that swept across the United States during the first quarter of 2020 negatively impacted the economy and caused significant societal disruption as businesses were forced to close and individuals were asked to practice social distancing. As the severity of the pandemic became apparent, we formed an incident management work group in accordance with our business continuity plan. This work group, acting in conjunction with the executive management team, monitors business developments, identifies issues, recommends solutions and develops communications with employees, agents and client/members.
The impact of COVID-19 on the economy has been profound.
• | U.S. gross domestic product decreased at an annual rate of 4.8% in the first quarter of 2020, compared to a 2.1% increase during the fourth quarter of 2019. |
• | U.S. unemployment rose to 4.4% at March 31, 2020 from 3.5% at December 31, 2019 and is expected to climb higher. |
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• | The energy sector has come under significant pressure as the price of crude oil decreased to $20.48 per barrel at March 31, 2020 from $61.06 per barrel at December 31, 2019. |
• | The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note decreased to 0.70% at March 31, 2020 from 1.92% at December 31, 2019. |
• | Overall fixed maturity security yields increased during the first quarter of 2020 as increased business risks caused corporate credit spreads to widen to 276 basis points at March 31, 2020 from 96 basis points at December 31, 2019. |
The COVID-19 pandemic has had the following impacts on our company:
Operations
To provide for the health and safety of our employees we transitioned to a mostly work-from-home environment in a matter of days. This transformation was carried out with minimal interruption to supporting our agents, advisors and client/members. We remain vigilant in practicing social distancing and have severely restricted company travel. Our agents continue to serve our client/members, albeit from a distance, using communication technology to service existing business and solicit new business. As summarized in the “Results of Operations” section that follows, we experienced a slight decline in premiums collected during the first quarter of 2020. The issuance of some life insurance business has been delayed due to impediments to completing medical tests.
Our ability to onboard new agents and wealth management advisors has been temporarily slowed due to the closure of governmental offices that issue required licenses. Furthermore, restrictions have prevented in-person training and the ability to have face-to-face meetings with clients.
Financial results
As discussed in the “Results of Operations” section that follows, the economic headwinds brought on by COVID-19 and the attendant decline in the equity markets caused the following negative impacts to operations in the first quarter of 2020:
• | Net realized losses on the sales of securities, net realized losses on the value of equity securities and an increase in the allowance for credit losses on investments totaling $25.7 million. |
• | An increase in the reserve for guaranteed living withdrawal benefits of $2.3 million. |
• | An increase in the amortization of deferred acquisition cost on variable annuities and variable universal life insurance contracts totaling $3.7 million. |
The impact of COVID-19 on mortality experience was insignificant. During the first quarter of 2020, we identified two claims totaling $0.4 million relating to COVID-19.
As a result of these items, we recorded a net loss totaling $2.5 million for the first quarter of 2020. The U.S. federal government has taken actions to support the economy, including those unemployed during the crisis. To the extent the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 continues for an extended period, or worsens, it is uncertain how that will impact our operations, including sales and the value of our assets and liabilities although we expect the impact would be negative.
Financial position
The increase in market interest rates has caused a decline in the market value of our fixed maturity securities during the first quarter of 2020. Accumulated other comprehensive income included in stockholders’ equity declined to $258.4 million at March 31, 2020 from $354.8 million at December 31, 2019.
Book value per common share totaled $45.73 at March 31, 2020 and $60.12 at December 31, 2019. The decline in book value per share for the quarter is attributable to the decline in accumulated other comprehensive income, our net loss for the first quarter of 2020 and dividends paid to common shareholders totaling $2.00 per share.
Despite these factors, our capital position remains strong with Farm Bureau Life’s company action level risk-based capital ratio totaling 525% at March 31, 2020.
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Liquidity
Our liquidity position remains strong with cash being generated by operations and financing activities. In addition, we have a significant portion of our liquid fixed maturity securities in an unrealized gain position. See the “Investments” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” discussions that follow.
Risk Factors
See “Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors”, for additional discussion.
Results of Operations for the Periods Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | Change | ||||||||
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. | $ | (2,515 | ) | $ | 34,043 | (107 | )% | |||
Net income adjustments: | ||||||||||
Net realized gains/losses on investments (1) | 20,112 | (7,230 | ) | (378 | )% | |||||
Change in fair value of derivatives (1) | 2,039 | (911 | ) | (324 | )% | |||||
Adjusted operating income (2) | $ | 19,636 | $ | 25,902 | (24 | )% | ||||
Pre-tax adjusted operating income: | ||||||||||
Annuity segment | $ | 12,019 | $ | 15,662 | (23 | )% | ||||
Life Insurance segment | 10,267 | 10,092 | 2 | % | ||||||
Corporate and Other segment | 219 | 4,319 | (95 | )% | ||||||
Total pre-tax adjusted operating income | 22,505 | 30,073 | (25 | )% | ||||||
Income taxes on adjusted operating income | (2,869 | ) | (4,171 | ) | (31 | )% | ||||
Adjusted operating income (2) | $ | 19,636 | $ | 25,902 | (24 | )% | ||||
Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | 1.37 | (107 | )% | |||
Adjusted operating income per common share - assuming dilution (2) | 0.79 | 1.04 | (24 | )% | ||||||
Effective tax rate on adjusted operating income | 13 | % | 14 | % | ||||||
Average invested assets, at amortized cost (3) | $ | 8,479,853 | $ | 8,292,919 | 2 | % | ||||
Annualized yield on average invested assets (3) | 4.72 | % | 4.97 | % | ||||||
Other data | ||||||||||
Death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released, net of tax | $ | 23,550 | $ | 26,777 | (12 | )% | ||||
Estimated impact from separate account performance on amortization of deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements and unearned revenue reserve, net of tax | (2,686 | ) | 1,738 | (255 | )% | |||||
Other investment-related income included in net investment income (1)(4) | 454 | 1,002 | (55 | )% |
(1) | Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves and deferred acquisition costs, as well as changes in interest sensitive product reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. |
(2) | Adjusted operating income is a non-GAAP measure of earnings, see the Overview section above for additional information. |
(3) | Average invested assets and annualized yield, including investments held as securities and indebtedness of related parties. |
(4) | Includes prepayment fee income and adjustments to the amortization of premium or discounts from changes in our payment speed assumptions. |
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Net income (loss) decreased from the prior period primarily due to net realized capital losses from the change in fair value of equity securities and an increase in allowances for credit losses on investments. Net income (loss) and adjusted operating income decreased in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the prior year period, due to less spread income earned from lower yields on invested assets, the impact of market performance on reserves associated with guaranteed living withdrawal benefits and amortization of deferred acquisition costs associated with our variable business, partially offset by a decrease in death benefits. See the discussion that follows for details regarding pre-tax adjusted operating income by segment. See the “Impact of COVID-19 and Recent Business Environment” section above for additional information on market performance.
