UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
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: 000-55705
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York | 13-3690700 | |
(State of incorporation) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
285 Madison Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, N.Y. | 10017 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(980) 365-7100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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 þ 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 (§ 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 þ 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.
Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer ¨ | |
Non-accelerated filer þ | 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 þ
At November 8, 2018, 200,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $10 par value per share, were outstanding, all of which were owned indirectly by Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT
The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is, therefore, filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.
Index to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements and Notes
Page | ||
Item 1. | Financial Statements (at September 30, 2018 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2017 and for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited)): | |
Item 2. | ||
Item 3. | ||
Item 4. | ||
Item 1. | ||
Item 1A. | ||
Item 6. | ||
Part I — Financial Information— Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Interim Condensed Balance Sheets
September 30, 2018 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2017
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | |||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Investments: | ||||||||
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $2,423,632 and $2,165,134, respectively) | $ | 2,377,942 | $ | 2,221,563 | ||||
Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $1,867 and $1,747, respectively) | 421,556 | 394,863 | ||||||
Other invested assets, at estimated fair value | 42,171 | 3,784 | ||||||
Total investments | 2,841,669 | 2,620,210 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value | 140,280 | 86,154 | ||||||
Accrued investment income | 22,258 | 18,323 | ||||||
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables | 499,914 | 572,609 | ||||||
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired | 172,413 | 131,059 | ||||||
Current income tax recoverable | 2,356 | — | ||||||
Other assets | 38,213 | 36,317 | ||||||
Separate account assets | 4,802,264 | 5,021,633 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 8,519,367 | $ | 8,486,305 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity | ||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||
Future policy benefits | $ | 702,260 | $ | 674,046 | ||||
Policyholder account balances | 1,617,910 | 1,343,330 | ||||||
Other policy-related balances | 8,061 | 12,733 | ||||||
Payables for collateral under derivative transactions | 36,085 | 5,384 | ||||||
Current income tax payable | — | 2,064 | ||||||
Deferred income tax liability | 90,022 | 112,498 | ||||||
Other liabilities | 506,040 | 471,130 | ||||||
Separate account liabilities | 4,802,264 | 5,021,633 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 7,762,642 | 7,642,818 | ||||||
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 9) | ||||||||
Stockholder's Equity | ||||||||
Common stock, par value $10 per share; 200,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding | 2,000 | 2,000 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 415,931 | 415,931 | ||||||
Retained earnings (deficit) | 368,113 | 395,928 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (29,319 | ) | 29,628 | |||||
Total stockholder's equity | 756,725 | 843,487 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity | $ | 8,519,367 | $ | 8,486,305 |
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed financial statements.
2
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Interim Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | |||||||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
Premiums | $ | 8,112 | $ | 12,229 | $ | 27,517 | $ | 14,604 | ||||||||
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees | 25,515 | 25,621 | 77,384 | 77,472 | ||||||||||||
Net investment income | 25,264 | 21,517 | 73,284 | 63,468 | ||||||||||||
Other revenues | (13,217 | ) | (12,479 | ) | (37,837 | ) | (34,090 | ) | ||||||||
Net investment gains (losses) | (330 | ) | (674 | ) | (4,748 | ) | (1,045 | ) | ||||||||
Net derivative gains (losses) | (27,153 | ) | (34,583 | ) | (92,527 | ) | (149,697 | ) | ||||||||
Total revenues | 18,191 | 11,631 | 43,073 | (29,288 | ) | |||||||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Policyholder benefits and claims | (1,347 | ) | 17,609 | 1,060 | (2,396 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances | 9,577 | 10,030 | 28,146 | 29,414 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired | 4,085 | (21,186 | ) | 2,257 | (39,984 | ) | ||||||||||
Other expenses | 18,764 | 16,076 | 50,672 | 47,676 | ||||||||||||
Total expenses | 31,079 | 22,529 | 82,135 | 34,710 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) before provision for income tax | (12,888 | ) | (10,898 | ) | (39,062 | ) | (63,998 | ) | ||||||||
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | (4,404 | ) | (6,058 | ) | (11,247 | ) | (27,258 | ) | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (8,484 | ) | $ | (4,840 | ) | $ | (27,815 | ) | $ | (36,740 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | (22,013 | ) | $ | (3,054 | ) | $ | (86,762 | ) | $ | (18,395 | ) |
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed financial statements.
3
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Interim Condensed Statements of Stockholder’s Equity
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings (Deficit) | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Stockholder’s Equity | |||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2017 | $ | 2,000 | $ | 415,931 | $ | 395,928 | $ | 29,628 | $ | 843,487 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | (27,815 | ) | (27,815 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax | (58,947 | ) | (58,947 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2018 | $ | 2,000 | $ | 415,931 | $ | 368,113 | $ | (29,319 | ) | $ | 756,725 | ||||||||
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings (Deficit) | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Stockholder’s Equity | |||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $ | 2,000 | $ | 340,931 | $ | 349,395 | $ | 4,407 | $ | 696,733 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | (36,740 | ) | (36,740 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax | 18,345 | 18,345 | |||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2017 | $ | 2,000 | $ | 340,931 | $ | 312,655 | $ | 22,752 | $ | 678,338 |
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed financial statements.
4
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Interim Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 86,693 | $ | 100,188 | |||
Cash flows from investing activities | |||||||
Sales, maturities and repayments of: | |||||||
Fixed maturity securities | 214,723 | 448,565 | |||||
Mortgage loans | 6,226 | 27,534 | |||||
Purchases of: | |||||||
Fixed maturity securities | (460,830 | ) | (550,202 | ) | |||
Mortgage loans | (34,094 | ) | (10,996 | ) | |||
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives | 5,792 | 652 | |||||
Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives | (39,942 | ) | — | ||||
Net change in short-term investments | — | (10 | ) | ||||
Net change in other invested assets | 379 | (5 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (307,746 | ) | (84,462 | ) | |||
Cash flows from financing activities | |||||||
Policyholder account balances: | |||||||
Deposits | 331,880 | 156,291 | |||||
Withdrawals | (87,402 | ) | (96,231 | ) | |||
Net change in payables for collateral under derivative transactions | 30,701 | (2,358 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 275,179 | 57,702 | |||||
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 54,126 | 73,428 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 86,154 | 18,583 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ | 140,280 | $ | 92,011 | |||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information | |||||||
Net cash paid (received) for: | |||||||
Income tax | $ | 12 | $ | 11,512 |
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed financial statements.
5
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business
“BHNY” and the “Company” refer to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY, a New York domiciled life insurance company. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “Brighthouse”). The Company markets and/or administers traditional life, universal life, variable annuity and fixed annuity products to individuals. The Company is licensed to transact business in the state of New York.
In 2016, MetLife, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”) announced its plan to pursue the separation of a substantial portion of its former U.S. retail business (the “Separation”). In connection with the Separation, 80.8% of MetLife, Inc.’s interest in Brighthouse Financial, Inc. was distributed to holders of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock and MetLife, Inc. retained the remaining 19.2%. On June 14, 2018, MetLife, Inc. divested its remaining shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock (the “MetLife Divestiture”). As a result, MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates are no longer considered related parties subsequent to the MetLife Divestiture.
The Company is organized into two segments: Annuities and Life. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results in Corporate & Other.
Basis of Presentation
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the interim condensed financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Since the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies, its results may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity.
The accompanying interim condensed financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2017 balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements included in BHNY’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 Annual Report”), which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Company included in the 2017 Annual Report.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
Changes to GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. The following table provides a description of new ASUs issued by the FASB and the expected impact of the adoption on the Company’s financial statements.
ASUs adopted as of September 30, 2018 are summarized in the table below.
Standard | Description | Effective Date | Impact on Financial Statements |
ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) | For those contracts that are impacted, the guidance will require an entity to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled, in exchange for those goods or services. | January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method | The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements other than expanded disclosures in Note 8. |
6
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
ASUs issued but not yet adopted as of September 30, 2018 are summarized in the table below.
Standard | Description | Effective Date | Impact on Financial Statements |
ASU 2018-12, Financial Services -Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts | The amendments to Topic 944 will result in significant changes to the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts. These changes (1) require all guarantees that qualify as market risk benefits to be measured at fair value, (2) require more frequent updating of assumptions and modify existing discount rate requirements for certain insurance liabilities, (3) modify the methods of amortization for deferred acquisition costs, and (4) require new qualitative and quantitative disclosures around insurance contract asset and liability balances and the judgments, assumptions and methods used to measure those balances. | January 1, 2021 using a modified retrospective method for the new market risk benefit guidance and prospective methods for the increased frequency of updating assumptions, the new discount rate requirements and deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) amortization changes. Early adoption is permitted. | The Company is in the early stages of evaluating the new guidance and therefore is unable to estimate the impact to its financial statements. The most significant impact will be the measurement of liabilities for variable annuity guarantees. Upon adoption of the ASU, all guarantees associated with variable annuities will be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in net income (excluding the change in fair value attributable to nonperformance risk, which would be reported in other comprehensive income). These changes will result in an impact to equity upon adoption and more volatility in net income going forward. Additionally, certain life insurance and payout annuity contract liabilities will be affected by more frequent updating of cash flow assumptions and changes to the rate used to discount those cash flows. Most products will be impacted by the changes to deferred acquisition cost amortization. |
ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities | The amendments to Topic 815 (i) refine and expand the criteria for achieving hedge accounting on certain hedging strategies, (ii) require the earnings effect of the hedging instrument be presented in the same line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported, and (iii) eliminate the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. | January 1, 2019 using modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted) | The Company does not expect a material impact on its financial statements from adoption of the new guidance. |
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments | The amendments to Topic 326 replace the incurred loss impairment methodology for certain financial instruments with one that reflects expected credit losses based on historical loss information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new guidance also requires that an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a debt security will be recognized as an allowance going forward, such that improvements in expected future cash flows after an impairment will no longer be reflected as a prospective yield adjustment through net investment income, but rather a reversal of the previous impairment and recognized through realized investment gains and losses. | January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method (with early adoption permitted beginning January 1, 2019) | The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements, with the most significant impact expected to be earlier recognition of credit losses on mortgage loan investments. |
7
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)
2. Segment Information
The Company is organized into two segments: Annuities and Life. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other.
Annuities
The Annuities segment consists of a variety of variable, fixed, index-linked and income annuities designed to address contract holders’ needs for protected wealth accumulation on a tax-deferred basis, wealth transfer and income security.
Life
The Life segment consists of insurance products and services, including term, whole, universal and variable life products designed to address policyholders’ needs for financial security and protected wealth transfer, which may be provided on a tax-advantaged basis.
Corporate & Other
Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments and expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of intersegment amounts and a portion of MetLife’s former U.S. insurance business sold direct to consumers, which is no longer being offered for new sales.
Financial Measures and Segment Accounting Policies
Adjusted earnings is a financial measure used by management to evaluate performance, allocate resources and facilitate comparisons to industry results. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, adjusted earnings is also used to measure segment performance. The Company believes the presentation of adjusted earnings, as the Company measures it for management purposes, enhances the understanding of its performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business. Adjusted earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss).
Adjusted earnings, which may be positive or negative, focuses on the Company’s primary businesses principally by excluding (i) the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends, and (ii) businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by the Company, referred to as divested businesses.
The following are significant items excluded from total revenues, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings:
• | Net investment gains (losses); |
• | Net derivative gains (losses) except earned income on derivatives and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment; and |
• | Amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”) fees (“GMIB Fees”). |
The following are significant items excluded from total expenses, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings:
• | Amounts associated with benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”); |
• | Amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets and market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”); and |
• | Amortization of DAC and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) related to: (i) net investment gains (losses), (ii) net derivative gains (losses), (iii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs and (iv) Market Value Adjustments. |
The tax impact of the adjustments mentioned above is calculated net of the U.S. statutory tax rate, which could differ from the Company’s effective tax rate.
Set forth in the tables below is certain financial information with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The segment accounting policies are the same as those used to prepare the Company’s condensed financial statements, except for the adjustments to calculate adjusted earnings described above. In addition, segment accounting policies include the methods of capital allocation described below.
