UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
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☑ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020
or
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☐ | 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: 033-03094
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware | | | | 06-0566090 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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11225 North Community House Road, Charlotte, North Carolina | | | | 28277 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | | | (Zip Code) |
(980) 365-7100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
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Title of each class | Trading symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
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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.
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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
As of August 10, 2020, 3,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock 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.
Table of Contents
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Item 1. | Consolidated Financial Statements (at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019 and for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited)): | |
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Item 2. | | |
Item 4. | | |
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Item 1. | | |
Item 1A. | | |
Item 6. | | |
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Part I — Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019
(In millions, except share and per share data)
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| | June 30, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
Assets | | | | |
Investments: | | | | |
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $65,424 and $63,083, respectively; allowance for credit losses of $4 and $0, respectively) | | $ | 75,605 | | | $ | 69,977 | |
Equity securities, at estimated fair value | | 129 | | | 147 | |
Mortgage loans (net of allowance for credit losses of $92 and $64, respectively) | | 15,703 | | | 15,664 | |
Policy loans | | 791 | | | 875 | |
Limited partnerships and limited liability companies | | 2,352 | | | 2,379 | |
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Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value | | 3,592 | | | 1,482 | |
Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value (net of allowance for credit losses of $13 and $0, respectively) | | 6,365 | | | 3,224 | |
Total investments | | 104,537 | | | 93,748 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 6,918 | | | 2,493 | |
Accrued investment income | | 643 | | | 663 | |
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables | | 14,779 | | | 14,287 | |
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired | | 4,277 | | | 4,809 | |
Current income tax recoverable | | 18 | | | 21 | |
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Other assets | | 431 | | | 464 | |
Separate account assets | | 92,698 | | | 99,668 | |
Total assets | | $ | 224,301 | | | $ | 216,153 | |
Liabilities and Equity | | | | |
Liabilities | | | | |
Future policy benefits | | $ | 41,597 | | | $ | 39,081 | |
Policyholder account balances | | 49,837 | | | 45,121 | |
Other policy-related balances | | 2,858 | | | 2,801 | |
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions | | 7,853 | | | 4,374 | |
Long-term and short-term debt | | 843 | | | 844 | |
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Deferred income tax liability | | 2,392 | | | 1,301 | |
Other liabilities | | 4,322 | | | 4,484 | |
Separate account liabilities | | 92,698 | | | 99,668 | |
Total liabilities | | 202,400 | | | 197,674 | |
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 10) | | | | |
Equity | | | | |
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s stockholder’s equity: | | | | |
Common stock, par value $25,000 per share; 4,000 shares authorized; 3,000 shares issued and outstanding | | 75 | | | 75 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | 18,773 | | | 19,073 | |
Retained earnings (deficit) | | (1,572) | | | (3,899) | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | | 4,610 | | | 3,215 | |
Total Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s stockholder’s equity | | 21,886 | | | 18,464 | |
Noncontrolling interests | | 15 | | | 15 | |
Total equity | | 21,901 | | | 18,479 | |
Total liabilities and equity | | $ | 224,301 | | | $ | 216,153 | |
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited)
(In millions)
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| Three Months Ended June 30, | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Revenues | | | | | | | |
Premiums | $ | 185 | | | $ | 226 | | | $ | 376 | | | $ | 443 | |
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees | 697 | | | 735 | | | 1,398 | | | 1,465 | |
Net investment income | 635 | | | 918 | | | 1,531 | | | 1,706 | |
Other revenues | 67 | | | 69 | | | 151 | | | 131 | |
Net investment gains (losses) | (33) | | | 56 | | | (52) | | | 46 | |
Net derivative gains (losses) | (2,650) | | | 108 | | | 4,097 | | | (1,202) | |
Total revenues | (1,099) | | | 2,112 | | | 7,501 | | | 2,589 | |
Expenses | | | | | | | |
Policyholder benefits and claims | 811 | | | 810 | | | 1,944 | | | 1,554 | |
Interest credited to policyholder account balances | 269 | | | 258 | | | 520 | | | 508 | |
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired | (77) | | | 150 | | | 625 | | | 174 | |
Other expenses | 447 | | | 455 | | | 857 | | | 889 | |
Total expenses | 1,450 | | | 1,673 | | | 3,946 | | | 3,125 | |
Income (loss) before provision for income tax | (2,549) | | | 439 | | | 3,555 | | | (536) | |
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | (552) | | | 76 | | | 713 | | | (145) | |
Net income (loss) | (1,997) | | | 363 | | | 2,842 | | | (391) | |
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | 1 | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | 1 | |
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | $ | (1,998) | | | $ | 362 | | | $ | 2,841 | | | $ | (392) | |
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 168 | | | $ | 1,379 | | | $ | 4,237 | | | $ | 1,565 | |
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | 1 | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | 1 | |
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | $ | 167 | | | $ | 1,378 | | | $ | 4,236 | | | $ | 1,564 | |
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
For the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited)
(In millions)
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| Common Stock | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Retained Earnings (Deficit) | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | | Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Stockholder’s Equity | | Noncontrolling Interests | | Total Equity |
Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ | 75 | | | $ | 19,073 | | | $ | (3,899) | | | $ | 3,215 | | | $ | 18,464 | | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 18,479 | |
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax (Note 1) | | | | | (14) | | | 3 | | | (11) | | | | | (11) | |
Balance at January 1, 2020 | 75 | | | 19,073 | | | (3,913) | | | 3,218 | | | 18,453 | | | 15 | | | 18,468 | |
Dividends paid to parent | | | (300) | | | | | | | (300) | | | | | (300) | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | 4,839 | | | | | 4,839 | | | | | 4,839 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax | | | | | | | (773) | | | (773) | | | | | (773) | |
Balance at March 31, 2020 | 75 | | | 18,773 | | | 926 | | | 2,445 | | | 22,219 | | | 15 | | | 22,234 | |
Dividends paid to parent | | | | | (500) | | | | | (500) | | | | | (500) | |
Change in noncontrolling interests | | | | | | | | | — | | | (1) | | | (1) | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | (1,998) | | | | | (1,998) | | | 1 | | | (1,997) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax | | | | | | | 2,165 | | | 2,165 | | | | | 2,165 | |
Balance at June 30, 2020 | $ | 75 | | | $ | 18,773 | | | $ | (1,572) | | | $ | 4,610 | | | $ | 21,886 | | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 21,901 | |
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| Common Stock | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Retained Earnings (Deficit) | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | | Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Stockholder’s Equity | | Noncontrolling Interests | | Total Equity |
Balance at December 31, 2018 | $ | 75 | | | $ | 19,073 | | | $ | (3,090) | | | $ | 718 | | | $ | 16,776 | | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 16,791 | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | (754) | | | | | (754) | | | | | (754) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax | | | | | | | 940 | | | 940 | | | | | 940 | |
Balance at March 31, 2019 | 75 | | | 19,073 | | | (3,844) | | | 1,658 | | | 16,962 | | | 15 | | | 16,977 | |
Change in noncontrolling interests | | | | | | | | | — | | | (1) | | | (1) | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | 362 | | | | | 362 | | | 1 | | | 363 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax | | | | | | | 1,016 | | | 1,016 | | | | | 1,016 | |
Balance at June 30, 2019 | $ | 75 | | | $ | 19,073 | | | $ | (3,482) | | | $ | 2,674 | | | $ | 18,340 | | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 18,355 | |
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited)
(In millions)
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| Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 617 | | | $ | 1,081 | |
Cash flows from investing activities | | | |
Sales, maturities and repayments of: | | | |
Fixed maturity securities | 3,681 | | | 8,687 | |
Equity securities | 27 | | | 16 | |
Mortgage loans | 823 | | | 533 | |
Limited partnerships and limited liability companies | 86 | | | 142 | |
Purchases of: | | | |
Fixed maturity securities | (5,773) | | | (8,972) | |
Equity securities | — | | | (3) | |
Mortgage loans | (920) | | | (1,972) | |
Limited partnerships and limited liability companies | (298) | | | (207) | |
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives | 4,958 | | | 724 | |
Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives | (2,138) | | | (1,341) | |
Receipt on loan to affiliate | 100 | | | — | |
Issuance of loan to affiliate | (100) | | | — | |
Net change in policy loans | 84 | | | 74 | |
Net change in short-term investments | (2,099) | | | (384) | |
Net change in other invested assets | (23) | | | 39 | |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (1,592) | | | (2,664) | |
Cash flows from financing activities | | | |
Policyholder account balances: | | | |
Deposits | 4,572 | | | 3,522 | |
Withdrawals | (1,127) | | | (1,465) | |
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions | 3,479 | | | (969) | |
Long-term and short-term debt issued | 100 | | | 412 | |
Long-term and short-term debt repaid | (101) | | | (1) | |
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Dividends paid to parent | (800) | | | — | |
Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net | (698) | | | 44 | |
Other, net | (25) | | | (27) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 5,400 | | | 1,516 | |
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 4,425 | | | (67) | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 2,493 | | | 3,494 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ | 6,918 | | | $ | 3,427 | |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information | | | |
Net cash paid (received) for: | | | |
Interest | $ | 35 | | | $ | 1 | |
Income tax | $ | 1 | | | $ | — | |
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See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business
“BLIC” and the “Company” refer to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, a Delaware corporation originally incorporated in Connecticut in 1863, and its subsidiaries. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Holdings, LLC (“BH Holdings”), which is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (“BHF” together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “Brighthouse Financial”). BLIC offers a range of individual annuities and individual life insurance products. The Company is organized into 3 segments: Annuities; Life; and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations 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 consolidated 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.
Consolidation
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and limited liability companies (“LLCs”) that the Company controls. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in limited partnerships and LLCs when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. When the Company has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations, the investment is carried at fair value.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the prior year periods’ interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related footnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation as may be discussed when applicable in the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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 consolidated 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, 2019 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (the “2019 Annual Report”), which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the 2019 Annual Report.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
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 consolidated financial statements. ASUs adopted as of June 30, 2020 are summarized as follows:
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Standard | Description | Effective Date | Impact on Financial Statements |
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”) | 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 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 | The Company recorded an after tax net decrease to retained earnings of $14 million and a net increase to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) of $3 million for the cumulative effect of adoption. The adjustment included establishing or updating the allowance for credit losses on fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans, and other invested assets. |
ASUs issued but not yet adopted as of June 30, 2020 are summarized as follows:
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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 policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), 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. The market risk benefit guidance is required to be applied on a retrospective basis, while the changes to guidance for insurance liabilities and DAC may be applied to existing carrying amounts on the effective date or on a retrospective basis. | The amendments are currently effective for the Company on January 1, 2022. On July 7, the FASB released an exposure draft which if adopted, will change the effective date of the amendments to January 1, 2023. | The Company continues to evaluate the new guidance and therefore is unable to estimate the impact to its financial statements. The most significant impact is expected to be the measurement of liabilities for variable annuity guarantees. |
CARES Act
In response to the worldwide pandemic sparked by the novel coronavirus (the “COVID-19 pandemic”), on March 27, 2020, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The CARES Act contains numerous provisions intended to provide swift aid, including through tax relief, to businesses and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company does not believe that the CARES Act will have a material impact to its consolidated financial statements at this time. The Company will continue to closely monitor developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the CARES Act.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
2. Segment Information
The Company is organized into 3 segments: Annuities; Life; and Run-off. 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, universal, whole 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.
Run-off
The Run-off segment consists of products no longer actively sold and which are separately managed, including structured settlements, pension risk transfer contracts, certain company-owned life insurance policies, funding agreements and universal life with secondary guarantees.
Corporate & Other
Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments and interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt, as well as expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes long-term care and workers’ compensation business reinsured through 100% quota share reinsurance agreements and term life insurance 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) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and excludes net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Adjusted earnings, which may be positive or negative, focuses on the Company’s primary businesses principally by excluding the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends.
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 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
•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 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.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)
The tax impact of the adjustments mentioned above is calculated net of the statutory tax rate, which could differ from the Company’s effective tax rate.
The segment accounting policies are the same as those used to prepare the Company’s interim condensed consolidated 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.
Segment investment and capitalization targets are 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. 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.