Annuity Segment | ||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | Change | ||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||
Adjusted operating revenues: | ||||||||||
Interest sensitive product charges | $ | 1,886 | $ | 1,567 | 20 | % | ||||
Net investment income | 52,768 | 51,115 | 3 | % | ||||||
Total adjusted operating revenues | 54,654 | 52,682 | 4 | % | ||||||
Adjusted operating benefits and expenses: | ||||||||||
Interest sensitive product benefits | 33,883 | 28,070 | 21 | % | ||||||
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: | ||||||||||
Commissions net of deferrals | 421 | 514 | (18 | )% | ||||||
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs | 2,646 | 2,679 | (1 | )% | ||||||
Amortization of value of insurance in force | 175 | 163 | 7 | % | ||||||
Other underwriting expenses | 5,510 | 5,594 | (2 | )% | ||||||
Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses | 8,752 | 8,950 | (2 | )% | ||||||
Total adjusted operating benefits and expenses | 42,635 | 37,020 | 15 | % | ||||||
Pre-tax adjusted operating income | $ | 12,019 | $ | 15,662 | (23 | )% |
Other data | ||||||||||
Annuity premiums collected, direct (1) | $ | 58,099 | $ | 69,506 | (16 | )% | ||||
Policy liabilities and accruals, end of period | 4,528,280 | 4,379,558 | 3 | % | ||||||
Average invested assets, at amortized cost | 4,564,600 | 4,481,499 | 2 | % | ||||||
Other investment-related income included in net investment income (2) | 705 | 1,039 | (32 | )% | ||||||
Average individual annuity account value | 3,179,639 | 3,179,153 | — | % | ||||||
Earned spread on individual annuity products: | ||||||||||
Weighted average yield on cash and invested assets | 4.59 | % | 4.76 | % | ||||||
Weighted average crediting rate | 2.47 | % | 2.53 | % | ||||||
Spread | 2.12 | % | 2.23 | % | ||||||
Individual annuity withdrawal rate | 5.2 | % | 5.6 | % |
(1) | Premiums collected is a non-GAAP measure of sales production, see Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. |
(2) | Includes prepayment fee income and adjustments to the amortization of premium or discounts from changes in our payment speed assumptions. |
Pre-tax adjusted operating income for the Annuity segment decreased in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the impact of market performance on reserves associated with guaranteed living withdrawal benefits and reduced spread income earned from lower yields on invested assets. See the “Impact of COVID-19 and Recent Business Environment” section above for additional information on market performance.
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The average aggregate account value for individual annuity contracts in force at March 31, 2020 remained level with the prior year period as continued sales and the crediting of interest were largely offset by product benefits and withdrawals. Premiums collected were lower in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the prior year period, due to decreased sales of fixed rate deferred annuity products, partially offset by increased sales of indexed annuities. Individual fixed rate deferred annuity collected premiums were $22.9 million in the first quarter of 2020, compared to $39.4 million in the first quarter of 2019. Indexed annuity collected premiums were $32.6 million in the first quarter of 2020, compared to $28.3 million in the first quarter of 2019. Outstanding funding agreements with FHLB totaled $597.5 million at March 31, 2020 and $437.2 million at March 31, 2019.
The weighted average yield on cash and invested assets for individual annuities decreased in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to lower yields on new investment acquisitions from premium receipts and reinvestment of the proceeds from maturing investments, compared with the average existing portfolio yield. See the “Financial Condition” section for additional information regarding the yields obtained on investment acquisitions. Weighted average crediting rates on our individual annuity products decreased in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, due to crediting rate actions taken in 2020 in response to a declining portfolio yield and a change in our mix of business in force.
Life Insurance Segment | ||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | Change | ||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||
Adjusted operating revenues: | ||||||||||
Interest sensitive product charges and other income | $ | 20,332 | $ | 18,875 | 8 | % | ||||
Traditional life insurance premiums | 49,308 | 49,392 | — | % | ||||||
Net investment income | 37,575 | 38,991 | (4 | )% | ||||||
Total adjusted operating revenues | 107,215 | 107,258 | — | % | ||||||
Adjusted operating benefits and expenses: | ||||||||||
Interest sensitive product benefits: | ||||||||||
Interest and index credits | 7,843 | 8,051 | (3 | )% | ||||||
Death benefits and other | 16,371 | 14,466 | 13 | % | ||||||
Total interest sensitive product benefits | 24,214 | 22,517 | 8 | % | ||||||
Traditional life insurance benefits: | ||||||||||
Death benefits | 26,098 | 24,416 | 7 | % | ||||||
Surrender and other benefits | 10,142 | 9,723 | 4 | % | ||||||
Increase in traditional life future policy benefits | 9,970 | 12,534 | (20 | )% | ||||||
Total traditional life insurance benefits | 46,210 | 46,673 | (1 | )% | ||||||
Distributions to participating policyholders | 2,529 | 2,534 | — | % | ||||||
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: | ||||||||||
Commission expense, net of deferrals | 4,832 | 4,639 | 4 | % | ||||||
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs | 2,419 | 4,799 | (50 | )% | ||||||
Amortization of value of insurance in force | 370 | 372 | (1 | )% | ||||||
Other underwriting expenses | 16,749 | 16,002 | 5 | % | ||||||
Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses | 24,370 | 25,812 | (6 | )% | ||||||
Total adjusted operating benefits and expenses | 97,323 | 97,536 | — | % | ||||||
9,892 | 9,722 | 2 | % | |||||||
Equity income, before tax | 375 | 370 | 1 | % | ||||||
Pre-tax adjusted operating income | $ | 10,267 | $ | 10,092 | 2 | % |
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Life Insurance Segment - continued | ||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | Change | ||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||
Other data | ||||||||||
Life premiums collected, net of reinsurance (1) | $ | 82,635 | $ | 78,001 | 6 | % | ||||
Policy liabilities and accruals, end of period | 3,106,864 | 3,015,751 | 3 | % | ||||||
Life insurance in force, end of period | 61,852,616 | 60,240,261 | 3 | % | ||||||
Average invested assets, at amortized cost (2) | 3,213,376 | 3,107,575 | 3 | % | ||||||
Other investment-related income included in net investment income (3) | 59 | 330 | (82 | )% | ||||||
Average interest sensitive life account value | 896,688 | 869,476 | 3 | % | ||||||
Interest sensitive life insurance spread: | ||||||||||
Weighted average yield on cash and invested assets (2) | 4.99 | % | 5.21 | % | ||||||
Weighted average crediting rate | 3.87 | % | 3.68 | % | ||||||
Spread | 1.12 | % | 1.53 | % | ||||||
Life insurance lapse and surrender rates | 4.5 | % | 4.6 | % | ||||||
Death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released | $ | 25,668 | $ | 26,672 | (4 | )% |
(1) | Premiums collected is a non-GAAP measure of sales production, see Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. |
(2) | Average invested assets and weighted average yield including investments held as securities and indebtedness of related parties. |
(3) | Includes prepayment fee income and adjustments to the amortization of premium or discounts from changes in our payment speed assumptions. |
Pre-tax adjusted operating income for the Life Insurance segment increased in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to a decrease in death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released, and amortization of deferred acquisition costs. The impact of these items was largely offset by an increase in expenses and a decrease in net investment income from lower yielding securities.
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs changed during the first quarter of 2020, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to changes in actual and expected profits on the underlying business.
Death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released, decreased in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to a decrease in average claim amounts, net of reinsurance and reserves released, partially offset by an increase in the number of claims.
Other underwriting expenses increased in the first quarter of 2020, compared to 2019, due to system enhancements and other general expense increases associated with growth of our business.
The weighted average yield on cash and invested assets for interest sensitive life insurance products decreased in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the prior year period, due to lower yields on new investment acquisitions from premium receipts and reinvestment of the proceeds from maturing investments and a decrease in other investment-related income. See the “Financial Condition” section for additional information regarding the yields obtained on investment acquisitions. Weighted average crediting rates on our interest sensitive life insurance products increased in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019, primarily due to increased amortization on our call options supporting our indexed universal life product.