8
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)
Beginning in the first quarter of 2018, the Company changed the methodology for how capital is allocated to segments and, in some cases, products (the “Portfolio Realignment”). Segment investment and capitalization targets are now based on statutory oriented risk principles and metrics. Segment invested assets backing liabilities are based on net statutory liabilities plus excess capital. For the variable annuity business, the excess capital held is based on the target statutory total asset requirement consistent with the Company’s variable annuity risk management strategy discussed in the 2017 Annual Report. For insurance businesses other than variable annuities, excess capital held is based on a percentage of required statutory risk-based capital. Assets in excess of those allocated to the segments, if any, are held in Corporate & Other. Segment net investment income reflects the performance of each segment’s respective invested assets.
Previously, invested assets held in the segments were based on net GAAP liabilities. Excess capital was retained in Corporate & Other and allocated to segments based on an internally developed statistics based capital model intended to capture the material risks to which the Company was exposed (referred to as “allocated equity”). Surplus assets in excess of the combined allocations to the segments were held in Corporate & Other with net investment income being credited back to the segments at a predetermined rate. Any excess or shortfall in net investment income from surplus assets was recognized in Corporate & Other.
The Portfolio Realignment had no effect on the Company’s net income (loss) or adjusted earnings, but it did impact segment results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. It was not practicable to determine the impact of the Portfolio Realignment to adjusted earnings in prior periods; however, the Company estimates that pre-tax adjusted earnings in the Life segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased between $6 million and $15 million as a result of the change. Impacts to the Annuities segment and Corporate & Other would not have been significantly different under the previous allocation method.
In addition, the total assets recognized in the segments changed as a result of the Portfolio Realignment. Total assets (on a book value basis) in the Annuities and Life segments increased approximately $640 million and approximately $875 million, respectively, under the new allocation method. Corporate & Other experienced decreases in total assets of approximately $1.5 billion as a result of the Portfolio Realignment.
Operating Results | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | Annuities | Life | Corporate & Other | Total | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax adjusted earnings | $ | 12,592 | $ | 5,596 | $ | (3,687 | ) | $ | 14,501 | |||||||
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | 1,881 | 1,173 | (1,066 | ) | 1,988 | |||||||||||
Adjusted earnings | $ | 10,711 | $ | 4,423 | $ | (2,621 | ) | 12,513 | ||||||||
Adjustments for: | ||||||||||||||||
Net investment gains (losses) | (330 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net derivative gains (losses) | (27,153 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other adjustments to net income | 94 | |||||||||||||||
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit | 6,392 | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (8,484 | ) | |||||||||||||
Interest revenue | $ | 16,236 | $ | 8,662 | $ | 461 |
9
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)
Operating Results | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 | Annuities | Life | Corporate & Other | Total | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax adjusted earnings | $ | 32,517 | $ | (6,754 | ) | $ | 1,185 | $ | 26,948 | |||||||
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | 9,451 | (2,364 | ) | 100 | 7,187 | |||||||||||
Adjusted earnings | $ | 23,066 | $ | (4,390 | ) | $ | 1,085 | 19,761 | ||||||||
Adjustments for: | ||||||||||||||||
Net investment gains (losses) | (674 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net derivative gains (losses) | (34,583 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other adjustments to net income | (2,589 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit | 13,245 | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (4,840 | ) | |||||||||||||
Interest revenue | $ | 13,865 | $ | 5,178 | $ | 2,554 |
Operating Results | ||||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | Annuities | Life | Corporate & Other | Total | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax adjusted earnings | $ | 24,496 | $ | 18,166 | $ | (1,240 | ) | $ | 41,422 | |||||||
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | 3,418 | 3,815 | (939 | ) | 6,294 | |||||||||||
Adjusted earnings | $ | 21,078 | $ | 14,351 | $ | (301 | ) | $ | 35,128 | |||||||
Adjustments for: | ||||||||||||||||
Net investment gains (losses) | (4,748 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net derivative gains (losses) | (92,527 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other adjustments to net income | 16,791 | |||||||||||||||
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit | 17,541 | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (27,815 | ) | |||||||||||||
Interest revenue | $ | 46,317 | $ | 25,983 | $ | 1,257 |
Operating Results | ||||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 | Annuities | Life | Corporate & Other | Total | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax adjusted earnings | $ | 54,304 | $ | (2,742 | ) | $ | 6,752 | $ | 58,314 | |||||||
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | 14,710 | (959 | ) | 1,800 | 15,551 | |||||||||||
Adjusted earnings | $ | 39,594 | $ | (1,783 | ) | $ | 4,952 | 42,763 | ||||||||
Adjustments for: | ||||||||||||||||
Net investment gains (losses) | (1,045 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net derivative gains (losses) | (149,697 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other adjustments to net income | 28,430 | |||||||||||||||
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit | 42,809 | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (36,740 | ) | |||||||||||||
Interest revenue | $ | 42,735 | $ | 13,783 | $ | 7,189 |
10
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)
The following table presents total revenues with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | |||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Annuities | $ | 26,098 | $ | 25,535 | $ | 81,842 | $ | 79,271 | ||||||||
Life | 15,079 | 14,640 | 45,182 | 22,904 | ||||||||||||
Corporate & Other | 1,120 | 3,236 | 3,223 | 8,875 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments | (24,106 | ) | (31,780 | ) | (87,174 | ) | (140,338 | ) | ||||||||
Total | $ | 18,191 | $ | 11,631 | $ | 43,073 | $ | (29,288 | ) |
The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
Annuities | $ | 7,438,255 | $ | 7,219,139 | |||
Life | 973,381 | 662,546 | |||||
Corporate & Other | 107,731 | 604,620 | |||||
Total | $ | 8,519,367 | $ | 8,486,305 |
3. Insurance
Guarantees
As discussed in Notes 1 and 3 of the Notes to the Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report, the Company issues variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”), the non-life contingent portion of guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWBs”) and the portion of certain GMIBs that do not require annuitization are accounted for as embedded derivatives in policyholder account balances and are further discussed in Note 5.
Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||||||
In the Event of Death | At Annuitization | In the Event of Death | At Annuitization | ||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
Annuity Contracts (1), (2) | |||||||||||||||||
Variable Annuity Guarantees | |||||||||||||||||
Total account value (3) | $ | 4,806,717 | $ | 3,930,390 | $ | 5,026,927 | $ | 4,149,482 | |||||||||
Separate account value | $ | 4,800,507 | $ | 3,929,475 | $ | 5,020,107 | $ | 4,149,482 | |||||||||
Net amount at risk | $ | 8,987 | (4) | $ | 156,495 | (5) | $ | 5,262 | (4) | $ | 166,788 | (5) | |||||
Average attained age of contract holders | 67 years | 67 years | 66 years | 66 years |
______________
(1) | The Company’s annuity contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive. |
(2) | Includes direct business, but excludes offsets from hedging or reinsurance, if any. Therefore, the net amount at risk presented reflects the economic exposures of living and death benefit guarantees associated with variable annuities, but not necessarily their impact on the Company. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report for a discussion of guaranteed minimum benefits which have been reinsured. |
(3) | Includes the contract holder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable. |
11
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
3. Insurance (continued)
(4) | Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death. |
(5) | Defined as the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contract holders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the contracts contain terms that allow annuitization of the guaranteed amount only after the 10th anniversary of the contract, which not all contract holders have achieved. |
4. Investments
See Note 6 for information about the fair value hierarchy for investments and the related valuation methodologies.
Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-sale (“AFS”)
Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector
The following table presents the fixed maturity securities AFS by sector at:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized | Estimated Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains | Temporary Losses | OTTI Losses | Gains | Temporary Losses | OTTI Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. corporate | $ | 882,182 | $ | 6,865 | $ | 19,101 | $ | — | $ | 869,946 | $ | 770,385 | $ | 29,246 | $ | 2,007 | $ | — | $ | 797,624 | |||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government and agency | 526,854 | 8,409 | 24,644 | — | 510,619 | 535,757 | 17,023 | 5,717 | — | 547,063 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign corporate | 341,193 | 2,105 | 13,713 | — | 329,585 | 304,650 | 8,168 | 3,704 | — | 309,114 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMBS | 258,671 | 4,782 | 6,802 | — | 256,651 | 217,857 | 5,626 | 1,703 | — | 221,780 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CMBS | 238,986 | 280 | 5,972 | — | 233,294 | 197,931 | 3,533 | 1,043 | — | 200,421 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State and political subdivision | 72,294 | 4,766 | 1,855 | — | 75,205 | 64,056 | 6,596 | 366 | — | 70,286 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ABS | 88,449 | 64 | 501 | — | 88,012 | 58,665 | 305 | 98 | — | 58,872 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign government | 15,003 | 101 | 474 | — | 14,630 | 15,833 | 597 | 27 | — | 16,403 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity securities | $ | 2,423,632 | $ | 27,372 | $ | 73,062 | $ | — | $ | 2,377,942 | $ | 2,165,134 | $ | 71,094 | $ | 14,665 | $ | — | $ | 2,221,563 |
__________________
(1) | Included within fixed maturity securities are structured securities including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”). |
The Company did not hold non-income producing fixed maturity securities at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at September 30, 2018:
Due in One Year or Less | Due After One Year Through Five Years | Due After Five Years Through Ten Years | Due After Ten Years | Structured Securities | Total Fixed Maturity Securities | ||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortized cost | $ | 50,810 | $ | 355,999 | $ | 827,354 | $ | 603,363 | $ | 586,106 | $ | 2,423,632 | |||||||||||
Estimated fair value | $ | 50,977 | $ | 353,191 | $ | 801,463 | $ | 594,354 | $ | 577,957 | $ | 2,377,942 |
12
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured Securities are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity.
Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities AFS by Sector
The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less than 12 Months | Equal to or Greater than 12 Months | Less than 12 Months | Equal to or Greater than 12 Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. corporate | $ | 533,974 | $ | 15,304 | $ | 74,303 | $ | 3,797 | $ | 118,514 | $ | 898 | $ | 46,372 | $ | 1,109 | |||||||||||||||
U.S. government and agency | 213,150 | 7,951 | 239,570 | 16,693 | 248,434 | 2,895 | 107,253 | 2,822 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign corporate | 200,676 | 7,923 | 68,528 | 5,790 | 88,724 | 1,540 | 29,552 | 2,164 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
RMBS | 139,595 | 4,182 | 40,748 | 2,620 | 24,060 | 162 | 38,454 | 1,541 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
CMBS | 150,097 | 3,368 | 38,564 | 2,604 | 18,430 | 176 | 27,958 | 867 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
State and political subdivision | 29,538 | 1,344 | 11,193 | 511 | 9,232 | 110 | 8,111 | 256 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
ABS | 40,195 | 426 | 8,571 | 75 | 7,361 | 23 | 8,076 | 75 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign government | 8,713 | 474 | — | — | 4,484 | 27 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturity securities | $ | 1,315,938 | $ | 40,972 | $ | 481,477 | $ | 32,090 | $ | 519,239 | $ | 5,831 | $ | 265,776 | $ | 8,834 | |||||||||||||||
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position | 400 | 93 | 131 | 58 |
Evaluation of AFS Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities
Evaluation and Measurement Methodologies
Management considers a wide range of factors about the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Considerations used in the impairment evaluation process include, but are not limited to: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the estimated fair value has been below amortized cost; (ii) the potential for impairments when the issuer is experiencing significant financial difficulties; (iii) the potential for impairments in an entire industry sector or sub-sector; (iv) the potential for impairments in certain economically depressed geographic locations; (v) the potential for impairments where the issuer, series of issuers or industry has suffered a catastrophic loss or has exhausted natural resources; (vi) whether the Company has the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before the decline in estimated fair value below amortized cost recovers; (vii) with respect to Structured Securities, changes in forecasted cash flows after considering the quality of underlying collateral, expected prepayment speeds, current and forecasted loss severity, consideration of the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security, and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security; (viii) the potential for impairments due to weakening of foreign currencies on non-functional currency denominated fixed maturity securities that are near maturity; and (ix) other subjective factors, including concentrations and information obtained from regulators and rating agencies.
13
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Current Period Evaluation
Based on the Company’s current evaluation of its AFS securities in an unrealized loss position in accordance with its impairment policy, and the Company’s current intentions and assessments (as applicable to the type of security) about holding, selling and any requirements to sell these securities, the Company concluded that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2018.
Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities increased $58.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to $73.1 million. The increase in gross unrealized losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily attributable to increasing longer-term interest rates and widening credit spreads.