Operating results by segment, as well as Corporate & Other, were as follows:
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| | Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | | |
| | Annuities | | Life | | Run-off | | Corporate & Other | | Total |
| | (In millions) | | | | | | | | |
Pre-tax adjusted earnings | | $ | 193 | | | $ | 46 | | | $ | (147) | | | $ | (98) | | | $ | (6) | |
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | | 32 | | | 10 | | | (32) | | | (28) | | | (18) | |
Post-tax adjusted earnings | | 161 | | | 36 | | | (115) | | | (70) | | | 12 | |
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1 | | | 1 | |
Adjusted earnings | | $ | 161 | | | $ | 36 | | | $ | (115) | | | $ | (71) | | | 11 | |
Adjustments for: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment gains (losses) | | | | | | | | | | (33) | |
Net derivative gains (losses) | | | | | | | | | | (2,650) | |
Other adjustments to net income (loss) | | | | | | | | | | 140 | |
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit | | | | | | | | | | 534 | |
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | | | | | | | | | | $ | (1,998) | |
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Interest revenue | | $ | 402 | | | $ | 57 | | | $ | 166 | | | $ | 15 | | | |
Interest expense | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 17 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 | | | | | | | | |
| | Annuities | | Life | | Run-off | | Corporate & Other | | Total |
| | (In millions) | | | | | | | | |
Pre-tax adjusted earnings | | $ | 321 | | | $ | 72 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | (74) | | | $ | 321 | |
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | | 59 | | | 15 | | | — | | | (22) | | | 52 | |
Post-tax adjusted earnings | | 262 | | | 57 | | | 2 | | | (52) | | | 269 | |
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1 | | | 1 | |
Adjusted earnings | | $ | 262 | | | $ | 57 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | (53) | | | 268 | |
Adjustments for: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment gains (losses) | | | | | | | | | | 56 | |
Net derivative gains (losses) | | | | | | | | | | 108 | |
Other adjustments to net income (loss) | | | | | | | | | | (46) | |
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit | | | | | | | | | | (24) | |
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | | | | | | | | | | $ | 362 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Interest revenue | | $ | 468 | | | $ | 101 | | | $ | 339 | | | $ | 10 | | | |
Interest expense | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | | |
| | Annuities | | Life | | Run-off | | Corporate & Other | | Total |
| | (In millions) | | | | | | | | |
Pre-tax adjusted earnings | | $ | 576 | | | $ | 67 | | | $ | (236) | | | $ | (181) | | | $ | 226 | |
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | | 104 | | | 14 | | | (51) | | | (53) | | | 14 | |
Post-tax adjusted earnings | | 472 | | | 53 | | | (185) | | | (128) | | | 212 | |
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1 | | | 1 | |
Adjusted earnings | | $ | 472 | | | $ | 53 | | | $ | (185) | | | $ | (129) | | | 211 | |
Adjustments for: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment gains (losses) | | | | | | | | | | (52) | |
Net derivative gains (losses) | | | | | | | | | | 4,097 | |
Other adjustments to net income (loss) | | | | | | | | | | (716) | |
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit | | | | | | | | | | (699) | |
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | | | | | | | | | | $ | 2,841 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Interest revenue | | $ | 860 | | | $ | 157 | | | $ | 490 | | | $ | 31 | | | |
Interest expense | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 34 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 | | | | | | | | |
| | Annuities | | Life | | Run-off | | Corporate & Other | | Total |
| | (In millions) | | | | | | | | |
Pre-tax adjusted earnings | | $ | 668 | | | $ | 97 | | | $ | (44) | | | $ | (140) | | | $ | 581 | |
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | | 122 | | | 20 | | | (10) | | | (42) | | | 90 | |
Post-tax adjusted earnings | | 546 | | | 77 | | | (34) | | | (98) | | | 491 | |
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1 | | | 1 | |
Adjusted earnings | | $ | 546 | | | $ | 77 | | | $ | (34) | | | $ | (99) | | | 490 | |
Adjustments for: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment gains (losses) | | | | | | | | | | 46 | |
Net derivative gains (losses) | | | | | | | | | | (1,202) | |
Other adjustments to net income (loss) | | | | | | | | | | 39 | |
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit | | | | | | | | | | 235 | |
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | | | | | | | | | | $ | (392) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Interest revenue | | $ | 886 | | | $ | 183 | | | $ | 615 | | | $ | 22 | | | |
Interest expense | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 26 | | | |
Total revenues by segment, as well as Corporate & Other, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | (In millions) | | | | | | |
Annuities | | $ | 922 | | | $ | 1,048 | | | $ | 1,935 | | | $ | 2,015 | |
Life | | 237 | | | 275 | | | 506 | | | 529 | |
Run-off | | 332 | | | 527 | | | 825 | | | 1,003 | |
Corporate & Other | | 35 | | | 33 | | | 73 | | | 70 | |
Adjustments | | (2,625) | | | 229 | | | 4,162 | | | (1,028) | |
Total | | $ | (1,099) | | | $ | 2,112 | | | $ | 7,501 | | | $ | 2,589 | |
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)
Total assets by segment, as well as Corporate & Other, were as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | June 30, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
| | (In millions) | | |
Annuities | | $ | 154,215 | | | $ | 152,740 | |
Life | | 16,943 | | | 16,389 | |
Run-off | | 38,052 | | | 35,132 | |
Corporate & Other | | 15,091 | | | 11,892 | |
Total | | $ | 224,301 | | | $ | 216,153 | |
3. Insurance
Guarantees
As discussed in Notes 1 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2019 Annual Report, the Company issues variable annuity contracts 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.
The Company also has universal and variable life insurance contracts with secondary guarantees.
Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | | | December 31, 2019 | | | |
| In the Event of Death | | At Annuitization | | In the Event of Death | | At Annuitization | |
| (Dollars in millions) | | | | | | | |
Annuity Contracts (1), (2) | | | | | | | | |
Variable Annuity Guarantees | | | | | | | | |
Total account value (3) | $ | 93,250 | | | $ | 52,496 | | | $ | 100,034 | | | $ | 57,069 | | |
Separate account value | $ | 88,504 | | | $ | 51,401 | | | $ | 95,430 | | | $ | 56,027 | | |
Net amount at risk | $ | 8,746 | | (4) | $ | 7,584 | | (5) | $ | 6,617 | | (4) | $ | 4,495 | | (5) |
Average attained age of contract holders | 70 years | | 70 years | | 69 years | | 69 years | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
| Secondary Guarantees | | |
| (Dollars in millions) | | |
Universal Life Contracts | | | |
Total account value (3) | $ | 5,866 | | | $ | 5,957 | |
Net amount at risk (6) | $ | 70,092 | | | $ | 71,124 | |
Average attained age of policyholders | 67 years | | 66 years |
| | | |
Variable Life Contracts | | | |
Total account value (3) | $ | 1,109 | | | $ | 1,133 | |
Net amount at risk (6) | $ | 11,699 | | | $ | 12,082 | |
Average attained age of policyholders | 46 years | | 45 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.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
3. Insurance (continued)
(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 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2019 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.
(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.
(6)Defined as the guarantee amount less the 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.
4. Investments
See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2019 Annual Report for a description of the Company’s accounting policies for investments and Note 6 for information about the fair value hierarchy for investments and the related valuation methodologies. In connection with the adoption of new guidance related to the credit losses (see Note 1), effective January 1, 2020, the Company updated its accounting policies on certain investments. Any accounting policy updates required by the new guidance are described in this footnote.
Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-sale
Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector
Fixed maturity securities by sector were as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | | | | December 31, 2019 | | | | | | | | |
| Amortized Cost | | Allowance for Credit Losses | | Gross Unrealized | | | | Estimated Fair Value | | Amortized Cost | | Allowance for Credit Losses | | Gross Unrealized | | | | Estimated Fair Value |
| | | | | Gains | | Losses | | | | | | | | Gains | | Losses | | |
| (In millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. corporate | $ | 29,598 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 4,250 | | | $ | 201 | | | $ | 33,645 | | | $ | 27,841 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,815 | | | $ | 65 | | | $ | 30,591 | |
Foreign corporate | 9,431 | | | 2 | | | 876 | | | 157 | | | 10,148 | | | 9,017 | | | — | | | 736 | | | 67 | | | 9,686 | |
RMBS | 7,895 | | | — | | | 618 | | | 13 | | | 8,500 | | | 8,600 | | | — | | | 440 | | | 10 | | | 9,030 | |
U.S. government and agency | 5,534 | | | — | | | 3,208 | | | — | | | 8,742 | | | 5,396 | | | — | | | 1,848 | | | — | | | 7,244 | |
CMBS | 5,728 | | | — | | | 468 | | | 22 | | | 6,174 | | | 5,460 | | | — | | | 263 | | | 9 | | | 5,714 | |
State and political subdivision | 3,271 | | | — | | | 886 | | | — | | | 4,157 | | | 3,326 | | | — | | | 687 | | | 2 | | | 4,011 | |
ABS | 2,464 | | | — | | | 40 | | | 46 | | | 2,458 | | | 1,940 | | | — | | | 21 | | | 11 | | | 1,950 | |
Foreign government | 1,503 | | | — | | | 285 | | | 7 | | | 1,781 | | | 1,503 | | | — | | | 250 | | | 2 | | | 1,751 | |
Total fixed maturity securities | $ | 65,424 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 10,631 | | | $ | 446 | | | $ | 75,605 | | | $ | 63,083 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 7,060 | | | $ | 166 | | | $ | 69,977 | |
The Company held non-income producing fixed maturity securities with an estimated fair value of $1 million at June 30, 2020. The Company did 0t hold any non-income producing fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2019.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at June 30, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 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 (1) | | Total Fixed Maturity Securities |
| (In millions) | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortized cost | $ | 1,606 | | | $ | 7,425 | | | $ | 13,230 | | | $ | 27,076 | | | $ | 16,087 | | | $ | 65,424 | |
Estimated fair value | $ | 1,609 | | | $ | 7,775 | | | $ | 14,439 | | | $ | 34,650 | | | $ | 17,132 | | | $ | 75,605 | |
_______________
(1)Structured securities include residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”).
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 by Sector
The estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position, by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, were as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | | December 31, 2019 | | | | | | |
| Less than 12 Months | | | | 12 Months or Greater | | | | Less than 12 Months | | | | 12 Months or Greater | | |
| 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 millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. corporate | $ | 2,723 | | | $ | 150 | | | $ | 285 | | | $ | 51 | | | $ | 1,931 | | | $ | 43 | | | $ | 320 | | | $ | 22 | |
Foreign corporate | 1,248 | | | 69 | | | 542 | | | 88 | | | 577 | | | 12 | | | 510 | | | 55 | |
RMBS | 291 | | | 12 | | | 22 | | | 1 | | | 802 | | | 6 | | | 346 | | | 4 | |
U.S. government and agency | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 14 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
CMBS | 566 | | | 20 | | | 90 | | | 2 | | | 552 | | | 7 | | | 171 | | | 2 | |
State and political subdivision | 26 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 120 | | | 2 | | | 8 | | | — | |
ABS | 853 | | | 23 | | | 563 | | | 23 | | | 358 | | | 2 | | | 676 | | | 9 | |
Foreign government | 131 | | | 7 | | | 3 | | | — | | | 65 | | | 2 | | | — | | | — | |
Total fixed maturity securities | $ | 5,838 | | | $ | 281 | | | $ | 1,505 | | | $ | 165 | | | $ | 4,419 | | | $ | 74 | | | $ | 2,031 | | | $ | 92 | |
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position | 1,319 | | | | | 261 | | | | | 686 | | | | | 297 | | | |
Allowance for Credit Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities
Evaluation and Measurement Methodologies
For fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position, management first assesses whether the Company intends to sell, or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to estimated fair value through net investment gains (losses). For fixed maturity securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, management evaluates whether the decline in estimated fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. 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 allowance for credit loss evaluation process include, but are not limited to: (i) the extent to which estimated fair value is less than amortized cost; (ii) any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency; (iii) adverse conditions specifically related to the security, industry or geographic area; and (iv) payment structure of the fixed maturity security and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments in the future or the issuer’s failure to make scheduled interest and principal payments. If this assessment
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss is deemed to exist and an allowance for credit losses is recorded, limited by the amount that the estimated fair value is less than the amortized cost basis, with a corresponding charge to net investment gains (losses). Any unrealized losses that have not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”).
Once a security specific allowance for credit losses is established, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security continues to be reassessed. Any changes in the security specific allowance for credit losses are recorded as a provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense in net investment gains (losses).
Fixed maturity securities are also evaluated to determine whether any amounts have become uncollectible. When all, or a portion, of a security is deemed uncollectible, the uncollectible portion is written-off with an adjustment to amortized cost and a corresponding reduction to the allowance for credit losses.
Accrued interest receivables are presented separate from the amortized cost basis of fixed maturity securities. An allowance for credit losses is not estimated on an accrued interest receivable, rather receivable balances 90-days past due are deemed uncollectible and are written off with a corresponding reduction to net investment income. The accrued interest receivable on fixed maturity securities totaled $496 million at June 30, 2020 and is included in accrued investment income.
Fixed maturity securities are also evaluated to determine if they qualify as purchased financial assets with credit deterioration (“PCD”). To determine if the credit deterioration experienced since origination is more than insignificant, both (i) the extent of the credit deterioration and (ii) any rating agency downgrades are evaluated. For securities categorized as PCD assets, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the par value of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the par value, credit losses are embedded in the purchase price of the PCD asset. In this situation, both an allowance for credit losses and amortized cost gross-up is recorded, limited by the amount that the estimated fair value is less than the grossed-up amortized cost basis. Any difference between the purchase price and the present value of cash flows is amortized or accreted into net investment income over the life of the PCD asset. Any subsequent PCD asset allowance for credit losses is evaluated in a manner similar to the process described above for fixed maturity securities.
Current Period Evaluation
Based on the Company’s current evaluation of its fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and the current intent or requirement to sell, the Company recorded an allowance for credit losses of $4 million, relating to 16 securities at June 30, 2020. Management concluded that for all other fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position, the unrealized loss was not due to issuer-specific credit-related factors and as a result was recognized in OCI. Where unrealized losses have not been recognized into income, it is primarily because the securities’ bond issuer(s) are of high credit quality, management does not intend to sell and it is likely that management will not be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery, and the decline in estimated fair value is largely due to changes in interest rates and non-issuer specific credit spreads. These issuers continued to make timely principal and interest payments and the estimated fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach maturity.