38
Corporate and Other Segment | ||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | Change | ||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||
Adjusted operating revenues: | ||||||||||
Interest sensitive product charges | $ | 10,956 | $ | 10,405 | 5 | % | ||||
Net investment income | 8,057 | 8,640 | (7 | )% | ||||||
Other income | 5,027 | 4,083 | 23 | % | ||||||
Total adjusted operating revenues | 24,040 | 23,128 | 4 | % | ||||||
Adjusted operating benefits and expenses: | ||||||||||
Interest sensitive product benefits | 7,626 | 10,365 | (26 | )% | ||||||
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: | ||||||||||
Commission expense, net of deferrals | 699 | 704 | (1 | )% | ||||||
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs | 5,055 | (967 | ) | (623 | )% | |||||
Other underwriting expenses | 1,777 | 1,153 | 54 | % | ||||||
Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses | 7,531 | 890 | 746 | % | ||||||
Interest expense | 1,213 | 1,212 | — | % | ||||||
Other expenses | 7,421 | 6,250 | 19 | % | ||||||
Total adjusted operating benefits and expenses | 23,791 | 18,717 | 27 | % | ||||||
249 | 4,411 | (94 | )% | |||||||
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | 56 | (1 | ) | (5,700 | )% | |||||
Equity income, before tax | (86 | ) | (91 | ) | (5 | )% | ||||
Pre-tax adjusted operating income | $ | 219 | $ | 4,319 | (95 | )% |
Other data | ||||||||||
Average invested assets, at amortized cost (1) | $ | 701,876 | $ | 703,846 | — | % | ||||
Other investment-related income included in net investment income (2) | 4 | 121 | (97 | )% | ||||||
Average interest sensitive life account value | 358,936 | 361,872 | (1 | )% | ||||||
Death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released | 4,343 | 7,069 | (39 | )% | ||||||
Estimated impact on pre-tax adjusted operating income from separate account performance on amortization of deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements and unearned revenue reserve | (3,400 | ) | 2,200 | (255 | )% |
(1) | Average invested assets including investments held as securities and indebtedness of related parties. |
(2) | Includes prepayment fee income and adjustments to the amortization of premium or discounts from changes in our payment speed assumptions. |
Pre-tax adjusted operating income decreased for the Corporate and Other segment in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to increases in expenses and amortization of deferred acquisition costs resulting from the impact of market performance on our variable business, partially offset by a decrease in death benefits. See the “Impact of COVID-19 and Recent Business Environment” section above for additional information on market performance.
Death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released, decreased in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the prior year period, due to decreases in the number of claims and the average claim amounts, net of reinsurance and reserves released.
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs changed during the first quarter of 2020, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the impact of market performance on our variable business.
Other income and other expenses include fees and expenses from sales of brokered products and operating results of our non-insurance subsidiaries, which include wealth management services, advisory, management and leasing activities. Other income and other expenses increased in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to expanding our wealth management business. The expansion of our wealth management business has increased administrative costs along with the costs of implementing a new delivery platform to allow for additional product offerings and an enhanced customer
39
experience. Revenues associated with our wealth management expansion increased modestly as we continue to develop this business, increasing $0.7 million during the quarter compared to the first quarter of 2019. Expenses, including commissions, associated with our wealth management expansion have increased $1.3 million during the quarter compared to the first quarter of 2019.
Equity Income
Equity income includes our proportionate share of gains and losses attributable to our ownership interest in partnerships, joint ventures and certain companies over which we exhibit some control but have a minority ownership interest. We consistently use the most recent financial information available, generally for periods not to exceed three months prior to the ending date of the period for which we are reporting, to account for equity income. Several of these entities are investment companies whose operating results are derived primarily from unrealized and realized gains and losses generated by their investment portfolios. The level of gains and losses for these entities normally fluctuates from period to period depending on the prevailing economic environment, changes in the value of underlying investments held by the investment partnerships, the timing and success of initial public offerings or exit strategies, and the timing of the sale of investments held by the partnerships and joint ventures.
Equity income, net of related taxes, was $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further information.
Income Taxes on Adjusted Operating Income
The effective tax rate on adjusted operating income was 12.7% for the first quarter of 2020, compared with 13.9% for the first quarter of 2019. The effective tax rates differ from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the impact of LIHTC investments and tax-exempt investment income. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our estimate of tax expenses for the first quarter of 2020.
Components of income tax | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | $ | 3,081 | $ | (6,276 | ) | ||
Tax on equity income | (61 | ) | (59 | ) | |||
Income tax offset on net income adjustments | (5,889 | ) | 2,164 | ||||
Income taxes on adjusted operating income | $ | (2,869 | ) | $ | (4,171 | ) | |
Income taxes on adjusted operating income before benefits of LIHTC investments | $ | (3,752 | ) | $ | (5,076 | ) | |
Amounts related to LIHTC investments | 883 | 905 | |||||
Income taxes on adjusted operating income | $ | (2,869 | ) | $ | (4,171 | ) |
Impact of Adjustments to Net Income Attributable to FBL | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Realized gains (losses) on investments and change in fair value of equity securities and derivatives | $ | (28,069 | ) | $ | 10,846 | ||
Offsets: (1) | |||||||
Change in amortization | (176 | ) | (256 | ) | |||
Reserve change on interest sensitive products | 205 | (285 | ) | ||||
Income tax | 5,889 | (2,164 | ) | ||||
Net impact of adjustments to net income | $ | (22,151 | ) | $ | 8,141 | ||
Net impact per common share - basic and assuming dilution | $ | (0.89 | ) | $ | 0.33 |
(1) | The items excluded from adjusted operating income impact the amortization of deferred acquisition costs and unearned revenue reserve. Certain interest sensitive reserves as well as income taxes are also impacted. |
40
Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Realized gains (losses) on investments: | |||||||
Realized gains | $ | 12 | $ | 5,772 | |||
Realized losses | (182 | ) | (34 | ) | |||
Change in unrealized gains/losses on equity securities | (13,231 | ) | 4,419 | ||||
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses | — | (869 | ) | ||||
Total allowance for credit losses | (12,261 | ) | — | ||||
Net realized investment gains (losses) | $ | (25,662 | ) | $ | 9,288 |
The level of realized gains (losses) is subject to fluctuation from period to period due to movements in credit spreads and prevailing interest rates, changes in the economic environment, the timing of the sales of the investments generating the realized gains and losses, as well as the timing of allowances, impairments, recovery of allowances and unrealized gains and losses on equity securities. See “Financial Condition - Investments” and Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for details regarding our unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Investment Credit Impairment Losses Recognized in Net Income | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
Corporate securities: | |||||||
Financial | $ | 5,430 | $ | — | |||
Energy | 6,716 | — | |||||
Other asset-backed | — | 869 | |||||
Mortgage loans | 115 | — | |||||
Total allowance for credit losses (2020); other-than-temporary impairment losses (2019) reported in net income | $ | 12,261 | $ | 869 |
Allowance for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 include an energy sector bond and two financial sector bonds impaired to fair value caused by ongoing weakness in operating performance. Other-than-temporary credit impairment losses for the three months ended March 31, 2019 include an asset-backed bond due to a decline in expected cash flows.
41
Financial Condition
Investments
Our investment portfolio decreased 1.3% to $8,969.2 million at March 31, 2020 compared to $9,091.6 million at December 31, 2019. The portfolio decrease is primarily due to $173.3 million decrease in the net unrealized appreciation of fixed maturities. The decrease in unrealized appreciation is the result of an increase in market interest rates driven by an increase in credit spreads. Additional details regarding securities in an unrealized gain or loss position at March 31, 2020 are included in the discussion that follows and in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements. Details regarding investment impairments are discussed above in the “Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments” section under “Results of Operations.”