At September 30, 2018, $1.0 million of the total $73.1 million of gross unrealized losses were from one fixed maturity security with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater.
Mortgage Loans
Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment
Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||
Carrying Value | % of Total | Carrying Value | % of Total | ||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Mortgage loans | |||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 291,663 | 69.2 | % | $ | 276,626 | 70.0 | % | |||||
Agricultural | 131,760 | 31.2 | 119,984 | 30.4 | |||||||||
Subtotal | 423,423 | 100.4 | 396,610 | 100.4 | |||||||||
Valuation allowances (1) | (1,867 | ) | (0.4 | ) | (1,747 | ) | (0.4 | ) | |||||
Total mortgage loans, net | $ | 421,556 | 100.0 | % | $ | 394,863 | 100.0 | % |
__________________
(1) | The valuation allowances were primarily from collective evaluation (non-specific loan related). |
Information on commercial and agricultural mortgage loans is presented in the tables below.
Valuation Allowance Methodology
Mortgage loans are considered to be impaired when it is probable that, based upon current information and events, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the loan agreement. Specific valuation allowances are established using the same methodology for both portfolio segments as the excess carrying value of a loan over either (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, (ii) the estimated fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral if the loan is in the process of foreclosure or otherwise collateral dependent, or (iii) the loan’s observable market price. A common evaluation framework is used for establishing non-specific valuation allowances for both loan portfolio segments; however, a separate non-specific valuation allowance is calculated and maintained for each loan portfolio segment that is based on inputs unique to each loan portfolio segment. Non-specific valuation allowances are established for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics where a property-specific or market-specific risk has not been identified, but for which the Company expects to incur a credit loss. These evaluations are based upon several loan portfolio segment-specific factors, including the Company’s experience for loan losses, defaults and loss severity, and loss expectations for loans with similar risk characteristics. These evaluations are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available.
14
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans
The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at:
Recorded Investment | ||||||||||||||
Debt Service Coverage Ratios | % of Total | |||||||||||||
> 1.20x | 1.00x - 1.20x | Total | ||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||
Loan-to-value ratios: | ||||||||||||||
Less than 65% | $ | 277,669 | $ | — | $ | 277,669 | 95.2 | % | ||||||
65% to 75% | 7,692 | — | 7,692 | 2.6 | ||||||||||
76% to 80% | 6,302 | — | 6,302 | 2.2 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 291,663 | $ | — | $ | 291,663 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||||
Loan-to-value ratios: | ||||||||||||||
Less than 65% | $ | 243,217 | $ | 17,425 | $ | 260,642 | 94.2 | % | ||||||
65% to 75% | 12,957 | — | 12,957 | 4.7 | ||||||||||
76% to 80% | 3,027 | — | 3,027 | 1.1 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 259,201 | $ | 17,425 | $ | 276,626 | 100.0 | % |
Credit Quality of Agricultural Mortgage Loans
The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||
Recorded Investment | % of Total | Recorded Investment | % of Total | ||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Loan-to-value ratios: | |||||||||||||
Less than 65% | $ | 128,403 | 97.5 | % | $ | 119,077 | 99.2 | % | |||||
65% to 75% | 3,357 | 2.5 | 907 | 0.8 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 131,760 | 100.0 | % | $ | 119,984 | 100.0 | % |
Past Due, Nonaccrual and Modified Mortgage Loans
The Company has a high quality, well performing mortgage loan portfolio, with all mortgage loans classified as performing at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days. The Company had no commercial or agricultural mortgage loans past due and no commercial or agricultural mortgage loans in nonaccrual status at either September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not have any mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring.
Cash Equivalents
The carrying value of cash equivalents, which includes securities and other investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, was $67.8 million and $60.7 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities and the effect on DAC, deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) and future policy benefits, that would result from the realization of the unrealized gains (losses), are included in net unrealized investment gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”).
15
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
Fixed maturity securities | $ | (45,692 | ) | $ | 56,432 | ||
Derivatives | 1,380 | 471 | |||||
Subtotal | (44,312 | ) | 56,903 | ||||
Amounts allocated from: | |||||||
DAC and DSI | 7,200 | (19,400 | ) | ||||
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | 7,793 | (7,875 | ) | ||||
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) | $ | (29,319 | ) | $ | 29,628 |
The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | |||
(In thousands) | |||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 29,628 | |
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period | (101,215 | ) | |
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: | |||
DAC and DSI | 26,600 | ||
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | 15,668 | ||
Balance, end of period | $ | (29,319 | ) |
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) | $ | (58,947 | ) |
Concentrations of Credit Risk
There were no investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of the Company’s equity, other than the U.S. government and its agencies, at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Invested Assets on Deposit and Pledged as Collateral
Invested assets on deposit and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) | $ | 1,430 | $ | 1,549 | |||
Invested assets pledged as collateral (1) | 1,810 | 707 | |||||
Total invested assets on deposit and pledged as collateral | $ | 3,240 | $ | 2,256 |
__________________
(1) | The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with derivative transactions (see Note 5). |
Variable Interest Entities
The Company has invested in legal entities that are variable interest entities (“VIEs”). In certain instances, the Company may hold both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity, as well as an economic interest in the entity and, as such, it would be deemed to be the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity. The determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary requires an evaluation of the contractual and implied rights and obligations associated with each party’s relationship with or involvement in the entity, an estimate of the entity’s expected losses and expected residual returns and the allocation of such estimates to each party involved in the entity.
16
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Consolidated VIEs
There were no VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and which are consolidated at either September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017.
Unconsolidated VIEs
The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest but is not the primary beneficiary and which have not been consolidated were as follows at:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||||
Carrying Amount | Maximum Exposure to Loss (1) | Carrying Amount | Maximum Exposure to Loss (1) | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities AFS: | |||||||||||||||
Structured Securities (2) | $ | 418,807 | $ | 418,807 | $ | 431,406 | $ | 431,406 | |||||||
Foreign corporate | 5,918 | 5,918 | 6,394 | 6,394 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 424,725 | $ | 424,725 | $ | 437,800 | $ | 437,800 |
______________
(1) | The maximum exposure to loss relating to fixed maturity securities AFS is equal to their carrying amounts or the carrying amounts of retained interests. Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer. |
(2) | For these variable interests, the Company’s involvement is limited to that of a passive investor in mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities issued by trusts that do not have substantial equity. |
Net Investment Income
The components of net investment income were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Investment income: | |||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities | $ | 21,645 | $ | 17,870 | $ | 62,947 | $ | 52,452 | |||||||
Mortgage loans | 4,392 | 4,110 | 12,897 | 12,636 | |||||||||||
Policy loans | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 | |||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | 393 | 16 | 849 | 129 | |||||||||||
Other | 239 | 318 | 560 | 598 | |||||||||||
Subtotal | 26,671 | 22,318 | 77,256 | 65,820 | |||||||||||
Less: Investment expenses | 1,407 | 801 | 3,972 | 2,352 | |||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 25,264 | $ | 21,517 | $ | 73,284 | $ | 63,468 |
See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of related party investment expenses.
17
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Net Investment Gains (Losses)
Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses)
The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities: | |||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals | $ | (119 | ) | $ | (711 | ) | $ | (5,081 | ) | $ | (1,683 | ) | |||
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities | (119 | ) | (711 | ) | (5,081 | ) | (1,683 | ) | |||||||
Mortgage loans | (218 | ) | 6 | (165 | ) | 41 | |||||||||
Other | 7 | 31 | 498 | 597 | |||||||||||
Total net investment gains (losses) | $ | (330 | ) | $ | (674 | ) | $ | (4,748 | ) | $ | (1,045 | ) |
Gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions included within net investment gains (losses) were ($13) thousand and $279 thousand for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and ($7) thousand and $539 thousand for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.
Sales or Disposals and Impairments of Fixed Maturity Securities
Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity securities and the components of fixed maturity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the table below.
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Proceeds | $ | 995 | $ | 214,635 | $ | 127,671 | $ | 384,736 | |||||||
Gross investment gains | $ | — | $ | 512 | $ | 36 | $ | 1,527 | |||||||
Gross investment losses | (119 | ) | (1,223 | ) | (5,117 | ) | (3,210 | ) | |||||||
Net investment gains (losses) | $ | (119 | ) | $ | (711 | ) | $ | (5,081 | ) | $ | (1,683 | ) |
Related Party Investment Transactions
The Company receives investment administrative services from MetLife Investment Advisors, LLC (“MLIA”), which was considered a related party investment manager until the completion of the MetLife Divestiture. The related investment administrative service charges were $0 and $2.3 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $704 thousand and $2.1 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. All of the charges reported as related party activity in 2018 occurred prior to the MetLife Divestiture. See Note 1 regarding the MetLife Divestiture.
5. Derivatives
Accounting for Derivatives
Freestanding Derivatives
Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement.
18
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)
Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities.
If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses).
Hedge Accounting
The Company primarily designates derivatives as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or a variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in fair value are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and subsequently reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.
To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge. In its hedge documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship.
The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument.
When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in net derivative gains (losses). Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.
In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses).
Embedded Derivatives
The Company sells variable annuities and is a party to certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives.
The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative if:
• | the combined instrument is not accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings; |
• | the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and |
• | a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would qualify as a derivative instrument. |
19
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)
Such embedded derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses). If the Company is unable to properly identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income. Additionally, the Company may elect to carry an entire contract on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income if that contract contains an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation. At inception, the Company attributes to the embedded derivative a portion of the projected future guarantee fees to be collected from the policyholder equal to the present value of projected future guaranteed benefits. Any additional fees represent “excess” fees and are reported in universal life and investment-type product policy fees.
Derivative Strategies
The Company is exposed to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, credit and equity market. The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivatives.
Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”). The types of derivatives the Company uses include swaps and option contracts.
Interest Rate Derivatives
The Company purchases interest rate caps to protect against rises in long-term interest rates. The Company utilizes interest rate caps in nonqualifying hedging relationships.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives
The Company uses foreign currency swaps to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets denominated in foreign currencies.
In a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a fixed exchange rate, generally set at inception, calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount. The notional amount of each currency is exchanged at the inception and termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company utilizes foreign currency swaps in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships.
Equity Derivatives
The Company uses equity index call options to reduce exposure to rising equity markets associated with select structured annuity products. The Company utilizes equity index options in nonqualifying hedging relationships.