Rollforward of the Allowance for Credit Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector
The changes in the allowance for credit losses by sector were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | U.S. Corporate | | | | | | Foreign Corporate | | | | | | | | | | Total |
| | (In millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at January 1, 2020 | | $ | 3 | | | | | | | $ | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 4 | |
Allowance on securities where credit losses were not previously recorded | | 3 | | | | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | 5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allowance on securities that had an allowance recorded in a previous period | | (1) | | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | (1) | |
Write-offs charged against allowance (1) | | (3) | | | | | | | (1) | | | | | | | | | | | (4) | |
Balance at June 30, 2020 | | $ | 2 | | | | | | | $ | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 4 | |
_______________
(1)The Company recorded total write-offs of $13 million during the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Mortgage Loans
Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment
Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | | | December 31, 2019 | | |
| Carrying Value | | % of Total | | Carrying Value | | % of Total |
| (Dollars in millions) | | | | | | |
Commercial | $ | 9,688 | | | 61.7 | % | | $ | 9,694 | | | 61.9 | % |
Agricultural | 3,300 | | | 21.0 | | | 3,326 | | | 21.2 | |
Residential | 2,807 | | | 17.9 | | | 2,708 | | | 17.3 | |
Total mortgage loans (1) | 15,795 | | | 100.6 | | | 15,728 | | | 100.4 | |
Allowance for credit losses | (92) | | | (0.6) | | | (64) | | | (0.4) | |
Total mortgage loans, net | $ | 15,703 | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 15,664 | | | 100.0 | % |
_______________
(1) Purchases of mortgage loans from third parties were $331 million and $488 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and $86 million and $563 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans.
Allowance for Credit Losses for Mortgage Loans
Evaluation and Measurement Methodologies
The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the mortgage loan’s amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the mortgage loan. The loan balance, or a portion of the loan balance, is written-off against the allowance when management believes this amount is uncollectible.
Accrued interest receivables are presented separate from the amortized cost basis of mortgage loans. An allowance for credit losses is generally not estimated on an accrued interest receivable, rather when a loan is placed in nonaccrual status the associated accrued interest receivable balance is written off with a corresponding reduction to net investment income. For mortgage loans that are granted payment deferrals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interest continues to be accrued during the deferral period if the loan was less than 30 days past due at December 31, 2019 and performing at the onset of the pandemic. Accrued interest on COVID-19 pandemic impacted loans was not significant at June 30, 2020. The accrued interest receivable on mortgage loans is included in accrued investment income and totaled $85 million at June 30, 2020.
The allowance for credit losses is estimated using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and a reasonable and supportable forecast. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for estimating expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics and environmental conditions. A reasonable and supportable forecast period of two-years is used with an input reversion period of one-year.
Mortgage loans are evaluated in each of the three portfolio segments to determine the allowance for credit losses. The loan-level loss rates are determined using individual loan terms and characteristics, risk pools/internal ratings, national economic forecasts, prepayment speeds, and estimated default and loss severity.
The resulting loss rates are applied to the mortgage loan’s amortized cost to generate an allowance for credit losses. In certain situations, the allowance for credit losses is measured as the difference between the loan’s amortized cost and liquidation value of the collateral. These situations include collateral dependent loans, expected troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), foreclosure probable loans, and loans with dissimilar risk characteristics.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Mortgage loans are also evaluated to determine if they qualify as PCD assets. To determine if the credit deterioration experienced since origination is more than insignificant, the extent of credit deterioration is evaluated. All re-performing/modified loan (“RPL”) pools purchased after December 31, 2019 are determined to have been acquired with evidence of more than insignificant credit deterioration since origination and are classified as PCD assets. RPLs are pools of residential mortgage loans acquired at discounts which have both credit and non-credit components. For PCD mortgage loans, the allowance for credit losses is determined using a similar methodology described above, except the loss-rate is determined at the pool level instead of the individual loan level. The initial allowance for credit losses, determined on a collective basis, is then allocated to the individual loans. The initial amortized cost of the loan is grossed-up to reflect the sum of the loan’s purchase price and allowance for credit losses. The difference between the grossed-up amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit discount, which is accreted into net investment income over the remaining life of the loan. Any subsequent PCD mortgage loan allowance for credit losses is evaluated in a manner similar to the process described above for each of the three portfolio segments.
Rollforward of the Allowance for Credit Losses for Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment
The changes in the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Commercial | | Agricultural | | Residential | | Total |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ | 47 | | | $ | 10 | | | $ | 7 | | | $ | 64 | |
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | (20) | | | 6 | | | 14 | | | — | |
Balance at January 1, 2020 | 27 | | | 16 | | | 21 | | | 64 | |
Current period provision | 10 | | | — | | | 18 | | | 28 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance at June 30, 2020 | $ | 37 | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | 39 | | | $ | 92 | |
PCD Mortgage Loans
Purchases of PCD mortgage loans are summarized as follows:
| | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 |
| (In millions) |
Purchase price | $ | 77 | |
Allowance at acquisition date | $ | 2 | |
Discount or premium attributable to other factors | $ | 2 | |
Par value | $ | 81 | |
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Credit Quality of Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment
The amortized cost of mortgage loans by year of origination and credit quality indicator was as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 | | Prior | | Total |
| (In millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial mortgage loans | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loan-to-value ratios: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less than 65% | $ | 193 | | | $ | 1,683 | | | $ | 1,109 | | | $ | 571 | | | $ | 1,122 | | | $ | 3,224 | | | $ | 7,902 | |
65% to 75% | 59 | | | 306 | | | 456 | | | 340 | | | 10 | | | 275 | | | 1,446 | |
76% to 80% | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 114 | | | — | | | 114 | |
Greater than 80% | — | | | — | | | 10 | | | 12 | | | 6 | | | 198 | | | 226 | |
Total commercial mortgage loans | 252 | | | 1,989 | | | 1,575 | | | 923 | | | 1,252 | | | 3,697 | | | 9,688 | |
Agricultural mortgage loans | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loan-to-value ratios: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less than 65% | 107 | | | 564 | | | 784 | | | 431 | | | 487 | | | 763 | | | 3,136 | |
65% to 75% | 2 | | | 76 | | | 10 | | | 45 | | | — | | | 18 | | | 151 | |
76% to 80% | 8 | | | 5 | | | — | �� | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 13 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total agricultural mortgage loans | 117 | | | 645 | | | 794 | | | 476 | | | 487 | | | 781 | | | 3,300 | |
Residential mortgage loans | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Performing | 168 | | | 497 | | | 540 | | | 132 | | | 51 | | | 1,371 | | | 2,759 | |
Nonperforming | — | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | | | 1 | | | 45 | | | 48 | |
Total residential mortgage loans | 168 | | | 498 | | | 541 | | | 132 | | | 52 | | | 1,416 | | | 2,807 | |
Total | $ | 537 | | | $ | 3,132 | | | $ | 2,910 | | | $ | 1,531 | | | $ | 1,791 | | | $ | 5,894 | | | $ | 15,795 | |
The loan-to-value ratio is a measure commonly used to assess the quality of commercial and agricultural mortgage loans. The loan-to-value ratio compares the amount of the loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying property collateralizing the loan and is commonly expressed as a percentage. A loan-to-value ratio less than 100% indicates an excess of collateral value over the loan amount. Loan-to-value ratios greater than 100% indicate that the loan amount exceeds the collateral value. Performing status is a measure commonly used to assess the quality of residential mortgage loans. A loan is considered performing when the borrower makes consistent and timely payments.
The amortized cost of commercial mortgage loans by debt-service coverage ratio was as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | | | December 31, 2019 | | |
| Amortized Cost | | % of Total | | Amortized Cost | | % of Total |
| (Dollars in millions) | | | | | | |
Debt-Service Coverage Ratios: | | | | | | | |
Greater than 1.20x | $ | 9,171 | | | 94.7 | % | | $ | 9,230 | | | 95.2 | % |
1.00x - 1.20x | 314 | | | 3.2 | | | 298 | | | 3.1 | |
Less than 1.00x | 203 | | | 2.1 | | | 166 | | | 1.7 | |
Total | $ | 9,688 | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 9,694 | | | 100.0 | % |
The debt-service coverage ratio compares a property’s net operating income to its debt-service payments. Debt-service coverage ratios less than 1.00 times indicate that property operations do not generate enough income to cover the loan’s current debt payments. A debt-service coverage ratio greater than 1.00 times indicates an excess of net operating income over the debt-service payments.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Past Due Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment
The Company has a high-quality, well-performing mortgage loan portfolio, with over 99% of all mortgage loans classified as performing at both June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Delinquency is defined consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days. To the extent a payment deferral is agreed to with a borrower, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the past due status of the impacted loans is locked-in as of March 1, 2020, which reflects the date on which the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect the borrower’s ability to make payments, as provided in the CARES Act. At June 30, 2020, 1% of the COVID-19 pandemic modified loans were classified as delinquent.
The aging of the amortized cost of past due mortgage loans by portfolio segment was as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | | | | | |
| Commercial | | Agricultural | | Residential | | Total |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Current | $ | 9,688 | | | $ | 3,289 | | | $ | 2,705 | | | $ | 15,682 | |
30-59 days past due | — | | | — | | | 54 | | | 54 | |
60-89 days past due | — | | | 10 | | | 19 | | | 29 | |
90-179 days past due | — | | | — | | | 12 | | | 12 | |
180+ days past due | — | | | 1 | | | 17 | | | 18 | |
Total | $ | 9,688 | | | $ | 3,300 | | | $ | 2,807 | | | $ | 15,795 | |
Mortgage Loans in Nonaccrual Status by Portfolio Segment
Mortgage loans are placed in a nonaccrual status if there are concerns regarding collectability of future payments or the loan is past due, unless the past due loan is well collateralized and in the process of foreclosure. To the extent a payment deferral is agreed to with a borrower, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the impacted loans generally will not be reported as in a nonaccrual status during the period of deferral. A COVID-19 pandemic modified loan is only reported as a nonaccrual asset in the event a borrower declares bankruptcy, the borrower experiences significant credit deterioration such that the Company does not expect to collect all principal and interest due, or the loan was 90 days past due at the onset of the pandemic. At June 30, 2020, 1% of the COVID-19 pandemic modified loans were in nonaccrual status.
The amortized cost of mortgage loans in a nonaccrual status by portfolio segment were as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Commercial | | Agricultural | | Residential | | Total |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
December 31, 2019 | $ | — | | | $ | 21 | | | $ | 37 | | | $ | 58 | |
June 30, 2020 (1) | $ | — | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 48 | | | $ | 49 | |
| | | | | | | |
_______________
(1)The Company had $8 million of residential mortgage loans in nonaccrual status for which there was no related allowance for credit losses at June 30, 2020.
Current period investment income on mortgage loans in nonaccrual status was less than $1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Modified Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment
Under certain circumstances, modifications are granted to non-performing mortgage loans. Each modification is evaluated to determine if a TDR has occurred. A modification is a TDR when the borrower is in financial difficulty and the creditor makes concessions. Generally, the types of concessions may include reducing the amount of debt owed, reducing the contractual interest rate, extending the maturity date at an interest rate lower than current market interest rates and/or reducing accrued interest. The Company did not have a significant amount of mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Short-term modifications made on a good faith basis to borrowers who were not more than 30 days past due at December 31, 2019 and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are not considered TDRs.
Other Invested Assets
Over 90% of other invested assets is comprised of freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values. See Note 5 for information about freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values. Other invested assets also includes tax credit and renewable energy partnerships, leveraged leases and Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
Leveraged Leases
The carrying value of leveraged leases at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was $50 million and $64 million, respectively, net of allowance for credit losses of $13 million and $0, respectively. Rental receivables are generally due in periodic installments. The payment periods for leveraged leases generally range from one to 15 years. For rental receivables, the primary credit quality indicator is whether the rental receivable is performing or nonperforming, which is assessed monthly. Nonperforming rental receivables are generally defined as those that are 90 days or more past due. At both June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, all leveraged leases were performing.
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities and the effect on DAC, VOBA, 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 AOCI.
The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
| (In millions) | | |
Fixed maturity securities | $ | 10,185 | | | $ | 6,894 | |
Derivatives | 640 | | | 232 | |
Other | (18) | | | (15) | |
Subtotal | 10,807 | | | 7,111 | |
Amounts allocated from: | | | |
Future policy benefits | (4,516) | | | (2,691) | |
DAC, VOBA and DSI | (426) | | | (332) | |
Subtotal | (4,942) | | | (3,023) | |
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (1,232) | | | (859) | |
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) | $ | 4,633 | | | $ | 3,229 | |
The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:
| | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 |
| (In millions) |
Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ | 3,229 | |
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period | 3,696 | |
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: | |
Future policy benefits | (1,825) | |
DAC, VOBA and DSI | (94) | |
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (373) | |
Balance at June 30, 2020 | $ | 4,633 | |
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) | $ | 1,404 | |
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 June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Securities Lending
Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
| (In millions) | | |
Securities on loan: (1) | | | |
Amortized cost | $ | 2,065 | | | $ | 2,031 | |
Estimated fair value | $ | 3,596 | | | $ | 2,996 | |
Cash collateral received from counterparties (2) | $ | 3,674 | | | $ | 3,074 | |
Securities collateral received from counterparties (3) | $ | 12 | | | $ | — | |
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value | $ | 3,794 | | | $ | 3,174 | |
_______________
(1)Included within fixed maturity securities.