We manage the investment portfolio to optimize risk-adjusted yield within the context of prudent asset-liability management. We evaluate multiple cash flow testing scenarios as part of this process. The Company’s investment policy calls for investing primarily in high quality fixed maturities and commercial mortgage loans.
Fixed Maturity Acquisitions Selected Information | ||||||||
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2019 | |||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||
Cost of acquisitions: | ||||||||
Corporate | $ | 123,877 | $ | 75,567 | ||||
Mortgage- and asset-backed | 95,381 | 57,951 | ||||||
Tax-exempt municipals | — | 8,060 | ||||||
Total | $ | 219,258 | $ | 141,578 | ||||
Effective annual yield | 3.50 | % | 4.33 | % | ||||
Credit quality | ||||||||
NAIC 1 designation | 66.1 | % | 74.3 | % | ||||
NAIC 2 designation | 24.8 | % | 25.7 | % | ||||
Non-investment grade | 9.1 | % | — | % | ||||
Weighted-average life in years | 7.0 | 15.0 |
The table above summarizes selected information for fixed maturity purchases. The effective annual yield shown is the yield calculated to the “worst-call date.” For non-callable bonds, the worst-call date is always the maturity date. For callable bonds, the worst-call date is the call or maturity date that produces the lowest yield. The weighted-average life is calculated using scheduled pay-downs and expected prepayments for amortizing securities. For non-amortizing securities, the weighted-average life is equal to the stated maturity date.
A portion of the securities acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 were acquired with the proceeds from advances on our funding agreements with the FHLB. The securities acquired to support these funding agreements often carry a lower average yield than securities acquired to support our other insurance products, due to the shorter maturity and relatively low interest rate paid on those advances. In addition, certain municipal securities acquired are exempt from federal income taxes, and accordingly have a higher actual return than reflected in the yields stated above. The average yield of the securities acquired, excluding the securities supporting the funding agreements and using a tax-adjusted yield for the municipal securities, was 4.73% during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and was 4.42% during the three months ended March 31, 2019.
42
Investment Portfolio Summary | |||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||
Carrying Value | Percent | Carrying Value | Percent | ||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Fixed maturities - available for sale: | |||||||||||||
Public | $ | 5,688,408 | 63.4 | % | $ | 5,763,570 | 63.4 | % | |||||
144A private placement | 1,680,060 | 18.7 | 1,699,924 | 18.7 | |||||||||
Private placement | 248,697 | 2.8 | 239,134 | 2.6 | |||||||||
Total fixed maturities - available for sale | 7,617,165 | 84.9 | 7,702,628 | 84.7 | |||||||||
Equity securities | 88,610 | 1.0 | 100,228 | 1.1 | |||||||||
Mortgage loans | 988,854 | 11.0 | 1,011,678 | 11.2 | |||||||||
Real estate | 955 | — | 955 | — | |||||||||
Policy loans | 202,227 | 2.3 | 201,589 | 2.2 | |||||||||
Short-term investments | 29,580 | 0.3 | 11,865 | 0.1 | % | ||||||||
Other investments | 41,777 | 0.5 | 62,680 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||
Total investments | $ | 8,969,168 | 100.0 | % | $ | 9,091,623 | 100.0 | % |
As of March 31, 2020, 97.4% (based on carrying value) of the available-for-sale fixed maturities were investment grade debt securities, defined as being in the highest two National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) designations. Non-investment grade debt securities generally provide higher yields and involve greater risks than investment grade debt securities because their issuers typically are more highly leveraged and more vulnerable to adverse economic conditions than investment grade issuers. In addition, the trading market for these securities is usually more limited than for investment grade debt securities. We regularly review the percentage of our portfolio that is invested in non-investment grade debt securities (NAIC designations 3 through 6). As of March 31, 2020, no single non-investment grade holding exceeded 0.2% of total investments.
Credit Quality by NAIC Designation and Equivalent Rating | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
NAIC Designation | Equivalent Rating (1) | Carrying Value | Percent | Carrying Value | Percent | |||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
1 | AAA, AA, A | $ | 5,279,557 | 69.3 | % | $ | 5,255,079 | 68.2 | % | |||||||
2 | BBB | 2,139,645 | 28.1 | 2,268,920 | 29.5 | |||||||||||
Total investment grade | 7,419,202 | 97.4 | 7,523,999 | 97.7 | ||||||||||||
3 | BB | 146,123 | 1.9 | 123,120 | 1.6 | |||||||||||
4 | B | 41,965 | 0.6 | 38,272 | 0.5 | |||||||||||
5 | CCC | 9,869 | 0.1 | 17,231 | 0.2 | |||||||||||
6 | In or near default | 6 | — | 6 | — | |||||||||||
Total below investment grade | 197,963 | 2.6 | 178,629 | 2.3 | ||||||||||||
Total fixed maturities - available for sale | $ | 7,617,165 | 100.0 | % | $ | 7,702,628 | 100.0 | % |
(1) | Equivalent ratings are based on those provided by nationally recognized rating agencies with some exceptions for certain residential mortgage, commercial mortgage- and asset-backed securities that are based on the expected loss of the security rather than the probability of default. This may result in a final designation being higher or lower than the equivalent credit rating. |
See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a summary of fixed maturities by contractual maturity date.
43
Gross Unrealized Gains and Gross Unrealized Losses by Internal Industry Classification | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Carrying Value | Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Gains | Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses | Gross Unrealized Losses | |||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate securities: | |||||||||||||||||||
Basic industrial | $ | 315,125 | $ | 213,895 | $ | 17,975 | $ | 101,230 | $ | (9,972 | ) | ||||||||
Capital goods | 296,462 | 244,789 | 20,944 | 51,673 | (2,352 | ) | |||||||||||||
Communications | 145,589 | 132,610 | 16,508 | 12,979 | (1,837 | ) | |||||||||||||
Consumer cyclical | 166,559 | 121,146 | 11,343 | 45,413 | (6,045 | ) | |||||||||||||
Consumer non-cyclical | 615,093 | 514,586 | 61,483 | 100,507 | (11,426 | ) | |||||||||||||
Energy | 344,945 | 136,945 | 13,502 | 208,000 | (55,449 | ) | |||||||||||||
Finance | 670,913 | 488,527 | 40,519 | 182,386 | (7,909 | ) | |||||||||||||
Transportation | 131,266 | 98,904 | 8,823 | 32,362 | (3,260 | ) | |||||||||||||
Utilities | 161,218 | 128,891 | 13,877 | 32,327 | (1,993 | ) | |||||||||||||
Technology | 785,525 | 715,296 | 104,734 | 70,229 | (2,948 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other | 24,628 | 24,628 | 2,413 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Total corporate securities | 3,657,323 | 2,820,217 | 312,121 | 837,106 | (103,191 | ) | |||||||||||||
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities | 2,494,349 | 1,602,877 | 216,154 | 891,472 | (66,480 | ) | |||||||||||||
United States Government and agencies | 14,204 | 14,204 | 3,375 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
States and political subdivisions | 1,451,289 | 1,440,298 | 152,500 | 10,991 | (433 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total | $ | 7,617,165 | $ | 5,877,596 | $ | 684,150 | $ | 1,739,569 | $ | (170,104 | ) |
December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Carrying Value | Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Gains | Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses | Gross Unrealized Losses | |||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate securities: | |||||||||||||||||||