20
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)
Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives
The following table presents the primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount, and estimated fair value of the Company’s derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held at:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Primary Underlying Risk Exposure | Gross Notional Amount | Estimated Fair Value | Gross Notional Amount | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | Liabilities | Assets | Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash flow hedges: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps | Foreign currency exchange rate | $ | 77,067 | $ | 2,078 | $ | 1,025 | $ | 70,307 | $ | 1,571 | $ | 1,357 | ||||||||||||
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate caps | Interest rate | 800,000 | 7,972 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps | Foreign currency exchange rate | 17,892 | 2,279 | 244 | 16,636 | 2,213 | 254 | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity index options | Equity market | 1,657,561 | 29,845 | 5,267 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives | 2,475,453 | 40,096 | 5,511 | 16,636 | 2,213 | 254 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,552,520 | $ | 42,174 | $ | 6,536 | $ | 86,943 | $ | 3,784 | $ | 1,611 |
The Company recognized net investment income from settlement payments related to qualifying hedges of $239 thousand and $149 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $640 thousand and $430 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The Company recognized net derivative gains (losses) from settlement payments related to non-qualifying hedges of $95 thousand and $81 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $273 thousand and $239 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
21
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)
The following tables present the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized for derivatives and gains (losses) pertaining to hedged items presented in net derivative gains (losses):
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1) | Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2) | Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI | |||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | |||||||||||
Cash flow hedges (3): | |||||||||||
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | $ | 3 | $ | 9 | $ | 65 | |||||
Total cash flow hedges | 3 | 9 | 65 | ||||||||
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | |||||||||||
Interest rate derivatives | 414 | — | — | ||||||||
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | (46 | ) | (52 | ) | — | ||||||
Credit derivatives | — | — | — | ||||||||
Equity derivatives | 8,914 | — | — | ||||||||
Embedded derivatives | (36,490 | ) | — | — | |||||||
Total non-qualifying hedges | (27,208 | ) | (52 | ) | — | ||||||
Total | $ | (27,205 | ) | $ | (43 | ) | $ | 65 | |||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 | |||||||||||
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | |||||||||||
Cash flow hedges (3): | |||||||||||
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (1,146 | ) | ||||
Total cash flow hedges | — | — | (1,146 | ) | |||||||
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | |||||||||||
Interest rate derivatives | — | — | — | ||||||||
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | (545 | ) | 135 | — | |||||||
Credit derivatives | — | — | — | ||||||||
Equity derivatives | — | — | — | ||||||||
Embedded derivatives | (34,254 | ) | — | — | |||||||
Total non-qualifying hedges | (34,799 | ) | 135 | — | |||||||
Total | $ | (34,799 | ) | $ | 135 | $ | (1,146 | ) |
22
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives (1) | Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items (2) | Amount of Gains (Losses) deferred in AOCI | |||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | |||||||||||
Cash flow hedges (3): | |||||||||||
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | $ | 58 | $ | 9 | $ | 967 | |||||
Total cash flow hedges | 58 | 9 | 967 | ||||||||
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | |||||||||||
Interest rate derivatives | (3,576 | ) | — | — | |||||||
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | 69 | (156 | ) | — | |||||||
Credit derivatives | — | — | — | ||||||||
Equity derivatives | 1,900 | — | — | ||||||||
Embedded derivatives | (91,104 | ) | — | — | |||||||
Total non-qualifying hedges | (92,711 | ) | (156 | ) | — | ||||||
Total | $ | (92,653 | ) | $ | (147 | ) | $ | 967 | |||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 | |||||||||||
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | |||||||||||
Cash flow hedges (3): | |||||||||||
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | $ | 1 | $ | — | $ | (2,294 | ) | ||||
Total cash flow hedges | 1 | — | (2,294 | ) | |||||||
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | |||||||||||
Interest rate derivatives | — | — | — | ||||||||
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | (1,053 | ) | 338 | — | |||||||
Credit derivatives | — | — | — | ||||||||
Equity derivatives | — | — | — | ||||||||
Embedded derivatives | (149,222 | ) | — | — | |||||||
Total non-qualifying hedges | (150,275 | ) | 338 | — | |||||||
Total | $ | (150,274 | ) | $ | 338 | $ | (2,294 | ) |
______________
(1) | Includes gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI for cash flow hedges. |
(2) | Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships and ineffective portion of the gains (losses). |
(3) | All components of each derivative's gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. |
In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions were no longer probable of occurring. Because certain of the forecasted transactions also were not probable of occurring within two months of the anticipated date, the Company reclassified amounts from AOCI into net derivative gains (losses). For both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, there were no amounts reclassified into net derivative gains (losses) related to such discontinued cash flow hedges.
There were no hedged forecasted transactions, other than the receipt or payment of variable interest payments, for both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
23
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the balance in AOCI associated with foreign currency swaps designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges was $1.4 million and $471 thousand, respectively.
Counterparty Credit Risk
The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties to derivatives. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivatives is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivatives at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of master netting or similar agreements and any collateral received pursuant to such agreements.
The Company manages its credit risk related to derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties and establishing and monitoring exposure limits. The Company’s OTC-bilateral derivative transactions are generally governed by International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) Master Agreements which provide for legally enforceable set-off and close-out netting of exposures to specific counterparties in the event of early termination of a transaction, which includes, but is not limited to, events of default and bankruptcy. In the event of an early termination, the Company is permitted to set off receivables from the counterparty against payables to the same counterparty arising out of all included transactions. Substantially all of the Company’s ISDA Master Agreements also include Credit Support Annex provisions which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its OTC-bilateral derivatives.
See Note 6 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivatives.
The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | |||||||||||||||
Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement | Assets | Liabilities | Assets | Liabilities | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||
OTC-bilateral (1) | $ | 42,421 | $ | 6,440 | $ | 3,903 | $ | 1,482 | ||||||||
Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1) | 42,421 | 6,440 | 3,903 | 1,482 | ||||||||||||
Amounts offset on the balance sheets | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the balance sheets (1) | 42,421 | 6,440 | 3,903 | 1,482 | ||||||||||||
Gross amounts not offset on the balance sheets: | ||||||||||||||||
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2) | ||||||||||||||||
OTC-bilateral | (4,690 | ) | (4,690 | ) | (1,482 | ) | (1,482 | ) | ||||||||
Cash collateral: (3) | ||||||||||||||||
OTC-bilateral | (34,603 | ) | — | (2,367 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Securities collateral: (4) | ||||||||||||||||
OTC-bilateral | (2,879 | ) | (1,749 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||
Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral | $ | 249 | $ | 1 | $ | 54 | $ | — |
______________
(1) | At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, derivative assets included income or (expense) accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $247 thousand and $119 thousand, respectively, and derivative liabilities included (income) or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of ($96) thousand and ($129) thousand, respectively. |
(2) | Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals. |
24
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)
(3) | Cash collateral received is included in cash and cash equivalents or in short-term investments, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral transactions on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company received excess cash collateral of $1.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively, and did not provide any excess cash collateral, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. |
(4) | Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but at September 30, 2018, none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $82 thousand and $0, respectively, and provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $58 thousand and $707 thousand, respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives. |
The Company’s collateral arrangements for its OTC-bilateral derivatives generally require the counterparty in a net liability position, after considering the effect of netting agreements, to pledge collateral when the amount owed by that counterparty reaches a minimum transfer amount. In addition, the Company’s netting agreements for derivatives contain provisions that require both the Company and the counterparty to maintain a specific investment grade credit rating from each of Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings 500 Index. If a party’s financial strength or credit ratings were to fall below that specific investment grade credit rating, that party would be in violation of these provisions, and the other party to the derivatives could terminate the transactions and demand immediate settlement and payment based on such party’s reasonable valuation of the derivatives.
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company held OTC-bilateral derivatives that were in a net liability position after considering the effect of netting agreements with an estimated fair value of $1.7 million and $0, respectively. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company provided collateral with an estimated fair value of $1.8 million and $0, respectively. The Company’s collateral agreements require both parties to be fully collateralized, as such, the Company would not be required to post additional collateral as a result of a downgrade in its financial strength rating.
Embedded Derivatives
The Company issues certain products that contain embedded derivatives that are required to be separated from their host contracts and accounted for as freestanding derivatives. These host contracts principally include: variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits, including GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs; related party ceded reinsurance of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs; and fixed annuities with equity-indexed returns.
The following table presents the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivatives that have been separated from their host contracts at:
Balance Sheet Location | September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | |||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts: | |||||||||
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables | $ | 209,407 | $ | 307,698 | ||||
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts: | |||||||||
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits | Policyholder account balances | $ | (71,716 | ) | $ | (51,130 | ) | ||
Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns | Policyholder account balances | 42,629 | 11,195 | ||||||
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts | $ | (29,087 | ) | $ | (39,935 | ) |
25
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)
The following table presents changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Net derivative gains (losses) (1), (2) | $ | (36,490 | ) | $ | (34,254 | ) | $ | (91,104 | ) | $ | (149,222 | ) |
______________
(1) | The valuation of direct guaranteed minimum benefits includes a nonperformance risk adjustment. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses) in connection with this adjustment were ($352) thousand and ($2.0) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $1.7 million and $1.0 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. In addition, the valuation of ceded guaranteed minimum benefits includes a nonperformance risk adjustment. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses) in connection with this adjustment were $7.4 million and ($1.2) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and ($43.6) million and ($32.8) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. |
(2) | See Note 10 for discussion of related party net derivative gains (losses). |
26
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value
Considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy are presented below at:
September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||||||
Fair Value Hierarchy | |||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: | |||||||||||||||
U.S. corporate | $ | — | $ | 830,881 | $ | 39,065 | $ | 869,946 | |||||||
U.S. government and agency | 393,289 | 117,330 | — | 510,619 | |||||||||||
Foreign corporate | — | 284,785 | 44,800 | 329,585 | |||||||||||
RMBS | — | 240,148 | 16,503 | 256,651 | |||||||||||
CMBS | — | 228,413 | 4,881 | 233,294 | |||||||||||
State and political subdivision | — | 75,205 | — | 75,205 | |||||||||||
ABS | — | 85,012 | 3,000 | 88,012 | |||||||||||
Foreign government | — | 14,630 | — | 14,630 | |||||||||||
Total fixed maturity securities | 393,289 | 1,876,404 | 108,249 | 2,377,942 | |||||||||||
Derivative assets: (1) | |||||||||||||||
Interest rate | — | 7,972 | — | 7,972 | |||||||||||
Foreign currency exchange rate | — | 4,357 | — | 4,357 | |||||||||||
Equity market | — | 29,845 | — | 29,845 | |||||||||||
Total derivative assets | — | 42,174 | — | 42,174 | |||||||||||
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2) | — | — | 209,407 | 209,407 | |||||||||||
Separate account assets | — | 4,802,264 | — | 4,802,264 | |||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 393,289 | $ | 6,720,842 | $ | 317,656 | $ | 7,431,787 | |||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities: (1) | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency exchange rate | $ | — | $ | 1,269 | $ | — | $ | 1,269 | |||||||
Equity market | — | 5,267 | — | 5,267 | |||||||||||
Total derivative liabilities | — | 6,536 | — | 6,536 | |||||||||||
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2) | — | — | (29,087 | ) | (29,087 | ) | |||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | — | $ | 6,536 | $ | (29,087 | ) | $ | (22,551 | ) |
27
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
December 31, 2017 | |||||||||||||||
Fair Value Hierarchy | |||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities: | |||||||||||||||
U.S. corporate | $ | — | $ | 750,891 | $ | 46,733 | $ | 797,624 | |||||||
U.S. government and agency | 420,084 | 126,979 | — | 547,063 | |||||||||||
Foreign corporate | — | 259,897 | 49,217 | 309,114 | |||||||||||
RMBS | — | 207,338 | 14,442 | 221,780 | |||||||||||
CMBS | — | 195,306 | 5,115 | 200,421 | |||||||||||
State and political subdivision | — | 70,286 | — | 70,286 | |||||||||||
ABS | — | 58,872 | — | 58,872 | |||||||||||
Foreign government | — | 16,403 | — | 16,403 | |||||||||||
Total fixed maturity securities | 420,084 | 1,685,972 | 115,507 | 2,221,563 | |||||||||||
Derivative assets: (1) | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency exchange rate | — | 3,784 | — | 3,784 | |||||||||||
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2) | — | — | 307,698 | 307,698 | |||||||||||
Separate account assets | — | 5,021,633 | — | 5,021,633 | |||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 420,084 | $ | 6,711,389 | $ | 423,205 | $ | 7,554,678 | |||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities: (1) | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency exchange rate | $ | — | $ | 1,611 | $ | — | $ | 1,611 | |||||||
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2) | — | — | (39,935 | ) | (39,935 | ) | |||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | — | $ | 1,611 | $ | (39,935 | ) | $ | (38,324 | ) |
______________
(1) | Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the balance sheets. |
(2) | Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances on the balance sheets. |
Valuation Controls and Procedures
The Company monitors and provides oversight of valuation controls and policies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives, which are primarily executed by MLIA. The valuation methodologies used to determine fair values prioritize the use of observable market prices and market-based parameters and determines that judgmental valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. The valuation methodologies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives are reviewed on an ongoing basis and revised when necessary, based on changing market conditions. In addition, the Chief Accounting Officer periodically reports to the Audit Committee of Brighthouse’s Board of Directors regarding compliance with fair value accounting standards.
28
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities is based on quoted market prices, where available. The Company assesses whether prices received represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through controls designed to ensure valuations represent an exit price. MLIA performs several controls, including certain monthly controls, which include, but are not limited to, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns, comparing a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, reviewing the bid/ask spreads to assess activity, comparing prices from multiple independent pricing services and ongoing due diligence to confirm that independent pricing services use market-based parameters. The process includes a determination of the observability of inputs used in estimated fair values received from independent pricing services or brokers by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data. Independent non-binding broker quotes, also referred to herein as “consensus pricing,” are used for non-significant portion of the portfolio. Prices received from independent brokers are assessed to determine if they represent a reasonable estimate of fair value by considering such pricing relative to the current market dynamics and current pricing for similar financial instruments. Fixed maturity securities priced using independent non-binding broker quotations represent less than 1% of the total estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities and 7% of the total estimated fair value of Level 3 fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2018.