(2)Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.
(3)Securities collateral received from counterparties is not reported on the consolidated balance sheets and may not be sold or re-pledged unless the counterparty is in default.
The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | | | | | | December 31, 2019 | | | | | | | | | | |
| Open (1) | | 1 Month or Less | | 1 to 6 Months | | | | Total | | | | Open (1) | | 1 Month or Less | | 1 to 6 Months | | | | Total | | |
| (In millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government and agency | $ | 1,284 | | | $ | 2,012 | | | $ | 373 | | | | | $ | 3,669 | | | | | $ | 1,279 | | | $ | 1,094 | | | $ | 701 | | | | | $ | 3,074 | | | |
U.S. corporate | 2 | | | — | | | — | | | | | 2 | | | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign corporate | 3 | | | — | | | — | | | | | 3 | | | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | $ | 1,289 | | | $ | 2,012 | | | $ | 373 | | | | | $ | 3,674 | | | | | $ | 1,279 | | | $ | 1,094 | | | $ | 701 | | | | | $ | 3,074 | | | |
_______________
(1)The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.
If the Company is required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and is forced to sell securities to meet the return obligation, it may have difficulty selling such collateral that is invested in securities in a timely manner, be forced to sell securities in a volatile or illiquid market for less than what otherwise would have been realized under normal market conditions, or both. The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at June 30, 2020 was $1.3 billion, primarily U.S. government and agency securities which, if put back to the Company, could be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirement.
The reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consisted principally of fixed maturity securities (including agency RMBS, U.S. and foreign corporate securities, ABS, non-agency RMBS and U.S. government and agency securities) with 62% invested in agency RMBS, cash and cash equivalents and U.S. government and agency securities at June 30, 2020. If the securities on loan or the reinvestment portfolio become less liquid, the Company has the liquidity resources of most of its general account available to meet any potential cash demands when securities on loan are put back to the Company.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral
Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral at estimated fair value were as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
| (In millions) | | |
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) (1) | $ | 9,917 | | | $ | 9,345 | |
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) (2) | 5,456 | | | 4,561 | |
Invested assets pledged as collateral (3) | 4,505 | | | 3,640 | |
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral | $ | 19,878 | | | $ | 17,546 | |
_______________
(1)The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, on deposit with governmental authorities relating to certain policyholder liabilities, of which $147 million and $69 million of the assets on deposit represents restricted cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(2)The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, held in trust relating to certain reinsurance transactions, of which $102 million and $124 million of the assets held in trust balance represents restricted cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(3)The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2019 Annual Report) and derivative transactions (see Note 5).
See “— Securities Lending” for information regarding securities on loan.
Variable Interest Entities
The Company has invested in legal entities that are variable interest entities (“VIEs”). VIEs are consolidated when the investor is the primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is the variable interest holder in a VIE with both the power to (i) direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
There were no material VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary at June 30, 2020 or December 31, 2019.
The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss related to the VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it holds a variable interest, but is not the primary beneficiary, were as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | | | December 31, 2019 | | |
| Carrying Amount | | Maximum Exposure to Loss | | Carrying Amount | | Maximum Exposure to Loss |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Fixed maturity securities | $ | 12,973 | | | $ | 12,098 | | | $ | 12,959 | | | $ | 12,317 | |
Limited partnerships and LLCs | 1,868 | | | 3,157 | | | 1,892 | | | 3,065 | |
Total | $ | 14,841 | | | $ | 15,255 | | | $ | 14,851 | | | $ | 15,382 | |
The Company’s investments in unconsolidated VIEs are described below.
Fixed Maturity Securities
The Company invests in U.S. corporate bonds, foreign corporate bonds, and Structured Securities issued by VIEs. The Company is not obligated to provide any financial or other support to these VIEs, other than the original investment. The Company’s involvement with these entities is limited to that of a passive investor. The Company has no unilateral right to appoint or remove the servicer, special servicer, or investment manager, which are generally viewed as having the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, nor does the Company function in any of these roles. The Company does not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity; as a result, the Company has determined it is not the primary
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
beneficiary, or consolidator, of the VIE. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss on these fixed maturity securities is limited to the amortized cost of these investments. See “— Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-sale” for information on these securities.
Limited Partnerships and LLCs
The Company holds investments in certain limited partnerships and LLCs which are VIEs. These ventures include limited partnerships, LLCs, private equity funds, hedge funds, and to a lesser extent tax credit and renewable energy partnerships. The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary, or consolidator, when its involvement takes the form of a limited partner interest and is restricted to a role of a passive investor, as a limited partner’s interest does not provide the Company with any substantive kick-out or participating rights, nor does it provide the Company with the power to direct the activities of the fund. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss on these investments is limited to: (i) the amount invested in debt or equity of the VIE and (ii) commitments to the VIE, as described in Note 10.
Net Investment Income
The components of net investment income were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Investment income: | | | | |
|
|
|
Fixed maturity securities | $ | 667 | | | $ | 666 | | | $ | 1,325 | | | $ | 1,308 | |
Equity securities | 1 | | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 5 | |
Mortgage loans | 166 | | | 175 | | | 332 | | | 333 | |
Policy loans | 8 | | | 12 | | | 14 | | | 22 | |
Limited partnerships and LLCs (1) | (190) | | | 87 | | | (108) | | | 95 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | 12 | | | 17 | | | 32 | | | 27 | |
Other | 11 | | | 7 | | | 24 | | | 18 | |
Total investment income | 675 | | | 966 | | | 1,622 | | | 1,808 | |
Less: Investment expenses | 40 | | | 48 | | | 91 | | | 102 | |
Net investment income | $ | 635 | | | $ | 918 | | | $ | 1,531 | | | $ | 1,706 | |
_______________
(1)Includes net investment income pertaining to other limited partnership interests of ($193) million and ($120) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and $75 million for both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019.
Net Investment Gains (Losses)
Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses)
The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Fixed maturity securities | $ | (20) | | | $ | 62 | | | $ | (26) | | | $ | 47 | |
Equity securities | 7 | | | 1 | | | (7) | | | 11 | |
Mortgage loans | (22) | | | (3) | | | (26) | | | (7) | |
Limited partnerships and LLCs | (2) | | | (3) | | | (3) | | | (5) | |
Other | 4 | | | (1) | | | 10 | | | — | |
Total net investment gains (losses) | $ | (33) | | | $ | 56 | | | $ | (52) | | | $ | 46 | |
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
4. Investments (continued)
Sales or Disposals 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 follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Proceeds | $ | 619 | | | $ | 3,416 | | | $ | 1,266 | | | $ | 6,636 | |
Gross investment gains | $ | 14 | | | $ | 99 | | | $ | 31 | | | $ | 163 | |
Gross investment losses | (36) | | | (37) | | | (42) | | | (116) | |
Net investment gains (losses) | $ | (22) | | | $ | 62 | | | $ | (11) | | | $ | 47 | |
5. Derivatives
Accounting for Derivatives
See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2019 Annual Report for a description of the Company’s accounting policies for derivatives and Note 9 for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives.
Derivative Strategies
Types of Derivative Instruments and Derivative Strategies
The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize its exposure to various market risks. Commonly used derivative instruments include, but are not necessarily limited to:
•Interest rate derivatives: swaps, caps, swaptions and forwards;
•Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives: forwards and swaps;
•Equity derivatives: options, total return swaps and variance swaps; and
•Credit derivatives: single and index reference credit default swaps.
For detailed information on these contracts and the related strategies, see Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2019 Annual Report.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)
Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives
The primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives held were as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | June 30, 2020 | | | | | | December 31, 2019 | | | | |
| Primary Underlying Risk Exposure | | Gross Notional Amount | | Estimated Fair Value | | | | Gross Notional Amount | | Estimated Fair Value | | |
| | | | | Assets | | Liabilities | | | | Assets | | Liabilities |
| | | (In millions) | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flow hedges: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate forwards | Interest rate | | $ | 360 | | | $ | 101 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 420 | | | $ | 22 | | | $ | — | |
Foreign currency swaps | Foreign currency exchange rate | | 2,747 | | | 472 | | | 1 | | | 2,701 | | | 176 | | | 27 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total qualifying hedges | | | 3,107 | | | 573 | | | 1 | | | 3,121 | | | 198 | | | 27 | |
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | Interest rate | | 3,434 | | | 745 | | | 9 | | | 7,559 | | | 878 | | | 29 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate caps | Interest rate | | 2,350 | | | 1 | | | — | | | 3,350 | | | 2 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate options | Interest rate | | 24,170 | | | 2,307 | | | 256 | | | 29,750 | | | 782 | | | 187 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate forwards | Interest rate | | 7,160 | | | 1,349 | | | — | | | 5,418 | | | 94 | | | 114 | |
Foreign currency swaps | Foreign currency exchange rate | | 1,008 | | | 183 | | | 14 | | | 1,040 | | | 94 | | | 15 | |
Foreign currency forwards | Foreign currency exchange rate | | 147 | | | — | | | — | | | 138 | | | — | | | 1 | |
Credit default swaps — purchased | Credit | | 18 | | | — | | | — | | | 18 | | | — | | | — | |
Credit default swaps — written | Credit | | 1,765 | | | 19 | | | 2 | | | 1,613 | | | 36 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity index options | Equity market | | 46,538 | | | 834 | | | 1,246 | | | 51,509 | | | 850 | | | 1,728 | |
Equity variance swaps | Equity market | | 1,098 | | | 11 | | | 27 | | | 2,136 | | | 69 | | | 69 | |
Equity total return swaps | Equity market | | 10,120 | | | 105 | | | 696 | | | 7,723 | | | 2 | | | 367 | |
Total non-designated or non-qualifying derivatives | | | 97,808 | | | 5,554 | | | 2,250 | | | 110,254 | | | 2,807 | | | 2,510 | |
Embedded derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ceded guaranteed minimum income benefits | Other | | N/A | | 323 | | | — | | | N/A | | 217 | | | — | |
Direct index-linked annuities | Other | | N/A | | — | | | 1,526 | | | N/A | | — | | | 2,253 | |
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits | Other | | N/A | | — | | | 3,611 | | | N/A | | — | | | 1,548 | |
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits | Other | | N/A | | — | | | 680 | | | N/A | | — | | | 442 | |
Assumed index-linked annuities | Other | | N/A | | — | | | 310 | | | N/A | | — | | | 339 | |
Total embedded derivatives | | | N/A | | 323 | | | 6,127 | | | N/A | | 217 | | | 4,582 | |
Total | | | $ | 100,915 | | | $ | 6,450 | | | $ | 8,378 | | | $ | 113,375 | | | $ | 3,222 | | | $ | 7,119 | |
Based on gross notional amounts, a substantial portion of the Company’s derivatives was not designated or did not qualify as part of a hedging relationship at both June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The Company’s use of derivatives includes (i) derivatives that serve as macro hedges of the Company’s exposure to various risks and generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not meet the criteria required under portfolio hedging rules; (ii) derivatives that economically hedge insurance liabilities and generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not meet the criteria of being “highly effective” as outlined in ASC 815; (iii) derivatives that economically hedge embedded derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting because the changes in estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives are already recorded in net income; and (iv) written credit default swaps that are used to create synthetic credit investments and that do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not involve a hedging relationship.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)
The amount and location of gains (losses), including earned income, recognized for derivatives and gains (losses) pertaining to hedged items presented in net derivative gains (losses) were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives | | Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items | | Net Investment Income | | | | Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI |
| (In millions) | | | | | | | | |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flow hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate derivatives | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | (4) | |
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | 4 | | | (3) | | | 9 | | | | | (135) | |
Total cash flow hedges | 4 | | | (3) | | | 9 | | | | | (139) | |
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate derivatives | (165) | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | (27) | | | (2) | | | — | | | | | — | |
Credit derivatives | 29 | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Equity derivatives | (1,606) | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Embedded derivatives | (880) | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Total non-qualifying hedges | (2,649) | | | (2) | | | — | | | | | — | |
Total | $ | (2,645) | | | $ | (5) | | | $ | 9 | | | | | $ | (139) | |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Cash flow hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate derivatives | $ | 6 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | |
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | 17 | | | (23) | | | 8 | | | | | 73 | |
Total cash flow hedges | 23 | | | (23) | | | 8 | | | | | 73 | |
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate derivatives | 917 | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | 30 | | | (4) | | | — | | | | | — | |
Credit derivatives | 11 | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Equity derivatives | (344) | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Embedded derivatives | (502) | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Total non-qualifying hedges | 112 | | | (4) | | | — | | | | | — | |
Total | $ | 135 | | | $ | (27) | | | $ | 8 | | | | | $ | 73 | |
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives | | Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items | | Net Investment Income | | | | Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI |
| (In millions) | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flow hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate derivatives | $ | 1 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1 | | | | | $ | 93 | |
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | 4 | | | (3) | | | 20 | | | | | 321 | |
Total cash flow hedges | 5 | | | (3) | | | 21 | | | | | 414 | |
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate derivatives | 4,756 | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | 105 | | | (9) | | | — | | | | | — | |
Credit derivatives | (2) | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Equity derivatives | 358 | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Embedded derivatives | (1,113) | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Total non-qualifying hedges | 4,104 | | | (9) | | | — | | | | | — | |
Total | $ | 4,109 | | | $ | (12) | | | $ | 21 | | | | | $ | 414 | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Cash flow hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate derivatives | $ | 28 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1 | | | | | $ | — | |
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | 20 | | | (23) | | | 16 | | | | | 39 | |
Total cash flow hedges | 48 | | | (23) | | | 17 | | | | | 39 | |
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate derivatives | 1,249 | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives | 22 | | | (4) | | | — | | | | | — | |
Credit derivatives | 29 | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Equity derivatives | (1,790) | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Embedded derivatives | (733) | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | |
Total non-qualifying hedges | (1,223) | | | (4) | | | — | | | | | — | |
Total | $ | (1,175) | | | $ | (27) | | | $ | 17 | | | | | $ | 39 | |
At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $640 million and $232 million, respectively.