Basic industrial | $ | 337,004 | $ | 330,254 | $ | 33,472 | $ | 6,750 | $ | (259 | ) | ||||||||
Capital goods | 302,566 | 292,480 | 28,427 | 10,086 | (278 | ) | |||||||||||||
Communications | 143,907 | 139,092 | 17,900 | 4,815 | (453 | ) | |||||||||||||
Consumer cyclical | 154,744 | 145,584 | 12,971 | 9,160 | (357 | ) | |||||||||||||
Consumer non-cyclical | 611,618 | 554,145 | 68,658 | 57,473 | (4,057 | ) | |||||||||||||
Energy | 420,805 | 384,898 | 42,177 | 35,907 | (6,637 | ) | |||||||||||||
Finance | 692,341 | 667,173 | 62,295 | 25,168 | (2,287 | ) | |||||||||||||
Transportation | 129,421 | 116,659 | 11,186 | 12,762 | (415 | ) | |||||||||||||
Utilities | 158,073 | 155,105 | 15,617 | 2,968 | (23 | ) | |||||||||||||
Technology | 804,317 | 770,167 | 123,232 | 34,150 | (765 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other | 24,154 | 24,154 | 2,114 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Total corporate securities | 3,778,950 | 3,579,711 | 418,049 | 199,239 | (15,531 | ) | |||||||||||||
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities | 2,432,382 | 2,092,650 | 144,832 | 339,732 | (5,956 | ) | |||||||||||||
United States Government and agencies | 14,123 | 11,629 | 1,711 | 2,494 | (5 | ) | |||||||||||||
States and political subdivisions | 1,477,173 | 1,451,870 | 145,125 | 25,303 | (866 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total | $ | 7,702,628 | $ | 7,135,860 | $ | 709,717 | $ | 566,768 | $ | (22,358 | ) |
44
Credit Quality of Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities with Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
NAIC Designation | Equivalent Rating | Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses | Percent of Total | Gross Unrealized Losses | Percent of Total | |||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
1 | AAA, AA, A | $ | 904,365 | 52.0 | % | $ | (62,180 | ) | 36.6 | % | ||||||
2 | BBB | 678,811 | 39.0 | (66,156 | ) | 38.9 | ||||||||||
Total investment grade | 1,583,176 | 91.0 | (128,336 | ) | 75.5 | |||||||||||
3 | BB | 123,293 | 7.1 | (36,241 | ) | 21.3 | ||||||||||
4 | B | 29,937 | 1.7 | (5,526 | ) | 3.2 | ||||||||||
5 | CCC | 3,157 | 0.2 | (1 | ) | — | ||||||||||
6 | In or near default | 6 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Total below investment grade | 156,393 | 9.0 | (41,768 | ) | 24.5 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,739,569 | 100.0 | % | $ | (170,104 | ) | 100.0 | % |
December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||
NAIC Designation | Equivalent Rating | Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses | Percent of Total | Gross Unrealized Losses | Percent of Total | |||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
1 | AAA, AA, A | $ | 394,099 | 69.5 | % | $ | (6,932 | ) | 31.0 | % | ||||||
2 | BBB | 103,400 | 18.2 | (3,093 | ) | 13.8 | ||||||||||
Total investment grade | 497,499 | 87.7 | (10,025 | ) | 44.8 | |||||||||||
3 | BB | 37,184 | 6.6 | (5,096 | ) | 22.9 | ||||||||||
4 | B | 22,928 | 4.1 | (1,616 | ) | 7.2 | ||||||||||
5 | CCC | 9,150 | 1.6 | (5,621 | ) | 25.1 | ||||||||||
6 | In or near default | 7 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Total below investment grade | 69,269 | 12.3 | (12,333 | ) | 55.2 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 566,768 | 100.0 | % | $ | (22,358 | ) | 100.0 | % |
Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time | |||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||||
Fair Value is Less than 75% of Cost | Fair Value is 75% or Greater than Cost | Fair Value is Less than 75% of Cost | Fair Value is 75% or Greater than Cost | ||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Three months or less | $ | 76,110 | $ | 1,626,219 | $ | (27,556 | ) | $ | (103,257 | ) | |||||
Greater than three months to six months | — | 7,982 | — | (265 | ) | ||||||||||
Greater than six months to nine months | — | 25,685 | — | (2,097 | ) | ||||||||||
Greater than nine months to twelve months | 3,944 | 8,000 | (2,451 | ) | (670 | ) | |||||||||
Greater than twelve months | 43,961 | 117,772 | (17,789 | ) | (16,019 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $ | 124,015 | $ | 1,785,658 | $ | (47,796 | ) | $ | (122,308 | ) |
45
Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||||
Fair Value is Less than 75% of Cost | Fair Value is 75% or Greater than Cost | Fair Value is Less than 75% of Cost | Fair Value is 75% or Greater than Cost | ||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Three months or less | $ | — | $ | 255,507 | $ | — | $ | (3,518 | ) | ||||||
Greater than three months to six months | — | 98,253 | — | (2,093 | ) | ||||||||||
Greater than six months to nine months | — | 13,944 | — | (464 | ) | ||||||||||
Greater than nine months to twelve months | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Greater than twelve months | 25,805 | 195,617 | (8,444 | ) | (7,839 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $ | 25,805 | $ | 563,321 | $ | (8,444 | ) | $ | (13,914 | ) |
Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities with Unrealized Losses by Maturity Date | |||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||
Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses | Gross Unrealized Losses | Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Due in one year or less | $ | 21,200 | $ | (653 | ) | $ | 1,498 | $ | (2 | ) | |||||
Due after one year through five years | 150,892 | (14,130 | ) | 17,902 | (3,340 | ) | |||||||||
Due after five years through ten years | 199,031 | (25,347 | ) | 32,003 | (478 | ) | |||||||||
Due after ten years | 476,974 | (63,494 | ) | 175,633 | (12,582 | ) | |||||||||
848,097 | (103,624 | ) | 227,036 | (16,402 | ) | ||||||||||
Mortgage- and asset-backed | 891,472 | (66,480 | ) | 339,732 | (5,956 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $ | 1,739,569 | $ | (170,104 | ) | $ | 566,768 | $ | (22,358 | ) |
See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for additional analysis of these unrealized losses.
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities are purchased when we believe these types of investments provide superior risk-adjusted returns compared to returns of more conventional investments such as corporate bonds and mortgage loans. These securities are diversified as to collateral types, cash flow characteristics and maturity.
The repayment pattern on mortgage and other asset-backed securities is more variable than that of more traditional fixed maturity securities because the repayment terms are tied to underlying debt obligations that are subject to prepayments. The prepayment speeds (e.g., the rate of individuals refinancing their home mortgages) can vary based on a number of economic factors that cannot be predicted with certainty. These factors include the prevailing interest rate environment and general status of the economy.
At each balance sheet date, we review and update our expectation of future prepayment speeds and the book value of the mortgage and other asset-backed securities purchased at a premium or discount is reset, if needed. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for more detail on accounting for the amortization of premium and accrual of discount on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.
Our direct exposure to the Alt-A home equity and subprime first-lien sectors is limited to investments in structured securities collateralized by senior tranches of residential mortgage loans. We also have a partnership interest in one fund at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, that owns securities backed by Alt-A home equity, subprime first-lien and adjustable rate mortgage collateral. The fund is reported as securities and indebtedness of related parties in our consolidated balance sheets with a fair value of $1.3 million at March 31, 2020 and $1.4 million at December 31, 2019. We do not own any direct investments in subprime lenders.