MLIA also applies a formal process to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of estimated fair value. If prices received from independent pricing services are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value, independent non-binding broker quotations are obtained. If obtaining an independent non-binding broker quotation is unsuccessful, MLIA will use the last available price.
The Company reviews outputs of MLIA’s controls and performs additional controls, including certain monthly controls, which include but are not limited to, performing balance sheet analytics to assess reasonableness of period to period pricing changes, including any price adjustments. Price adjustments are applied if prices or quotes received from independent pricing services or brokers are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value. The Company did not have significant price adjustments during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Determination of Fair Value
Fixed maturity securities
The fair values for actively traded marketable bonds, primarily U.S. government and agency securities, are determined using the quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For fixed maturity securities classified as Level 2 assets, fair values are determined using either a market or income approach and are valued based on a variety of observable inputs as described below.
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, new issuances, issuer rating, trades of identical or comparable securities, or duration. Privately-placed securities are valued using the additional key inputs: market yield curve, call provisions, observable prices and spreads for similar public or private securities that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer, and delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues.
U.S. government and agency, state and political subdivision and foreign government securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, benchmark U.S. Treasury yield or other yields, spread off the U.S. Treasury yield curve for the identical security, issuer ratings and issuer spreads, broker dealer quotes, and comparable securities that are actively traded.
Structured securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, spreads for actively traded securities, spreads off benchmark yields, expected prepayment speeds and volumes, current and forecasted loss severity, ratings, geographic region, weighted average coupon and weighted average maturity, average delinquency rates and debt-service coverage ratios. Other issuance-specific information is also used, including, but not limited to; collateral type, structure of the security, vintage of the loans, payment terms of the underlying asset, payment priority within tranche, and deal performance.
Short-term investments
The fair value for actively traded short-term investments are determined using quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets.
29
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
Derivatives
The fair values for OTC-bilateral derivatives and OTC-cleared derivatives classified as Level 2 assets or liabilities, fair values are determined using the income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models which are based on market standard valuation methodologies and a variety of observable inputs.
The significant inputs to the pricing models for most OTC-bilateral derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Certain OTC-bilateral derivatives may rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs may involve significant management judgment or estimation. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments.
Most inputs for OTC-bilateral derivatives are mid-market inputs but, in certain cases, liquidity adjustments are made when they are deemed more representative of exit value. Market liquidity, as well as the use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs, may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s derivatives and could materially affect net income.
The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC-bilateral derivatives, and any potential credit adjustment is based on the net exposure by counterparty after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. The Company values its OTC-bilateral derivatives using standard swap curves which may include a spread to the risk-free rate, depending upon specific collateral arrangements. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with similar collateral arrangements. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties generally execute trades at such pricing levels and hold sufficient collateral, additional credit risk adjustments are not currently required in the valuation process. The Company’s ability to consistently execute at such pricing levels is in part due to the netting agreements and collateral arrangements that are in place with all of its significant derivative counterparties. An evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period.
Embedded Derivatives
Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct variable annuity guarantees and certain affiliated ceded reinsurance agreements related to such variable annuity guarantees. Embedded derivatives are recorded at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value reported in net income.
The Company issues certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs contain embedded derivatives, which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the balance sheets.
The Company’s actuarial department calculates the fair value of these embedded derivatives, which are estimated as the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior. The calculation is based on in-force business, and is performed using standard actuarial valuation software which projects future cash flows from the embedded derivative over multiple risk neutral stochastic scenarios using observable risk-free rates.
Capital market assumptions, such as risk-free rates and implied volatilities, are based on market prices for publicly traded instruments to the extent that prices for such instruments are observable. Implied volatilities beyond the observable period are extrapolated based on observable implied volatilities and historical volatilities. Actuarial assumptions, including mortality, lapse, withdrawal and utilization, are unobservable and are reviewed at least annually based on actuarial studies of historical experience.
30
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
The valuation of these guarantee liabilities includes nonperformance risk adjustments and adjustments for a risk margin related to non-capital market inputs. The nonperformance adjustment is determined by taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s debt. These observable spreads are then adjusted to reflect the priority of these liabilities and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance subsidiaries as compared to Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s overall financial strength.
Risk margins are established to capture the non-capital market risks of the instrument which represent the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties of such actuarial assumptions as annuitization, premium persistency, partial withdrawal and surrenders. The establishment of risk margins requires the use of significant management judgment, including assumptions of the amount and cost of capital needed to cover the guarantees. These guarantees may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining equity markets. Market conditions including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, market volatility and foreign currency exchange rates; changes in nonperformance risk; and variations in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, mortality and risk margins related to non-capital market inputs, may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of the guarantees that could materially affect net income.
The Company ceded to a former affiliate the risk associated with certain of the GMIBs, GMABs and GMWBs described above. These reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives and are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The value of the embedded derivatives on the ceded risk is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company with the exception of the input for nonperformance risk that reflects the credit of the reinsurer.
Transfers between Levels
Overall, transfers between levels occur when there are changes in the observability of inputs and market activity. Transfers into or out of any level are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period.
Transfers between Levels 1 and 2:
There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 for assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value and still held at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Transfers into or out of Level 3:
Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable.
31
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value (2) | |||||||||||||||||
Valuation Techniques | Significant Unobservable Inputs | Range | Weighted Average (1) | Range | Weighted Average (1) | ||||||||||||||
Fixed maturity securities (3) | |||||||||||||||||||
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate | • | Matrix pricing | • | Offered quotes (4) | 94 | - | 126 | 103 | 98 | - | 142 | 108 | Increase | ||||||
• | Market pricing | • | Quoted prices (4) | 87 | - | 100 | 96 | 87 | - | 109 | 99 | Increase | |||||||
RMBS | • | Market pricing | • | Quoted prices (4) | 69 | - | 100 | 90 | 70 | - | 101 | 85 | Increase (5) | ||||||
Embedded derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||
Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | • | Option pricing techniques | • | Mortality rates: | |||||||||||||||
Ages 0 - 40 | 0% | - | 0.08% | 0% | - | 0.09% | Decrease (6) | ||||||||||||
Ages 41 - 60 | 0.04% | - | 0.60% | 0.04% | - | 0.65% | Decrease (6) | ||||||||||||
Ages 61 - 115 | 0.26% | - | 100% | 0.26% | - | 100% | Decrease (6) | ||||||||||||
• | Lapse rates: | ||||||||||||||||||
Durations 1 - 10 | 0.25% | - | 100% | 0.25% | - | 100% | Decrease (7) | ||||||||||||
Durations 11 - 20 | 2% | - | 100% | 2% | - | 100% | Decrease (7) | ||||||||||||
Durations 21 - 116 | 2% | - | 100% | 2% | - | 100% | Decrease (7) | ||||||||||||
• | Utilization rates | 0% | - | 25% | 0% | - | 25% | Increase (8) | |||||||||||
• | Withdrawal rates | 0.25% | - | 10% | 0.25% | - | 10% | (9) | |||||||||||
• | Long-term equity volatilities | 17.40% | - | 25% | 17.40% | - | 25% | Increase (10) | |||||||||||
• | Nonperformance risk spread | 1.05% | - | 1.91% | 0.64% | - | 1.43% | Decrease (11) |
______________
(1) | The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities. |
(2) | The impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on estimated fair value. For embedded derivatives, changes to direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits are based on liability positions; changes to ceded guaranteed minimum benefits are based on asset positions. |
(3) | Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations. |
(4) | Range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par. |
(5) | Changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for prepayment rates. |
(6) | Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Mortality rate assumptions are based on company experience. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied. For any given contract, mortality rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. |
(7) | Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in the money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies. For any given contract, lapse rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. |
32
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
(8) | The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contract holders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible. The rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder. For any given contract, utilization rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. |
(9) | The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value. |
(10) | Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. |
(11) | Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration and by currency. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. |
The following is a summary of the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities classified within Level 3 that are not included in the preceding table. Generally, all other classes of securities classified within Level 3, including those within separate account assets and embedded derivatives, use the same valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs as previously described for Level 3 securities. This includes matrix pricing and discounted cash flow methodologies, inputs such as quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2, as well as independent non-binding broker quotations. The sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in the significant unobservable inputs for these other assets and liabilities is similar in nature to that described in the preceding table.
33
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | ||||||||||||
Corporate (1) | Structured Securities | Net Embedded Derivatives (2) | ||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 95,245 | $ | 26,162 | $ | 281,185 | ||||||
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (3) (4) | 4 | 51 | (36,490 | ) | ||||||||
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI | (1,278 | ) | 88 | — | ||||||||
Purchases (5) | — | 3,000 | — | |||||||||
Sales (5) | (606 | ) | (417 | ) | — | |||||||
Issuances (5) | — | — | — | |||||||||
Settlements (5) | — | — | (6,201 | ) | ||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 (6) | — | — | — | |||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 (6) | (9,500 | ) | (4,500 | ) | — | |||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 83,865 | $ | 24,384 | $ | 238,494 | ||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 | ||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 83,981 | $ | 27,860 | $ | 401,443 | ||||||
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (3) (4) | (19 | ) | 105 | (34,254 | ) | |||||||
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI | 788 | 107 | — | |||||||||
Purchases (5) | 4,895 | — | — | |||||||||
Sales (5) | (566 | ) | (3,774 | ) | — | |||||||
Issuances (5) | — | — | — | |||||||||
Settlements (5) | — | — | (6,166 | ) | ||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 (6) | — | — | — | |||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 (6) | — | — | — | |||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 89,079 | $ | 24,298 | $ | 361,023 | ||||||
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2018 (7) | $ | 4 | $ | 51 | $ | (8,229 | ) | |||||
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2017 (7) | $ | (19 | ) | $ | 105 | $ | (28,782 | ) |
34
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
Fixed Maturity Securities | ||||||||||||
Corporate (1) | Structured Securities | Net Embedded Derivatives (2) | ||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 95,950 | $ | 19,557 | $ | 347,633 | ||||||
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (3) (4) | (216 | ) | 237 | (91,104 | ) | |||||||
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI | (5,024 | ) | 296 | — | ||||||||
Purchases (5) | 1,753 | 5,401 | — | |||||||||
Sales (5) | (5,432 | ) | (1,107 | ) | — | |||||||
Issuances (5) | — | — | — | |||||||||
Settlements (5) | — | — | (18,035 | ) | ||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 (6) | — | — | — | |||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 (6) | (3,166 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 83,865 | $ | 24,384 | $ | 238,494 | ||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 | ||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 72,291 | $ | 31,423 | $ | 403,037 | ||||||
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (3) (4) | (74 | ) | 296 | (149,222 | ) | |||||||
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI | 3,618 | 544 | — | |||||||||
Purchases (5) | 14,549 | — | — | |||||||||
Sales (5) | (1,305 | ) | (7,965 | ) | — | |||||||
Issuances (5) | — | — | — | |||||||||
Settlements (5) | — | — | 107,208 | |||||||||
Transfers into Level 3 (6) | — | — | — | |||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 (6) | — | — | — | |||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 89,079 | $ | 24,298 | $ | 361,023 | ||||||
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2018 (7) | $ | 12 | $ | 237 | $ | (56,866 | ) | |||||
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at September 30, 2017 (7) | $ | 1 | $ | 322 | $ | (141,675 | ) |
______________
(1) | Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities. |
(2) | Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward. |
(3) | Amortization of premium/accretion of discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to net income (loss) on securities are included in net investment gains (losses). Lapses associated with net embedded derivatives are included in net derivative gains (losses). Substantially all realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses). |
(4) | Interest accruals, as well as cash interest coupons received, are excluded from the rollforward. |
(5) | Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements. |
(6) | Gains and losses, in net income (loss) and OCI, are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. |
(7) | Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) relate to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the respective periods. Substantially all changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses). |
35
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value
The following tables provide fair value information for financial instruments that are carried on the balance sheet at amounts other than fair value. These tables exclude the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and payables for collateral under derivative transactions. The estimated fair value of the excluded financial instruments, which are primarily classified in Level 2, approximates carrying value as they are short-term in nature such that the Company believes there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit quality. All remaining balance sheet amounts excluded from the tables below are not considered financial instruments subject to this disclosure.