Credit Derivatives
In connection with synthetically created credit investment transactions, the Company writes credit default swaps for which it receives a premium to insure credit risk. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the Company paying the counterparty the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the delivery of par quantities of the referenced credit obligation.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)
The estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps were as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | June 30, 2020 | | | | | | December 31, 2019 | | | | |
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1) | | Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps | | Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps | | Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) | | Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps | | Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps | | Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2) |
| | (Dollars in millions) | | | | | | | | | | |
Aaa/Aa/A | | $ | 7 | | | $ | 879 | | | 2.8 | | $ | 11 | | | $ | 615 | | | 2.5 |
Baa | | 10 | | | 886 | | | 5.3 | | 25 | | | 998 | | | 5.1 |
Total | | $ | 17 | | | $ | 1,765 | | | 4.0 | | $ | 36 | | | $ | 1,613 | | | 4.1 |
_______________
(1)The Company has written credit protection on both single name and index references. The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.
(2)The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts.
Counterparty Credit Risk
The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of counterparty nonperformance on derivative instruments. Generally, the credit exposure is the fair value at the reporting date less any collateral received from the counterparty.
The Company manages its credit risk by: (i) entering into derivative transactions with creditworthy counterparties governed by master netting agreements; (ii) trading through regulated exchanges and central clearing counterparties; (iii) obtaining collateral, such as cash and securities, when appropriate; and (iv) setting limits on single party credit exposures which are subject to periodic management review.
See Note 6 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivatives.
The estimated fair values of net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets | | | | | | | | |
| | Gross Amount Recognized | | Financial Instruments (1) | | Collateral Received/Pledged (2) | | Net Amount | | Securities Collateral Received/Pledged (3) | | Net Amount After Securities Collateral |
| | (In millions) | | | | | | | | | | |
June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | $ | 6,143 | | | $ | (1,733) | | | $ | (3,692) | | | $ | 718 | | | $ | (705) | | | $ | 13 | |
Derivative liabilities | | $ | 2,248 | | | $ | (1,733) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 515 | | | $ | (514) | | | $ | 1 | |
December 31, 2019 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | $ | 3,046 | | | $ | (1,458) | | | $ | (1,100) | | | $ | 488 | | | $ | (487) | | | $ | 1 | |
Derivative liabilities | | $ | 2,522 | | | $ | (1,458) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,064 | | | $ | (1,061) | | | $ | 3 | |
_______________
(1)Represents amounts subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement.
(2)The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreement.
(3)Securities collateral received from counterparties is not reported on the consolidated balance sheets and may not be sold or re-pledged unless the counterparty is in default. Amounts do not include excess of collateral pledged or received.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)
The Company’s collateral arrangements 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. Certain of these arrangements also include credit-contingent provisions which permit the party with positive fair value to terminate the derivative at the current fair value or demand immediate full collateralization from the party in a net liability position, in the event that the financial strength or credit rating of the party in a net liability position falls below a certain level.
The aggregate estimated fair values of derivatives in a net liability position containing such credit-contingent provisions and the aggregate estimated fair value of assets posted as collateral for such instruments were as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | June 30, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
| | (In millions) | | |
Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1) | | $ | 515 | | | $ | 1,064 | |
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided (2): | | | | |
Fixed maturity securities | | $ | 1,143 | | | $ | 1,473 | |
_______________
(1)After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.
(2)Substantially all of the Company’s collateral arrangements provide for daily posting of collateral for the full value of the derivative contract. As a result, if the credit-contingent provisions of derivative contracts in a net liability position were triggered, minimal additional assets would be required to be posted as collateral or needed to settle the instruments immediately.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated 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 in the tables below. Investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value and are measured at net asset value (or equivalent) as a practical expedient to estimated fair value are excluded from the fair value hierarchy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Hierarchy | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total Estimated Fair Value |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Assets | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturity securities: | | | | | | | |
U.S. corporate | $ | — | | | $ | 32,946 | | | $ | 699 | | | $ | 33,645 | |
Foreign corporate | — | | | 9,953 | | | 195 | | | 10,148 | |
RMBS | — | | | 8,460 | | | 40 | | | 8,500 | |
U.S. government and agency | 1,741 | | | 7,001 | | | — | | | 8,742 | |
CMBS | — | | | 6,148 | | | 26 | | | 6,174 | |
State and political subdivision | — | | | 4,157 | | | — | | | 4,157 | |
ABS | — | | | 2,351 | | | 107 | | | 2,458 | |
Foreign government | — | | | 1,781 | | | — | | | 1,781 | |
Total fixed maturity securities | 1,741 | | | 72,797 | | | 1,067 | | | 75,605 | |
Equity securities | 13 | | | 113 | | | 3 | | | 129 | |
Short-term investments | 2,446 | | | 1,146 | | | — | | | 3,592 | |
| | | | | | | |
Derivative assets: (1) | | | | | | | |
Interest rate | — | | | 4,503 | | | — | | | 4,503 | |
Foreign currency exchange rate | — | | | 626 | | | 29 | | | 655 | |
Credit | — | | | 11 | | | 8 | | | 19 | |
Equity market | — | | | 937 | | | 13 | | | 950 | |
Total derivative assets | — | | | 6,077 | | | 50 | | | 6,127 | |
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2) | — | | | — | | | 323 | | | 323 | |
Separate account assets | 159 | | | 92,536 | | | 3 | | | 92,698 | |
Total assets | $ | 4,359 | | | $ | 172,669 | | | $ | 1,446 | | | $ | 178,474 | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | |
Derivative liabilities: (1) | | | | | | | |
Interest rate | $ | — | | | $ | 265 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 265 | |
Foreign currency exchange rate | — | | | 15 | | | — | | | 15 | |
Credit | — | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | 2 | |
Equity market | — | | | 1,940 | | | 29 | | | 1,969 | |
Total derivative liabilities | — | | | 2,221 | | | 30 | | | 2,251 | |
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2) | — | | | — | | | 6,127 | | | 6,127 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | $ | — | | | $ | 2,221 | | | $ | 6,157 | | | $ | 8,378 | |
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2019 | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Hierarchy | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total Estimated Fair Value |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Assets | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturity securities: | | | | | | | |
U.S. corporate | $ | — | | | $ | 30,266 | | | $ | 325 | | | $ | 30,591 | |
Foreign corporate | — | | | 9,554 | | | 132 | | | 9,686 | |
RMBS | — | | | 8,986 | | | 44 | | | 9,030 | |
U.S. government and agency | 1,542 | | | 5,702 | | | — | | | 7,244 | |
CMBS | — | | | 5,714 | | | — | | | 5,714 | |
State and political subdivision | — | | | 3,938 | | | 73 | | | 4,011 | |
ABS | — | | | 1,877 | | | 73 | | | 1,950 | |
Foreign government | — | | | 1,751 | | | — | | | 1,751 | |
Total fixed maturity securities | 1,542 | | | 67,788 | | | 647 | | | 69,977 | |
Equity securities | 14 | | | 125 | | | 8 | | | 147 | |
Short-term investments | 1,004 | | | 473 | | | 5 | | | 1,482 | |
Derivative assets: (1) | | | | | | | |
Interest rate | — | | | 1,778 | | | — | | | 1,778 | |
Foreign currency exchange rate | — | | | 265 | | | 5 | | | 270 | |
Credit | — | | | 25 | | | 11 | | | 36 | |
Equity market | — | | | 850 | | | 71 | | | 921 | |
Total derivative assets | — | | | 2,918 | | | 87 | | | 3,005 | |
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2) | — | | | — | | | 217 | | | 217 | |
Separate account assets | 180 | | | 99,485 | | | 3 | | | 99,668 | |
Total assets | $ | 2,740 | | | $ | 170,789 | | | $ | 967 | | | $ | 174,496 | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | |
Derivative liabilities: (1) | | | | | | | |
Interest rate | $ | — | | | $ | 330 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 330 | |
Foreign currency exchange rate | — | | | 43 | | | — | | | 43 | |
| | | | | | | |
Equity market | — | | | 2,093 | | | 71 | | | 2,164 | |
Total derivative liabilities | — | | | 2,466 | | | 71 | | | 2,537 | |
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2) | — | | | — | | | 4,582 | | | 4,582 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | $ | — | | | $ | 2,466 | | | $ | 4,653 | | | $ | 7,119 | |
_______________
(1)Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances on the consolidated 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 its valuation service providers. 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. In addition, the Chief Accounting Officer periodically reports to the Audit Committee of Brighthouse Financial’s Board of Directors regarding compliance with fair value accounting standards.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated 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. Prices received are assessed to determine if they represent a reasonable estimate of fair value. Several controls are performed, 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 a 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.
A formal process is also applied 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, the last available price will be used.
Additional controls are performed, such as, 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 six months ended June 30, 2020.
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.
Equity Securities and Short-term Investments
The fair value for actively traded equity securities and short-term investments are determined using quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For financial instruments classified as Level 2 assets or liabilities, fair values are determined using a market approach and are valued based on a variety of observable inputs as described below.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
Equity securities and short-term investments: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary input being quoted prices in markets that are not active.
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 cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”).
The fair values for exchange-traded derivatives are determined using the quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. 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 and OTC-cleared derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Certain OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared 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 and OTC-cleared 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 and OTC-cleared 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 and OTC-cleared 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 and ceded variable annuity guarantees and equity crediting rates within index-linked annuity contracts. 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 consolidated balance sheets.
The Company determines the fair value of these embedded derivatives by estimating the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions including expectations of 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. The percentage of fees included in the initial fair value measurement is not updated in subsequent periods.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
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.
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 BHF’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 BHF’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.
The Company issues and assumes through reinsurance index-linked annuities which allow the policyholder to participate in returns from equity indices. The crediting rates associated with these features are embedded derivatives which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host fixed 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 consolidated balance sheets.
The estimated fair value of crediting rates associated with index-linked annuities is determined using a combination of an option pricing model and an option-budget approach. The valuation of these embedded derivatives also includes the establishment of a risk margin, as well as changes in nonperformance risk.
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.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
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) were as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | June 30, 2020 | | | | December 31, 2019 | | | | Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value |
| Valuation Techniques | | | Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Range | | | | Range | | | | |
Embedded derivatives | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | • | Option pricing techniques | | • | Mortality rates | | 0.02% | - | 11.31% | | 0.02% | - | 11.31% | | Decrease (1) |
| | | | • | Lapse rates | | 0.25% | - | 16.00% | | 0.25% | - | 16.00% | | Decrease (2) |
| | | | • | Utilization rates | | 0.00% | - | 25.00% | | 0.00% | - | 25.00% | | Increase (3) |
| | | | • | Withdrawal rates | | 0.25% | - | 10.00% | | 0.25% | - | 10.00% | | (4) |
| | | | • | Long-term equity volatilities | | 16.24% | - | 21.65% | | 16.24% | - | 21.65% | | Increase (5) |
| | | | • | Nonperformance risk spread | | 0.52% | - | 2.78% | | 0.54% | - | 1.99% | | Decrease (6) |
_______________
(1)Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. The range shown reflects the mortality rate for policyholders between 35 and 90 years old, which represents the majority of the business with living benefits. Mortality rate assumptions are set based on company experience and include an assumption for mortality improvement.
(2)The range shown reflects base lapse rates for major product categories for duration 1-20, which represents majority of business with living benefit riders. 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.
(3)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 in a given year. The range shown represents the floor and cap of the GMIB dynamic election rates across varying levels of in-the-money. For lifetime withdrawal guarantee riders, the assumption is that everyone will begin withdrawals once account value reaches zero which is equivalent to a 100% utilization rate. Utilization 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.
(4)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.
(5)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.