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Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities by Collateral Type | |||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Percent of Fixed Maturities | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Percent of Fixed Maturities | ||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Government agency | $ | 217,813 | $ | 249,048 | 3.3 | % | $ | 220,209 | $ | 236,734 | 3.1 | % | |||||||||
Prime | 341,574 | 337,448 | 4.4 | 338,795 | 357,769 | 4.6 | |||||||||||||||
Alt-A | 65,376 | 69,667 | 0.9 | 68,483 | 80,732 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||
Subprime | 127,284 | 123,187 | 1.6 | 133,410 | 144,485 | 1.9 | |||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage | 977,147 | 1,141,642 | 15.0 | 969,453 | 1,045,473 | 13.6 | |||||||||||||||
Collateralized loan obligation | 192,547 | 173,412 | 2.3 | 186,671 | 185,427 | 2.4 | |||||||||||||||
Non-mortgage | 422,934 | 399,945 | 5.3 | 376,485 | 381,762 | 5.0 | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,344,675 | $ | 2,494,349 | 32.8 | % | $ | 2,293,506 | $ | 2,432,382 | 31.6 | % |
The mortgage- and asset-backed securities can be summarized into three broad categories: residential, commercial and other asset-backed securities.
The residential mortgage-backed portfolio includes government agency pass-through and collateralized mortgage obligation (CMO) securities. With a government agency pass-through security, we receive a pro rata share of principal payments as payments are made on the underlying mortgage loans. CMOs consist of pools of mortgages divided into sections or “tranches” with varying stated maturities that provide sequential retirement of the bonds. While each tranche receives monthly interest payments, a subsequent tranche is not entitled to receive payment of principal until the entire principal of the preceding tranche is paid off. We primarily invest in sequential tranches, which allow us to manage cash flow stability and prepayment risk by the level of tranche in which we invest. In addition, to provide call protection and more stable average lives, we invest in CMOs such as planned amortization class (PAC) and targeted amortization class (TAC) securities. PAC bonds provide more predictable cash flows within a range of prepayment speeds and provide some protection against prepayment risk. TAC bonds provide protection from a rise in the prepayment rate due to falling interest rates. We generally do not purchase certain types of CMOs that we believe would subject the investment portfolio to excessive prepayment risk.
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Origination Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2004 & Prior | 2005 to 2008 | 2009 & After | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NAIC Designation | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 | $ | 57,884 | $ | 57,509 | $ | 59,951 | $ | 66,667 | $ | 498,226 | $ | 521,120 | $ | 616,061 | $ | 645,296 | ||||||||||||||||
2 | — | — | 705 | 533 | — | — | 705 | 533 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 | 214 | 199 | 190 | 195 | — | — | 404 | 394 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 | — | — | 4,240 | 4,381 | — | — | 4,240 | 4,381 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 | — | — | 3,158 | 3,157 | — | — | 3,158 | 3,157 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
6 | 6 | 6 | — | — | — | — | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 58,104 | $ | 57,714 | $ | 68,244 | $ | 74,933 | $ | 498,226 | $ | 521,120 | $ | 624,574 | $ | 653,767 |
December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2004 & Prior | 2005 to 2008 | 2009 & After | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NAIC Designation | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 | $ | 60,698 | $ | 62,145 | $ | 61,993 | $ | 80,465 | $ | 495,061 | $ | 519,147 | $ | 617,752 | $ | 661,757 | ||||||||||||||||
3 | 279 | 275 | 1,113 | 1,080 | — | — | 1,392 | 1,355 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 | — | — | 4,297 | 5,372 | — | — | 4,297 | 5,372 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 | — | — | 3,216 | 3,898 | — | — | 3,216 | 3,898 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
6 | 6 | 6 | — | — | — | — | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 60,983 | $ | 62,426 | $ | 70,619 | $ | 90,815 | $ | 495,061 | $ | 519,147 | $ | 626,663 | $ | 672,388 |
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The commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) are primarily sequential securities. CMBS typically have cash flows that are less subject to refinance risk than residential mortgage-backed securities principally due to prepayment restrictions on many of the underlying commercial mortgage loans.
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Origination Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2004 & Prior | 2005 to 2008 | 2009 & After | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NAIC Designation | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 | $ | 7,783 | $ | 9,561 | $ | 93,150 | $ | 119,298 | $ | 834,815 | $ | 961,939 | $ | 935,748 | $ | 1,090,798 | ||||||||||||||||
2 | — | — | 41,399 | 50,844 | — | — | 41,399 | 50,844 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total (1) | $ | 7,783 | $ | 9,561 | $ | 134,549 | $ | 170,142 | $ | 834,815 | $ | 961,939 | $ | 977,147 | $ | 1,141,642 |
December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2004 & Prior | 2005 to 2008 | 2009 & After | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NAIC Designation | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 | $ | 7,908 | $ | 8,851 | $ | 93,249 | $ | 110,805 | $ | 826,744 | $ | 880,702 | $ | 927,901 | $ | 1,000,358 | ||||||||||||||||
2 | — | — | 41,552 | 45,115 | — | — | 41,552 | 45,115 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total (1) | $ | 7,908 | $ | 8,851 | $ | 134,801 | $ | 155,920 | $ | 826,744 | $ | 880,702 | $ | 969,453 | $ | 1,045,473 |
(1) | The CMBS portfolio included government agency-backed securities with a carrying value of $920.9 million at March 31, 2020 and $845.5 million at December 31, 2019. Also included in the CMBS portfolio are military housing bonds totaling $181.6 million at March 31, 2020 and $163.9 million at December 31, 2019. These bonds are used to fund the construction of multi-family homes on United States military bases. The bonds are backed by a first mortgage lien on residential military housing projects. |
The other asset-backed securities are backed by both residential and non-residential collateral. The collateral for residential asset-backed securities primarily consists of second lien fixed-rate home equity loans. The cash flows of these securities are less subject to prepayment risk than residential mortgage-backed securities as the borrowers are less likely to refinance than those with only a first lien mortgage. The collateral for non-residential asset-backed securities primarily includes securities backed by credit card receivables, auto dealer receivables, auto installment loans, aircraft leases, middle market and syndicated business loans, timeshare receivables and trade and account receivables. The majority of these securities are high quality, short-duration assets with limited cash flow variability.
Our CLO portfolio included in other asset-backed securities is high quality, with all of the securities rated NAIC-1. Internal stress testing has indicated that the weighted average constant default rate (CDR) of our portfolio without suffering loss is 17%. The CDR is the constant default rate (annually) that a CLO must suffer before our tranche takes its first dollar loss.