The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at:
September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value Hierarchy | |||||||||||||||||||
Carrying Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans | $ | 421,556 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 411,130 | $ | 411,130 | |||||||||
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables | $ | 18,666 | $ | — | $ | 2,469 | $ | 14,626 | $ | 17,095 | |||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Policyholder account balances | $ | 1,121,549 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,021,387 | $ | 1,021,387 | |||||||||
Other liabilities | $ | 14,203 | $ | — | $ | 14,203 | $ | — | $ | 14,203 |
December 31, 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value Hierarchy | |||||||||||||||||||
Carrying Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans | $ | 394,863 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 395,894 | $ | 395,894 | |||||||||
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables | $ | 20,489 | $ | — | $ | 900 | $ | 19,728 | $ | 20,628 | |||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Policyholder account balances | $ | 1,154,733 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,140,886 | $ | 1,140,886 | |||||||||
Other liabilities | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — |
36
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
7. Equity
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||
Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1) | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Total | |||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | (16,765 | ) | $ | 975 | $ | (15,790 | ) | |||
OCI before reclassifications | (17,301 | ) | 65 | (17,236 | ) | ||||||
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | 3,634 | (14 | ) | 3,620 | |||||||
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax | (30,432 | ) | 1,026 | (29,406 | ) | ||||||
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | 113 | (3 | ) | 110 | |||||||
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (23 | ) | — | (23 | ) | ||||||
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax | 90 | (3 | ) | 87 | |||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | (30,342 | ) | $ | 1,023 | $ | (29,319 | ) |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 | |||||||||||
Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1) | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Total | |||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 18,645 | $ | 2,321 | $ | 20,966 | |||||
OCI before reclassifications | 3,183 | (1,145 | ) | 2,038 | |||||||
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (1,114 | ) | 401 | (713 | ) | ||||||
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax | 20,714 | 1,577 | 22,291 | ||||||||
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | 712 | (2 | ) | 710 | |||||||
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (249 | ) | — | (249 | ) | ||||||
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax | 463 | (2 | ) | 461 | |||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 21,177 | $ | 1,575 | $ | 22,752 |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||
Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1) | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Total | |||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 29,323 | $ | 305 | $ | 29,628 | |||||
OCI before reclassifications | (80,593 | ) | 967 | (79,626 | ) | ||||||
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | 16,923 | (203 | ) | 16,720 | |||||||
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax | (34,347 | ) | 1,069 | (33,278 | ) | ||||||
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | 5,069 | (58 | ) | 5,011 | |||||||
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (1,064 | ) | 12 | (1,052 | ) | ||||||
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax | 4,005 | (46 | ) | 3,959 | |||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | (30,342 | ) | $ | 1,023 | $ | (29,319 | ) |
37
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
7. Equity (continued)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 | |||||||||||
Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1) | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Total | |||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 1,340 | $ | 3,067 | $ | 4,407 | |||||
OCI before reclassifications | 28,841 | (2,294 | ) | 26,547 | |||||||
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (10,095 | ) | 803 | (9,292 | ) | ||||||
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax | 20,086 | 1,576 | 21,662 | ||||||||
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | 1,678 | (1 | ) | 1,677 | |||||||
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (587 | ) | — | (587 | ) | ||||||
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax | 1,091 | (1 | ) | 1,090 | |||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 21,177 | $ | 1,575 | $ | 22,752 |
______________
(1) | See Note 4 for information on offsets to investments related to DAC and DSI. |
Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows:
AOCI Components | Amounts Reclassified from AOCI | Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | |||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment gains (losses): | ||||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) | $ | (120 | ) | $ | (711 | ) | $ | (5,082 | ) | $ | (1,694 | ) | Net investment gains (losses) | |||||
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) | 7 | (1 | ) | 13 | 16 | Net investment income | ||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax | (113 | ) | (712 | ) | (5,069 | ) | (1,678 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | 23 | 249 | 1,064 | 587 | ||||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax | (90 | ) | (463 | ) | (4,005 | ) | (1,091 | ) | ||||||||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: | ||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency swaps | 3 | 2 | 58 | 1 | Net derivative gains (losses) | |||||||||||||
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax | 3 | 2 | 58 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | — | — | (12 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax | 3 | 2 | 46 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Total reclassifications, net of income tax | $ | (87 | ) | $ | (461 | ) | $ | (3,959 | ) | $ | (1,090 | ) |
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Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
8. Other Revenues and Other Expenses
Other Revenues
The Company has entered into contracts with mutual funds, fund managers, and their affiliates (collectively, the “Funds”) whereby the Company is paid monthly or quarterly fees (“12b-1 fees”) for providing certain services to customers and distributors of the Funds. The 12b-1 fees are generally equal to a fixed percentage of the average daily balance of the customer’s investment in a fund are based on a specified in the contract between the Company and the Funds. Payments are generally collected when due and are neither refundable nor able to offset future fees.
To earn these fees, the Company performs services such as responding to phone inquiries, maintaining records, providing information to distributors and shareholders about fund performance and providing training to account managers and sales agents. The passage of time reflects the satisfaction of the Company’s performance obligations to the Funds and is used to recognize revenue associated with 12b-1 fees.
Other revenues consisted primarily of 12b-1 fees of $3.4 million and $10.3 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $3.5 million and $10.0 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, of which all were reported in the Annuities segment.
Other Expenses
Information on other expenses was as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | |||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Compensation | $ | 4,339 | $ | 3,640 | $ | 11,529 | $ | 9,977 | ||||||||
Commissions | 10,895 | 9,584 | 32,332 | 23,085 | ||||||||||||
Volume-related costs | 1,141 | 1,692 | 4,497 | 2,953 | ||||||||||||
Expenses on ceded reinsurance with current and former affiliates | — | — | — | 4,523 | ||||||||||||
Capitalization of DAC | (7,203 | ) | (5,111 | ) | (21,611 | ) | (11,079 | ) | ||||||||
Premium taxes, licenses and fees | 835 | 762 | 2,620 | 1,662 | ||||||||||||
Professional services | 4,726 | 874 | 8,449 | 2,792 | ||||||||||||
Rent and related expenses | 115 | 84 | 343 | 368 | ||||||||||||
Other | 3,916 | 4,551 | 12,513 | 13,395 | ||||||||||||
Total other expenses | $ | 18,764 | $ | 16,076 | $ | 50,672 | $ | 47,676 |
Related Party Expenses
Commissions and capitalization of DAC include the impact of related party reinsurance transactions. See Note 10 for a discussion of related party expenses included in the table above.
9. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees
Contingencies
Litigation
Sales Practices Claims
Over the past several years, the Company has faced claims and regulatory inquiries and investigations, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities, or other products. The Company vigorously defends against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters.
39
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
9. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (continued)
Summary
Various litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.
It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Commitments
Mortgage Loan Commitments
The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $301 thousand and $355 thousand at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Commitments to Fund Private Corporate Bond Investments
The Company commits to lend funds under private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $7.3 million and $11.6 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Guarantees
In the normal course of its business, the Company has provided certain indemnities, guarantees and commitments to third parties such that it may be required to make payments now or in the future. In the context of acquisition, disposition, investment and other transactions, the Company has provided indemnities and guarantees, including those related to tax, environmental and other specific liabilities and other indemnities and guarantees that are triggered by, among other things, breaches of representations, warranties or covenants provided by the Company. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Company provides indemnifications to counterparties in contracts with triggers similar to the foregoing, as well as for certain other liabilities, such as third-party lawsuits. These obligations are often subject to time limitations that vary in duration, including contractual limitations and those that arise by operation of law, such as applicable statutes of limitation. In some cases, the maximum potential obligation under the indemnities and guarantees is subject to a contractual limitation, while in other cases such limitations are not specified or applicable. Since certain of these obligations are not subject to limitations, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these guarantees in the future. Management believes that it is unlikely the Company will have to make any material payments under these indemnities, guarantees, or commitments.
In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Also, the Company indemnifies its agents for liabilities incurred as a result of their representation of the Company’s interests. Since these indemnities are generally not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these indemnities in the future.
The Company had no liability for indemnities, guarantees and commitments at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
40
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
10. Related Party Transactions
The Company has various existing arrangements with its Brighthouse affiliates and MetLife for services necessary to conduct its activities. Subsequent to the Separation, certain of the MetLife services continued, as provided for under a master service agreement and various transition services agreements entered into in connection with the Separation. MetLife was no longer considered a related party upon the completion of the MetLife Divestiture on June 14, 2018. All of the MetLife transactions reported as related party activity occurred prior to the MetLife Divestiture. See Note 1 for information regarding the MetLife Divestiture.
Non-Broker-Dealer Transactions
The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with related parties (excluding broker-dealer transactions) for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Income | $ | (52,062 | ) | $ | (65,249 | ) | $ | (170,490 | ) | $ | (266,607 | ) | |||
Expense | $ | (6,302 | ) | $ | (6,496 | ) | $ | (37,698 | ) | $ | (48,573 | ) |
The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with related parties (excluding broker-dealer transactions) at:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
Assets | $ | 438,825 | $ | 536,843 | |||
Liabilities | $ | 449,507 | $ | 448,237 |
The material arrangements between the Company and its related parties are as follows:
Reinsurance Agreements
The Company enters into reinsurance agreements primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products. The Company participates in reinsurance activities in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to significant risks and provide additional capacity for future growth.
The Company has reinsurance agreements with its parent, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”), a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc., both of which were related parties until the completion of the MetLife Divestiture.
Information regarding the significant effects of related party reinsurance included on the interim condensed statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Premiums | |||||||||||||||
Reinsurance ceded | $ | (9,310 | ) | $ | (7,000 | ) | $ | (27,036 | ) | $ | (43,347 | ) | |||
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees | |||||||||||||||
Reinsurance ceded | $ | (894 | ) | $ | (908 | ) | $ | (2,810 | ) | $ | (2,719 | ) | |||
Other revenues | |||||||||||||||
Reinsurance ceded | $ | (16,683 | ) | $ | (15,666 | ) | $ | (48,109 | ) | $ | (43,566 | ) | |||
Policyholder benefits and claims | |||||||||||||||
Reinsurance ceded | $ | (19,476 | ) | $ | (14,580 | ) | $ | (65,970 | ) | $ | (72,985 | ) |
41
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
10. Related Party Transactions (continued)
Information regarding the significant effects of ceded related party reinsurance included on the interim condensed balance sheets was as follows at:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
Assets | |||||||
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables | $ | 452,368 | $ | 533,388 | |||
Liabilities | |||||||
Other liabilities | $ | 449,507 | $ | 448,210 |
The Company cedes risks to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees written directly by the Company. These ceded reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives and changes in their estimated fair value are included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivatives associated with the cessions are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and were $209.4 million and $307.7 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were ($28.3) million and ($99.7) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and ($44.1) million and ($59.3) million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.
The Company previously ceded 100% of certain variable annuities including guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees on a modified coinsurance basis to MLIC. In January 2017, the Company executed a novation and reassigned this reinsurance agreement with Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, as reinsurer. These transactions were treated as a termination of the existing reinsurance agreement with recognition of a loss and a new reinsurance agreement with no recognition of a gain or loss. These transactions resulted in an increase in other liabilities of $129.8 million. The Company recognized a loss of $84.4 million, net of income tax, as a result of these transactions.
In May 2017, the Company recaptured from MLIC risks related to multiple life products under yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements, previously issued by the Company. This recapture resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $25.6 million and a decrease in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables of $22.4 million. The Company recognized a gain of $2.1 million, net of income tax, as a result of this reinsurance termination. Concurrent with the recapture from MLIC, the Company executed a reinsurance agreement with Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, as reinsurer to cede on a yearly renewable term basis risks related to multiple life products. The transaction resulted in an increase in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables of $24.7 million, an increase in other liabilities of $22.7 million, a decrease in premiums of $22.7 million and a reduction in policyholder benefits and claims of $24.7 million. The Company recognized a gain of $1.3 million, net of income tax, as a result of this transaction.
Investment Transactions
See Note 4 for further discussion of the related party investment transactions.
Shared Services and Overhead Allocations
Brighthouse affiliates and MetLife provide the Company certain services, which include, but are not limited to, treasury, financial planning and analysis, legal, human resources, tax planning, internal audit, financial reporting and information technology. The Company is charged for the MetLife services through a transition services agreement and allocated to the legal entities and products within the Company. When specific identification to a particular legal entity and/or product is not practicable, an allocation methodology based on various performance measures or activity-based costing, such as sales, new policies/contracts issued, reserves, and in-force policy counts is used. The bases for such charges are modified and adjusted by management when necessary or appropriate to reflect fairly and equitably the actual incidence of cost incurred by the Company and/or affiliate. Management believes that the methods used to allocate expenses under these arrangements are reasonable. Costs incurred under these arrangements with the Brighthouse affiliates, as well as with MetLife prior to the MetLife Divestiture that were considered related party expenses, were $15.3 million and $35.2 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $10.2 million and $26.5 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and were recorded in other expenses.