(6)Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration. 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 Company does not develop unobservable inputs used in measuring fair value for all other assets and liabilities classified within Level 3; therefore, these are not included in the table above. The other Level 3 assets and liabilities primarily included fixed maturity securities and derivatives. For fixed maturity securities valued based on non-binding broker quotes, an increase (decrease) in credit spreads would result in a higher (lower) fair value. For derivatives valued based on third-party pricing models, an increase (decrease) in credit spreads would generally result in a higher (lower) fair value.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
The changes in assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were summarized as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fixed Maturity Securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Corporate (1) | | Structured Securities | | State and Political Subdivision | | Foreign Government | | Equity Securities | | Short-term Investments | | Net Derivatives (2) | | Net Embedded Derivatives (3) | | Separate Account Assets (4) |
| | (In millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | $ | 838 | | | $ | 218 | | | $ | 72 | | | $ | 7 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 50 | | | $ | (4,747) | | | $ | 4 | |
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) | | (2) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (3) | | | (880) | | | — | |
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI | | 60 | | | 3 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (11) | | | — | | | — | |
Purchases (7) | | 186 | | | 85 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Sales (7) | | (46) | | | (1) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (2) | | | (16) | | | — | | | — | |
Issuances (7) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Settlements (7) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (177) | | | — | |
Transfers into Level 3 (8) | | 86 | | | 26 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Transfers out of Level 3 (8) | | (228) | | | (158) | | | (72) | | | (7) | | | (1) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1) | |
Balance, end of period | | $ | 894 | | | $ | 173 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 20 | | | $ | (5,804) | | | $ | 3 | |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | $ | 679 | | | $ | 228 | | | $ | 74 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (136) | | | $ | (2,727) | | | $ | — | |
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1) | | | (502) | | | — | |
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI | | 2 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 4 | | | — | | | — | |
Purchases (7) | | 64 | | | 15 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Sales (7) | | (49) | | | (9) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Issuances (7) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Settlements (7) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (221) | | | — | |
Transfers into Level 3 (8) | | 124 | | | 60 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Transfers out of Level 3 (8) | | (72) | | | (187) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1) | | | — | | | — | |
Balance, end of period | | $ | 748 | | | $ | 108 | | | $ | 74 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (134) | | | $ | (3,450) | | | $ | — | |
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2020 (9) | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | (924) | | | $ | — | |
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income for the instruments still held at June 30, 2020 (9) | | $ | 58 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (10) | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2019 (9) | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (1) | | | $ | (578) | | | $ | — | |
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fixed Maturity Securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Corporate (1) | | Structured Securities | | State and Political Subdivision | | Foreign Government | | Equity Securities | | Short-term Investments | | Net Derivatives (2) | | Net Embedded Derivatives (3) | | Separate Account Assets (4) |
| | (In millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | $ | 457 | | | $ | 117 | | | $ | 73 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 8 | | | $ | 5 | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | (4,365) | | | $ | 3 | |
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) | | (4) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (2) | | | (1,113) | | | — | |
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI | | 16 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 20 | | | — | | | — | |
Purchases (7) | | 444 | | | 104 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Sales (7) | | (45) | | | (6) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (5) | | | (14) | | | — | | | — | |
Issuances (7) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Settlements (7) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (326) | | | — | |
Transfers into Level 3 (8) | | 158 | | | 30 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Transfers out of Level 3 (8) | | (132) | | | (72) | | | (73) | | | — | | | (5) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Balance, end of period | | $ | 894 | | | $ | 173 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 20 | | | $ | (5,804) | | | $ | 3 | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | $ | 711 | | | $ | 174 | | | $ | 74 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (122) | | | $ | (2,288) | | | $ | 1 | |
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (10) | | | (733) | | | — | |
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI | | 10 | | | 2 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | |
Purchases (7) | | 68 | | | 15 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Sales (7) | | (55) | | | (28) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1) | |
Issuances (7) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Settlements (7) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (429) | | | — | |
Transfers into Level 3 (8) | | 141 | | | 87 | | | — | | | — | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Transfers out of Level 3 (8) | | (127) | | | (142) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (3) | | | — | | | — | |
Balance, end of period | | $ | 748 | | | $ | 108 | | | $ | 74 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (134) | | | $ | (3,450) | | | $ | — | |
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2020 (9) | | $ | (1) | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (17) | | | $ | (1,166) | | | $ | — | |
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income for the instruments still held at June 30, 2020 (9) | | $ | 15 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 20 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at June 30, 2019 (9) | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (9) | | | $ | (869) | | | $ | — | |
_______________
(1)Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities.
(2)Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.
(3)Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
(4)Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contract holders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income (loss). For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses).
(5)Amortization of premium/accretion of discount is included within net investment income. Changes in the allowance for credit losses and direct write-offs are 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 derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).
(6)Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.
(7)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.
(8)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.
(9)Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for fixed maturities are reported in either net investment income or net investment gains (losses). Substantially all changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).
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, payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions and those short-term investments that are not securities and therefore are not included in the three level hierarchy table disclosed in the “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements” section. 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:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | | | | | | | |
| | | Fair Value Hierarchy | | | | | | |
| Carrying Value | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total Estimated Fair Value |
| (In millions) | | | | | | | | |
Assets | | | | | | | | | |
Mortgage loans | $ | 15,703 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16,347 | | | $ | 16,347 | |
Policy loans | $ | 791 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 387 | | | $ | 914 | | | $ | 1,301 | |
Other invested assets | $ | 96 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 81 | | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 96 | |
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables | $ | 2,349 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 55 | | | $ | 2,858 | | | $ | 2,913 | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder account balances | $ | 16,787 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 17,535 | | | $ | 17,535 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Long-term debt | $ | 843 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 40 | | | $ | 843 | | | $ | 883 | |
Other liabilities | $ | 1,089 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 324 | | | $ | 771 | | | $ | 1,095 | |
Separate account liabilities | $ | 1,143 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,143 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,143 | |
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2019 | | | | | | | | |
| | | Fair Value Hierarchy | | | | | | |
| Carrying Value | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total Estimated Fair Value |
| (In millions) | | | | | | | | |
Assets | | | | | | | | | |
Mortgage loans | $ | 15,664 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16,291 | | | $ | 16,291 | |
Policy loans | $ | 875 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 479 | | | $ | 504 | | | $ | 983 | |
Other invested assets | $ | 51 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 39 | | | $ | 12 | | | $ | 51 | |
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables | $ | 2,053 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 41 | | | $ | 2,427 | | | $ | 2,468 | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder account balances | $ | 15,474 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 15,576 | | | $ | 15,576 | |
Long-term debt | $ | 844 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 39 | | | $ | 903 | | | $ | 942 | |
Other liabilities | $ | 943 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 169 | | | $ | 777 | | | $ | 946 | |
Separate account liabilities | $ | 1,186 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,186 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,186 | |
7. Long-term and Short-term Debt
Intercompany Liquidity Facilities
BHF has established an intercompany liquidity facility with certain of its insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries to provide short-term liquidity within and across the combined group of companies. Under the facility, which is comprised of a series of revolving loan agreements among BHF and its participating subsidiaries, each company may lend to or borrow from each other, subject to certain maximum limits for a term not more than 364 days. For each insurance subsidiary, the borrowing and lending limit is 3% of the respective insurance subsidiary’s statutory admitted assets as of the previous year end. For BHF and each non-insurance subsidiary, the borrowing and lending limit is based on a formula tied to the statutory admitted assets of the respective insurance subsidiaries.
On March 30, 2020, BH Holdings issued a $100 million promissory note to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, which bore interest at a fixed rate of 2.4996% and was repaid upon maturity on June 30, 2020. Additionally, on March 30, 2020, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY issued a $100 million promissory note to BH Holdings, which bore interest at a fixed rate of 2.4996% and was repaid upon maturity on June 30, 2020.
Reinsurance Financing Arrangement
On June 11, 2020, Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware, with the explicit permission of the Delaware Commissioner of Insurance, amended its financing arrangement with a pool of highly rated third-party reinsurers to increase the maximum amount from $10.0 billion to $12.0 billion and to extend the term by two years to 2039. At June 30, 2020, there were 0 borrowings and there was $10.6 billion of funding available under this financing arrangement.
8. Equity
Capital Transactions
During the first quarter of 2020, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company paid an ordinary cash dividend of $300 million to BH Holdings, which was accounted for as a return of capital. During the second quarter of 2020, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company paid an ordinary cash dividend of $500 million to BH Holdings.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
8. Equity (continued)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 | | | | | | |
| Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1) | | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | | Total |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Balance at March 31, 2020 | $ | 1,867 | | | $ | 598 | | | $ | (20) | | | $ | 2,445 | |
OCI before reclassifications | 2,865 | | | (139) | | | 6 | | | 2,732 | |
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (602) | | | 29 | | | (9) | | | (582) | |
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax | 4,130 | | | 488 | | | (23) | | | 4,595 | |
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | 23 | | | (4) | | | — | | | 19 | |
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (5) | | | 1 | | | — | | | (4) | |
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax | 18 | | | (3) | | | — | | | 15 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance at June 30, 2020 | $ | 4,148 | | | $ | 485 | | | $ | (23) | | | $ | 4,610 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 | | | | | | |
| Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1) | | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | | Total |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Balance at March 31, 2019 | $ | 1,551 | | | $ | 133 | | | $ | (26) | | | $ | 1,658 | |
OCI before reclassifications | 1,278 | | | 73 | | | 7 | | | 1,358 | |
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (268) | | | (15) | | | — | | | (283) | |
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax | 2,561 | | | 191 | | | (19) | | | 2,733 | |
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | (51) | | | (23) | | | — | | | (74) | |
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | 11 | | | 4 | | | — | | | 15 | |
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax | (40) | | | (19) | | | — | | | (59) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance at June 30, 2019 | $ | 2,521 | | | $ | 172 | | | $ | (19) | | | $ | 2,674 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 | | | | | | |
| Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1) | | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | | Total |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ | 3,066 | | | $ | 163 | | | $ | (14) | | | $ | 3,215 | |
OCI before reclassifications (2) | 1,356 | | | 414 | | | — | | | 1,770 | |
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (284) | | | (87) | | | (9) | | | (380) | |
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax | 4,138 | | | 490 | | | (23) | | | 4,605 | |
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | 13 | | | (6) | | | — | | | 7 | |
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (3) | | | 1 | | | — | | | (2) | |
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax | 10 | | | (5) | | | — | | | 5 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance at June 30, 2020 | $ | 4,148 | | | $ | 485 | | | $ | (23) | | | $ | 4,610 | |
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
8. Equity (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 | | | | | | |
| Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1) | | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | | Total |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2018 | $ | 564 | | | $ | 180 | | | $ | (26) | | | $ | 718 | |
OCI before reclassifications | 2,500 | | | 39 | | | 7 | | | 2,546 | |
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | (525) | | | (8) | | | — | | | (533) | |
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax | 2,539 | | | 211 | | | (19) | | | 2,731 | |
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | (23) | | | (49) | | | — | | | (72) | |
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | 5 | | | 10 | | | — | | | 15 | |
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax | (18) | | | (39) | | | — | | | (57) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance at June 30, 2019 | $ | 2,521 | | | $ | 172 | | | $ | (19) | | | $ | 2,674 | |
_______________
(1)See Note 4 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI.
(2)Includes $3 million related to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, see Note 1.
Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AOCI Components | | Amounts Reclassified from AOCI | | | | | | | | Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | | | | |
| | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | |
| | (In millions) | | | | | | | | |
Net unrealized investment gains (losses): | | | | | | | | | | |
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) | | $ | (19) | | | $ | 74 | | | $ | (7) | | | $ | 50 | | | Net investment gains (losses) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) | | (4) | | | (23) | | | (6) | | | (27) | | | Net derivative gains (losses) |
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax | | (23) | | | 51 | | | (13) | | | 23 | | | |
Income tax (expense) benefit | | 5 | | | (11) | | | 3 | | | (5) | | | |
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax | | (18) | | | 40 | | | (10) | | | 18 | | | |
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | — | | | 6 | | | 1 | | | 28 | | | Net derivative gains (losses) |
Interest rate swaps | | — | | | — | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | Net investment income |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency swaps | | 4 | | | 17 | | | 4 | | | 20 | | | Net derivative gains (losses) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax | | 4 | | | 23 | | | 6 | | | 49 | | | |
Income tax (expense) benefit | | (1) | | | (4) | | | (1) | | | (10) | | | |
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax | | 3 | | | 19 | | | 5 | | | 39 | | | |
Total reclassifications, net of income tax | | $ | (15) | | | $ | 59 | | | $ | (5) | | | $ | 57 | | | |
9. 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. The percentage is 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.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
9. Other Revenues and Other Expenses (continued)
Other revenues consisted primarily of 12b-1 fees of $55 million and $114 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and $61 million and $119 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, of which substantially all were reported in the Annuities segment.
Other Expenses
Information on other expenses was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Compensation | $ | 82 | | | $ | 73 | | | $ | 155 | | | $ | 146 | |
Contracted services and other labor costs | 69 | | | 56 | | | 130 | | | 96 | |
Transition services agreements | 15 | | | 63 | | | 51 | | | 127 | |
Establishment costs | 53 | | | 35 | | | 93 | | | 73 | |
Premium and other taxes, licenses and fees | 12 | | | 10 | | | 23 | | | 16 | |
Volume related costs, excluding compensation, net of DAC capitalization | 150 | | | 141 | | | 272 | | | 292 | |
Interest expense on debt | 17 | | | 16 | | | 34 | | | 26 | |
Other | 49 | | | 61 | | | 99 | | | 113 | |
Total other expenses | $ | 447 | | | $ | 455 | | | $ | 857 | | | $ | 889 | |
Related Party Expenses
See Note 11 for a discussion of related party expenses included in the table above.
10. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees
Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is a defendant in a number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value.
Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law.
The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that some matters could require the Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated at June 30, 2020.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
10. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (continued)
Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made
For some loss contingency matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. As of June 30, 2020, the Company estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for these matters to be $0 to $10 million.
Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made
For other matters, the Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company is often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews.
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 continues to defend vigorously against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters.