Other Asset-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Origination Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2004 & Prior | 2005 to 2008 | 2009 & After | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NAIC Designation | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 | $ | 5,958 | $ | 5,152 | $ | 127,728 | $ | 127,082 | $ | 496,641 | $ | 462,372 | $ | 630,327 | $ | 594,606 | ||||||||||||||||
2 | — | — | — | — | 104,226 | 95,925 | 104,226 | 95,925 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 | 161 | 151 | — | — | 5,165 | 5,170 | 5,326 | 5,321 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 | 1,348 | 1,361 | — | — | — | — | 1,348 | 1,361 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 | — | — | — | — | 1,727 | 1,727 | 1,727 | 1,727 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 7,467 | $ | 6,664 | $ | 127,728 | $ | 127,082 | $ | 607,759 | $ | 565,194 | $ | 742,954 | $ | 698,940 |
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Other Asset-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Origination Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2004 & Prior | 2005 to 2008 | 2009 & After | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NAIC Designation | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | Amortized Cost | Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 | $ | 6,188 | $ | 5,981 | $ | 134,272 | $ | 147,913 | $ | 435,077 | $ | 435,779 | $ | 575,537 | $ | 589,673 | ||||||||||||||||
2 | 1,396 | 1,488 | 1,547 | 1,608 | 113,762 | 116,354 | 116,705 | 119,450 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 | 163 | 160 | — | — | 3,230 | 3,483 | 3,393 | 3,643 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 | — | — | — | — | 1,755 | 1,755 | 1,755 | 1,755 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 7,747 | $ | 7,629 | $ | 135,819 | $ | 149,521 | $ | 553,824 | $ | 557,371 | $ | 697,390 | $ | 714,521 |
State and Political Subdivision Securities
State and political subdivision securities totaled $1,451.3 million, or 19.1% of total fixed maturities, at March 31, 2020, and $1,477.2 million, or 19.2% of total fixed maturities at December 31, 2019 and include investments in general obligation, revenue and municipal housing bonds. Our investment strategy is to utilize municipal bonds in addition to corporate bonds, as we believe they provide additional diversification and have historically low default rates compared with similarly rated corporate bonds. We evaluate the credit strength of the underlying issues on both a quantitative and qualitative basis, excluding insurance, prior to acquisition. The majority of the municipal bonds we hold are investment grade credits without consideration of insurance. Our municipal bonds are well diversified by type and geography with the top exposure being water and sewer revenue bonds. Our municipal bond holdings were trading at 111.7% of amortized cost at March 31, 2020. We do not hold any Puerto Rico-related bonds. Exposure to the state of Illinois and municipalities within the state accounted for 1.1% of our total fixed maturities at March 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2020, our Illinois-related portfolio holdings were rated investment grade and were trading at 116.3% of amortized cost.
Mortgage Loans
Mortgage loans totaled $988.9 million at March 31, 2020 and $1,011.7 million at December 31, 2019. Our mortgage loans are diversified as to property type, location and loan size, and are collateralized by the related properties. The total number of commercial mortgage loans outstanding was 208 at March 31, 2020 and 209 at December 31, 2019. In the first three months of 2020, new loans ranged from $4.4 million to $6.4 million in size, with an average loan size of $5.3 million, an average loan term of 12 years and an average net yield of 3.66%. Our mortgage lending policies establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and require diversification by geographic location and collateral type. The majority of our mortgage loans amortize principal, with 2.2% that are interest-only loans as of March 31, 2020. At March 31, 2020, the average loan-to-value of the current outstanding principal balance using the most recent appraised value was 51.4% and the weighted average debt service coverage ratio was 1.7 based on the results of our 2018 annual study. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding our mortgage loans.
Other Assets and Liabilities
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | Percentage change | ||||||
Selected other assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 17,524 | 17,277 | 1.4 | % | ||||
Reinsurance recoverable | 105,438 | 107,498 | (1.9 | )% | ||||
Deferred acquisition costs | 337,972 | 289,456 | 16.8 | % | ||||
Other assets | 168,045 | 167,940 | 0.1 | % | ||||
Assets held in separate accounts | 525,582 | 645,881 | (18.6 | )% | ||||
Selected other liabilities: | ||||||||
Future policy benefits | 7,502,843 | 7,393,549 | 1.5 | % | ||||
Other policyholder funds | 595,252 | 597,256 | (0.3 | )% | ||||
Deferred income taxes | 119,093 | 152,373 | (21.8 | )% | ||||
Other liabilities | 107,841 | 107,013 | 0.8 | % | ||||
Liabilities held in separate accounts | 525,582 | 645,881 | (18.6 | )% |
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Cash and cash equivalents increased primarily due to normal fluctuations in timing of payments made and received. Deferred acquisition costs increased compared to the prior year primarily due to a $47.7 million decrease in the impact of the change in net unrealized appreciation on fixed maturity securities during the period. Assets and liabilities held in separate accounts decreased due to market performance on the underlying investment portfolios.
Future policy benefits increased primarily due to increases in our funding agreements with the FHLB. Deferred income taxes decreased primarily due to the tax impact of the change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments.
Stockholders’ Equity
As discussed in Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements, stockholders’ equity was impacted by capital deployment actions during the first quarter of 2020, which included a special cash dividend of $1.50 per share on Class A and Class B common stock and an increase in our regular quarterly dividend by 4.2% to $0.50 per share.
March 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | Percentage change | ||||||||
(dollars in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||
Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity | $ | 1,334,280 | $ | 1,485,757 | (10.2 | )% | ||||
Common stockholders’ equity | 1,331,280 | 1,482,757 | (10.2 | )% | ||||||
Book value per share | $ | 54.02 | $ | 60.12 | (10.1 | )% | ||||
Less: Per share impact of accumulated other comprehensive income | 10.48 | 14.39 | (27.2 | )% | ||||||
Book value per share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (1) | $ | 43.54 | $ | 45.73 | (4.8 | )% |
(1) | Book value per share excluding accumulated other comprehensive income is a non-GAAP financial measure. Since accumulated other comprehensive income fluctuates from quarter to quarter due to unrealized changes in the fair value of investments caused principally by changes in market interest rates, we believe this non-GAAP financial measure provides useful supplemental information. |
Our stockholders’ equity decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily due to the change in unrealized appreciation of fixed maturity securities during the period and dividends paid.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
During the first quarter of 2020, our operating activities generated cash flows totaling $27.7 million, consisting of net loss of $2.6 million adjusted for non-cash operating revenues and expenses netting to $30.3 million. We used cash of $88.8 million in our investing activities during the 2020 period. The primary uses were $247.7 million of investment acquisitions, mostly in fixed maturity securities, partially offset by $178.4 million in sales, maturities and repayments of investments. Our financing activities provided cash of $61.3 million during the 2020 period. The primary financing source was $271.5 million in receipts from interest sensitive products credited to policyholder account balances, which was offset by $170.0 million for return of policyholder account balances on interest sensitive products and $49.4 million for dividends paid to stockholders. The change in policyholder account balances includes a net increase of $109.2 million in funding agreements with the FHLB during the first quarter of 2020.
Sources and Uses of Capital Resources
Parent company cash inflows from operations consist primarily of fees that it charges various subsidiaries and affiliates for management of their operations, expense reimbursements and tax settlements from subsidiaries and affiliates, investment income and dividends from subsidiaries, if declared and paid. Revenue sources for the parent company during the three months ended March 31, 2020 included management fees from subsidiaries and affiliates totaling $2.1 million and dividends of $50.0
50
million. Cash outflows are principally for salaries, taxes and other expenses related to providing management services, dividends on outstanding stock, stock repurchases and interest on our parent company debt.
We paid regular cash dividends on our common and preferred stock during the three-month period ended March 31 totaling $12.4 million in 2020 and $11.9 million in 2019. In addition, we paid a special $1.50 per common share cash dividend totaling $37.0 million in March 2020 and March 2019. It is anticipated that quarterly cash dividend requirements for 2020 will be $0.0075 per Series B redeemable preferred share and $0.50 per common share. Common stock dividend rates are analyzed quarterly and are dependent upon our capital and liquidity positions. In addition, alternative uses of excess capital may impact future dividend levels. Assuming these quarterly dividend rates, the common and preferred dividends would total approximately $37.1 million for the remainder of 2020. The parent company expects to have sufficient resources and cash flows to meet its interest and dividend payments throughout 2020. The parent company had available cash and investments totaling $32.5 million at March 31, 2020. The parent company expects to rely on available cash resources, dividends from Farm Bureau Life and management fee income to make dividend payments to its stockholders, interest payments on its debt and to fund any capital initiatives such as stock repurchases. In addition, our parent company and Farm Bureau Life have entered into a reciprocal line of credit arrangement, which provides additional liquidity for either entity up to $20.0 million. We had no material commitments for capital expenditures as of March 31, 2020.