42
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
10. Related Party Transactions (continued)
Brighthouse affiliates incur costs related to the establishment of services and infrastructure to replace those previously provided by MetLife. The Company is charged a fee to reflect the value of the available infrastructure and services provided by these costs. While management believes that the method used to allocate expenses under this arrangement is reasonable, the allocated expenses may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity. If expenses were allocated to the Company under this arrangement as incurred by Brighthouse affiliates, the Company would have incurred additional expenses of $1.1 million and $2.2 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The Company would have incurred no additional expenses under this arrangement in 2017.
Broker-Dealer Transactions
Beginning in March 2017, Brighthouse Securities, LLC, a registered broker-dealer affiliate, began distributing certain of the Company’s existing and future variable insurance products, and the MetLife broker-dealers discontinued such distributions. Prior to March 2017, the Company recognized related party revenues and expenses arising from transactions with MetLife broker-dealers that previously sold the Company’s variable annuity and life products. The related party expense for the Company was commissions collected on the sale of variable products by the Company and passed through to the broker-dealer. The related party revenue for the Company was fee income from trusts and mutual funds whose shares serve as investment options of policyholders of the Company.
The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with related party broker-dealers for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Fee income | $ | 3,123 | $ | 3,183 | $ | 9,392 | $ | 9,163 | |||||||
Commission expense | $ | 13,994 | $ | 10,246 | $ | 39,297 | $ | 27,212 |
The following table summarizes assets from transactions with related party broker-dealers at:
September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
Fee income receivables | $ | 1,046 | $ | 1,090 |
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Index to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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Introduction
For purposes of this discussion, “BHNY,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY (formerly, First MetLife Investors Insurance Company), a New York domiciled life insurance company. BHNY is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “Brighthouse”). Management’s narrative analysis of the results of operations is presented pursuant to General Instruction H(2)(a) of Form 10-Q. This narrative analysis should be read in conjunction with (i) the unaudited interim condensed financial statements and related notes included elsewhere herein; (ii) our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 23, 2018 (the “2017 Annual Report”); (iii) our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 (the “First Quarter Form 10-Q”) filed with the SEC on May 11, 2018; (iv) our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 (the “Second Quarter Form 10-Q”) filed with the SEC on August 9, 2018; and (v) our current reports on Form 8-K filed in 2018.
The term “Separation” refers to the separation of MetLife, Inc.’s (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”) former Brighthouse Financial segment from MetLife’s other businesses and the creation of a separate, publicly traded company, Brighthouse Financial, Inc., to hold the assets (including the equity interests of certain former MetLife subsidiaries, including the Company) and liabilities associated with MetLife’s former Brighthouse Financial segment from and after the Distribution; the term “Distribution” refers to the distribution on August 4, 2017 of 96,776,670, or 80.8%, of the 119,773,106 shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution date by MetLife, Inc. to shareholders of MetLife, Inc. as of the record date for the Distribution. The term “MetLife Divestiture” refers to the disposition by MetLife, Inc. on June 14, 2018 of all its remaining shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock. Effective with the MetLife Divestiture, MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates are no longer considered related parties to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
Overview
We offer a range of individual annuities and individual life insurance products in New York. For operating purposes, we have established two segments: Annuities and Life. In addition, we report certain of our results of operations not included in the segments in Corporate & Other. See “Business — Segments and Corporate & Other” included in the 2017 Annual Report along with Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements for further information on our segments and Corporate & Other.
See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements for information regarding the adoption of new accounting pronouncements in 2018.
Changes in Accounting Standards
Our financial statements are subject to the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which is periodically revised by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).
The FASB exposed several proposed amendments to the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts in 2016, and on August 15, 2018 issued a final accounting standards update (“ASU”) effective January 1, 2021. The ASU will result in significant changes to the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts, including a requirement for all guarantees associated with our variable annuity business to be measured at fair value. The Company is in the early stages of evaluating the new guidance and therefore is unable to estimate the impact to its financial statements. The ASU could result in a material adverse effect on our stockholder’s equity and results of operations, including our net income.
45
Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
The most critical estimates include those used in determining:
(i) | liabilities for future policy benefits; |
(ii) | accounting for reinsurance; |
(iii) | capitalization and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and the establishment and amortization of value of business acquired (“VOBA”); |
(iv) | estimated fair values of investments in the absence of quoted market values; |
(v) | investment impairments; |
(vi) | estimated fair values of freestanding derivatives and the recognition and estimated fair value of embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation; |
(vii) | measurement of income taxes and the valuation of deferred tax assets; and |
(viii) | liabilities for litigation and regulatory matters. |
In applying our accounting policies, we make subjective and complex judgments that frequently require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to our business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
The above critical accounting estimates are described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” and Note 1 of the Notes to the Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report.
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures
Our definitions of the non-GAAP and other financial measures may differ from those used by other companies.
Non-GAAP Financial Disclosures
Adjusted Earnings
In this report, we present adjusted earnings as a measure of our performance that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that this non-GAAP financial measure highlights our results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of our business, as well as enhances the understanding of our performance by the investor community. However, adjusted earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss), which is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. See “— Results of Operations” for a reconciliation of adjusted earnings to net income (loss).
Adjusted earnings, which may be positive or negative, is used by management to evaluate performance, allocate resources and facilitate comparisons to industry results. This financial measure focuses on our primary businesses principally by excluding (i) the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends, and (ii) businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by us, referred to as divested businesses.
The following are significant items excluded from total revenues, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings:
• | Net investment gains (losses); |
• | Net derivative gains (losses) except earned income on derivatives and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment (“Investment Hedge Adjustments”); and |
• | Amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”) fees (“GMIB Fees”). |
The following are significant items excluded from total expenses, net of income tax, in calculating adjusted earnings:
46
• | Amounts associated with benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”); |
• | Amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets and market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”); and |
• | Amortization of DAC and VOBA related to (i) net investment gains (losses), (ii) net derivative gains (losses), (iii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs and (iv) Market Value Adjustments. |
The tax impact of the adjustments mentioned is calculated net of the U.S. statutory tax rate, which could differ from our effective tax rate.
We present adjusted earnings in a manner consistent with management’s view of the primary business activities that drive the profitability of our core businesses. The following table illustrates how each component of adjusted earnings is calculated from the GAAP statement of operations line items:
Component of Adjusted Earnings | How Derived from GAAP (1) | ||
(i) | Fee income | (i) | Universal life and investment-type policy fees (excluding (a) unearned revenue adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and (b) GMIB Fees) plus Other revenues (excluding other revenues associated with related party reinsurance) and amortization of deferred gain on reinsurance. |
(ii) | Net investment spread | (ii) | Net investment income plus Investment Hedge Adjustments and interest received on ceded fixed annuity reinsurance deposit funds reduced by Interest credited to policyholder account balances and interest on future policy benefits. |
(iii) | Insurance-related activities | (iii) | Premiums less Policyholder benefits and claims (excluding (a) GMIB Costs, (b) Market Value Adjustments, (c) interest on future policy benefits and (d) amortization of deferred gain on reinsurance) plus the pass through of performance of ceded separate account assets. |
(iv) | Amortization of DAC and VOBA | (iv) | Amortization of DAC and VOBA (excluding amounts related to (a) net investment gains (losses), (b) net derivative gains (losses), (c) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs and (d) Market Value Adjustments). |
(v) | Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization | (v) | Other expenses reduced by capitalization of DAC and securitization entities expense. |
(vi) | Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | (vi) | Tax impact of the above items. |
______________
(1) Italicized items indicate GAAP statement of operations line items.
Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, adjusted earnings is also our GAAP measure of segment performance. Accordingly, we report adjusted earnings by segment in Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
Other Financial Disclosures
The following additional information is relevant to an understanding of our performance results:
• | We sometimes refer to sales activity for various products. Statistical sales information for life sales are calculated using the LIMRA (Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association) definition of sales for core direct sales, excluding company sponsored internal exchanges, corporate-owned life insurance, bank-owned life insurance, and private placement variable universal life insurance. Annuity sales consist of 10% of direct statutory premiums, excluding company sponsored internal exchanges. These sales statistics do not correspond to revenues under GAAP, but are used as relevant measures of business activity. |
• | Allocated equity is the portion of common stockholder’s equity that management allocated to each of its segments prior to 2018. See “— Segment Capital” and Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements for further information. |
47
Segment Capital
Beginning in the first quarter of 2018, we changed the methodology for how capital is allocated to segments and, in some cases, products. Segment investment and capitalization targets are now based on statutory oriented risk principles and metrics. Segment invested assets backing liabilities are based on net statutory liabilities plus excess capital. For our variable annuity business, the excess capital held is based on the target statutory total asset requirement. For insurance businesses other than variable annuities, excess capital held is based on a percentage of required statutory risk-based capital (“RBC”). Assets in excess of those allocated to the segments, if any, are held in Corporate & Other. Segment net investment income reflects the performance of each segment’s respective invested assets.
We refer to this change in methodology as the “Portfolio Realignment.” While this change had no effect on our net income (loss) or adjusted earnings, it did, and we expect will continue to, impact segment results. Prior period segment results were not recast for this change in methodology as the inventory of assets has changed over time. Therefore, it is not reasonably possible to replicate the asset transfers as of prior periods and estimating such would not provide a meaningful comparison. In the future, management will evaluate, on a periodic basis, the excess capital held by each segment and may rebalance or move capital between segments based on market changes or changes in our statutory metrics.
Previously, invested assets held in the segments were based on net GAAP liabilities. Excess capital was retained in Corporate & Other and allocated to segments based on an internally developed statistics based capital model intended to capture the material risks to which we were exposed (referred to as “allocated equity”). Surplus assets in excess of the combined allocations to the segments were held in Corporate & Other with net investment income being credited back to the segments at a predetermined rate. Any excess or shortfall in net investment income from surplus assets was recognized in Corporate & Other.
Management is responsible for the periodic review and enhancement of the capital allocation model to ensure it remains consistent with the Company’s overall objectives and emerging industry practices.
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Results of Operations
Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Business Overview. Annuity sales experienced significant growth for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. This increase resulted primarily from sales of our structured annuities (“Shield Annuities”), which we began selling in the first quarter of 2017. With the exception of a limited number of term life policies, we are no longer accepting new sales of traditional life products; however, we are accepting renewal premiums on in-force business and allowing certain term-to-permanent policy conversions. In the second quarter of 2017, we began selling a new universal life product.
A significant portion of our net income is driven by separate account balances, particularly in our variable annuity business. Most directly, these balances determine asset-based fee income, but also impact DAC amortization and asset-based commissions. Separate account balances are driven by sales, movements in the market, surrenders, withdrawals, benefit payments, transfers and policy charges. Average separate account balances decreased in the current period, compared to the prior period, due to less favorable equity market performance.
Unless otherwise noted, all amounts in the following discussions of our results of operations are stated before income tax except for adjusted earnings, which are presented net of income tax.
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
Revenues | |||||||
Premiums | $ | 27,517 | $ | 14,604 | |||
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees | 77,384 | 77,472 | |||||
Net investment income | 73,284 | 63,468 | |||||
Other revenues | (37,837 | ) | (34,090 | ) | |||
Net investment gains (losses) | (4,748 | ) | (1,045 | ) | |||
Net derivative gains (losses) | (92,527 | ) | (149,697 | ) | |||
Total revenues | 43,073 | (29,288 | ) | ||||
Expenses | |||||||
Policyholder benefits and claims | 1,060 | (2,396 | ) | ||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances | 28,146 | 29,414 | |||||
Capitalization of DAC | (21,611 | ) | (11,079 | ) | |||
Amortization of DAC and VOBA | 2,257 | (39,984 | ) | ||||
Other expenses | 72,283 | 58,755 | |||||
Total expenses | 82,135 | 34,710 | |||||
Income (loss) before provision for income tax | (39,062 | ) | (63,998 | ) | |||
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | (11,247 | ) | (27,258 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) | $ | (27,815 | ) | $ | (36,740 | ) |
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The table below shows the components of net income (loss), in addition to pre-tax adjusted earnings.