Cost of Insurance Class Action
Richard A. Newton v. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, filed May 8, 2020). Plaintiff has filed a purported class action lawsuit against Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. Plaintiff was the owner of a universal life insurance policy issued by Travelers Insurance Company, a predecessor to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. Plaintiff seeks to certify a class of all persons who own or owned life insurance policies issued where the terms of the life insurance policy provide or provided, among other things, a guarantee that the cost of insurance rates would not be increased by more than a specified percentage in any contract year. Plaintiff alleges, among other things, causes of action for breach of contract, fraud, suppression and concealment, and violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Plaintiff seeks to recover damages, including punitive damages, interest and treble damages, attorneys’ fees, and injunctive and declaratory relief. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company filed a motion to dismiss in June 2020 and intends to vigorously defend this matter.
Summary
Various litigations, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated 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 consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
10. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (continued)
Other Contingencies
The Company applies the same standard of recognition for non-litigation loss contingencies when assertions are made involving disputes with counterparties to contractual arrangements entered into by the Company, including with third-party vendors. In such cases, the Company establishes liabilities when it is probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In cases where it is not probable, but is reasonably possible that a loss will be incurred, no accrual is made. The Company estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses associated with such matters in excess of amounts accrued to be between $25 million and $75 million. For all other asserted claims, the Company is not currently able to estimate any reasonably possible unrecorded loss or range of loss, and will be unable to do so until sufficient information to support any such assessments is available. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to non-litigation contingencies and, when applicable, updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews.
Commitments
Mortgage Loan Commitments
The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $229 million and $206 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments
The Company commits to fund partnership investments and to lend funds under private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $1.8 billion at both June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
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 ranging from $6 million to $112 million, with a cumulative maximum of $117 million, 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’s recorded liabilities were $1 million at both June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 for indemnities, guarantees and commitments.
11. Related Party Transactions
The Company has various existing arrangements with its Brighthouse affiliates and had previous arrangements with MetLife, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”) for services necessary to conduct its activities. Certain of the MetLife services have continued, however, MetLife ceased to be a related party in June 2018. See Note 9 for amounts related to continuing transition services. The Company also has related party debt and equity transactions (see Notes 7 and 8). Other material arrangements between the Company and its related parties not disclosed elsewhere are as follows:
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
11. Related Party Transactions (continued)
Reinsurance Agreements
The Company enters into reinsurance agreements primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and also as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products issued by related parties. The Company participates in reinsurance activities in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to significant risks and provide additional capacity for future growth.
Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance with New England Life Insurance Company (“NELICO”), an affiliate, included on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Premiums | | | | | | | |
Reinsurance assumed | $ | — | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees | | | | | | | |
Reinsurance assumed | $ | 2 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 3 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Other revenues | | | | | | | |
Reinsurance assumed | $ | 1 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 1 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Policyholder benefits and claims | | | | | | | |
Reinsurance assumed | $ | 6 | | | $ | 10 | | | $ | 23 | | | $ | 17 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Other expenses | | | | | | | |
Reinsurance assumed | $ | (7) | | | $ | (9) | | | $ | (12) | | | $ | (16) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance with NELICO included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2020 | | | | December 31, 2019 | | |
| Assumed | | | | Assumed | | |
| (In millions) | | | | | | |
Assets | | | | | | | |
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables | $ | 25 | | | | | $ | 26 | | | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | |
Future policy benefits | $ | 105 | | | | | $ | 97 | | | |
Policyholder account balances | $ | 680 | | | | | $ | 443 | | | |
Other policy-related balances | $ | 10 | | | | | $ | 11 | | | |
Other liabilities | $ | (9) | | | | | $ | (21) | | | |
The Company assumes risks from NELICO related to guaranteed minimum benefits written directly by the cedent. The assumed reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives and changes in the estimated fair value are included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivatives associated with these agreements are included within policyholder account balances and were $680 million and $443 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were $30 million and ($236) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and ($54) million and ($48) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively.
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
11. Related Party Transactions (continued)
Shared Services and Overhead Allocations
Brighthouse Services, LLC, an affiliate, currently provides 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. Revenues received from an affiliate related to these agreements, recorded in universal life and investment-type product policy fees, were $50 million and $103 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and $55 million and $109 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. Costs incurred under these arrangements were $261 million and $517 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and $283 million and $572 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, and were recorded in other expenses.
Included in these costs are those incurred related to the establishment of services and infrastructure to replace those previously provided by MetLife. The Company incurred costs of $20 million and $42 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and did 0t incur any costs for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019. The Company is charged a fee to reflect the value of the available infrastructure and services provided by these costs. While management believes 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.
The Company had net receivables (payables) from/to affiliates, related to the items discussed above, of ($23) million and ($43) million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Broker-Dealer Transactions
The related party expense for the Company was commissions paid on the sale of variable products and passed through to the broker-dealer affiliate. The related party revenue for the Company was fee income passed through the broker-dealer affiliate from trusts and mutual funds whose shares serve as investment options of policyholders of the Company. Fee income received related to these transactions and recorded in other revenues was $46 million and $96 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and $51 million and $101 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. Commission expenses incurred related to these transactions and recorded in other expenses was $197 million and $401 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and $206 million and $400 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. The Company also had related party fee income receivables of $16 million and $18 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
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
Introduction
For purposes of this discussion, unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context indicates otherwise, “BLIC,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (formerly, MetLife Insurance Company USA), a Delaware corporation originally incorporated in Connecticut in 1863, and its subsidiaries. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Holdings, LLC, which is a 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 Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere herein; (ii) our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 4, 2020 (the “2019 Annual Report”); (iii) our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 (the “First Quarter Form 10-Q”) filed with the SEC on May 12, 2020; and (iv) our current reports on Form 8-K filed in 2020.
Overview
We offer a range of individual annuities and individual life insurance products. We are licensed and regulated in each U.S. jurisdiction where we conduct insurance business. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company is licensed to issue insurance products in all U.S. states (except New York), the District of Columbia, the Bahamas, Guam, Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our insurance subsidiary, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY (“BHNY”), is only licensed to issue insurance products in New York.
For operating purposes, we have established three segments: (i) Annuities, (ii) Life and (iii) Run-off, which consists of operations relating to products we are not actively selling and which are separately managed. In addition, we report certain of our results of operations in Corporate & Other. See “Business — Segments and Corporate & Other” included in the 2019 Annual Report along with Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on our segments and Corporate & Other.
See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the adoption of new accounting pronouncements in 2020.
COVID-19 Pandemic
We continue to closely monitor developments related to the worldwide pandemic sparked by the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19 pandemic”), which has negatively impacted us in certain respects, including as discussed below. At this time, it is not possible to estimate the severity or duration of the pandemic, including the severity, duration and frequency of any additional “waves” of the pandemic or the timetable for the development and implementation, and the efficacy, of any therapeutic treatment or vaccine for COVID-19. It is likewise not possible to predict or estimate the longer-term effects of the pandemic, or any actions taken to contain or address the pandemic, on the economy at large and on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects, including the impact on our investment portfolio and our ratings, or the need for us in the future to revisit or revise targets previously provided to the markets and/or aspects of our business model. See “Risk Factors — The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, including capitalization and liquidity” in our First Quarter Form 10-Q.
In March, in response to this extraordinary event, management promptly implemented our business continuity plans, and quickly and successfully shifted all our employees to a work-from-home environment, where they currently remain. Our sales and support teams remain fully operational, and we have continued to serve our distribution partners and customers without interruption. Additionally, we are closely monitoring all aspects of our business, including but not limited to, levels of sales and claims activity, policy lapses or surrenders, payments of premiums, sources and uses of liquidity, the valuation of our investments and the performance of our derivatives programs. We have observed varying degrees of impact in these areas, and we have taken prudent and proportionate measures to address such impacts; however, at this time it is impossible to predict if the COVID-19 pandemic will have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition. We continue to closely monitor this evolving situation as we remain focused on ensuring the health and safety of our employees, on supporting our partners and customers as usual and on mitigating potential adverse impacts to our business.
Increased economic uncertainty and increased unemployment resulting from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have also impacted sales of certain of our products and have prompted us to take actions to provide relief to customers affected by adverse circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as previously disclosed in “— Regulatory Developments” in the First Quarter Form 10-Q. While the relief granted to customers to date has not had a material impact on
our financial condition or results of operations, it is not possible to estimate the potential impact of any future relief. Circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have also impacted the incidents of claims and may have impacted the utilization of benefits, lapses or surrenders of policies and payments on insurance premiums, though such impacts have not been material through the end of the second quarter of 2020. Additionally, circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have not materially impacted services we receive from third-party vendors, nor have such circumstances led to the identification of new loss contingencies or any increases in existing loss contingencies. However, there can be no assurance that any future impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, including, without limitation, with respect to revenues and expenses associated with our products, services we receive from third-party vendors, or loss contingencies, will not be material.
Certain sectors of our investment portfolio have been, and are expected to continue to be, adversely affected as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on capital markets and the global economy, as well as uncertainty regarding its duration and outcome. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Credit rating agencies may continue to review and adjust their ratings for the companies that they rate, including us. The credit rating agencies also evaluate the insurance industry as a whole and may change our credit rating based on their overall view of our industry. For example, during the second quarter of 2020, Fitch revised the rating outlook of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and certain of its affiliated companies to negative from stable due to the disruption to economic activity and the financial markets from the COVID-19 pandemic. This action by Fitch followed its revision of the rating outlook on the U.S. life insurance industry to negative. Downgrades in our ratings or changes to our rating outlooks could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition, including capitalization and liquidity. There can be no assurance that Fitch will not take further adverse action with respect to our ratings or that other rating agencies will not take similar actions in the future. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
Regulatory Developments
We and our insurance subsidiary, BHNY, and our reinsurance subsidiary, Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware, are regulated primarily at the state level, with some products and services also subject to federal regulation. In addition, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and its affiliates are subject to regulation under the insurance holding company laws of various U.S. jurisdictions. Furthermore, some of our operations, products and services are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, consumer protection laws, securities, broker-dealer and investment advisor regulations, as well as environmental and unclaimed property laws and regulations. See “Business — Regulation,” as well as “Risk Factors — Regulatory and Legal Risks” included in our 2019 Annual Report, as amended or supplemented herein and by our First Quarter Form 10-Q.
Department of Labor and ERISA Considerations
We manufacture individual retirement annuities (“IRAs”) that are subject to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Tax Code”), for third parties to sell to individuals. Also, a portion of our in-force life insurance products and annuity products are held by tax-qualified pension and retirement plans that are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) or the Tax Code. While we currently believe manufacturers do not have as much exposure to ERISA and the Tax Code as distributors, certain activities are subject to the restrictions imposed by ERISA and the Tax Code, including restrictions on the provision of investment advice to ERISA qualified plans, plan participants and IRA owners if the investment recommendation results in fees paid to an individual advisor, the firm that employs the advisor or their affiliates. On June 29, 2020, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued guidance that expands the definition of “investment advice.” See “— Department of Labor Fiduciary Advice Rule.”
The DOL has issued a number of regulations that increase the level of disclosure that must be provided to plan sponsors and participants. The participant disclosure regulations and the regulations which require service providers to disclose fee and other information to plan sponsors took effect in 2012. We have taken and continue to take steps designed to ensure compliance with these regulations as they apply to service providers.
In John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company v. Harris Trust and Savings Bank (1993), the U.S. Supreme Court held that certain assets in excess of amounts necessary to satisfy guaranteed obligations under a participating group annuity general account contract are “plan assets.” Therefore, these assets are subject to certain fiduciary obligations under ERISA, which requires fiduciaries to perform their duties solely in the interest of participants and beneficiaries of a plan subject to Title I of ERISA (an “ERISA Plan”). DOL regulations issued thereafter provide that, if an insurer satisfies certain requirements, assets supporting a policy backed by the insurer’s general account and issued before 1999 will not constitute “plan assets” We have taken and continue to take steps designed to ensure compliance with these regulations. An insurer issuing a new policy that is backed by its general account and is issued to or for an employee benefit plan after December 31, 1998 is generally subject to fiduciary obligations under ERISA, unless the policy is a guaranteed benefit policy. We
have taken and continue to take steps designed to ensure that policies issued after 1998 to ERISA plans qualify as guaranteed benefit policies.
Department of Labor Fiduciary Advice Rule
On June 29, 2020, the DOL announced new regulatory action (the “Fiduciary Advice Rule”) that reinstates the text of the DOL’s 1975 investment advice regulation defining what constitutes fiduciary “investment advice” to ERISA Plans and IRAs and provides guidance interpreting such regulation. The guidance provided by the DOL broadens the circumstances under which financial institutions, including insurance companies, could be considered fiduciaries under ERISA or the Tax Code. In particular, the DOL states that a recommendation to “roll over” assets from a qualified retirement plan to an IRA, or from an IRA to another IRA, can be considered fiduciary investment advice if provided by someone with an existing relationship with the ERISA Plan or an IRA owner (or in anticipation of establishing such a relationship). This guidance reverses an earlier DOL interpretation suggesting that roll over advice did not constitute investment advice giving rise to a fiduciary relationship.
Under the Fiduciary Advice Rule, individuals or entities providing such advice would be considered fiduciaries under ERISA or the Tax Code, as applicable, and would therefore be required to act solely in the interest of ERISA Plan participants or IRA beneficiaries, or risk exposure to fiduciary liability with respect to their advice. They would further be prohibited from receiving compensation for this advice, unless an exemption applied.