As discussed in Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements, we have periodically taken advantage of opportunities to repurchase our outstanding Class A common stock through Class A common stock repurchase programs approved by our Board of Directors. At March 31, 2020, $35.5 million remains available for repurchase under the current Class A common stock repurchase program. Under this program, we repurchased 24,525 shares for $0.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Completion of this program is dependent on market conditions and other factors. There is no guarantee as to the exact timing of any repurchases or the number of shares that we will repurchase. The share repurchase program may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice.
Interest payments on our debt totaled $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019. Interest payments on our debt outstanding at March 31, 2020 are estimated to be $3.6 million for the remainder of 2020.
Farm Bureau Life’s cash inflows primarily consist of premiums; deposits to policyholder account balances; income from investments; sales, maturities and calls of investments; and repayments of investment principal. Farm Bureau Life’s cash outflows are primarily related to withdrawals of policyholder account balances, investment purchases, payment of policy acquisition costs, policyholder benefits, income taxes, current operating expenses and dividends. Life insurance companies generally produce a positive cash flow that may be measured by the degree to which cash inflows are adequate to meet benefit obligations to policyholders and normal operating expenses as they are incurred. The remaining cash flow is generally used to increase the asset base to provide funds to meet the need for future policy benefit payments and for writing new business. Continuing operations and financing activities from Farm Bureau Life relating to interest sensitive products provided funds totaling $135.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and $45.3 million for the prior year period.
Farm Bureau Life’s ability to pay dividends to the parent company is limited by law to earned profits (statutory unassigned surplus) as of the date the dividend is paid, as determined in accordance with accounting practices prescribed by insurance regulatory authorities of the State of Iowa. At December 31, 2019, Farm Bureau Life’s statutory unassigned surplus was $508.9 million. There are certain additional limits on the amount of dividends that may be paid within a year without approval of the Insurance Division, Department of Commerce of the State of Iowa as discussed in Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. During the remainder of 2020, the maximum amount legally available for distribution to the parent company without further regulatory approval is $48.5 million.
We manage the amount of capital held by our insurance subsidiaries to ensure they meet regulatory requirements. State laws specify regulatory actions if an insurer’s risk-based capital (RBC) ratio, a measure of solvency, falls below certain levels. The NAIC has a standard formula for annually assessing RBC based on the various risk factors related to an insurance company’s capital and surplus, including insurance, business, asset and interest rate risks. The insurance regulators monitor the level of RBC against a statutory “authorized control level” RBC at which point regulators have the option to assume control of the insurance company. The company action level RBC is 200% of the authorized control level and is the first point at which any action would be triggered. Our adjusted capital and RBC is reported to our insurance regulators annually based on formulas that may be revised throughout the year. We estimate our adjusted capital and RBC quarterly; however, these estimates may differ from actual results. As of March 31, 2020, Farm Bureau Life’s statutory total adjusted capital is estimated at $674.9 million, resulting in an RBC ratio of 525%, based on company action level capital of $128.6 million.
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On a consolidated basis, we anticipate that funds to meet our short-term and long-term capital expenditures, cash dividends to stockholders and operating cash needs will come from existing capital and internally-generated funds. However, there can be no assurance that future experience regarding benefits and surrenders will be similar to historic experience since benefits and surrender levels are influenced by such factors as the interest rate environment, our financial strength ratings, the economy and of other factors that impact policyholder behavior. There has been a significant impact to the U.S. economy during the first quarter 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there has been an impact to the values of certain assets and liabilities due to market volatility associated with COVID-19, we expect to continue generating sufficient funds from operations to maintain sufficient liquidity. Our investment portfolio at March 31, 2020, included $29.6 million of short-term investments, $17.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and $587.9 million in carrying value of U.S. Government and U.S. Government agency backed securities that could be readily converted to cash at or near carrying value. In addition, Farm Bureau Life is a member of the FHLB, which provides a source for additional liquidity, if needed. This membership allows us to utilize fixed or floating rate advances offered by the FHLB and secured by qualifying collateral. Our total capacity to utilize such advances is impacted by multiple factors including the market value of eligible collateral, our level of statutory admitted assets and excess reserves and our willingness or capacity to hold activity-based FHLB common stock.
Contractual Obligations
In the normal course of business, we enter into insurance contracts, financing transactions, lease agreements or other commitments that are necessary or beneficial to our operations. These commitments may obligate us to certain cash flows during future periods. There have been no material changes to our total contractual obligations since December 31, 2019.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risks of Financial Instruments
There have been no material changes in the market risks from the information provided in “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents additional uncertainty to financial markets. See Item II, Management’s Discussion and Analysis, “Impact of COVID-19 and Recent Business Environment” and Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
At the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the Act) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Our internal control over financial reporting changes from time-to-time as we modify and enhance our systems and processes to meet our dynamic needs. Changes are also made as we strive to be more efficient in how we conduct our business. In addition, minor modifications regarding how control procedures are executed and documented have been made with the operational changes required in response to COVID-19. While changes have taken place in our internal controls during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, there have been no changes that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The performance of our company is subject to a variety of risks that you should review. Occurrence of these risks could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition, cause the trading price of our common stock to decline materially or cause our actual results to differ materially from those expected or those expressed in any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Please refer to Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. We are supplementing the risk factors previously disclosed in such report as follows:
Our business, including our results of operations and financial condition, has been and is expected to continue to be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and may be adversely affected by any future pandemics.
The COVID-19 pandemic that swept across the United States during the first quarter of 2020 negatively impacted the U.S. economy and caused significant societal disruption, as businesses were forced to close and individuals were asked to practice social distancing. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected our business and we expect it will continue to do so for an uncertain period of time. The future impact of COVID-19 or any other pandemic on our business cannot be predicted with certainty, but may include, without limitation, decreases in demand for or sales of our products, increases in death benefits and other expenses, decreases in the value of our investment portfolio and/or decreases in our stockholders’ equity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had the effect of heightening many of the other risks disclosed in the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
(c) Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities
The following table sets forth issuer purchases of equity securities for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.
Period | (a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased | (b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) | (c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | (d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | |||||||
January 1, 2020 through January 31, 2020 | — | $ | — | — | $36,321,488 | ||||||
February 1, 2020 through February 29, 2020 | — | — | — | $36,321,488 | |||||||
March 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020 | 24,525 | 32.97 | 24,525 | $35,512,900 | |||||||
Total | 24,525 | $ | 32.97 |
We have $35.5 million available under the repurchase program announced on March 1, 2018, which will expire March 31, 2022. The program authorizes us to make repurchases of Class A common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, with the timing and terms of the purchases to be determined by management based on market conditions. Completion of the program is dependent on market conditions and other factors. There is no guarantee as to the exact timing of any repurchases or the number of shares, if any, that we will repurchase. The share repurchase program may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice.
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
(a) Exhibits:
10.1*+ | |
10.2*+ | |
10.3*+ | |
31.1+ | |
31.2+ | |
32+ | |
101+ | Interactive Data Files formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language) from FBL Financial Group, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2020 as follows: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) Notes to Financial Statements |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File formatted as iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language) and contained in Exhibit 101. |
+ | Filed herewith |
* | Exhibit relates to a compensatory plan for management or directors. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: May 7, 2020
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. | ||
By | /s/ Daniel D. Pitcher | |
Daniel D. Pitcher | ||
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
By | /s/ Donald J. Seibel | |
Donald J. Seibel | ||
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) | ||
By | /s/ Anthony J. Aldridge | |
Anthony J. Aldridge | ||
Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) |
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