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
GMLB Riders | $ | (72,610 | ) | $ | (120,347 | ) | |
Other derivative instruments | (3,596 | ) | (1,100 | ) | |||
Net investment gains (losses) | (4,748 | ) | (1,045 | ) | |||
Other adjustments | 470 | 180 | |||||
Adjusted earnings before provision for income tax | 41,422 | 58,314 | |||||
Income (loss) before provision for income tax | (39,062 | ) | (63,998 | ) | |||
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | (11,247 | ) | (27,258 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) | $ | (27,815 | ) | $ | (36,740 | ) |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. Our pre-tax loss decreased $24.9 million primarily due to favorable changes in our guaranteed minimum living benefits (“GMLBs”), which was partially offset by (i) unfavorable changes in adjusted earnings, (ii) net investment gains (losses), and (iii) other derivative instruments and income taxes.
Guaranteed Minimum Living Benefits. Comparative results from GMLBs, including the DAC offset, were favorable by $47.7 million, primarily driven by a charge, recognized in the prior period, in net derivative gains (losses) in connection with the recapture of ceded reinsurance agreements covering certain risks of our variable annuity business. This favorable impact was partially offset by (i) unfavorable net changes in market factors to our ceded reinsurance embedded derivatives, as the impact from higher equity markets was partially offset by the impact from changes in interest rates, (ii) an unfavorable change in the fair value of our Shield Annuities embedded derivatives, and (iii) a less favorable DAC amortization offset in the current period than in the prior period. In connection with the transition to our new variable annuity hedging program, changes in Shield Annuities embedded derivatives are included in the GMLB results beginning in the third quarter of 2017 on a prospective basis.
Other Derivative Instruments. In addition to embedded derivatives and hedges included in GMLBs, we enter into other freestanding derivative instruments primarily to hedge foreign currency risks when we have foreign denominated fixed maturity securities backing our U.S dollar denominated liabilities. In the second quarter of 2018, we began purchasing interest rate caps to protect against rises in interest rates. The changes in fair value of the hedges are accounted for in net income (loss), through net derivative gains (losses), while the offsetting economic impacts on the items they are hedging are either not recognized or recognized in equity through other comprehensive income. Changes in fair value of other derivative instruments had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $3.6 million as the unfavorable impact of changes in interest rates on our interest rate caps was partially offset by favorable changes in our foreign currency swaps due to the U.S. dollar strengthening against key foreign currencies in the current period when compared to the prior period.
Net Investment Gains (Losses). Net investment gains (losses) had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $3.7 million, primarily due to higher current period net losses on the sale of fixed maturity securities compared to the prior period.
Pre-tax Adjusted Earnings. Adjusted earnings before provision for income tax decreased $16.9 million ($7.6 million, net of income tax), compared to the prior period. Adjusted earnings are discussed in greater detail below.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $11.2 million, or 29% of income (loss) before provision for income tax, compared to $27.3 million, or 43% of income (loss) before provision for income tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. In 2018, our effective tax rate reflects the impact of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”), which lowered the U.S. statutory rate however reduced the tax benefit for the dividend received deductions. Our effective tax rates typically differ from the U.S. statutory rates primarily due to the impacts of the dividend received deductions and utilization of tax credits.
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Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Earnings
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (27,815 | ) | $ | (36,740 | ) | |
Add: Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | (11,247 | ) | (27,258 | ) | |||
Income (loss) before provision for income tax | (39,062 | ) | (63,998 | ) | |||
Less: Guaranteed minimum living benefits | (72,610 | ) | (120,347 | ) | |||
Less: Other derivative instruments | (3,596 | ) | (1,100 | ) | |||
Less: Net investment gains (losses) | (4,748 | ) | (1,045 | ) | |||
Less: Other adjustments | 470 | 180 | |||||
Adjusted earnings before provision for income tax | 41,422 | 58,314 | |||||
Less: Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | 6,294 | 15,551 | |||||
Adjusted earnings | $ | 35,128 | $ | 42,763 |
Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 — Adjusted Earnings
The following table presents the components of adjusted earnings:
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
Fee income | $ | 111,166 | $ | 118,293 | |||
Net investment spread | 31,902 | 21,289 | |||||
Insurance-related activities | (33,035 | ) | (38,498 | ) | |||
Amortization of DAC and VOBA | (17,939 | ) | 4,906 | ||||
Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization | (50,672 | ) | (47,676 | ) | |||
Adjusted earnings before provision for income tax | 41,422 | 58,314 | |||||
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | 6,294 | 15,551 | |||||
Adjusted earnings | $ | 35,128 | $ | 42,763 |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overview. The $7.6 million decrease in adjusted earnings was driven primarily by higher amortization of DAC and VOBA and lower fee income. These decreases were partially offset by higher net investment income and lower income taxes.
Fee Income. Fee income decreased $7.1 million, primarily due to higher amortization of a deferred ceding commission in the current period related to the recapture and novation of ceded reinsurance agreements covering certain variable annuity contracts combined with the unfavorable impact from a benefit recognized in the prior period from the recapture of yearly renewable term life business.
Net Investment Spread. Net investment spread increased $10.6 million, primarily due to higher income on fixed maturities driven by an increase in invested assets as well as positive net flows in our annuities business.
Insurance-Related Activities. Net costs from insurance-related activities decreased $5.5 million, primarily due to favorable underwriting in our life business from the recapture of reinsurance agreements in the prior period, partially offset by the impact from an unfavorable change from the annual actuarial review (“AAR”) recognized in the prior period in our annuities business.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA. Higher amortization of DAC and VOBA had an unfavorable impact on comparative results of $22.8 million, primarily from the impact from a favorable change in the AAR in the prior period combined with unfavorable adjustments resulting from changes in the underlying in-force annuities business.
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Other Expenses, Net of DAC Capitalization. Expenses increased $3.0 million primarily due to higher costs as a result of being a stand-alone company and an increase in asset-based expenses in the current period, which were largely offset by the impact from a charge recognized in the prior period related to the recapture of ceded variable annuity reinsurance agreements.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $6.3 million, or 15% of adjusted earnings before provision for income tax, compared to $15.6 million, or 27% of adjusted earnings before provision for income tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. In 2018, our effective tax rate reflects the impact of the Tax Act, which lowered the U.S. statutory rate and reduced the tax benefit for the dividend received deductions. Our effective tax rates typically differ from the U.S. statutory rates primarily due to the impacts of the dividend received deductions and utilization of tax credits.
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Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and other oral or written statements that we make from time to time may contain information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. We have tried, wherever possible, to identify such statements using words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “intend,” “goal,” “target,” “forecast,” “objective,” “continue,” “aim,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning, or that are tied to future periods, in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include, without limitation, statements relating to future actions, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operating and financial results, as well as statements regarding the expected benefits of the Separation and the recapitalization actions.
Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining the actual future results of BHNY. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these risks and factors, they include, among others:
• | differences between actual experience and actuarial assumptions and the effectiveness of our actuarial models; |
• | higher risk management costs and exposure to increased counterparty risk due to guarantees within certain of our products; |
• | the effectiveness of our exposure management strategy and the impact of such strategy on net income volatility and negative effects on our statutory capital; |
• | a sustained period of low equity market prices and interest rates that are lower than those we assumed when we issued our variable annuity products; |
• | the effect adverse capital and credit market conditions may have on our ability to meet liquidity needs and our access to capital; |
• | the impact of changes in regulation and in supervisory and enforcement policies on our insurance business or other operations; |
• | the effectiveness of our risk management policies and procedures; |
• | the availability of reinsurance and the ability of our counterparties to our reinsurance or indemnification arrangements to perform their obligations thereunder; |
• | heightened competition, including with respect to service, product features, scale, price, actual or perceived financial strength, claims-paying ratings, credit ratings, e-business capabilities and name recognition; |
• | changes in accounting standards, practices and/or policies applicable to us; |
• | our ability to market and distribute our products through distribution channels; |
• | the impact of the Separation on our business and profitability due to MetLife’s strong brand and reputation, the increased costs related to replacing arrangements with MetLife with those of third parties; |
• | any failure of third parties to provide services we need, any failure of the practices and procedures of these third parties and any inability to obtain information or assistance we need from third parties, including MetLife; |
• | whether the operational, strategic and other benefits of the Separation can be achieved, and our ability to implement our business strategy; |
• | whether all or any portion of the Separation tax consequences are not as expected, leading to material additional taxes or material adverse consequences to tax attributes that impact us; |
• | the uncertainty of the outcome of any disputes with MetLife over tax-related or other matters and agreements including the potential of outcomes adverse to us that could cause us to owe MetLife material tax reimbursements or payments or disagreements regarding MetLife’s or our obligations under our other agreements; |
• | the impact on our business structure, profitability, cost of capital and flexibility due to restrictions we have agreed to that preserve the tax-free treatment of certain parts of the Separation; |
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• | the potential material negative tax impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and other potential future tax legislation that could decrease the value of our tax attributes, lead to increased RBC requirements and cause other cash expenses, such as reserves, to increase materially and make some of our products less attractive to consumers; |
• | whether the Distribution will qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes and potential indemnification to MetLife if the Distribution does not so qualify; |
• | our ability to attract and retain key personnel; and |
• | other factors described in our 2017 Annual Report, our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and from time to time in documents that we file with the SEC. |
For the reasons described above, we caution you against relying on any forward-looking statements, which should also be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements included and the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in our 2017 Annual Report, our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, particularly in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” and included elsewhere herein, as well as in our subsequent filings with the SEC. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as otherwise may be required by law. Please consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in reports to the SEC.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We regularly analyze our market risk exposure to interest rate, equity market price, credit and foreign currency exchange rate risks. As a result of that analysis, we have determined that the estimated fair values of certain assets and liabilities are significantly exposed to changes in interest rates, and to a lesser extent, to changes in equity market prices and foreign currency exchange rates. We have exposure to market risk through our insurance and annuity operations and general account investment activities. For purposes of this discussion, “market risk” is defined as changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates, equity market prices, credit spreads and foreign currency exchange rates. We may have additional financial impacts other than changes in fair value, which are beyond the scope of this discussion. A description of our market risk exposures may be found under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the 2017 Annual Report.
There have been no material changes to our market risk exposure from the market risk exposures previously disclosed in the 2017 Annual Report, except as updated in the First Quarter Form 10-Q and the Second Quarter Form 10-Q. The Company experienced significant growth in 2018 of structured annuity products; however, the Company purchases derivatives to reduce exposure to equity market risk associated with the index-linked crediting rate feature of this product.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2018.
MetLife continues to provide certain services to the Company on a transitional basis through services agreements. The Company continues to change business processes and implement systems, establish and implement third-party arrangements as a subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and identify, document and evaluate controls to ensure controls over our financial reporting are effective. We consider these to be a material change in our internal control over financial reporting.
Other than as noted above, there were no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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Part II — Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The following should be read in conjunction with (i) Part I, Item 3 of the 2017 Annual Report and Note 12 to the Notes to the Financial Statements included in the 2017 Annual Report; (ii) Part II, Item 1 of the First Quarter Form 10-Q; (iii) Part II, Item 1 of the Second Quarter Form 10-Q; and (iv) Note 9 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements in Part I of this report.
Various litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.
It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
We discuss in the 2017 Annual Report and our other filings with the SEC, including our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, various risks that may materially affect our business. In addition, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Overview — Changes in Accounting Standards” included in this report and the Second Quarter Form 10-Q and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Regulatory Developments” in the First Quarter Form 10-Q and the Second Quarter Form 10-Q for regulatory and other updates, as well as “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included in this report, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. There have otherwise been no other material changes to our risk factors from the risk factors previously disclosed in the 2017 Annual Report, as amended or supplemented by such information in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
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Item 6. Exhibits
(Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts: In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits herein, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY, its affiliates, or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement; (iii) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY may be found elsewhere herein and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov.)
Exhibit No. | Description | |
31.1 | ||
31.2 | ||
32.1 | ||
32.2 | ||
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document. | |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. |
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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.
BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NY | |||
By: | /s/ Lynn A. Dumais | ||
Name: | Lynn A. Dumais | ||
Title: | Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
(Authorized Signatory and Principal Financial Officer) |
Date: November 8, 2018
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