In connection with the Fiduciary Advice Rule, the DOL also issued a proposed exemption that would allow fiduciaries to receive compensation in connection with providing investment advice, including advice about roll overs, that would otherwise be prohibited as a result of their fiduciary relationship to the ERISA Plan or IRA. In order to be eligible for the exemption, among other conditions, the investment advice fiduciary would be required to acknowledge its fiduciary status, refrain from putting its own interests ahead of the plan beneficiaries’ interests or making material misleading statements, act in accordance with ERISA’s “prudent person” standard of care, and receive no more than reasonable compensation for the advice.
In addition, the DOL has issued an amendment repealing the provisions of its previous fiduciary rule, which was promulgated in 2016 and vacated in 2018. The amendment also restored certain other prohibited transaction exemptions (“PTE”) to their pre-2016 forms, including PTE 84-24, which provides relief, among other things, for receipt of commissions by insurance agents, broker-dealers, and others in connection with the sale of insurance and annuity contracts. Such exemptions may provide further relief in connection with the provision of fiduciary advice in the context of sales of insurance products.
Because we do not engage in direct distribution of retail products, including IRA products and retail annuities sold to ERISA plan participants and to IRA owners, we believe that we will have limited exposure to the new Fiduciary Advice Rule. However, we continue to analyze the impact of the Fiduciary Advice Rule, and, while we cannot predict the rule’s impact, it could have an adverse effect on sales of annuity products through our independent distribution partners, as a significant portion of our annuity sales are to IRAs. The Fiduciary Advice Rule may also lead to changes to our compensation practices and product offerings and increased litigation risk, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. We may also need to take certain additional actions in order to comply with, or assist our distributors in their compliance with, the Fiduciary Advice Rule.
Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates
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 Consolidated Financial Statements.
The most critical estimates include those used in determining:
•liabilities for future policy benefits;
•amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”);
•investment credit losses;
•estimated fair values of freestanding derivatives and the recognition and estimated fair value of embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation; and
•measurement of income taxes and the valuation of deferred tax assets.
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 Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2019 Annual Report.
Non-GAAP Disclosures
Our definitions of the non-GAAP measures may differ from those used by other companies.
Non-GAAP Financial Disclosures
Adjusted Earnings
In this report, we present adjusted earnings, which excludes net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, 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) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, 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) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company.
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 the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends.
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 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
•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 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 is calculated net of the 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. |
(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 Consolidated Financial Statements.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019
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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | (In millions) | | |
Revenues | | | | |
Premiums | | $ | 376 | | | $ | 443 | |
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees | | 1,398 | | | 1,465 | |
Net investment income | | 1,531 | | | 1,706 | |
Other revenues | | 151 | | | 131 | |
Net investment gains (losses) | | (52) | | | 46 | |
Net derivative gains (losses) | | 4,097 | | | (1,202) | |
Total revenues | | 7,501 | | | 2,589 | |
Expenses | | | | |
Policyholder benefits and claims | | 1,944 | | | 1,554 | |
Interest credited to policyholder account balances | | 520 | | | 508 | |
Capitalization of DAC | | (187) | | | (179) | |
Amortization of DAC and VOBA | | 625 | | | 174 | |
Interest expense on debt | | 34 | | | 26 | |
Other expenses | | 1,010 | | | 1,042 | |
Total expenses | | 3,946 | | | 3,125 | |
Income (loss) before provision for income tax | | 3,555 | | | (536) | |
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | | 713 | | | (145) | |
Net income (loss) | | 2,842 | | | (391) | |
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 1 | | | 1 | |
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | | $ | 2,841 | | | $ | (392) | |
The components of net income (loss) were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | (In millions) | | |
GMLB Riders | | $ | 1,782 | | | $ | (1,600) | |
Other derivative instruments | | 1,635 | | | 478 | |
Net investment gains (losses) | | (52) | | | 46 | |
Other adjustments | | (36) | | | (41) | |
Pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 225 | | | 580 | |
Income (loss) available to shareholders before provision for income tax | | 3,554 | | | (537) | |
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | | 713 | | | (145) | |
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | | $ | 2,841 | | | $ | (392) | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Income before provision for income tax was $3.6 billion ($2.8 billion, net of income tax), an increase of $4.1 billion ($3.2 billion, net of income tax) from a loss before provision for income tax of $537 million ($392 million, net of income tax) in the prior period.
The increase in income before provision for income tax was driven by the following key favorable items:
•gains from guaranteed minimum living benefits (“GMLB”) riders (“GMLB Riders”) in the current period, compared to losses in the prior period, see “— GMLB Riders for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019”; and
•current period gains on interest rate derivatives used to manage interest rate exposure in our universal life with secondary guarantees business due to the benchmark long-term interest rate declining more in the current period than in the prior period.
The increase in income before provision for income tax was partially offset by the following key unfavorable items:
•lower pre-tax adjusted earnings, discussed in greater detail below; and
•lower net investment gains (losses) reflecting:
◦net losses on sales of fixed maturity securities compared to prior period net gains;
◦net losses due to an increase in mortgage loan reserves;
◦current period mark-to-market losses on equity securities compared to prior period net gains; and
◦higher impairments on fixed maturity securities in the current period.
The provision for income tax in the current period led to an effective tax rate of 20% compared to 27% in the prior period. Our effective tax rate differs from the statutory tax rate primarily due to the impacts of the dividends received deductions and tax credits.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Earnings
The reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company to adjusted earnings was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | (In millions) | | |
Net income (loss) attributable to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | | $ | 2,841 | | | $ | (392) | |
Add: Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | | 713 | | | (145) | |
Income (loss) before provision for income tax | | 3,554 | | | (537) | |
Less: GMLB Riders | | 1,782 | | | (1,600) | |
Less: Other derivative instruments | | 1,635 | | | 478 | |
Less: Net investment gains (losses) | | (52) | | | 46 | |
Less: Other adjustments | | (36) | | | (41) | |
Pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 225 | | | 580 | |
Less: Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | | 14 | | | 90 | |
Adjusted earnings | | $ | 211 | | | $ | 490 | |
Consolidated Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 — Adjusted Earnings
The components of adjusted earnings were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | (In millions) | | |
Fee income | | $ | 1,425 | | | $ | 1,468 | |
Net investment spread | | 588 | | | 772 | |
Insurance-related activities | | (709) | | | (528) | |
Amortization of DAC and VOBA | | (221) | | | (242) | |
Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization | | (857) | | | (889) | |
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 1 | | | 1 | |
Pre-tax adjusted earnings, less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 225 | | | 580 | |
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) | | 14 | | | 90 | |
Adjusted earnings | | $ | 211 | | | $ | 490 | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Adjusted earnings were $211 million, a decrease of $279 million.
Key net unfavorable impacts were:
•lower net investment spread due to:
◦lower returns on other limited partnerships for the comparative measurement period; and
◦lower investment yields on our fixed income portfolio, as proceeds from maturing investments and the growth in the investment portfolio were invested at lower yields than the portfolio average;
partially offset by
◦higher average invested assets resulting from positive net flows in the general account; and
•higher costs associated with insurance-related activities due to:
◦an increase in guaranteed minimum death benefits liability balances resulting from unfavorable equity market performance and declining interest rates in the current period;
◦higher paid claims net of reinsurance in the current period;
◦a one-time adjustment to paid claims in our company-owned life insurance business resulting from the transition to a new vendor in the current period; and
•lower fee income due to lower asset-based fees from lower average separate account balances, a portion of which is offset in other expenses.
Key favorable impacts were:
•lower other expenses due to:
◦the exit of various transition service agreements with MetLife, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”); and
◦lower asset-based variable annuity expenses resulting from lower average separate account balances, a portion of which are offset in fee income; and
•lower amortization of DAC and VOBA as the decline in equity market performance resulted in a favorable change in our Shield Annuities business, which more than offset the unfavorable change in our variable annuity business.
The provision for income tax in the current period led to an effective tax rate of 6% compared to 16% in the prior period. Our effective tax rate differs from the statutory tax rate primarily due to the impacts of the dividends received deductions and tax credits.
GMLB Riders for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019
The overall impact to income (loss) before provision for income tax from the performance of GMLB Riders, which includes (i) changes in carrying value of the GAAP liabilities, (ii) the mark-to-market of hedges and reinsurance, (iii) fees and (iv) associated DAC offsets, was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | (In millions) | | |
Liabilities | | $ | (1,938) | | | $ | (1,086) | |
Hedges | | 3,617 | | | (999) | |
Ceded reinsurance | | 103 | | | 24 | |
Fees (1) | | 390 | | | 392 | |
GMLB DAC | | (390) | | | 69 | |
Total GMLB Riders | | $ | 1,782 | | | $ | (1,600) | |
______________
(1)Excludes living benefit fees, included as a component of adjusted earnings, of $28 million and $32 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Comparative results from GMLB Riders were favorable by $3.4 billion, primarily driven by:
•favorable changes in our GMLB hedges; and
•favorable changes to the estimated fair value of Shield Level Annuities (“Shield” and “Shield Annuities”), a suite of structured annuities consisting of products marketed under various names, embedded derivative liabilities (“Shield Annuity liabilities”), net of unfavorable changes to the estimated fair value of the related hedges;
partially offset by
•unfavorable changes to the estimated fair value of the variable annuity liability reserve; and
•unfavorable changes in GMLB DAC.
Declining equity markets in the current period, compared to increasing equity markets in the prior period, resulted in the following significant impacts:
•favorable changes to the estimated fair value of our GMLB hedges;
•favorable changes to the estimated fair value of Shield Annuity liabilities, net of unfavorable changes to the estimated fair value of the related hedges; and
•favorable changes to GMLB DAC;
partially offset by
•unfavorable changes to the estimated fair value of the variable annuity liability reserve.
Lower interest rates in the current period resulted in the following significant impacts:
•favorable changes to the estimated fair value of our GMLB hedges; and
•favorable changes to GMLB DAC;
partially offset by
•unfavorable changes to the estimated fair value of the variable annuity liability reserve.
The widening of credit default swap spreads combined with a larger increase in the underlying variable annuity liability reserves in the current period resulted in a favorable change in the adjustment for non-performance risk, net of an unfavorable change in GMLB DAC, compared to an insignificant unfavorable impact recognized in the prior period.
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,” “guidance,” “forecast,” “preliminary,” “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, financial projections, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, as well as trends in operating and financial results.
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 BLIC. 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:
•the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic;
•differences between actual experience and actuarial assumptions and the effectiveness of our actuarial models;
•higher risk management costs and exposure to increased market risk due to guarantees within certain of our products;
•the effectiveness of our variable annuity exposure risk management strategy and the impact of such strategy on volatility in our profitability measures and negative effects on our statutory capital;
•the reserves we are required to hold against our variable annuities as a result of actuarial guidelines;
•the potential material adverse effect of changes in accounting standards, practices and/or policies applicable to us, including changes in the accounting for long duration contracts;
•the impact of adverse capital and credit market conditions, including with respect to our ability to meet liquidity needs and access capital;
•the impact of changes in regulation and in supervisory and enforcement policies on our insurance business or other operations;
•the availability of reinsurance and the ability of the counterparties to our reinsurance or indemnification arrangements to perform their obligations thereunder;
•the adverse impact to liabilities for policyholder claims as a result of extreme mortality events;
•heightened competition, including with respect to service, product features, scale, price, actual or perceived financial strength, claims-paying ratings, financial strength ratings, e-business capabilities and name recognition;
•any failure of third parties to provide services we need, any failure of the practices and procedures of such third parties and any inability to obtain information or assistance we need from third parties;
•the effectiveness of our policies and procedures in managing risk;
•our ability to market and distribute our products through distribution channels;
•whether all or any portion of the tax consequences of our separation from MetLife 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 or disagreements regarding MetLife’s or our obligations under our other agreements;
•the potential material negative tax impact of potential future tax legislation that could make some of our products less attractive to consumers; and
•other factors described in this report 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 2019 Annual Report, particularly in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” as well as in our other 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.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the 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 the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2020.
MetLife provides certain services to the Company on a transitional basis through services agreements. The Company continues to change business processes, implement systems and establish new third-party arrangements, as a subsidiary of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. We consider these in aggregate to be material changes 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 June 30, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, these internal controls over financial reporting.
Part II — Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See Note 10 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Except as disclosed in the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, there have been no new material legal proceedings and no material developments in legal proceedings previously disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report, as amended or supplemented by our First Quarter Form 10-Q.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
We discuss in this report, in the 2019 Annual Report and in our other filings with the SEC, various risks that may materially affect our business. In addition, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included herein. There have been no material changes to our risk factors from the risk factors previously disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report, as amended or supplemented by our First Quarter Form 10-Q.
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, its subsidiaries or 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, its subsidiaries and affiliates may be found elsewhere herein and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov.)
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Exhibit No. | | Description |
31.1* | | |
31.2* | | |
32.1** | | |
32.2** | | |
101.INS* | | XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |
101.SCH* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. |
101.CAL* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. |
101.LAB* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. |
101.PRE* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. |
101.DEF* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. |
104* | | The cover page of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, formatted in Inline XBRL (included within the Exhibit 101 attachments). |
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
SIGNATURE
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.
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BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | | | |
| | | |
By: | | | /s/ Lynn A. Dumais |
| Name: | | Lynn A. Dumais |
| Title: | | Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer |
| | | (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
Date: August 10, 2020